PTO Leaf Blowers?

[RoyJackson]

I had appealed yesterday morning to the Buffalo Turbine rep that had posted here to just let us know the price of his products, but I guess he won't be forthcoming on that. Makes me worry about their products.

If they sell through dealers, I reckon he can't quote a price online. That could cause problems...

 

[cttractor]

If they sell through dealers, I reckon he can't quote a price online. That could cause problems...

I'm sure you're correct, Roy. Though, as a businessman myself, I at east would have posted that fact so my prospective customers understand my position and don't feel ignored. I also think he could report the typical "street price" -- many manufacturers have done that while also stating that their dealers set their final price. Some will list the street price a little higher. That still gives us prospects some ballpark info to go on while every dealer looks like they're offering a bargain price.

At this point, between not getting any price, except from other TBN members, no CFM rating, no output MPH rating, etc., I've written them off my consideration list. I will not buy with insufficient information to know what I'm buying for a major item.

 

[Buffalo Turbine]

I am glad to see that quite an audience has been established in regards to this topic. It seems there are many questions and I would like to address some of your concerns.

The Cyclone PTO Debris Blower may not be the blower that most of you will have the most interest in due to the amazing power it generates as well as its price point. I would recommend this product to any Homeowner that has a larger area to clear and someone that will be doing it every year through the life of the machine which will be well over ten years as well as any contractors that are responsible to clear large areas.

In response to the comment about not disclosing the CFM ratings I can only recommend that if someone were going to invest into a blower of this magnitude I would highly recommend avoiding basing your buying decisions on a CFM number that may or may not be accurate. Since 2005 you may have noticed that many blower designs remained the same but their CFM Ratings have doubled to try to increase sales. The Buffalo Turbine utilizes a different style fan that is efficient than the traditional PTO blowers available. The Cyclone PTO will generate the debris blowing power at 20 hp 540 PTO that the competitors largest units that weigh 700-800 lbs and require over 30 50 hp to operate.

In regards to Pricing, we do utilize a Dealer network that prices the product according to freight costs, competition and market demand in their areas. We also sell the product internationally including China, Taiwan, Vietnam, all of Europe and we are very competitive in these arenas even though there are many less expensive units being manufactured in these countries. If you are going to purchase a blower then the best technology may be your choice. I will be happy to send you a quotation.

Brad Wesley
Buffalo Turbine LLC.
716-592-2700
brad.wesley@buffaloturbine.com
AMERICAN MADE ALL THE WAY

 

[cttractor]

I am glad to see that quite an audience has been established in regards to this topic. It seems there are many questions and I would like to address some of your concerns.

The Cyclone PTO Debris Blower may not be the blower that most of you will have the most interest in due to the amazing power it generates as well as its price point. I would recommend this product to any Homeowner that has a larger area to clear and someone that will be doing it every year through the life of the machine which will be well over ten years as well as any contractors that are responsible to clear large areas.

In response to the comment about not disclosing the CFM ratings I can only recommend that if someone were going to invest into a blower of this magnitude I would highly recommend avoiding basing your buying decisions on a CFM number that may or may not be accurate. Since 2005 you may have noticed that many blower designs remained the same but their CFM Ratings have doubled to try to increase sales. The Buffalo Turbine utilizes a different style fan that is efficient than the traditional PTO blowers available. The Cyclone PTO will generate the debris blowing power at 20 hp 540 PTO that the competitors largest units that weigh 700-800 lbs and require over 30 50 hp to operate.

In regards to Pricing, we do utilize a Dealer network that prices the product according to freight costs, competition and market demand in their areas. We also sell the product internationally including China, Taiwan, Vietnam, all of Europe and we are very competitive in these arenas even though there are many less expensive units being manufactured in these countries. If you are going to purchase a blower then the best technology may be your choice. I will be happy to send you a quotation.

Brad Wesley
Buffalo Turbine LLC.
716-592-2700
brad.wesley@buffaloturbine.com
AMERICAN MADE ALL THE WAY

Brad,

I can appreciate that many people will not necessarily understand technical differences that may play a major role in evaluating a piece of equipment. But, I'm an engineer and need a starting point. In addition, there are not only lots of other engineers on this site, there are many trades represented and much experience with tractors and machinery, many of whom make their living working everyday with it. The majority of members on this site will likely understand these differences pertaining to designs if you can give us all some additional information. ****, many of these members will understand more than I will and I'll understand an awful lot. You need not fear this membership not comprehending the pertinent facts of most tractor attachments.

Next, I completely agree that a turbine is more efficient than a ducted fan incorporated in many of the blower designs, and that we should be able to get more air from a turbine for the same PTO HP because of that greater efficiency. But ultimately, it's the volume and pressure of the air coming out the nozzle that will move the leaves. Therefore, no matter how it's generated: ducted fan, turbine, or even if someone has some venturi effect design, it still comes down to that mass of air coming out of the unit. So, knowing the specs on that "air" is what CFM and MPH helps represent, and hence, why that is such an important part of the shopping evaluation for a blower.

