Leaf vacuum behind mower. How to deal with leaves this fall

Latest Top 8 Best Leaf Vacuum For Zero Turn Mower 2023

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Do you know what the Best Leaf Vacuum For Zero Turn Mower is? Leaves, branches, and grass clippings accumulate quickly when raked into big fields or lawns. In addition to being monotonous and exhausting, it’s also time-consuming and requires a lot of effort from the body. Pull-behind leaf vacuums can swiftly remove leaves from the ground.

Pull-behind leaf vacuums with powerful hoses can remove leaves from your yard and leave it looking lush and green. over, they may be used with both lawnmowers and lawn tractors because of their adaptability. In addition, they include big debris tanks with hand-free levers that make emptying them a breeze. Check out the best tow-behind leaf vacuums available in the following section and get to work cleaning up your yard!

Another robust, potent, adaptable, and simple-to-use machine that maintains your lawn tidy and lovely is the WORX WG505 leaf vacuum. Your garden or yard will not contain debris after using the WORX WG505.

It is strong enough to handle even the most difficult tasks and may be used for vacuuming, blowing, and mulching. It also has a sizable storage container. It is built to last, so you won’t need to worry about it giving out on you at the worst possible time.

Using A Lawn Mower To Pick Up Leaves

Using a leaf collection system, a lawnmower may gather up fallen leaves. Leaf collecting systems for riding and zero-turn mowers can be flow, belt-driven, or pull-behind. The best approach to managing leaves is to run your lawn mower over them, blowing the leaves into the attached bags. Depending on how many leaves you have, you may need to make a second pass.

Grass clippings are collected using the same leaf collection devices as leaves. Use your lawnmower’s grass bagger to collect leaves. It is common for lawn mower manufacturers to build collection systems for their lawnmowers. If your lawnmower has a bagger system, ask your lawnmower dealer if one is available. This would be excellent.

In a Hurry. Check Top 3 Zero Turn Mower Below…

Our Recommendations

WORX WG514 3-in-1 TriVac Deluxe

Toro 51619 Ultra Electric Blower

BLACKDECKER 3-in-1 Electric Leaf

• Using A Lawn Mower To Pick Up Leaves
• Our Recommendations
• List Of Top 8 Best Leaf Vacuum For Zero Turn Mower 2023

• Our Top Pick Best Zero Turn Leaf Vacuum – WORX WG514 3-in-1 TriVac Deluxe

• Personal Review

• Personal Review

• Personal Review

• Personal Review

• Personal Review

• Personal Review

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• Personal Review

• Flow Leaf Collection Bagger System
• Belt Driven Leaf Collection Bagger System
• Pull-Behind Leaf Collection Bagger System

• Battery Vs Gas Vs Corded Electric
• Handheld Vs Backpack
• Noise Regulations
• Safety Features You Need
• Warranty
• Speed And Volume Efficiency
• Reduction (Mulching) And Bagging

List Of Top 8 Best Leaf Vacuum For Zero Turn Mower 2023

Following are the Top 8 Best Leaf Vacuum For Zero Turn Mower 2023:

Our Top Pick Best Zero Turn Leaf Vacuum – WORX WG514 3-in-1 TriVac Deluxe

The ideal triple threat is this Worx tool. It can transition between being a blower, a mulcher, and a yard vacuum in seconds. To go from blower to vacuum modes, to adjust the machine, rotate the dial on the side by a full 90 degrees. Then, just slide the vacuum collection bag over the impeller.

It has a metal propeller that completely destroys dispersed leaves and a 12-amp motor that won’t pump out foul fumes like a gas-powered blower. The Worx WG512 expels air at a higher pace than others, pushing air at a maximum of 75 miles per hour out of its nozzle at a rate of 600 cubic feet per minute.

Personal Review

Be aware that this leaf vacuum weighs 9.6 pounds. Fortunately, it comes with a strapped collection bag that makes carrying it more straightforward.

(Image Source: Pixabay)

Best Zero Turn Lawn Vacuum – Toro 51619 Ultra Electric Blower

A leaf vacuum that may be used on different surfaces is the Toro 51619. Thanks to its strong suction force, it may easily remove leaves and other debris from patios, sidewalks, driveways, etc. Customers searching for an economical, dependable vacuum cleaner that doesn’t take up a lot of room in their homes will find the Toro 51619 Leaf Vacuum to be quite beneficial.

It may also take up even the tiniest trash particles on hard surfaces like laminate or tile. This product’s convenience-focused design makes it a perfect choice for customers who don’t want to spend much time cleaning their homes or gardens.

Personal Review

The machine has an easy-to-use on/off switch on the back that lets you decide when it turns on and off, making it simple to stop vacuuming when necessary.

(Image Source: Pexels)

Best Lawn VAC For Zero Turn Mowers – Sun Joe SBJ605E 14-Amp

A robust and effective vacuum for leaves and debris, the Sun Joe SBJ605E leaf vacuum is made by Sun Joe. It has a powerful engine, a lengthy cord, and a sizable capacity. A reasonable choice that provides value for the money is the Sun Joe SBJ605E. The self-propel feature, for example, makes it simple to maneuver around obstacles like furniture, walls, and corners. It is also simple to use.

