Trac Vac: Cut down on dust cloud during use

snpower · Aug 13, 2017

I love my Trac Vac 580 but I look like the Tasmanian Devil when I use it - a giant dust cloud fills the air. I was wondering if anyone had covered the wire mesh with anything that still allowed for adequate venting but would help my situation?

Bje56 · Sep 11, 2019

Did you ever find a solution? I’ve been looking for any ideas to keep the dust down. I have the 880

Bje56 · Apr 5, 2020

Hey snpower,
I did find a solution for the dust. I used a insulation removal bag 4’x6’. I modified it a little so it wouldn’t reach 6’ as the trailer isn’t that long. Worked well dust wise, but it did cut the power of the engine down a little. Nothing crazy. Was thinking about cutting a hole or slits on the bottom side of the bag to see if I could get the engine power back without releasing too much dust. Also installed some foam by attaching some foam pads to the screens.

Bags

(1) Insulation Removal Vacuum Bag - Super Heavy Duty Tear-Proof 6 FT X 4 FT - Easy-Fill SPOUT & Lowest DUST Filter - Contractors #1 Choice - EST 450 LBS / 75 CF PRO-450 (3.5 oz Strength) by RAM https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076VKV8P2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_qgIIEb78B1NC0

Foam filter

Duraflow Filtration Mobile Home Foam Filter - 19 x 35 x 1/4 - Compatible with Coleman (Model # 7660-3401, 7660-340 and Nordyne (Model # 669073 & 669073R) - (1 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N8KWYR4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_LfIIEb5A7E4PA

edgarrian · Apr 5, 2020

I have one as well and I was wondering if the removable gate to dump the leaves starts to bend on you guys. Mine does a bit. I retrofitted a piece of wood to keep it from doing that.

Bje56 · Apr 5, 2020

Mine did the first time I used the insulation removal bag. Once the bag filled up and there was enough force it popped the door off. Before that I was always careful when I took it off and how I placed it. But yes even with that I got a slight warp to it. How did the wood work out?

edgarrian · Apr 7, 2020

IT helped a bit. Im careful as well. I thought about making a new door made out of wood but i haven't yet. My original door still works fine. Side note. Mice chewed up the hose from the mower to the 3 pt blower. I replaced it. The replacement hose is see through. You can see the material gonng through the hose. I think its helpful

Bje56 said:
Mine did the first time I used the insulation removal bag. Once the bag filled up and there was enough force it popped the door off. Before that I was always careful when I took it off and how I placed it. But yes even with that I got a slight warp to it. How did the wood work out?

mark1 · Apr 24, 2020

Just read this post.Guess maybe I'll try the bag thing.My 1080 Trac Vac is amazing but like you say Dust cloud everywhere.

Bje56 · Apr 24, 2020

I just got my new one yesterday. Just be careful to make sure that you shorten the length of the bag. When I used it in the fall the bag got so full it bent the door on the back of the trailer. I tried using some solid metal wire through the top of the trailers open top To secure foam type of filters. It worked a little note as well as the bag. Just realize it’s going to sound quieter and you’ll lose some power or suction.

Carl_NH · Apr 24, 2020

edgarrian said:
I have one as well and I was wondering if the removable gate to dump the leaves starts to bend on you guys. Mine does a bit. I retrofitted a piece of wood to keep it from doing that.

I have had the Trac Vac 580 now for nearly 20 years.
Mods include:

- Replacing the top flimsy screens with "expanded metal mesh grid" from HD,

- Then the acorns and sticks poked holes in the vac drum I lined it with UHMW 1/16" x4" x48" inserted inside the drum then secured in with scews/lock nuts.

- Dumping/back door and reattach issue: The "dumping action" bent the back door bottom angle iron not allowing the door to be reinstalled easily So I straightened the bottom L steel angle then attached a 2x4 PT under the bottom frame to take the abuse of dumping heavy loads - no more fighting reattaching the back door!

- Discharge Chute to Trailer Connection: The metal clasp connection eventually breaks - I riveted a clasp on the pipe and hook on the trailer pipe that flips up for easy connection/reconnection.