Any reccomondations for a leaf Vac?

[Erico]

I have a cheapo corded blower that works fine cleaning off the deck and patio but I think it's time to make the step up to a gas unit that also vacuums.

I have a 50 foot maple in the yard and she is starting to shed again. I figure I would vacuum as I go.

Home depot has a couple Ryobi models for 100 bucks but the reviews aren't so hot.

Do I need to spend big bucks to get something decent? It will only get used 4 or 5 times a year.

Any ideas??

Thnks

[Firemark]

One 50 ft Maple doesn't seem to justify the cost of a leaf vac as a standalone machine.

I have a Snapper Hi-Vac mower with a 2.5 CuFt rear bag that sucks up leaves fairly well in a yard with 3 smaller Maples, especially when you use a mulching blade. For about $500 you get a great mower that can handle leaves as well.

My first try with a leaf blower was a Toro electric model that came with a Vac Bag as well. It works OK cleaning out planting beds but for any kind of volume is incredibly slow and jams constantly.

About 2 years ago I moved to a home with a dozen 50ft Oak Trees on a half acre that simply overwhelmed the Snapper mower. A landscaper or should I say scalper charged me $300 the 1st year for leaf pickup... it looks 3 guys with gas powered blowers 6 hours.

I went with the MightyMac vac/chipper last year. It will pay for itself in 5 years, even less after "renting" it to a few neighbors with just as many trees.

[Gary Swart]

I agree with the previous poster. A good lawn mower with a bag will do a good job if you don't wait until the leaves are a foot deep. If it gets away from you, then a quick raking to get the lion's share then the mower. If you had a huge yard with many trees, then that would be a different story. Save the money and buy a few extra beers:D

[roycam345]

I use one made by a company called HomeLite that I have had for about 2 years now and it hasn't failed me yet! I bought it at ********* and it was recommended by another customer as I was making my decision.

[Cookie]

The neighbors. :)