Tag Archives: gardening

The best large leaf vacuum mulchers on the market in 2017 [Reviews]

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In the past months, I’ve received few mails from my readers asking me about large leaf vacuum and the best leaf mulchers for bigger gardening projects. I’ve taken my time to gather all the info needed for this article and now I’m going to let you know about the “big guns” for 2017. Since you have asked for links to online shops where you can buy these large gardening machines, I’m going to add additional resources for every large vacuum mulcher from the list.

Billy-Goat-KV600SP-Garden-Leaf-Vacuum

Billy Goat KV600SP Lawn and Litter Vacuum

The KV600SP Lawn and Litter Vacuum is manufactured by Billy Goat and it is a robust high-power machine that will elevate your gardening cleaning tasks to whole new levels. This fuel-powered vacuum machine is ideal for residential and property maintenance, greatly reducing the cost of dumping those bags. Everything is adjustable here, there is a safety kill switch and 190cc motorization provides enough power to pack the dead grass, leaves or small branches laying in your back garden. According to users who bought it, this 5-blade impeller is worth every dollar…

Agri-Fab-55188-Mow-N-Vac

Agri-Fab 55188 Mow N Vac

The 55188 Mow N Vac vacuum mulcher is created by Agri-Fab, a company known for manufacturing mean machines that help gardeners all over the world. It features sturdy briggs and a robust engine that will vacuum everything in its way: dead leaves, grass clippings and lawn debris. This large gardening tool was especially manufactured for home owners with large lawns and trees, being able to handle even small branches (according to one review). If you decide to buy it, you should know that you need an additional hose kit for use with zero-turn mowers. This is a great large vacuum machine to buy in 20171

Brinly-LVS-33BH-Tow-Behind-PolyVac-System

Brinly LVS-33BH Tow Behind PolyVac System

Just like the first lawn vacuum mulcher from the list, this 2 in 1 gardening tool doubles as an utility cart and a versatile lawn vacuum mulcher. The 8-inch diameter will literally eat any type of debris found in your back yard, mulching it to a reasonable volume. The cart bed has a capacity of 650 lb. and it is ideal for medium to large size loads. Brinly LVS-33BH has positive customer reviews on Amazon online store, and if you decided to buy it, you will never have to use the rake again.

DR-Leaf-&-Lawn-Vacuum-9.59-Premier-Tow-Behind

DR Leaf & Lawn Vacuum 9.59 Premier-Tow Behind

Are you ready to work like a professional this year? DR-Leaf-&-Lawn-Vacuum-9.59-Premier-Tow-Behind takes things to the next level, allowing you to get an utility cart that is really easy to handle and to store. Under the hood we find a powerful 223cc Overhead Valve engine, 200 gallon capacity of storage space, high speed mulch impeller and a beautifully packed design.

DR-Leaf-&-Lawn-Vacuum-features

This large leaf vacuum mulcher is probably the best choice from this list, considering its price and its additional features: the engine is easily removable, the dumping of collected debris can be made with one finger (that easy!), the collector folds down to 5 inch thick bundle thick for facile storage, it can be used for other purposes as a capacity utility trailer. This unit is definitely worth your time, too bad it is not available for sale on Amazon at this time!

Conclusion
Deciding on a large vacuum mulcher for your gardening tasks is not an easy job, and you should take your time to read all the reviews, to learn about the features and specifications before actually buying one. There are few good options to choose from, most of them around $1000. Take your time, prepare your budget and stick with the one that’s closer to your needs.

Which is your favorite large vacuum mulcher on the market in 2017?

The best leaf vacuum mulchers in 2017 (reviews)

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If you plan to buy the best leaf vacuum mulchers for your own garden or for your office’s back yard then you are in the right place. In the following articles, I will recommend some of the best leaf mulching devices that you can get, starting with the cheap ones that are suited for home usage (entry-level) and finishing with the big guns, the vacuum mulchers that can be used on larger areas (like a golf course or a stadium). But before getting there, let’s start with the beginning…

Toro 51609 Ultra 12 amp Variable-Speed leaf vacuum mulchers

Toro 51609 Ultra 12 amp Variable-Speed leaf vacuum mulchers
This light mechanic leaf vacuum mulcher was designed and created by Toro and it is the perfect choice for those who need something cheap and reliable. The mulcher has 3 functions: blow, vacuum, and leaf shredder that works great for all situations. The variable speed of the rugged metal impeller gathers and mulches the debris into fine dust. This vacuum mulcher blows @ 255 cfm and the vac mode is set @ 390 cfm.