The lengthy cord on this vacuum enables customers to access confined spaces without having to bother about rewiring their plugs or locating an extension cord. The lightweight Sun Joe SBJ605E can be used on damp gravel, wet grass, dry leaves, and wet leaves. Not a problem at all. For further cleaning flexibility, the Sun Joe SBJ605E is also compatible with standardized attachments including vacuum bags and a hose attachment.

Personal Review

I require a leaf vacuum. It was even better because it was a 3-in-1. A non-battery-powered, gas-operated leaf vacuum was chosen because my battery-powered leaf blower did not last long enough. The reviews on other websites for this were the finest.

The assembly is simple. There should be a switch to toggle between the vacuum and blower, but you have to swap out the adapters and flip the entire thing. It only stinks in one direction, then.

Additionally, it is hefty, so there might be better options if your yard is large. Finally, it is deafening. So it is not advisable to use it in the morning or at night. Overall, it completed the task I had for it. The vacuum did eventually stop working while the bag was only half full.

(Image Source: Unsplash)

Best Leaf Vacuum – BLACKDECKER 3-in-1 Electric Leaf

Over the past 20 years, BLACKDECKER has worked to provide customers with high-quality products. They consequently continually offer their clients top-notch goods and services. Whether your yard is tiny or vast, the BLACKDECKER BV6600 Electric Leaf Blower Vacuum is a potent instrument to help you clean it up. It is the ideal instrument for cleaning leaves, twigs, pine needles, etc.

The BLACKDECKER BV6600 Electric Leaf Blower Vacuum is made with a design that makes it simple to dump debris and store it when not in use quickly. It also has an ergonomic design, which makes prolonged usage comfortable.

Thanks to the company’s low price, you can quickly and effectively clean your yard with the BLACKDECKER BV6600 Electric Leaf Blower Vacuum. You’ll appreciate gardening more after using this product.

Personal Review

Black and Decker’s electric blower/suction device is incredibly versatile! To blow or vacuum your property, you can change the power setting for more or less power. The major feature of this product that I adore is the absence of a zipper in favor of a sturdy plastic clip, which helps the bag last longer over time. I frequently use this product to clean my house, and I’ve been happy with it.

(Image Source: Picjumbo)

Top Zero Turn Mower For Leaf Vacuum: WORX WG509

The DR Leaf Yard vacuum is a lightweight, easy-to-tow model that may be used to remove leaves and grass clippings from your lawn. It can take up leaves in a single pass and is highly forceful when in use. You won’t have to spend a lot of time emptying the tank because it can contain 200 gallons of leaves.

Powered by a 223cc torque engine and a large Shark Teeth impeller, this leaf vacuum easily delivers the right airflow to remove leaves. Obstructions and grass clippings result in a beautifully manicured lawn free of clutter. The collector top of the model is made of polyester sandwiched between a waterproof PVC backing and is removable and foldable for storage.

The cart’s bed can be released with a simple push of a button. With a 60-degree dump angle, emptying the cart takes only a few minutes. Because of the model’s anti-clog hose design, you don’t have to worry about stuff becoming stuck in the hose and clogging it up.

You can easily and rapidly collect debris from your lawn using the hose’s compact diameter, which maximizes suction force. You deserve a tow-behind leaf vacuum that is effective, transportable, and easy to operate.

The wheels on this model are specially designed by DR Leaf Lawn so they can easily handle a variety of surfaces. However, the 14-inch tires on this leaf vacuum trailer provide adequate stability and traction despite their small size while pulling it along behind a mower.

Personal Review

Excellent results and ease of use! This is a top-notch product! Flipping a lever is all it takes to switch between blowing and sucking. You don’t even have to switch off the electricity to blow off leaves lodged in the shrubbery!

• The electric starter responds quickly and starts the engine.
• Up to 200 gallons of shredded material are stored in this device.
• Grass clippings and leaves may easily travel through an 8-inch hose with great suction power.
• When not in use, the object can be easily disassembled and stored.

(Image Source: EyeEm)

Runner Up Pick Leaf Vacuum Mower: Brinly PP-510-A

Brinly is a plow master. than 173 years have passed since Brinly began making plows in 1801. The Brinly Moldboard Plow is ideal for breaking new ground in a garden or landscape. Using a heavy-duty steel colter blade, the plow excavates a furrow, and the moldboard removes the old vegetation and sod to make room for fresh planting. You can accomplish all of this from the comfort of a garden tractor.

You may want to consider purchasing the Brinly LVS-33BH PolyVac if you have a large lawn overflowing with leaves and bring back the beauty of green grass and lovely trees. It’s a piece of equipment that performs the job correctly, one that is highly praised for its ease of use, its ability to vacuum up leaves, and its ease of emptying afterward.

The Brinly LVS-33BH PolyVac has passed numerous tests, indicating well worth the asking price. With a 4MPH hose suction force, the model can readily suck up leaves at least one foot deep. It isn’t clogged or shut down by anything. And the end effect is a long-lasting, well-cared-for lawn.

Despite its small size, the Brinly LVS-33BH PolyVac appears to have difficulty getting into tight spaces. However, if you place the 8-inch hose close to the region, you can avoid this problem. There is no need to remove the mower’s hose from the deck; all you need to do is rake away the leaves.