I also agree that trying out a unit is an important part of vetting an expensive attachment. But evaluations go in stages, to wit:

1. Assess the market and identify pertinent products;

2. Compare product specs and select those products that appear to best meet the needs of the application;

3. Arrange for demonstrations or test runs of the product to confirm or fail their claimed specifications and efficacy; and

4. Select the best product for the application based on the empirical testing and price, and purchase it.

Therefore, having specifications with which to compare these kinds of products in the evaluation phase is no different than evaluating specs on horsepower, gross weight towing ability, MPG, and such when evaluating a truck for towing purposes.

So, please share the requested information. I definitely have issues with the need to receive private quotations and such. I feel that good products are good products, and that manufacturers and dealers should not be afraid or embarrassed to put the related information about their products out in the world for all to see and for prospective buyers to evaluate.

Thanks,

Jerry

 

[Buffalo Turbine]

I am happy to start off by indicating the Cyclone PTO Debris Blower is $4595.00 Not including Taxes or freight costs based on Location.

I am more than Glad to share some of the benefits our products offer.
1. The only PTO Debris Blower that is a 25 Blade Turbine Style blower to achieve high velocity and High Volume Airflow.
2. The Largest Chute outlet of any PTO Style Debris blower available on the market at 12.5 inches.
3. The Only PTO Blower that has a Chute than can rotate 360 Degrees via a Remote control from the operator seat.
4. The only PTO Blower that will not lose airflow efficiency when blowing in any direction.
5. Utilizes less HP than any other PTO blower above 300 lbs.
6. Only weighs 238 lbs. Lightest PTO Debris blower in its class.
7. No Belts, Pulleys, or Grease Fittings
8. Utilizes Direct Drive Gearbox 7:1 ratio.
9. Easy to maintain, Power wash blower wheel, Maintain Oil in Gearbox, maintain clean nozzle rotation components.
10. 66 Years of manufacturing Blowers for debris and Spraying maintenance since 1945.

 

[cttractor]

Thanks for the price! I have some questions:

1. On other units, the rotating cuff that directs the air significantly reduces the air flow. You specifically mention in item 4 that "The only PTO Blower that will not lose airflow efficiency when blowing in any direction." I insist that any rotating cuff will likely still reduce the airflow of a blower of any design because it is inserted into that airflow after whatever fan generates it and that it will attenuate the flow to some extent. Be that as it may, being able to control the direction of the airflow from the seat is a desired convenience. Therefore, I presume you're stating that the effectiveness of this blower is still very adequate, the cuff's effects notwithstanding; is that a correct interpretation?

2. In your prior post, you stated, "I would recommend this product to any Homeowner that has a larger area to clear and someone that will be doing it every year through the life of the machine which will be well over ten years as well as any contractors that are responsible to clear large areas." Are you saying that this product should last a minimum of ten years if used regularly by a contractor? And if so, is it fair to conclude that a homeowner would there likely get a much longer product life (if properly maintained and care for, of course)?

3. I still need to know how much air the unit will move. The higher efficiency should mean that it'll move more air for the same input PTO horsepower. What is it?

 

[aczlan]

1. On other units, the rotating cuff that directs the air significantly reduces the air flow. You specifically mention in item 4 that "The only PTO Blower that will not lose airflow efficiency when blowing in any direction." I insist that any rotating cuff will likely still reduce the airflow of a blower of any design because it is inserted into that airflow after whatever fan generates it and that it will attenuate the flow to some extent. Be that as it may, being able to control the direction of the airflow from the seat is a desired convenience. Therefore, I presume you're stating that the effectiveness of this blower is still very adequate, the cuff's effects notwithstanding; is that a correct interpretation?

Looking at the pictures, it appears that while the rotating cuff will impact the airflow, it is fixed at 90 degrees. As such, changing the angle of the cuff will not change the airflow at all.

Aaron Z

 

[Buffalo Turbine]

I will be happy to provide you with more information.

The Airflow is not reduced on the Cyclone PTO Debris Blower when blowing in other directions as it rotates right on the end of the Blower housing and is the same distance from the Blower no matter which direction it is blowing.

We are still currently taking orders for fast moving replacement parts for PTO and Tow Behind blowers purchased in the 1990's. Other than the Main Shaft the Entire Blower assembly and blower wheel is aluminum. There are very few moving parts and if maintained properly will run for many hours.

I underestand that your deciding factor may be to base your decisions on the Air Volume or Air Speed and if that is your only deciding factor I can only give you thanks for your time spent here on this Forum and hopes that if you ever decide to compare our unit to any other unit on the market I will be happy to schedule a demonstration through a local Authorized representative.

We have been manufacturing Blowers for Spraying and debris maintenance since 1945 and you will not find many instances, if any, of a company or person that has purchased a Buffalo Turbine Debris Blower and were not excited about it..

 

[cttractor]

We have been manufacturing Blowers for Spraying and debris maintenance since 1945 and you will not find many instances, if any of a company or person that has purchased a Buffalo Turbine Debris Blower and was overwhelmed with its performance.

I presume you mean that no one was underwhelmed? Thanks for your info!

 

[Buffalo Turbine]

Thank you for the correction. I made an adjustment to my post.