Trac Vac Leaf Vacuum

[bob19]

I collect about 1,800 bushels of leaves each year. I bought a Trac Vac Model 1080 about 6 years ago. It has a capacity of 44 bushels. It has an 11hp turbine engine on it and I pull it with a Kubota B2910 with a 72" mid-mount mower. Yes, they are expensive, but if you plan to use it like I do, then it is well worth the money. The only expense I have had is a new fuel line and battery in 2008. Plus, I replaced the tail gate on it.

It is very powerful and I can also use it to get leaves by hand. That allows me to get close to buildings and the corners of fences. It very rarely gets stopped up, but that is easy to get loose. If you use it 6 years like I have and do 1,800 bushels a season, I highly recommend it.

 

[sunnyside360]

I found new Trac Vac models 854 and 858 at a dealer about 150 miles away. Cost is $2830 for either model. Add another $214 for a 12' extension hose with quick connect. From what info I can find the only difference between the two models is the 854 is 3ph mounted and the 858 is draw bar mounted.
Still quite expensive but looking more promising.

 

[bob19]

The older model 860, which may or not have been replaced with model 858, would only handle mowers up to 71". If you have a 72" mower like mine, the 858 may not work with your tractor.

 

[CHDinCT]

I guess I'll buck the trend. I've had my Cyclone Rake for 7 leaf seasons and have never had an issue nor needed to replace one part. It is very well made and you buy straight from the factory which is why, in my opinion, you get more for your money. I believe their top of the line XL unit packs a 415 gal capacity and comes with a 9hp Vanguard engine for $1695. Add in the 17 foot hose extension for $200 and shipping and you're a little over $2K depending on where you live.

Now if you have to have a PTO driven model, Trac-Vac is the way to go. Don't know anyone else who makes a PTO driven model.

 

[sunnyside360]

................
Now if you have to have a PTO driven model, Trac-Vac is the way to go. Don't know anyone else who makes a PTO driven model.

Actually, the more I look at these vacuums the more I like the engine driven models because a lot of my use is for cleaning out ditches and I'd have the option of pulling the unit with a UTV, ATV or tractor. In addition, I rarely run my tractor at rated 540 PTO RPM's while mowing grass but with the PTO powered vacuum I'd have to run at/near rated PTO speed when mowing and vacuuming.
I'm now looking real hard at the Trac Vac models 880 and 1080 with dedicated engines for above reasons and am getting info on Cyclone and DR vacuums as well. It's hard to believe the Trac Vac model 880 with 13.5 engine is less money than the pto powered 854.

 

[sunnyside360]

The older model 860, which may or not have been replaced with model 858, would only handle mowers up to 71". If you have a 72" mower like mine, the 858 may not work with your tractor.

On paper the 854 and 858 look identical and the prices are the same (see below). I called the distributor and was told the 858 has a slightly greater vacuum than the 854 due to difference in pulleys.

http://www.acidist.com/Pricebooks/tracvac.pdf

 

[kennyd]

It's hard to believe the Trac Vac model 880 with 13.5 engine is less money than the pto powered 854.

I thought the same thing when I was looking...I think it has to due with volume of sales, I am sure they don't sell many of the PTO model compared to the engine driven ones.