Personal Review

The dumping angle of this tow-behind leaf vacuum is one of its most prominent features. The Brinly LVS-33BH PolyVac tank is easy to empty because it stands at 53 degrees and has a foot pedal. You save time because you don’t need a rake to remove the dirt from the leaves.

• An easy-to-use product that is also easy to dispose of
• It does exactly what it should.
• A massive mound of leaves
• Can be effectively suctioned.
• In vacuuming a large lawn, the suction force is more than adequate.
• It’s built to last and doesn’t cost a fortune to keep up with.
• Has a large tongue that makes vacuuming leaves challenging
• The unloading procedure is dusty.

(Image Source: iStockPhoto)

Editor Choice Leaf Vacuum For Zero Turn Mower: Agri-Fab 45-0492

For a small area, a backpack leaf vacuum is a good option. A professional tow-behind leaf vacuum can make the largest difference when dealing with a lawn or field that is more than 2 acres in size. Considering that it works effectively even on properties and areas with deep or huge leaves, the Agri-Fab 55188 Mow N Vac may be just what you need.

The container’s design and artistry are flawless. It is built of steel and coated in a black finish to keep it safe from the elements. Plastic is used for the top and back, making it more durable. Even though the Mow N Vac model isn’t built like a tank, it does just fine.

Expect it to do a good job picking up grass clippings, twigs, and leaves because its suction force is adequate. The 208cc Briggs Stratton engine fires up on the first pull in most situations. As the name suggests, the Agri-Fab 55188 Mow N Vac is a great choice for fields with a moderately elevated slope or flat terrain.

This leaf vacuum won’t work on slopes steeper than 3 degrees because of the short wheelbase and the attachment’s inability to more than double the base. If your lawn is uneven, don’t bother with this unit.

Even though the 55188 Mow N Vac mode has a frame that isn’t as sturdy as many landowners would prefer, it is reliable and quite functional. The motor vibrates because the structure isn’t sturdy enough to hold it. You can get over this issue as long as you bolt on some strength to the tongue bar.

Personal Review

This is a must-have if you have a tractor, many leaves, and an average to large-sized property. It’s simple to take apart for storage and just as simple to put back together again. It’s a bit of a pain to the store because it’s so big.

• A zero-turn mower is compatible with this.
• Reliable and useful in every sense of the word. With this machine, you’ll be able to mow and vacuum vast areas.
• It is not recommended for steeply inclining lawns.
• When in use, it makes a lot of noise.

(Image Source: Adobe Stock)

Best Leaf Vacuum For Zero Turn Mower: Agri-Fab 45-0540 Lawn

Agri-Fab Chip-N-Vac transforms an overgrown lawn into an astonishing and attractive landscape in just a few hours. In contrast to a backpack vacuum cleaner, the Agri-Fab Chip-N-Vac lets you clear leaves from a large area with less strain on your body. The model is simple to mount on a lawn tracker, has a quick-starting engine, and has wide, sturdy wheels for cruising.

In terms of design, there are three factors to consider. The design’s first benefit is its adaptability to a wide range of tractor decks (more than 40). So long as the deck does not exceed 50 inches in width, that is. Secondly, the handle is made of robust and long-lasting steel. It’s important to keep in mind that the design is flexible, which means better maneuverability while you work.

Last but not least, the hose is long enough to be operated with one’s own two hands. Furthermore, it’s clear enough to make blockage identification simple. A hose extension kit is an option if you’d want to enhance the unit’s capabilities, especially if you’d like to operate in places that appear to be difficult to access.

It’s a decent performer, according to the Agri-Fab Chip-N-Vac review. You can start by mowing, and the machine will automatically record the clippings. Additionally, it has a 208cc Briggs Stratton engine that can chop up to 2 inches of dry and soft branches into mulch.

The chipper’s 80-mile suction power is more than sufficient to remove pine needles, leaves, and other debris from your lawn before it has a chance to accumulate. The hose tends to come off as you make a left turn, which isn’t a big deal but should be fixed by Agri-Fab. If you can’t always turn right, the next best thing is to make a short-left turn.

Personal Review

Although the vacuum is quite tough, it can suffer damage if it picks up rocks or gravel along the road. In addition, I have a hose and handle for use in and around trees and bushes. It’s a definite must-have.

• Its chipper can chip branches up to two inches in diameter.
• Its suction is strong enough to remove pine needles and grass clippings.
• Included is a potent 208cc engine.

(Image Source: BigStockPhoto)

Different Types Of Leaf Collection Systems Can Be Used With Lawnmowers

Flow, belt-driven, and pull-behind grass collection systems can all be used on a riding lawn mower or zero-turn mower to collect leaves and other debris.

Flow Leaf Collection Bagger System

The flow system is the simplest leaf collection option for your riding mower or zero turns. Chopped leaves are pushed through a tube and into an attached bag by the airflow generated by mower blades. A push mower’s discharge chute will make the leaves into the grass catcher bag.

Belt Driven Leaf Collection Bagger System

A blower housing is mounted to the discharge side of the mower deck in a belt drive leaf gathering system. This casing protects the impeller fan. A belt coupled to the mower’s impeller fan creates increased airflow through the blower tube and into the linked bags.