Positec Usa WG500 12A 210-MPG Electric Blower Vacuum

Worx Trivac 12A / 210-MPG Electric Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher
The image above is representative for this gardening tool and you can get a clear idea on its main advantage. As you may expect, this vacuum device can be manipulated with easy by anyone, even a senior. The blow function works like a charm, but you can also use the switch and set it to vacuum. The bagging ratio is somewhere between 8 to 1 and 12 to 1 so it’s the perfect choice if you plan to clean larger areas. The machine weights 8.4 lbs.

leaf mechanic vacuum
Patriot Products CVB-2465B Leaf Vacuum/Chipper/Blower
While we get on a higher position in our list, we find this gas powered mulcher that represents the perfect solution for larger areas like a mini-golf course, tennis court or a large public garden. Although the price is not as cheap as the other devices in the list, you will learn that all the reviewers were pleased with this product. The leaf mulcher can clean a wide 24-inch path in a single pass, so it’s more effective than the previous devices and… it’s portable. You don’t need to worry about fallen branches, since this powerful machine will shred them in no time without any problems. The blower function is just as reliable as the vacuum one, and you will probably need to take a step back when you will activate it for the first time.

Mac Walk Behind Chipper
Merry Mac Walk-Behind Chipper/Vacuum
This is the ultimate leaf vacuum mulcher capable of chopping everything that’s in its way. The 80-mph powerful suction is able to gather all the leaves, grass clippings and additional lawn debris that you may encounter in your way. One reviewer said that after 7 years of using this machine, it’s still new and reliable, so if you do decide to get this one, you can expect to use it for at least 5 seasons. It’s the perfect choice for larger projects.

Conclusion and additional details

These are not the only leaf mulchers, vacuums and blowers that you can find on the market in 2017, but they will offer you a clear idea on what you need and how much money you should spend on it. Just remember that if the mulcher you are planning to buy is electric, you will also need a long electric power cord and maybe a storage reel with stand in order to work with it properly. If you plan to use the leaf vacuum mulcher for larger areas (like a huge lawn or for a golf course), then you should probably get a mulcher that is powered by gas.

The best leaf blowers under $200 that you can buy right now

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Before choosing and buying the best electric leaf blowers that you can find on the market, you should ask yourself the following question: do I really need a leaf blower for my gardening tasks?

Leaf vacuum mulcher
Husqvarna 952711925
Weight: 9.4 lbs.
Air speed: 170 MPH
Vacuum: NO
Gas Powered
Price: $149
buy it now
Leaf vacuum mulcher
Hitachi RB24EAP
Weight: 8.6 lbs
Air speed: 170 MPH
Vacuum: NO
Gas Powered
Price: $131
buy it now
Leaf vacuum mulcher
Toro 51619
Weight:8.5 lbs
Air speed: 250 MPH
Vacuum: YES
Electric
Price: $74
buy it now

Leaf blowers vs vacuums

Once autumn settles, you know it’s time for hard work and lots of sweat. Conventional tools like rakes and other hand tools are cheaper, but you will regret not buying a more powerful machine like a leaf blower or a leaf vacuum once you work for a few hours with these obsolete tools. But what is the difference between these two gardening machines? As you can imagine, a leaf vacuum captures and mulches the dead leaves (the result usually ending in bags) while a leaf blower allows you to gather everything into one place and collect the resulted pile manually. Picking one or the other is not an easy task and you should take your time to find answers to the following questions before making the final decision:

  • Do I need a leaf blower or a leaf vacuum?
  • What kind of blower/vacuum do I need? Electrical or gas powered?
  • What features am I looking for in a leaf blower?
  • What features am I looking for in a leaf vacuum?
  • Where can I buy a leaf vacuum or a leaf blower?

The best leaf blowers on the market

Next, I am going to share a collection of some of the best leaf blowers that you can buy right now on the market. I am focusing on blowers that are not too expensive (under $200), but they have great user reviews and just enough features to help you finish the work in no time!

Husqvarna 952711925

Husqvarna 952711925 125B 28cc 2-Stroke 170 MPH Gas Powered Handheld Blower
With this device, Husqvarna has managed to create a reliable and powerful unit that weights 9.4 lbs. The fan speed is variable and the blowing tube length is adjustable in order to get the best performance. At maximum power, it will produce an air velocity of 170 MPH. Being powered by gas, it offers mobility and according to user reviews, it will last for many hours per session. If its weight becomes too much for you, you can always get a shoulder strap as an accessory. Price: ~$150

Hitachi RB24EAP

Hitachi RB24EAP 23.9cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered 170 MPH Handheld Leaf Blower (CARB Compliant)
Over 1000 customers gave a 5-star rating to this handheld leaf blower. Besides its excellent price (around $120), you will learn that it has just enough features to become the perfect tool for your autumn gardening cleaning sessions. Its tapper nozzle, the 23.9 cc engine and well balanced weight (8.6 lbs) convinced most of the customers that the investment in this gardening machine was well worth it. In addition, Hitachi offers a 7 year warranty if you are using it for non-commercial purposes. For this price, it is definitely a win.

