Bulbs & Fittings Ideas

I like this product. I purchased it mainly for its vacuuming/mulching utility and it does a decent job in this respect. While the infomercials show this unit reducing leaves to a fine almost granular mulch, in the real world leaves are not always perfectly dry and "crispy", thus the unit does not render them into this perfect state, but it DOES pick them up nicely provided one does not force the unit into a large pile of leaves (follow the instructions) and it does pack them very well into the cloth pickup bag. I used the unit to clear a LOT of leaves and used the mulch in my garden. The blowing ability of the unit is as advertised. It will work well on smooth, flat surfaces but don’t expect it to blow leaves across the yard like a gasoline powered blower will do. It will clear your sidewalk, patio and driveway and if you rake the leaves into a nice row, you can use the vacuum/mulching utility to suck them up. The unit is light weight, being made almost completely of plastic (made in China). The impeller and shredder is metal and while it will clog if you aren’t careful about what you suck up, it is easily cleared as the unit is quickly and easily assembled and disassembled. It appears to be sturdy enough for extended use provided one does not feed it rocks, stones and sticks. Be sure to purchase a long extension cord when you have this unit as you will find that it is tempting to go far and wide suctioning leaves. I am satisfied with my purchase and the quality of this handy, lightweight machine. I recommend it for folks who will follow instructions and who do not expect an industrial strength blower combined with a commercial vacuum. I would buy it again and I intend to use it for many more seasons.

Received this machine a couple of days ago, we had some rain so I let the leaves dry up for a couple of days then I went to work with it. I’m a Home Improvement Contractor so tools is what I know. The following is my list of Pros & Cons to help you understand my experience working with this tool
Pros :
1. Aesthetically pleasing to the eye
2. Lever changes it from blower to vac w/ no downtime changing
pieces
3. One button take apart to access impeller should the need arise
making for ease of cleaning impeller and for storage
4. Powerful enough to displace most leaves
5. 6 position switch for choosing blower/vac speed
6. Reasonably well balanced using strong hand
7. Vacuum head is angled to ground when held to maximize efficiency

Cons :
1. While impeller is cast iron the surrounding housing is plastic
enabling twigs with a diameter of slightly less than your pinky
to lodge between impeller and housing causing impeller to freeze
while motor groans to an agonizing halt prompting you to shut it
down PDQ or risk probable burnt motor.
2. Using unit with universal leaf collection system leaves you without a
shoulder strap to help alleviate the working weight of the unit.
If you do enough leaves you’ll know what I mean.
3. Made in China ( sorry just not a big fan of tools made in China.
Material and craftsmanship go along way. If you’re a tool geek, you
understand )
4. On/Off switch feels too hard to engage especially with gloves and
especially when impeller binds and you need to shut it quick
5. Leaves need to be bone dry if you’re gonna mulch effectively.
Moist leaves are difficult to pick up, leave a dirt caked residue all
along the pick up tube, impeller and housing making you stop to
clear it often enough to be problematic.
6. One handed operation for extended period is fatiguing.
A second handle forward of the body of the tool is necessary for
two handed operation.

Well folks that’s all I have for ya… Overall this machine helps with yard work but could be improved to make the purchase smart instead of necessary.

Its ok. Does a pretty good job with basic cleaning around the yard, but as soon as I try to clean up any substantial amount of leaves it almost becomes easier to just rake them.