On Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:28:19 -0800 (PST), Joe wrote:

On Nov 17, 9:57*pm, "CGB" wrote:
Will be purchasing one. * Live in New England. *Question is the type. *I
have come to the conclusion that hedge trimmers etc. powered by rechargeable
batteries just never seem to have enough oooomph *for the job, even when
fully charged. *Does anyone take exception to that?

I'm torn between an electric blower, run by AC current via a long extension
cord (I hate the thought of dragging this around) or a gasoline powered
blower ( not one with the motor transported on my back but with the motor in
the unit itself). Wife won't use a gasoline powered one (can't start it,
period) and wants the electric cord powered one. *I want power and
convenience. *I guess I'm OK with getting gas/oil ratios, changing plugs,
etc., etc. if that is what is requiered to have a powerful unit and not drag
cords all around, what's one more small engine to fool around with....ugh..

Question is: *Can I get an AC powered unit that has enough power to do the
job (half acre lawn, lot of pine needles and oak leaves) and put up with the
inconvenience of dragging the cord or should I go to gasoline powered
machine? *First of all, I want something that works, secondly which is more
convenient if either type of machine works.

After answering above question, how much wind speed, air flow in cfm, ? get
one that works as vacuum machine or not, etc., do you recommend. *Brand,
model recommendations/warnings appreciated.

Thanks. *I've had enough of lawn care for this year but I've got to do it
and want to get it overwith

Chet\

I've had a Toro electric ($70 or so) for five years now. Great
machine. We chop the leaves with it and dump the bag in oversize trash
can liners from Sams'. They go to a friend who is a composting demon.
Our yard looks fabulous and his garden is spectacular. Synergism at
work. When the Toro dies it will be replaced by another one.
Everything just works.

Joe

Joe.

I've got the Toro as well. There are a few models that are very
similar near the top of the line. The one you want is the variable
speed model with the METAL impeller. It may be called Ultimate or
something like that. You don't really need variable speed, but that
comes with the best machine. One other advantage I've found is that
the Toro is much better balanced and you won't get a backache after an
hour. Just hold it in the position where it naturally falls with your
arm hanging down while standing up straight.