Pull-Behind Leaf Collection Bagger System

With an additional engine attached to a trailer, the device can suction leaves from the deck and deposit them in bags or a compartment on a pull-behind camper.

Product Comparison

The Lawn Tractor Leaf Bag is exactly what it sounds like: a large bag connecting to your ride-on mower’s output. Simply fasten the bag, start the mower, and rake some leaves. It’s a good way to eliminate leaves, pine needles, and other yard waste, especially considering how quickly and little most standard leaf vacuums can handle in their bags. This lawn tractor leaf bag won’t need to be carried about and will require less emptying.

Having the BLACKDECKER BV3600 leaf vacuum at home is a terrific idea. Pet hair, leaves, and other dirt may all be cleaned up with this vacuum because it is lightweight, strong, and adaptable. This blower is among the best leaf vacuum mulchers since it has a handle that can be adjusted in height to simplify cleaning various surfaces.

Additionally, the machine features a large hole at the front that makes it simple to empty the bagless dust cup, which has a huge capacity and can hold a lot of material. The BLACKDECKER BV3600 leaf vacuum also includes a 2-year warranty on all parts and attachments, making it a fantastic value.

Powerful and adaptable, the Toro 51621 UltraPlus Leaf Blower Vacuum is built to handle any job, no matter how big or small. Homeowners or landscapers can use this device to clear their property of leaves, debris, and other waste. It also has a lot of characteristics that make it a desirable option for anyone who requires a strong leaf blower with the capacity to hoover up debris.

Powerful, portable, and simple to use, the Toro 51621 UltraPlus Leaf Blower Vacuum can swiftly provide a lot of fresh air. It includes a strong motor that can produce up to 405 CFM and an adjustable nozzle to accommodate various user requirements.

The Husqvarna 125BVX is incredibly well constructed, starts with just one pull, and handles dry leaves with aplomb. However, it did become clogged while accumulating moist mixed material, such as pine needles and oak leaves. The bag attachment, secured by a strong spring stitched into the bag’s collar, was more bothersome.

Once attached, the bag is difficult to remove because of how tightly it grips the discharge tube. In the end, you must lug the filled bag and the shredder to dump the contents. That’s inconvenient, considering that a bag of shredded rubbish might weigh between 5 and 12 pounds (according to our tests).

Product Testing

Most of the models listed above were subjected to testing; including analyzing how well the leaf vacuum functioned when clearing lawns, a parking lot, and area perimeters of dry and damp leaves and other debris.

We reviewed product lists for pertinent weight, motor type and size specifications, and other features or capabilities for the leaf vacuums we didn’t use directly. The opinions of hundreds of reviewers on Amazon, Walmart, and other retail websites were also considered. These models are our top picks for the best leaf vacuums after considering all of that.

Best Leaf Vacuum For Zero Turn Mower Buyer’s Guide

If you’re searching to buy a leaf vacuum for the first time or are looking to trade in your current one, these six traits will help you decide.

Battery Vs Gas Vs Corded Electric

There are two types of gas-powered handheld leaf blowers and vacuums: two-stroke and four-stroke engines. Fuel and oil are combined in a precise ratio in the 2-stroke engine. If you don’t follow the manufacturer’s directions, your mixture may not be the correct proportion of ingredients.

In comparison to 2-stroke engines, 4-stroke engines emit significantly less pollution. The exhaust emissions are fewer with the 4-stroke engine because fuel-oil mixtures aren’t necessary. The 4-stroke vacuum/leaf blower is more cumbersome and necessitates more frequent oil changes than the 2-stroke.

For bigger regions, the gas handheld leaf vacuum has higher power and is more efficient. The power cable of a corded electric leaf blower/vacuum is the limit. There is less noise and pollution with an electric leaf vacuum, which is more environmentally friendly than a gas-powered handheld leaf blower/vacuum.

The electric leaf blower/vacuum is less cumbersome than the gas and battery leaf vacuums. Batteries in battery-powered leaf vacs are limited by the amount of time the battery has to run out. If you have a backup battery, you don’t have to wait for the event to recharge. The battery-powered leaf vac is suitable for large city gardens because of its agility.

Handheld Vs Backpack

With a backpack leaf vacuum, the weight of the leaf blower/vacuum is distributed evenly over the shoulders and back. The shoulders are protected by padding on the straps. At home, the handheld leaf blower/vacuum is most commonly employed. As a result, it is more suited for business locations.

Another way, the backpack leaf blower/vacuum is twice as heavy as a gas-powered portable leaf vacuum. In the beginning, landscapers were the primary users of backpack leaf vacuums. Leaf vacuums are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners as they are both more efficient and take less time to operate.

Noise Regulations

Leaf blowers create such a lot of noise that many local governments have restrictions on their use because of noise rules. Your town’s or city’s leaf-blowing regulations should be checked before acquiring a leaf blower.

• It is sometimes legal to have a decibel level no higher than this.
• Leaf blower use is often limited by the time of day and the day of the week.
• Regulations in some cities/towns contain a detailed list of approved brands and brands that are prohibited.
• Noisy and in some places prohibited, gas leaf blowers and vacuums are the most common. Regulations may limit the distance you can operate your leaf vacuum. It is possible to limit the number of leaf blowers used simultaneously in a yard. This isn’t an issue for most homeowners, but it’s a problem for commercial landscapers and businesses.