Toro 51619 Ultra Electric Blower / Vacuum, Red (Corded)
Before presenting to you all the features that you will be taking advantage of if you buy this gardening tool, I just want to let you know that it costs $76 on Amazon. For that price, you will get a leaf blower that doubles as a versatile leaf vacuum. According to the manufacturer, Toro 51619 has a larger metal impeller that makes the device blow air up to 250 mph. You can control the speed of the tool both in vacuum or blower mode. The vacuum can handle dead leaves and debris. In the box you will find accessories such as the vacuum tube, the bottom-zip bag, power insert, concentrator nozzle and cord storage hook. You will have to buy the extension cord, since it is not included in the package. It weights 8.5 pounds.

PS. Getting back to the leaf vacuum vs leaf blower questions, I forgot to mention one small detail. There are leaf blowers out there that have a vacuum function, allowing you to get the best of both worlds at the same price. Pretty neat, right? If you have not decided yet on a leaf blower, you should check my article on the best leaf vacuum mulchers on the market.

How to remineralize the soil with mulched dead leaves

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soil mineralize with mulched waste

Since everyone is trying to think about the environment these days, I thought it would be a great idea to share some pieces of advice about soil remineralize. Autumn leaves are one of my favorite, local and sustainable resources for the garden that’s placed in my back yard. After cleaning the garden with a leaf vacuum mulcher, you should keep the mulched waste for a number of reasons, mainly since they are a natural source of minerals for soil. There are people that even prefer them over rock dust. Let’s not forget that trees mine minerals from deep in the soil and return them to the soil surface when the leaves fall, in autumn. Fortunately, you can use the mineral content of leaves to enrich the soil and get it prepared for the next season. If we are to compare mulched leaves to rock dust from the perspective of an environmentally conscious consumer, you should know that this compound is organic, it contains essential and beneficial elements (without the harmful or toxic ones), it is a renewable resource and its cost is basically zero.

rock dust vs dead leaves

In the image above, you can see a comparison between mulched wasted and common rock dust. All numbers represent milligrams per kilogram. The green cells indicate that the leaves have a significantly higher level of an element. Red means that Rock Dust A has a significantly higher level. If the cell has a white background, that means that the elements are in a similar range or the amounts are insignificant in both samples. The nitrate and nitrite numbers represent only the amount that is available, but the rest of the numbers are for total amounts – available and unavailable. When you see this comparison, you will undoubtedly notice that the mulched leaves stand pretty well compared to a rock dust. According to the comparison, you will find more nitrates and nitrites, phosphorus, boron, sulfur and zinc in the leaves. Also, Sodium (Na) is significantly higher in the rock dust, but that should not change the fact that this compound that is generally regarded as waste can be used to remineralize the soil in your back garden.

Advantages of remineralize the soild with mulched dead leaves

The compost we create with the mulched dead leaves in the fall won’t be needed all the way until the spring, several months away. This gives leaves plenty of time to decompose into compost pile. Most people collect the leaves in November. Considering the fact that the planting is generally performed in April or May next year, that gives the compost 5 full months to break down. If the size of the mulched pile is right enough, the mix of green and brown ingredients has the perfect moisture to be used on the ground.

Leaf-Vacuum-Mulcher-2-

Where to find a good leaf vacuum mulcher that’s perfect for you? Tips and advices.

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If you plan to get a new tool to help you clean your back yard then you are probably struggling with the garden debris for too long. In this article I will provide tips and advices on how to find the perfect leaf vacuum mulcher that’s suited for your needs. Don’t go to the first store in your city and buy whatever the salesperson recommends! Be smart about it, be informed and make sure you make the best possible choice. You don’t want to end up paying the same money twice just because you got the wrong product.

What to look for

One of the biggest issues with the machines that are on the market is that they just don’t shred the leaves good enough, and the leaf compression is poorer than advertised. Instead of getting 1/6 up to 1/10 compression you end up with a compression of 1/2. This may not be annoying at first, but why should you have this much “garbage” to dispose when it could be much less. Another common issue is that the collection bag is to small and you need to empty it too often. When you get a new leaf mulcher you should also look for its features. Most of these machines have different speeds (usually ranging between 100 mph and 235 mph), some are powered by gas some by electric power, some have extended warranty, some don’t. I usually prefer the electric powered leaf vacuums since they are lightweight, there is no mix of oil and gas and they are easier to use. You should also make sure that the impeller that mulches the leafs is made from solid metal. If you do manage to find a leaf vacuum that also blows out wind then you have the perfect deal!

