Leaf vacuum

[Weldordie]

Has anyone built a leaf vac?

[woodyjdh]

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!

[Weldordie]

Originally Posted by woodyjdh

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!

Thanks 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. I am looking forward to building a walk-behind yard vac that will suck up the apples. Since I suffer from ADD, I loathe raking them.

If I beat you in getting this project underway, I'll be sure to post.

[etonline]

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.

[teknition]

Originally Posted by Weldordie

Thanks 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.

When life deals you apples......make apple sauce

ok...enough horsing around...I dont have an answer to your vacuum idea, but I have seen a mechanical rake type of thing you tow behind your riding mower and it "sweeps" leaves and twigs etc. into a bagger that is behind the rake. I dont imagine this world be too hard to build.

like this one.