Leaf Blower to Vacuum Conversion - Can it be done?

[Namecips]

I've been researching leaf vacuums. There are many and they are pricey.

I have an older leaf blower from Southland(Home Depot). It is pretty powerful.

I'm wondering if I can convert it to a vacuum instead of a blower. Simplistic thinking says I can loosen and rotate the housing, attach a hose on front for suction and a hose on top for filling my trailer.

One question I do have is will the current impeller work? I will have to look at it and see if it's plastic or metal.

Just wondering if anyone has done a conversion like this and if so what were your results and thoughts.

 

[rlitman]

I think it would be a lot of work, and you'd need a lot of parts. I think it would make more sense to me to just buy the right unit, used.

Aside from needing a metal impeller, my similar looking self-propelled leaf vacuum had a set of flails on the impeller that interfaced with a grate at the outlet which not only shredded the leaves, but also prevented clogging.