It sounds like the PTO Driven Trac Vac machine shreds leaves as it passes through the pto driven turbine. KennyG I would have thought you would get better mulching of leaves with the deck down. I appreciate the advice!!! Keep the deck up for better mulching. I know on the website they sell an option to keep the 3pt part of the system up so when you lower the deck to suck up leaves your 3pt mounted turbine isn't so close to the ground but if it works better with the deck up then i can most likely not purchase that option.
Leaf Vac
- Thread starter edgarrian
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KennyG
Elite Member
My JD has independent lift so the deck and 3 point are independent. The deck mulches great in any position. It picks up leaves better in the lowest position. I was referring to using the separate pickup tube when you don't use the mower deck. I wasn't aware that some vacs actually include shredding vanes. My Cyclone Rake, like most, has smooth blades on the blower.
jwalk2c
Member
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2007
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- 45
- Location
- Claremont NC
- Tractor
- Ford 1520- 1987, Deere Track Loader 455G- 1997, Wheel horse C160 x 3 , 418-8 , 314-8
I like the features and prices of this brand.
Cyclone Rake - America's #1 Lawn and Leaf Vacuum for 2 Years | Cyclone Rake
Cyclone Rake - America's #1 Lawn and Leaf Vacuum for 2 Years | Cyclone Rake
GirlWhoWantsTractor
Platinum Member
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- Apr 25, 2015
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- 948
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- The Mountains of Virginia
- Tractor
- 2018 Mahindra 26XL HST, Husqv GT48XLsi & YTH48LS
Since I just purchased one of these about 18 months ago, in case it's helpful, here's why I chose the DR over the Cyclone Rake.
1. DR has a toothed metal impeller that also mulches. Since most of my leaf collection is in areas where the mower can't/shouldn't go, and I wanted to compost, this was important.
2. I liked that the path from the mower discharge to the impeller was level, whereas the CR it curves up. Figured less chance for clogs.
3. Overall sturdiness, the DR seems miles above the CR. Size of wheels, the construction of the collector, ease of dumping, etc.
4. Price is about the same.
1. DR has a toothed metal impeller that also mulches. Since most of my leaf collection is in areas where the mower can't/shouldn't go, and I wanted to compost, this was important.
2. I liked that the path from the mower discharge to the impeller was level, whereas the CR it curves up. Figured less chance for clogs.
3. Overall sturdiness, the DR seems miles above the CR. Size of wheels, the construction of the collector, ease of dumping, etc.
4. Price is about the same.
I like the DR better than the CR if I was choosing between the two it would certainly be the DR. Space isn't really a concern for me as I have a pole barn for my attachments. I would agree the DR is a better built product just from the pics. The price for the Trac Vac is a bit over 3k so a bit more expensive
KennyG
Elite Member
I don't really want to start an argument, but I don't think the impression that the Cyclone Rake is lower quality or less sturdy than others is correct. There is a difference between designed heavy and designed well. The CR is optimized to be able to store by hanging on a wall. If that's not important, other options may be better. However, if you talk to CR owners, you will find they are virtually indestructible. I don't really claim to have extreme long term experience, but after 7 years of use, mine looks essentially new.
Of the units out there, the DR does stand out because of the shredding impeller, which I was not aware of. The CR stores best and has the rigid mount, which has some maneuvering advantages. The Trac Vac and Agri Fab units seem to me more basic. Around here they are commonly available used, generally needing repair and looking pretty beat up.
By the way, the small, heavy duty wheels are a feature on the CR. Since they swivel, they can be under the unit, minimizing width. Dual wheels are an option for use in rough ground.
Of the units out there, the DR does stand out because of the shredding impeller, which I was not aware of. The CR stores best and has the rigid mount, which has some maneuvering advantages. The Trac Vac and Agri Fab units seem to me more basic. Around here they are commonly available used, generally needing repair and looking pretty beat up.
By the way, the small, heavy duty wheels are a feature on the CR. Since they swivel, they can be under the unit, minimizing width. Dual wheels are an option for use in rough ground.
GirlWhoWantsTractor
Platinum Member
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- The Mountains of Virginia
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- 2018 Mahindra 26XL HST, Husqv GT48XLsi & YTH48LS
No argument at all! It was a tough decision between the two, as each definitely has its points. With our rough mountainous terrain, the sturdiness of the DR was attractive.
One final point, the CR pulls directly in line with the tractor; jacknife-proof but also less manuverable. With all our tight spaces, trails, etc., the DR won out there too. And yes, I have jacknifed it.
I was really attracted to the plastic impeller on the CR as there is simply no avoiding sucking up rocks around here, and they claim the impeller is rock-proof. So that was a big plus for the CR, though you do lose mulching ability.
srossman
Silver Member
I was in the same boat. Lot's of trees and would spend a lot of time and energy with the backpack blower to move the leaves. I ended up with a used Cyclone rake and what went from two days of leave work to 2 hours. One thing that I can say about the cyclone rake is that the customer service is amazing. I ended up busting the impeller on my last fall after running over a rather large stick, and within a week I had a new impeller and all the parts needed to replace it along with very detailed instructions. I also liked the ability to fold up the unit and store it hanging on a wall. You can almost always find them used it you don't want to spend the extra money for new.