Leaf vacuum

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Has anyone built a leaf vac?
Reply:Nope, but I have a craftsman lawn tractor with a bagger.  It works ok if the leaves & grass clippings are dry, if they're wet/damp-it sucks! Oh wait-it doesn't suck-this being the problem!  So I've been thinking of converting my lil lawn tractor trailer into a hopper for holding the clippings, and somehow converting my chute for the bagger to throw the clippings in the back!  Kinda like how a stalk chopper throws the stalks into the hopper behind it.  I am pretty sure the mower deck itself won't have enough power to throw it back-part of the problem when using the bagger.  But I am thinking of trying it this way first, then if/when I've proven it won't work, I am going to try to make a impeller assembly with a motor and see how that works!  I've looked at other brands of leave blowers/collectors.  I don't see how it can be too complicated for an experienced welder/fabricator/designer to come up with something!  If I ever get this project done, I'll be sure to let you know-complete with pics and info!
Reply:

Originally Posted by woodyjdhNope, but I have a craftsman lawn tractor with a bagger.  It works ok if the leaves & grass clippings are dry, if they're wet/damp-it sucks! Oh wait-it doesn't suck-this being the problem!  So I've been thinking of converting my lil lawn tractor trailer into a hopper for holding the clippings, and somehow converting my chute for the bagger to throw the clippings in the back!  Kinda like how a stalk chopper throws the stalks into the hopper behind it.  I am pretty sure the mower deck itself won't have enough power to throw it back-part of the problem when using the bagger.  But I am thinking of trying it this way first, then if/when I've proven it won't work, I am going to try to make a impeller assembly with a motor and see how that works!  I've looked at other brands of leave blowers/collectors.  I don't see how it can be too complicated for an experienced welder/fabricator/designer to come up with something!  If I ever get this project done, I'll be sure to let you know-complete with pics and info!
Reply:My little gas powered blower/vac has plenty of power, but it needs a much bigger collector.  And if it's bigger I don't want to carry it.I can't seem to find any tubing to work between it and a collector.But the gas powered unit maybe a start for your project.
Reply:

Originally Posted by WeldordieThanks for the reply...I've got a Snapper riding mower with a rear bagger that has a "high vac" blade.  It does a great job of sucking up grass and leaves, but when challenged with picking up crab apples, the deck cavity becomes clogged with apple sludge, and stalls the engine.
Reply:I realize this is a very old topic.  But, since I'm sure many of you have been hanging in suspense all these years, I thought I'd better post an update.  Well, I put off making a leaf/apple vac long enough so that the problem of too many crabapples on the ground has been solved by others.  Whitetails and mulies have moved into town, and spend a good share of their time vacuuming up my apples... so have solved the problem.  In exchange for getting rid of my apples the deer leave small "berries" all over the yard.