Cyclone Rake vs. Agri-Fab

[OrangeGuy]

Bob in Mn

I have the Agri-Fab trailer vacuum system. I originally used it with my Allis Chalmers 620 tractor and 60" MMM. It worked great! I purchased a Kubota F2260 Front Mower with a 60" deck and used the same system with it. It was a bit more troublesome because I had to add to the discharge hose length making the entire rig a bit long.

However, I have to agree with DUC and question if you need the vacuum system. With the Kubota F2260 Front Mower, I can cut my 4 acre lawn so quickly that I rarely generate any "grass clipping windrows". Consequently, I have not used my Agri-Fab system in a couple years.

My system has always been shedded and is in "like new" condition. Since we are both in Minnesota and if you would be interested in a used Agri-Fab Vacuum System, send me a PM.

OrangeGuy

 

[Bob_In_MN]

Here's an update on my search for a material collection system.

Thanks to TBN, I was able to set up a meeting with OrangeGuy (quite an appropriate name by the way). As it turns out, O.G. lives less than 6 miles from the farm where my dad grew up and less than 10 miles from where I grew up.

Anyway--on a prior visit, we were able to come to terms on the price of a used Agri-Fab and last Saturday I stopped by to pick it up. I purposefully left about 2/3 acre of grass get 4-5 inches long and used the system Saturday night.

Initial Impresssions--bring on the leaves. This thing works great. When I was done, the container was about 2/3 full and the way the clippings were blown in made them very dense--very good reduction. I couldn't believe how large the pile was once I pulled it out. When the material is blown in, it's compacted almost like a hay bale.

While I'm sure the Cyclone Rake also works well, I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to purchase this well maintained unit. It really boiled down to the fact that this thing will get used 6-8 times per year. I probably paid a third of what a new CR would go for and while I can see the manuverability of a CR would be a nice feature, the AF will work just fine.

My only question is will my mom's JD LT 180 (17 HP Twin) pull the AF? I couldn't even tell it was behind my 4010, but from my experience of unloading it myself, I know there's some weight to this thing. I'd like to use it in the fall to take care of my mom's leaves, but it would be nice not to have to trailer my tractor as the AF fits nicely in the back of my pick-up.

I'll post a pic or two next week.

Thanks again O.G.

Bob

 

[shoppintractors]

<font color="blue"> My only question is will my mom's JD LT 180 (17 HP Twin) pull the AF? </font>

I have a tow-behind trac-vac that I used for 14 years pulled by a 12.5 HP Twin Bolens rider. I new it was getting full when I could feel a little tugging from behind. This was on flat land, no hills. You might need another boot to fit the end of her mower deck. I think you'll be fine with 17 HP on flat land.

Don

 

[Bob_In_MN]

Thanks Don--I think I'll try it with my mom's tractor. There's a hill on her property, but not so steep that I would be afraid to go down with the AF in tow.

If the hill combined with a full load feels like too much for the 180, I'll have my brother bring in his 425.

Bob

 

[OrangeGuy]

Bob,

I am happy to hear that my used Agri-Fab Vacuum System is working out well for you. Better getting used 6-8 times per year rather than gathering dust.

It was a pleasure meeting a fellow TBNer.

OrangeGuy