Leaf blower/vacuum use may be restricted in residential areas based on the time of day. Gas-powered blowers tend to be noisier than electric versions. The noise level of an electric motor is lower than that of a combustion engine at a given voltage.

Safety Features You Need

Small stones and twigs might damage the leaf vacuum. Before using the leaf vac, blow the leaves onto the lawn with the blower. When using a gas-powered lawn leaf blower/vacuum, wear hearing protection.

The leaf blower/effect vacuums on your arms, hands, and shoulders can be lessened with vibration reduction features. When a wide area needs to be blown or vacuumed, comfort becomes more vital. The gas leaf blower/vacuum may be started more easily with a simplified choke.

Warranty

From blower to blower, the warranty period varies. Even if the guarantee lasts for five years, it will only cover certain defects. Then there are two-year warranties that cover everything. Make sure that you are aware of the warranty’s duration and scope.

Speed And Volume Efficiency

The speed and volume of the garden leaf blower/vacuum influence its effectiveness. Miles per hour is the unit of measurement for airflow speed (MPH). The leaf vac’s speed controls how quickly and efficiently it can blow and suck huge branches and other debris. ” Between 110 and 180 MPH, most leaf vacs are capable of. A few are capable of speeds more than 250 miles per hour.

Leaves can be blasted at different speeds depending on the leaf vacuum model. Cleaning your yard will be easier or harder, depending on the volume of leaves and other trash. The cubic feet per minute (CFM) measure the amount of air moving through the vacuum tube in a given period. That’s how much vacuum/leaf blower power it has.

Reduction (Mulching) And Bagging

The vacuum-enabled models’ collection bags soon fill up. This necessitates a lot of trips to the trash can. Leaf blower/vacuum mulcher types have internal blades that chop the leaves into tiny pieces. The reduction rate increases considerably while using a mulcher.

Even while the label might say that the reduction is 10:1 or 16:1, it is often less. Wet leaves and other detritus obstruct the attainment of results that would be possible under ideal circumstances. How many leaf bags are mulched into one to get the decrease rate?

Mulching increases the quantity of waste and mulched leaves that a bag can hold before it is filled, even if the ratio is 6:1 or 4:1. If you don’t want to use the mulch as fertilizer, don’t use it. Having fewer visits to empty the bag is always a good thing. Burning leaves is legal in several places. Some persons have lung issues exacerbated by leaf smoke, so you may want to check with your neighbors.

For ease of use, get a leaf vacuum with a reusable empty leaf bag lined with disposable bags for convenience. If you don’t use disposable bags, you will need to clean the bag regularly to remove stinky leaves and other debris that may remain after emptying the bag.

Conclusion

So, these are my recommendations about the Best Leaf Vacuum For Zero Turn Mower. Like any other power instrument, Leaf Blowers have a two-way interaction with their users, much like any other. For the following 5 to 8 years, it will exceed any other product if you treat it with respect and care. A new leaf blower purchase can be nerve-wracking for those who have never done it before.

Don’t hesitate to ask other power tool users for advice if you’ve got nothing out of our leaf blower purchase guide. They can be found on message boards, review websites, and more. In addition, you can contact a member of our team directly by writing to us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to vacuum leaves with a zero turn?

Only right-side discharge mowers can be utilized with DR Leaf and Lawn Vacuums. Most zero-turn mowers are compatible with all models. The PREMIER and PILOT models can be operated with a 12 HP engine on particularly level terrain.

On a zero-turn mower, how do you pick up leaves?

A flow, belt-driven, or pull-behind leaf collection system can be used on a riding or zero-turn mower. Making runs over the leaves with your lawn mower, which blows them into the attached bags, is the best way to collect up leaves. It’s possible that collecting all of your leaves will take more than one pass.

Is it possible to tow a dump cart with a zero-turn mower?

A 42-inch domestic zero-turn isn’t built to tow anything. Yes, some have a hitch and can pull a small yard cart or spreader, but if you try to pull tonnes of dirt, firewood, or a leaf vacuum regularly, you will damage the transmissions.

What is the weight of the Cyclone Rake?

The SuperHauler with NO Bin (in any design tire) weighs around 200 lbs. The Bulk Bin weighs 30 pounds in its original packaging. The Flexi-Deck is 90 pounds when packaged.

How to deal with leaves this fall

Are you dreading cleaning up leaves this fall? Or maybe you’re trying to decide if you should even deal with leaves this year. We’re here to answer all your questions, from whether or not you need to clean up leaves to how to do it and what equipment to use.

Should you remove leaves from your yard?

That pile of leaves spread across your lawn can be intimidating, especially if you’re planning to tackle it wielding nothing more than a rake. The good news is, there are some cases where removing leaves is unnecessary. Other times, piles of leaves can smother your lawn and cause some serious damage.

As a rule of thumb, leaves covering more than a third of the yard should be removed or thinned out. If the leaves cover less than a third of the lawn and you can see grass blades coming through, it might be okay to keep them there.

Keeping leaves on the lawn can actually be healthy for it. Leaves will decompose over time and provide nutrients back into the yard.

What if your lawn is covered entirely with leaves? Is it still healthy to leave them be?

