Cyclone rake

[Code54]

We are looking at adding to our leaf cleanup arsenal and been looking hard at the Cyclone Rake. I read a LOT of info on the web and this site but was wondering who uses them on a 60" or larger deck? If so what model and is there any issues? I would like a shorter model but if I need the biggest that is fine (10" hoses).
Also does anyone use it on hills and what issues have you found? I figure I need the duel wheels but still am concerned with it on side hills and rough uneven ground and was wondering what everyone thought.

 

[OrangeToys]

We are looking at adding to our leaf cleanup arsenal and been looking hard at the Cyclone Rake. I read a LOT of info on the web and this site but was wondering who uses them on a 60" or larger deck? If so what model and is there any issues? I would like a shorter model but if I need the biggest that is fine (10" hoses).
Also does anyone use it on hills and what issues have you found? I figure I need the duel wheels but still am concerned with it on side hills and rough uneven ground and was wondering what everyone thought.

What kind of mower will you use?

 

[texas42]

I have a Cyclone Rake I use behind a 2320 JD with a 62 inch deck.
I works very well and I highly recommend it. I've had it about 5 years with no problems.
I think mine is the XL model which was the biggest model 5 years ago. It has 8 inch hoses.
I also have the dual wheels, however can't comment about hills as my property is reasonably flat.
But I'm glad I have the dual wheels for when the ground is a little wet. Duals wheels well worth the little extra money. The container is pretty heavy when full of damp leaves.
In my opinion, I wouldn't go any smaller that the 8 inch hose model (XL) if I was using a 60 inch deck. If it's a 72 inch deck then I would opt for the 10 inch model.
Hope this helps.

 

[Baby Grand]

We have the small one - probably about 8 years old, now. We run it behind our Kubota G5200 diesel mower with 44" deck. It does a great job in that application. Not sure what area of lawn or how many leaves you need to move. That would be my criteria for what size unit to get. Big lawn & lots of big trees - get the big one. Ours rides fine over our rough field on the single wheels. Our mowed areas are all flat, so no advice on hills.
-Jim

 

[Code54]

What kind of mower will you use?

It will be a Kubota BX25D with a 60" Mid Mount Mower

Thank you all for the information and anything else you can add is appreciated!

 

[MossRoad]

I changed the thread title from 'rack' to 'rake'. Hope that's what you wanted.

 

[Code54]

Thank you Sir - its pretty bad when I can't correctly spell the title of my own thread.....

 

[MossRoad]

:laughing: I do it all the time... I blame my fat fingers, but its really just my brain malfunctioning.

I've seen the commercials for the cyclone rake. Looks very interesting. If I had more trees, I'd bite.

 

[Code54]

The price scares me but if it works as they claim it will be worth it around our place. Leaves are a NEVER ending job in the fall!

 

[oldballs]

The price scares me but if it works as they claim it will be worth it around our place. Leaves are a NEVER ending job in the fall!

Me too, I'm interested since my 40 year old Sycamores and soft Maple leaves are getting too much for this old man. I've been raking them, blowing them, shredding them, hauling them, burning them until I'm burned out. :thumbdown:

Anybody else got some input on the Cyclone or similar machines?

 

[PSUTundra]

I am going into my fourth season with the XL behind a 60" ZTR:




We have lots of leaves and decent hills. I cannot imagine cleaning up without it. As is I spend six 8 hour days each season and end up with a huge pile of shredded leaves that becomes the basis for our compost.

Our lawn looks great and the product works great. A few notes:
- takes getting used to the swing driving as the hitch is a fixed 2 point hitch, on my mower this makes the drive wheels true pivots with casters at the front and under the collector, not sure how this will feel on a tractor
- even half full it is like driving a bus around the yard, get the dual wheels
- hills should only be taken up and down, not cross, I still get front wheels off the ground if not careful
- the gas tank lid has a filtered vent that clogged last year, had to special order a new one as it was not serviceable and was expensive (maybe $30)

Bottom line is I cannot speak highly enough of this product for my application and recommend if you can fit it around your property obstacles and have leaves it is a huge timesaver.

 

[Kubota Rich]

It works really well. Had it for 3 years. I have the Commander & dual wheels, which if you have any wet/soft spots, you will want. On hills, when it is almost full with grass clippings, it will "help" you down the hill. With the Kubota BX25, you will be fine pulling it up. I have an extra boot on a JD garden tractor, which will not pull it up some of my steeper hills when getting full. One thing for sure, way easier than a hand rake!

 

[rrrkkk]

Well let me add that I too hated to spend the $$$ but it is as advertised. I have it on a 60" eXmark Lazer Z. I even went back and purchased the 30' hose attachment to clean out the flower beds. I have a lot of walnut trees and was worried about them, after 5 seasons the impeller shows no damage or wear. I now turn the leaves into compost, I usually have about 1000 bushel per year. (FINE PRODUCT)

 

[oldballs]

Is anybody using a Cyclone (or similar product) on a CUT size tractor versus the L&G size? I've only seen them advertised or referenced here on TBN using the L&G tractors.

I don't see why one would not work on the CUTs like my Kubota B2620.

Cheers,
Mike

 

[Kubota Rich]

You just need the right size boot to fit the mower deck. Measure your opening and call them. I think the boot for the BX25 was like $80.

 

[oldballs]

Thanks, it looks like "Texas42" has a CUT size tractor.......
I'd just need a boot for my CUT.

 

[762MM]

Good info. I am also considering the largest Cyclone Rake for my Hustler 60". Did anyone consider or compare the CR with DRs version? Just curious if anyone has any input on DR.

Thanks!

Tow-Behind Leaf and Lawn Vacuum: PRO-XL 16.96 ft lbs torque | DR Power Equipment

 

[Code54]

I have looked at the DR several times and think I am going to order my Cyclone rake tonight.
My reasons are
1) DR uses a longer hose and it sort of hangs out a good bit - figure shorter hose better suction, less to drag and catch on stuff
2) I like the rake with the solid hitch because I have to back up a bunch to get in some tighter spots so it will be easier
3) Love the impeller on the Cyclone as it flexes to prevent damage
4) DR uses a off brand engine - the quality maybe fine but here in rural WV I can get parts for a Briggs about anywhere, but with the DR I would always have to order anything I need

The whole idea of the tow behind is also a plus as I am going to make a hitch (2" receiver to the plate style mount the rake uses) for my Side by Sides so I can tow it and use it without the tractor if I want to. Figure cleaning out flower beds and such I really don't need the tractor and if the backhoe is on it sure will be easy to hook it to the SxS.

 

[texas42]

As stated before, I have had a Cyclone Rake for about 5 years. Great machine. I pull it with a JD 2320. Cyclone Rake has a 3PH setup as a option. I don't think it is extra $'s.
I clean up leaves on 3 1/2 acres with about 80 trees, so it gets a workout.
I don't know what I would do without it.
I usually do 3 passes, one in November, one in December, and then get the stragglers late December.
My only complaint is to dump it when it's really heavily loaded is a bear as it's heavy to lift up and the leaves are packed in. Once you get it tipped up and the leaves started to flow then it dumps ok.

 

[Code54]

My big debate is get the XL or the Z10. The factory deck boot is 8" so I am not too sure there is a benefit to the 10" hose on the cyclone rake? The impeller is the same on both models so I am not too sure you really gain a lot with a 10" and 2hp over the 8" hose at 8hp (as in the amount of suction). I am not sure I understand how additional HP on the same size impeller makes more suction, I would have thought it would be thought the RPMs spinning it faster is what would make more suction?
I just don't want to spend extra money for nothing.