need leaf vacuum

[comedyman809]

any suggestions for a good quality all around lawn vacuum with the hose, chipper and is self propelled?

lots out there, expensive, and not sure which to get.

i see the troy bilt, but seems like people think the hose breaks, andy thoughts or suggestions, highly appreciated.

 

[cburnscrx]

I guess it depends on what you are using it for. Professional lawn care business, home use, or huge farm lot.

I have the Black & Decker 240mph blower/vacuum and am very pleased. It really grinds up the leaves and seriously cuts down on bagging. Some might find this a negative, but I love the fact that it's electric. No maintenance whatsoever. The other benefit to this model, is the metal impeller. I've heard too many horror stories about the plastic blades snapping off very easily rendering the blower/vacuum pretty much useless.

 

[pattenp]

I have an original Troy-Bilt chippervac. It is very well built. The downside is MTD acquired Troy-Bilt in 2001 and the quality just isn't what it use to be.

 

[tjmonsen5]

I have owned a trac vac for over 15 years. It's a pull behind style, where the hose hooks up to the discharge on the mowing deck. It works great!

 

[Thumper68]

I have had this one for 5 or 6 years with no issues.
www.cyclonerake.com

I know that you wanted self propelled but I have had 2 of those and hate them have to empty the bag to often and the chipper features were way under powered.

I have the optional hose and it works great for working around flowerbeds and trees.

 

[CJKaz]

Eight year old Troy Bilt chipper / vac. Wish it was self propelled, but it has been fantastic. Hose is original, no problems. Chipper has been extremely useful, grinds up limbs with ease. If you put leaves / chipped limbs in paper bags to dispose, get a free standing bag holder with a large funnel top, makes it easier to dump the bag.

The latest self propelled version: http://www.troybilt.com/equipment/troybilt/product_10001_14102_13809_54997_-1_54997_54997

Paper bag holder: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0014CM556/?tag=atomicindus08-20