Leaf blower/vac help needed...

[Mongo]

Howdy all, I am now in the market to buy a leaf blower/vac unit. My two cycle one just died yesterday, and I couldn't resurrect it today. I definately use the heck out of the vacuum/mulch feature, in fact that is MORE important to me than the blower part. So, couple of questions:
1. Electric vs. Gas: From what I've read so far, it seems that everybody is recommending electric over gas. More of a "green" thing? Electrics seem to cost less. Not sure how much of a hassle dragging the cord around will be. Gas ones can be loud, smoky and have more upkeep. No cord to drag around is a BIG plus. Either way, I want POWER and RELIABILITY.

2. Brand names? Toro seems to get high marks for their electric Ultra Blower Vac model 51599. Troy-Build/Craftsman, Poulan and Ryobi got panned for their gas models. Other names I've seen: Echo, Stihl, Husqvarna, Black and Decker.

3. Cost: obviously the less money I spend here, the more I have for knives!

So, what do you have? What has worked, and what has failed? Electric? Gas? WWRD? (I'll have to ask him...)

Thank you in advance for your answers and opinions,

Mongo

 

[Ken C.]

I use an Echo PB-651 backpack blower. I have no need for a vacuum feature. This thing will knock over my kids!

http://www.echo-usa.com/product.asp?Model=PB-651&Category=POWERBLOWER

 

[Iron City]

I have a Snapper 2-cycle vac/blower and have been very pleased... about $100 at wally world.

 

[Gollnick]

I am really pleased with my Black and Decker Leaf Hog. It converts the leaves AND small branches into dust. I have the optional accessory that deposits the dust right into your trash bin which is very handy; the hose is a bit short, but functional.

 

[powerplay]

My Echo gas blower is about 9 years old and gets quite a workout year around. I have woods all around my house with many large oaks. It always starts easily and has plenty of power. Very similar to this

http://www.echo-usa.com/product.asp?Model=PB-230LN&Category=POWERBLOWER

 

[mycroftt]

.1. Electric vs. Gas: From what I've read so far, it seems that everybody is recommending electric over gas. More of a "green" thing? .

Don't buy into ANY of that "green" marketing BS. Green means you pile the leaves into piles with a rake and you compost them. Green means you mow your lawn with a push mower and rake the cuttings into your compost pile. The argument about whether electric or gas-powered lawn implements are more "green" is like arguing whether you should drive your 25 mpg car or your 35 mpg car a half mile to the convenince store for cigarettes while your bicycle leans upside the porch.

 

[1bluedog]

I love my Echo - Old and runs great.

MD

 

[HadesOne]

I got a great deal on a Sears electric leafblower/shopvac. It's powerful enough for me, though not nearly as powerful as the ones the lawn guys use, but I only use it to clear leaves out of my garage.

 

[SpyderPhreak]

I've been asking myself this exact question lately. It seems for any of the big-box store models, you can find as many (or more) bad reviews as good. I've been looking at gas models for power and portability reasons.

I've been considering three models, and haven't found the fourth:

From Lowe's:
Troy-Bilt TB320BV. From hands-on looking, this seems to be the front-runner. Read several online reviews about the motor seizing though, and completely absent customer service on the manufacturer's part. I do like the way the motor is set up so the vacuum attachment is in the front. One Sears model is this same unit re-badged.

Poulan 952711923. Lighter and a bit flimsier (new word!) feeling than the Troy-bilt, except the impeller looks thicker and heavier duty. Better price, and Poulan Pro is made my Husqvarna. Vacuum attaches to the side of the unit.

From Home Depot:
Ryobi RY08548. This unit has a variable speed trigger throttle, something a lot of units don't currently have.

Echo Shred-n-vac ES-210C. Haven't seen this one myself.

Any advice from anyone here with experience with any of these models would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

 

[Pack Rat]

I use a Stihl blower. Tried one of the blower mulcher things and quickly decided that those should be two separate animals. The all in one did not work well and lasted about two seasons. Homelite I think.

Whatever you get, read very closely all the small print. Some of the gas/electric tools like blowers and weed eaters give an hour life expectancy rating on the box. Some as low as 50 hours.

One of the Troy Built chipper mulchers does me a much better job than the blower mulcher combo did.

Another one of those get what you pay for kind of things. Buy a $250 good one that will last 10 or 15 years, or an $80 one that you replace every 2 or 3 years.