The best places to buy

The obvious place to buy a good leaf mulcher is the Internet or your local store. There are advantages using both places, and I will state them here. If you are going to the local store, you will mack the acquisition faster and you can start cleaning your back yard the very same day. Also, if something happens to the vacuum tool you can go with it at the same store and ask for a fix (or replacement) based on the warranty papers. What I don’t necessarily like about local tool stores is that they have limited brands and they don’t always offer the best prices for these products. On the other hand, buying such gardening tool from the Internet will get you a broader list of brands to choose from, you can read impartial reviews from other customers who bought the same item, you will get the best prices and discounts, you may even get additional tools or special offers. Before buying online, make sure you are on a trusted web store. I usually recommend Amazon as a starting place. They have great offers their tool hardware shop and the shipping is fast.

If you have found your desired leaf vacuum mulcher, don’t forget to buy few replacement bags for it. They tend to wear of with time, and it’s better to get a replacement from start.

Leaf Vacuum Mulcher

The advantages of leaf vacuum mulchers

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If you are tired of cleaning the leaves and debris that usually gather in your garden with traditional methods maybe you should try a different approach on the problem. If you find yourself wondering when the cleanup will end then you are difinitely waisting too much of your important time on garden cleaning. This is probably the time when you should get smart about it and buy yourself a real gardening tool. Now, with electric lawn tools like leaf vacuum mulchers you will get the job done before you know it. In fact, cleaning your back yard with such tools is so easy that you will find it relaxing! It’s fast, easy and will save you a lot of time and effort.

The advantages of this tool

You will not need to handle large and bulky tools again, because most of these tools are portable and pretty lightweight. All you need to do is flip the switch and you will get a powerful vacuum that can handle everything on the ground level. It’s seems so easy because… well, it is! The best leaf vacuums on the market will easily handle most yard debris like mulch, leaves, grass, twigs, pine needles and clippings. These garden care tools will prevent the anti-clog thanks to a metal vortex fan that cuts the grass in small pieces, making it compact and easy to store in the bags. With this technology, the volume of 6 up to 10 conventional bags will be compacted into one single bag. We are talking about a compression rate of 1/6 up to 1/10 here.

Why should you get this tool?

This machine gets the job done fast and easy. Time and effort are probably the most important arguments when it comes down to getting a leaf vacuum tool. For example, if you plan to clean a large lawn/garden with a conventional leaf rake your job will take hours, you will never clean it perfectly and you will get bored and angry because the process is so slow and complicated: gathering the leafs into huge piles and then putting the piles in plastic bags. With a vacuum machine you will just need to take a walk in the area where the lawn debris are and start the vacuum mulcher. It will compress and gather everything directly into the plastic bags. When the plastic bag is full, all you have to do is change it with another one and you are good to go. I will estimate that working with a vacuum mulcher in a lawn cleaning project with get the job done in under half the time compared to traditional methods. Don’t worry about the weight of these gardening tools beacause most of them are created from durable plastic components, so these vacuums weight the same as a gallon of water.

The price

I’m going to talk more about the best leaf vacuum prices in another post, but if you think these useful machines are expensive you are wrong! You will probably find vacuums in your local store or online at prices between $60 and $150. Of course, you can find them at higher prices, but I assume you don’t intend to buy it for commercial purposes.

How to have a great lawn in autumn

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When fall comes, I’m not the happiest person on Earth because I need to get rid of those annoying leafs and debris that are laying all over the place on my back yard lawn. I know that a long day of raking and bagging is waiting for me and that thought is haunting me for days. Sometimes I’m in the mood for hard manual work, sometimes I’m not, but one thing is certain: the lawn cleaning needs to be addressed. The obvious way to have a great lawn in autumn is to clean it as often as possible by any means necessary. Even if we speak about a common rake or a more advanced gardening tool, we need to be prepared for this season. Don’t let autumn take you by surprise because it can ultimately destroy your fabulous lawn.

The lawn cleaning must be done repeatedly to ensure the greatest possible chance of survival during the winter. If you will not remove plant debris, the cold and rainy weather will probably destroy your lawn. The dead leaves will cover the lawn and will not let the sun’s rays reach to it, exposing it to diseases.

grass_cutting

After the cleaning is done, you need to cut the grass and drainage it especially in the high traffic areas such as playground. There, the lawn tends to become compact, which prevents an efficient drainage. You can create air channels by passing over it with a rake.

lawn care in autumn

In fall, watering the lawn must be moderate. There is enough rain in this season the keep it going and too much water could lead to lawn diseases like fungi, moss or lichen that will spread rapidly and destroy the lawn. Don’t forget to use a fall fertilizer that’s rich in potassium and phosphorus. This way, the roots of the plants will become strong and healthy and you will get a great lawn in the following spring.