DIY Leaf Vac Bag?

[Modern Garage]

I was just given a commercial leaf vac/parking lot vac with a 7hp Briggs motor. Looks like 60's vintage with LOW hours - the spark plug still has original paint on it! I cleaned the carb and it fired up easily and it's kind of entertaining watching it blow itself across the garage with its rear discharge.
The problem is that the original bag was thrown away as it was just a few shreds and a lot of dead mice. Has anyone ever made their own bags for something like this? I can sew one up easily enough but I'm not sure what fabric to use and where I would source it.
Joe

 

[toplessHO]

I have one of those with an 8 hp Honda.
Also missing a bag so I bought this big one.
It was too big and actually lifted the rear tires when blown up.

 

[Rccrawlerguy]

1.5mm Polyester Hex Mesh - Heavy Duty Mesh Material

Polyester Mesh 1.5 mm, Replacement mesh material for most lawn mower grass catcher bags

www.ahh.biz

I just went to the big G and typed "mesh material for leaf vacuum bag"

 

[Modern Garage]

Thanks, I only Googled "leaf vac bag" . That mesh is sort of what I pictured only it would need to be finer to prevent a face full of dirt from the bag between the handlebars.
I did find some cheap bags when I looked for replacement Billy Goat bags. They're twice as big as I need and could be re-sewn to the size I want. Durability seemed to be an issue in the reviews but I could make two from one purchase and this machine doesn't let the bag drag on the ground and wear out prematurely.
Probably go that route if no one shows up with a better option.
Joe

 

[toplessHO]

BROSYDA Lawn Tractor Leaf Bag, Reusable Grass Catcher Bag for Lawn Mower Tractor(96 x 56 Inch), Material Collection Systems Leaf Bag, 54 Cubic Feet For Riding Lawn Mower​

 

[toplessHO]

I get no dust in the face

 

[mike93lx]

Thanks, I only Googled "leaf vac bag" . That mesh is sort of what I pictured only it would need to be finer to prevent a face full of dirt from the bag between the handlebars.
I did find some cheap bags when I looked for replacement Billy Goat bags. They're twice as big as I need and could be re-sewn to the size I want. Durability seemed to be an issue in the reviews but I could make two from one purchase and this machine doesn't let the bag drag on the ground and wear out prematurely.
Probably go that route if no one shows up with a better option.
Joe

If you are going to DIY, you can put a layer of non mesh cloth where ever you dont want it to be able to ventilate
Use a piece of hdpe on the bottom, like is done on rear bags for lawnmowers

 

[Modern Garage]

THO: That's the one I thought about cutting into two to fit. Glad to hear it should control the dust.
Mike: Thank you. I had that thought floating around in the back of my head but it didn't gel until you said it.
Joe

 

[toplessHO]

My first DIY bag was made with black shadecloth.
Worked great but was too dusty.
I covered part of it with an old sheet and it worked much better.

 

[Ru2slo_99]

The bag on my Scag leaf vac is made out of a thick felt with a few of the mesh vents on the side.

 

[Wilson12789]

longevity wise it might be good to get some measurements and take them to a local tarp shop that makes/ repairs tarps for semi trucks. that canvas will last a long time, maybe leave a slit towards the top as a vent considering those vacs move a lot of air too.

 

[bdbecker]

I wonder if a decent quality canvas paint drop cloth would work as a base material?

 

[toplessHO]

Ive tried various materials and the big bag has the best material.
Cutting the bag down,especially if you can make 2 of them ,is the best bang for the buck.