Want to build a tow behind leaf vacuum

[Wilburn Cox]

Last year I purchased a 10 HP MTD chipper/shredder at an estate sale. The machine was used for one season and purchase price was $150.00. I have about 100 oak trees on 4 acres. My reason for buying the machine was to build a leaf vacuum with trailer using this machine as the vacuum source. I think I can remove the chipper chute and cover the opening with steel plate. I will then remove the large leaf chute and replace it with a large hose. This hose will run to the mower deck and also be detachable to use to clean fence rows and etc. The chipper/shredder creates a lot of vacuum. I have seen a few photos of this set up built by others and hopefully I can receive input and or photos from some of you.

Thanks in advance for all assistance and keep praying for rain.
Old Red from Texas

 

[KennyG]

Interesting idea. I have both a chipped shredder and a leaf vacuum. The shredder produces only a fraction of the suction of the leaf vacuum. I'm skeptical but let us know how it works.

 

[nickc]

my neighbor runs a set up like this (trailer leaf vac. with the suction hose connected to the j.d. power-flo) it sucks up compacted wet leaves very well. it certainly makes short work of an ugly task.

 

[2458n]

The vac has a fan with larger and wider pieces of steel. The chipper shredder does the same thing it just does not suck enough. I use a vac behind a JD212 riding mower. The 48 inch deck throws clippings and leaves into a 8" hose that goes to the vac and a piece of black steel stove pipe with a elbow does the exit into the box on the trailer. You need push out of the deck and pull to get the stuff into the shredder. Maybe 25 oak and hickory trees -so you can not wait to long between doing this. Leaves get to deep and mower deck acts like a snow plow.