leaf/grass collection possibilities

[Schultz]

My Ingersoll has an 18hp Onan. The Ingersoll/Case’s are hydraulically driven through a transaxle and use a hydraulic PTO for its attachments except the mower and snow blower. It runs the 60" mower and the Hydra-vac with no problems. Without the vac you can mow at 6-7 mph but when the vac is on you have to put it in low range and mow around 3-4mph otherwise you'll spend more time unclogging it than mowing. So, with the reduced speed and mowing load the engine never bogs down.
Thanks for the blower idea, I'll have to try it. The Hydra-Vac could easily be used as a blower. Mine fits on the 3pt and could be turned so that it's outlet is pointing to the ground and blowing. I'll try it when the leaves drop. If your interested I'll let you know, how it works.
Another idea for those interested: Used Case/Ingersoll 41”-48" hydra-tillers can be picked up for around $300-$400, which work very well. Weld a quick attach plate to it, and be off tearing up the ground in no time. Oh, and you’ll also need some spray paint to cover the pumpkin orange color.

 

[Schultz]

I forgot to add a link to the manfacturs web site for the Hyda-Vac
http://www.ingersoll-inc.com/attach.html

There is also an Ingersoll/Case site that owners use to sell equipment and trade ideas
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/casegardentractors

By the way I'm not trying to plug Ingersoll stuff. I'm just throwing some ideas out there for everyone.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Hi - I bought a Power Trac 425 in August and I am in the process of mounting a vacuum unit to it as you discuss
I already have the deck fitted with a boot to
collect the grass - I own an 8hp vacuum unit - I have not
yet put together a collection hopper - but I have the basic
idea draw up - I fitted the unit with 6 inch hose to get better
suction - we will see how it works - if it gets clogged I will move up to eight inches - The sixty inch deck does have the
room - I also fitted the rear of the deck with a full width
roller to get the striped pattern I like - the unit cuts very nice
I also added a shield to block the rear discharge when picking up the clippings

I have held off so far on building the hopper because i am
considering selling the 425 - I love the machine but I think the
unit is under powered for mowing on hills - I don't think it is the engine - It has lots of power - I think it justs needs a larger trans pump for hills at 20 degrees+ with a 60 inch deck - So I am looking at the 1430 and the 1845 - I am trying to get the pump make / model for these units - but Power Trac won't give it to me
They say they won't release it for competitive reasons
I don't understand why - I am a homeowner and to my
knowledge - the pumps are "off the shelf" - If anyone
can help me - let me know

 

[MossRoad]

I'm sure we would all like to see pictures of what you have done so far. Sounds very interesting.

 

[Schultz]

I would recommend starting with the 8" hose if you can. It's expensive stuff, but I think you'll find the 6" will clog easily. I have 8" on my 60" deck and it still clogs once and a while. I was contemplating putting a faster spinning hydraulic motor on for more suction, but I don't use it enough to justify the work or the expense. I found another time saving trick this fall with the oak leaves was to mow them once and then mow/vacuum the leaves. It makes for many less trips to the garden and I didn't experience any clogging.
BYW, I looked at changing the vacuum into a blower, but decided it was too much work, for my limited use. I would have had to make new mounts. Now that I have a digital camera I can get some close up's of the hydra-vac if anyone wants them.

 

[MossRoad]

Of course we want them /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

 

[DocHeb]

I think he wants us to beg for the pictures! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Schultz]

I've got a bussiness trip this week and I forgot to take the camera home from work last night. So I'll post them monday. Next time I'll just assume you guys want to see them.
Tim

 

[MossRoad]

Good idea.... post everything and we'll tell you when its enough /w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

Oh Goody - Pictures