If you want the free fertilizer from leaves without worrying about suffocating your lawn, you can mulch them or thin them out.

Best way to remove leaves from your yard

Some old-fashioned raking and bagging will do the trick, but it may not be the best method. The best way really depends on how you see it. You can save money and put in more time and effort, or spend money to make the job quick and easy.

Besides raking by hand, the cheapest method is the one you already have the equipment for. If you own a blower, piling up leaves for bagging will be much easier. Own a lawn mower? Most walk-behind mowers come with a bagger attachment, so it will do the bagging for you. Riding mowers can also use bagging attachments or tow-behind sweepers, so if you own one of those, you’re in good shape.

If you don’t mind spending a little money, your leaf removal experience can be painless. With a bagger, mulching kit, or tow-behind collection system for your riding mower, the job can be done with very little effort in about the same time it takes to mow. STIHL offers shredder vacuums that will pick up leaves, shred them, and bag them all in one go.

Is mulching leaves good for the lawn?

Absolutely. If the leaf layer is covering your lawn, set your riding mower or walk-behind mower to mulch mode and go over them. Like grass, breaking up leaves into smaller pieces will make it easier for them to decompose. Be sure to follow the best practices when mulching and only mow when the leaves are dry, otherwise they’ll stick to the mower deck and clump together in the lawn.

When should you bag leaves instead of mulching?

Mulching is great, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are several reasons why you may choose to bag leaves instead:

• If the leaf layer is too thick, mulching may help some, but there may still be too much for your lawn to handle.
• If you recently overseeded your lawn, mowing will disturb the grass seeds.
• Members of a Homeowners Association may be required to bag leaves.
• You want to use them in a compost pile or bin.

How to use a leaf blower for removing leaves

While leaf blowers are mostly used for clearing debris from garages, driveways, walkways, and patios, they can also help with lawn cleanup. If you’re physically unable to use a rake, blowers can do the heavy lifting for you.

When using a leaf blower to remove leaves, start in the corners of the yard and work your way towards the middle. Lay a tarp down to catch the leaves so you can easily drag them around. It’s counter-productive to worry about every single leaf, so just FOCUS on getting the bulk of them moved.

With the tarp full, you have a few options for handling the leaves. You can fold it up and haul the leaves off, move them to a burn pile or compost bin, or roll up the tarp and funnel them into bags.

Once the majority of your leaves are taken care of, decide if the remaining leaves are worth dealing with. Use a rake if you want to pick them up or, if your blower has it, switch to vacuum mode and bag up the remaining leaves. It’s better to use the vacuum for smaller loads as most leaf blower vacuum bags won’t hold many leaves.

Best equipment for removing leaves from your lawn

If you want to remove leaves in the quickest and most efficient way, you’ll need some equipment designed for the job. Leave the rake in the shed and bring out the big guns.

How to pick up leaves with a riding lawn mower

Using a riding mower is the most effortless way to remove leaves from your yard. You have a few options: baggers, tow-behind lawn sweepers, and mulching kits.

To use a bagging leaf vacuum, you’ll need a compatible riding mower or zero-turn. All John Deere lawn tractors and residential zero-turns can attach bagging systems. With the bagger mounted, drive over the leaves to collect them. When the hoppers are full, remove them and dump the leaves out. The hoppers can also be lined with plastic bags for easier disposal.

Tow-behind lawn sweepers will work on any lawn mower with a hitch. Tow-behinds are cheaper than bagging vacuums, but require a little more labor. Drive around the lawn with the sweeper to collect them, then dump the leaves into a pile. For easier cleanup, lay out a tarp to dump them on.

If you decide to mulch, or don’t want to spend extra money on a sweep or vacuum, most mowers have mulching kits available. To mulch the leaves, close the baffle on the deck and go over the lawn. The chopped up leaves will work their way down between the grass blades and decompose more easily.

Using walk-behind mowers to clean up leaves

Most walk-behinds are capable of mulching and bagging. To bag leaves, make sure the rear-discharge plug is removed and attach the bag. Close the side discharge chute and you’re good to go. To mulch, remove the bag and plug the port, leaving the side discharge chute closed.

There are a couple of drawbacks that go along with using walk-behind mowers for leaves. Processing large amounts of material can be hard for them to handle. You may also find yourself emptying the bag fairly often. Given the option, I’d still choose a walk-behind over a rake any day.

STIHL offers battery-powered lawn mowers with mulching and bagging capabilities. If you’d rather have a gas-powered lawn mower, Honda HRN, HRX, and HRC models also have mulching and bagging capabilities.

Walk-behind leaf vacuums and blowers

If you have a serious leaf problem, you might consider a walk-behind yard vacuum or blower. These machines were build specifically for dealing with debris-covered lawns.

Walk-behind lawn vacuums feature much larger bags than mowers so you can pick up more leaves before stopping. Billy Goat leaf vacuums are designed to pick up other litter as well, so you don’t have to worry about tearing up your lawn mower.

Walk-behind blowers are more powerful than most handheld and backpack blowers. They’re also closer to the ground to force the leaves out of the way. These machines work great for moving the leaves around, but if you plan to bag them you’ll still have to use a tarp or go back and collect them somehow.

