Leaf blower/vacuum?

psd99 · 12 Oct 2020 at 14:18

I was considering to buy a leaf blower / vacuum to help pick all of the leaves.

there are so many models out there, generally looks like the vacuum function tends to never properly work

got any recommendations? something that runs on petrol or battery as the distance is too far for cables.

peige · 12 Oct 2020 at 14:24

I've used a petrol vacuum/blower one and as you elude, the vacuum function was at best poor and worse an utter pain the in the bum. I think it would only be happy taking up completely dry leaves but any amount of leaves is normally damp and that would gum up the intake.. I spent more time unblocking it.

I now have a battery powered one which is perfect for a trap round the garden and the drive and does it easily in one charge, mine uses the same battery as my strimmer and hedge trimmer so win all round.

psd99 · 12 Oct 2020 at 14:31

which one do you have?

yes, I have not seen many good reviews when it comes to the hoover function. Perhaps a blower only would be best

Pho · 12 Oct 2020 at 14:38

I have a Stihl BG85 (I think the BG86 is the latest model). The vacuum kit seems to work really well for me.

I think the only time it tends to jam is when you end up sucking up a chunky twig by mistake that catches in the blades.

They also sell a gutter cleaning kit for £~40 which is quite handy.

Terminal_Boy · 12 Oct 2020 at 15:11

I have the Stihl BG56 (base model 2 stroke) for blowing leaves off lawns/paths. I didn’t buy the vacuum accessories as I blow the leaves back into the woods alongside.

Works a treat, but you need to let it warm up for a couple minutes from cold before giving it full beans.

If you have the money, buy the next model up (BG86?) as this has the same vibration damping mechanism as Stihl’s chainsaws. The 56 is fine for small areas as long as you change hands regularly.

If you have a large area to clear, go for a backpack model.

droyden · 12 Oct 2020 at 22:24

I have the corded Stihl SHE 71, it does do both do blowing and vaccum, although the difference is that you need to remove the whole nozzel and basically reverse the unit (airflow goes only one way, the containment bag attaches to where the nozzel has just been removed).

It does take a couple of minutes or so to flip over, but I was aware of that when I purchased. Overall performance is good and I have had it a few years now