Cylone rake or Trac vac

[asylum575]

I would like a leaf collection system for my BX.

What are the opinions of BX owners that have one of these systems?

Are the deck adapters one size fits all or model specific?

I see alot more Trac Vacs available on ebay and craiglist than the Cyclone rake. The Cyclone rake is made in CT, so parts may be easier to get.

 

[regularjay]

Had a TracVac and it was excellent! It did use a deck specific adaptor. It was on another brand of Orange tractor (Simpilicity) but no reason it wouldn't be good on a BX too.

 

[HarleyScooter]

I have never used a trac-Vac (they look good too) but I can say that I really like the Cyclone Rake. It works just like it is suppose to and it is easy to store when not in use. They sent a deck adapter that was very close to the deck opening, they have different size adapters for different decks, all I had to do was mark the opening and cut it out. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the name brand units.

 

[asylum575]

Thanks guys, I'm leaning towards the Cyclone rake.

 

[ericecon]

I have a trac-vac for my bx24 and pretty much love it. It holds a lot of mulch. I got the entension wand so I can use it without the mower deck in my landscaping as leaves and dead weeds get there. I do, however, have to go through a dealer to get parts. I had to order one part last year and contacted trac-vac (based in ohio, I think) and that's what they told me.

 

[Just2quickz28]

I have a Trac-Vac for my BX24... mostly cause I got it dirt cheap. Heres what I can see for differences.

1) Cyclone Rake has casters for cornering---- great idea for forward movement. I doubt it would be so good backing up as the Trac-vacs solid rear axle. Can anyone with a cyclone rake tell me how well it handles reverse.

2) Storage ------ The Cyclone rake folds up for easy storage vs the Trac vacs trailer design. I don't have a garage so leaving something cloth outside was not high on my list (the mice would eat it)

3) Capacity ----- The Trac Vac offers different models with large capacity (greater than the biggest Cyclone Rake)

4) PTO --- Trav Vac offers a PTO version so you wouldn't have the extra engine to maintain.

5) Deck adapater ---- Trac Vacs custom made deck adapter for the Bx series decks is a very nice metal unit custom made

Ok Like I said Pros and Cons to both units. I would have debated this myself but I got a used Trac Vac with a 5hp Briggs and a 6 inch hose for 200$ with out the deck adapter.

 

[actionaj]

I have had my Cyclone Rake for about five years I don't think i could be without it. It pretty much paid for itself the first year that I bought it. I only use it in the fall for leafs and I have alot of them. Never had a problem with it and it performs beyond exspectation. (it really sucks) If I had replace it I probably buy another one but I do like the ideal of a pto powed one. One less engine to worry about.

 

[kennyd]

1) Cyclone Rake has casters for cornering---- great idea for forward movement. I doubt it would be so good backing up as the Trac-vacs solid rear axle. Can anyone with a cyclone rake tell me how well it handles reverse.

The CR is NOT a trailer, it's rigid mounted to the tractor, so backing is not a problem. There is a lot of swing in the rear when turning though.

4) PTO --- Trav Vac offers a PTO version so you wouldn't have the extra engine to maintain.

Yup, that's the one I want-but they cost MORE than one with an engine!