Leaf blowers and shredder vacuums

Earlier I went over the best way to remove leaves with a leaf blower, but didn’t talk much about the equipment. For the a blower with a vacuum built-in, check out STIHL’s shredder vacs. If you want to save money, you can pick up a handheld blower or backpack blower without the shredder option. STIHL has a full line-up of blower and shredders to choose from with battery or gas-powered options.

While you’re clearing leaves from the yard, don’t forget to remove leaves from your gutters. STIHL offers leaf blower gutter cleaning kits for several of their handheld models. These kits include tubes that attach to the end of the blower and extend their reach by more than 10 feet.

Hutson carries the right equipment for all your fall cleanup needs. If you have any questions or would like to try out any of the equipment we mentioned, reach out to your nearest Hutson location.

How to Make a Cutout Template for a Leaf Vacuum Hose Adapter

Introduction: How to Make a Cutout Template for a Leaf Vacuum Hose Adapter

This tutorial will demonstrate how I created cutout templates for the leaf vacuum hose adapter used on my lawn mower. The process was easy, took very little time, cost almost nothing (3 for a pack of 10” bamboo skewers) and was very accurate.

Getting a new pull behind leaf vacuum can be an exciting event, until you realize you will need to cut the universal vacuum hose adapter for the mower deck yourself. For some mower decks, you might be able to cutout a simple rectangular opening. For most lawn mower decks the task can be quite challenging. Unfortunately, my mower deck fell in the category of the latter – complicated – and thus the reason for this Instructable.

Since there are so many different versions and sizes of mower decks available, it would be near impossible for manufacturers to supply templates for mower decks. Thus, it falls upon new owners to figure out how to cut and fit the universal vacuum hose adapter that comes with the unit. The written instructions for this task are rather sparse and videos tend to be vague when it comes to the actual process. As a result, the process usually requires a lot of trial and error cutting cardboard templates and trying them for fit, and then repeating the process over and over until you get reasonably close or just get too frustrated and just use what you have up to that point.

This instructable will explain the process I used to easily create accurate cutout templates that you can then trace on to the universal vacuum hose adapter and then cutout.

This Instructable has four steps:

Step 1 – Determine the best deck location to mount the adapter

Step 2 – How to Accurately recreate the deck shape/profile

Step 3 – Position the templates correctly on the leaf vacuum adapter

Step 4 – Some other considerations.

Note: To view photos original size in this Instructable when uploaded, you need to select a photo, position the cursor near the bottom left of the photo and you should then see a Download Original icon. Simply press it and the photo will open to it’s original size. If the photo is white in the bottom left corner, you may not be able to see the icon, but you should still see the Download Original pop up.

Step 1: Determine the Best Deck Location to Mount the Adapter

Note: In my case it was easier to do the following steps with the mower deck removed; in the instructable I show the mower deck installed so that the reader can better visualize how it might look installed.

It is important that you first determine the approximate position/location where you prefer the adapter be mounted on the mower deck. To do this for my mower deck I simply held the adapter above the mower deck location I wanted and then marked lines and spots where the edges of the adapter crossed areas on the mower deck (photo 04 top right. purple line overlaid on the photo).

For example, the front deck position I marked with a line (photo 04, top left bottom left), the intermediate points towards the back I marked with short dashes (photo 04, top left top right), and the back deck position with a large dot (photo 04, top left bottom right).

Be sure to allow enough clearance for the vacuum hose movement, wheel clearance, etc (photo 03 of Intro).

Step 2: How to Accurately Recreate the Deck Shape/profile

In order to recreate the contour (profile) of the deck, I created a simple tool for the purpose. I used some stiff cardboard and inserted 10” bamboo meat skewers through the holes in the cardboard (photo 05). For the contour tool, I made the width of the contour cutout about 1” larger than the adapter cutout area (between the two blue arrows in the top left, photo 05). I made the contour tool cutout height 1” higher than the highest point of the deck above the deck rim (about 6 in my case). I then inserted the bamboo meat skewers through the corrugated cardboard holes as shown in photo 05, top right.

Next, I cut a blank section of cardboard the same size as the face of the universal vacuum hose adapter (6 ½” x 21”). I then placed the contour tool on the deck rim over the line I initially marked in step 1 and adjusted each skewer down to the surface of the deck. The contour tool must sit on the rim of the mower deck since that is how universal vacuum hose adapters are mounted when attached. (In photo 05, bottom right, I show the contour cutout slightly above those points only so that you can see the deck markings.)

I then placed the contour tool over the blank section of cardboard and recreated the actual contour onto the blank (photo 05, right middle). Next, I cutout the blank using the traced line as a guide. You should end up with a nice template, something like that shown in photo 05, bottom left.

Finally, always check your results on the deck contour to make sure you’ve not made any errors.

For the bottom contour, I cutout a section of cardboard the same width as the universal vacuum hose adapter and placed it directly under the deck using the same marker points on the deck (photos 06-08). I simply traced the outlines using the deck and marked a dash line allowing for the thickness of the mower deck. I then cutout the bottom template using the dashed line (photo 08). As a reminder, all of the adapters are mounted so that they sit on the outer rim of the mower deck.

Step 3: Position the Templates Correctly on the Leaf Vacuum Adapter

First, make sure the profile cutouts match the profile of the deck surface where you want it to be positioned.

