Lawn Vacuum (like Mow-N-Vac) - Looking for Advice, Recommendations

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Hi All,

Just wondering if any of you out there have any experience with lawn vacuums. We have A LOT of leaves to get up each fall and were considering purchasing one of the lawn vacuums. Both the Tractor Supply and Northern catalogs carry the Mow-N-Vac for $899.99. Does any one have a brand recommendation, pricing information or just experience with one of these type units to say whether or not the expense is worth it? We currently use a grass catcher attached to the back of a riding lawn mower to get up leaves. It has worked well. The only downside is the frequent emptying of the catcher when the leaves are heavy. Any thoughts would be most welcome and appreciated!

-- Mel Carroll (frank.a.carroll@worldnet.att.net), September 25, 2001

Answers

I own a cyclone rake ( Woodland Power Products ) and I am impressed with it's design and workmanship. It cost $1410 w/ hoses etc. I've used this commercially but only you can decide what your application will be and if the cost is justifiable. It takes some getting used to not having it articulated - you really have to pay attention to the rake when you make your turns.

-- Larry Streeter (streeter@northnet.org), September 25, 2001.

might want to look into pull behind lawn sweepers, most do a great job, little maintenance and cheaper than a vac.

-- Dave (something@somewhere.com), September 25, 2001.

I looked into a lawn vac at one time, just to be able to get grass clippings and leaves to use in mulch or compost. Then I saw the prices of Lawn vacs and decided not to get one.

It was then I discovered lawn sweepers, much less expensive and work adequately enough for what I wanted. They are mechanical, not motorized and so take little maintenance.

-- R. (thor610@yahoo.com), September 26, 2001.


I have about 2 acres and about 50 pine trees . In the fall I vacuum several truck loads of pine straw. I use a high vacuum Snapper and a cart that supposedly holds 30 bushels. I just pile the pine straw up and people haul it off.I have sold some by the pickup load, but am too old to do that anymore. I keep my eyes open and buy the mower and baggin wagon second hand.I wouldnt use anything else . Big George

-- George Wilson (cwwhtw@aol.com), September 26, 2001.

I know this answer is well past the date that it was posted but I have information that I would like to pass on. I purchased an AgriFab Mow'nVac several years ago and it was the best yard maintenance purchase that I have made in many years. I use a 20 HP 50" cut mower with the vac towed behind. It does a wonderful job of keeping my lawn immaculate. It holds much more than other models that just sweep the lawn and on top of all, it mulches too. I get a good compost in just a year or two as a result of the mulching. I cut between one and two acres and it saves a lot of raking. The vac has been virtually maintenance free and I will purchase another one when this one eventually dies. Hope you haven't purchased some other type of sweep and still aren't satisfied. Good luck.

Lewis

-- Lewis Wessinger (lwessinger@sc.rr.com), February 26, 2002.



I purchased the Cyclone Rake in January and found it to be truly excellent quality with incredible power. I used it for leaves, grass and even horse manure in my paddocks. It mulches everything into a fine powder for quick composting. The unit also has a remote vacuum hose which picks up anything in hard to reach areas. It is great.

-- Joe Devine (jdevine@frontiernet.net), March 11, 2002.

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