Using the templates, trace the templates onto the adapter surfaces. Double check that you positioned them correctly before cutting out the adapter.

Using a jigsaw, cutout the adapter openings along the lines you traced in the last step (photos 09 10). Do a test fit to make sure things matched up as expected. The final step is to install any mounting hardware the manufacturer supplied with the adapter. If yours was like mine, you will probably need to make a few modifications for just the right fit (photos 11 12).

Step 4: Some Other Considerations.

There were several other thoughts I’m including here that might be of interest:

Trailer hitch (photo 14). My leaf vacuum manufacturer recommended the hitch height be between 8-15” above ground. I added a hitch adapter that met the height requirement as well created a stronger pull rating in the process. The hitch I used can be found searching for “CNSY Universal Lawn Tractor Hitch 3-Way Garden Trailer Hitch with Support Brace Kit”.

Cotter pin modification on hose support (see yellow arrow in photo 15). All pull behind leaf vacuums I have seen have a vacuum hose support rod. The rods routinely pop out during use, so I secured mine with a cotter pin.

Longer, more rugged hose for vacuuming piles of leaves (photo 16) and place vacuum hose “markers” on ends and middle (photo 17, top photos bottom left). According to the manufacturers estimate, the vacuum hose that comes with my unit should have been long enough for most lawn tractors. Unfortunately, my tractor has a sharper left turn radius than normal, so I needed a longer vacuum hose. They offered an extension, however it would have been too long and added unnecessary weight, so I just purchased a longer, more rugged, lighter vacuum hose instead. The hose I use is from (https://www.cyclonerake.com/flex-tube-pu-hose/). I also placed markers on the hose and attachments to make it quicker to put on and remove the hose each time when using or storing.

Box strap as a handle when using as vacuum hose (photo 17, bottom right). My leaf vacuum came with a quick release coupling to allow accessory hoses to be attached. I attached a box strap near the quick release end of the hose to use as a handle when picking up large piles of leaves.

Keep vacuum hose off the ground so it doesn’t wear out on bottom side (photo 16). Recommend the hose support keep the hose elevated to prevent unnecessary wear on the vacuum hose bottom. Many of the leaf vacuum units I seen installed by owners allow the hose to drag along the ground rather than keep it elevated.

I need to store my leaf vacuum in an outdoor shed, so when storing I remove the vacuum hose to conserve space. I use a duct vent cover to keep mice out of the leaf vacuum motor inlet while stored (photo 18).

I hope you find this Instructable useful.

Leaf Vacuums

A commercial leaf vacuum is a perfect machine for maintaining lawn areas in tip-top condition during all weather and seasons and can be used on the tarmac and other hard surfaces.​Our leaf vacuum range is available as towed or trailed and is suitable for private and commercial uses for collecting leaves, grass clippings, and other debris, from gardens and golf courses, to sports grounds, paths, and parkland.

Leaf Vacuum trailer

This leaf vacuum trailer is perfect for clearing large areas from leaves, cuttings and debris and ideal for commercial use. This unit has a powerful 9HP Honda engine, mounted onto a two-wheel chassis with an integral tow bar. The best way of using the FGPSU commercial leaf vacuum is to attach it to the rear end of the leaf collector trailer. This unit can be supplied with a kit to modify your own trailer, or collected from Fresh Group Products and modified to suit your trailer. The discharge hose is attached to the rear of the trailer, for an efficient and easy waste collection. This machine is best used by two people, one acting as the driver and the other one operating the hoover for quick clearing of road edges and other areas. This vacuum chops the leaves through its fan, reducing the trips to the dumping areas, saving you money and time. The unit can be used in conjunction with a hand held leaf blower, blowing out leaves from flower beds and awkward areas and then collecting them with the collector trailer. The fan belt of the machine is driven and not fitted directly onto the crankshaft of the engine.

Large Capacity Commercial Leaf Vacuum

​This large capacity vacuum unit can be towed behind a tractor and is described as twin cut. Tractors have a centre rear discharge, blowing the cut grass/leaves into a limited size collection hopper where frequent emptying is extremely time-consuming and frustrating.

The FGTRCL commercial leaf vacuum can collect large amount of leaves in one fill, speeding up labour and saving costs. The powerful motorised fan unit mounted onto the front of the machine collects up the green waste from the cutter deck and propels it into the collector trailer which has a low centre of gravity, making it extremely stable even on hilly ground. ​ A deflector plate on the discharge shoot is adjustable for even loading of different materials. Although this unit cannot be emptied by tipping it, a web strap anchored at one end, when pulled, removes most of the waste from the machine via a large rear hinged tail gate. Wide profile pneumatic wheels greatly reduce markings on soft lawns. This leaf collector can also be used on yards, level tarmac and gravel surfaces. Side discharge cutter decks can be fitted with a ‘boot’ to accept the collection hose.

FGTRCL Specifications: Collector size W890mm (35)/H1120mm (44)/L1580mm (62). Overall Length: 3050mm (120). Blower Diameter: 530mm (21). Engine Size: Honda 5.5Hp. Suction/delivery hose: 200mm (8). ​Conecting hose to ride on mower = 1.5Mx8. Weight: 162kg.

Towed Leaf vacuum