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\

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

I had an electric one for several years. The air speed rating was
higher than any of the gasoline options. I liked it just fine until I
started doing other people's yards. Dragging a cord around damaged
their flowers and such, and I couldn't be sure there was an available
outlet.

When it died, I replaced it with an attachment for my Troy-Bilt
trimmer--one of the interchangeable kind. It's not as easy to hold, but
I have only one motor to worry about.

For half an acre, you'll do fine with an electric model. Just don't
drag the cord through the petunias.

--
Steve Bell
New Life Home Improvement
Arlington, TX

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.

SteveBell wrote:
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

I had an electric one for several years. The air speed rating was
higher than any of the gasoline options. I liked it just fine until I
started doing other people's yards. Dragging a cord around damaged
their flowers and such, and I couldn't be sure there was an available
outlet.

When it died, I replaced it with an attachment for my Troy-Bilt
trimmer--one of the interchangeable kind. It's not as easy to hold, but
I have only one motor to worry about.

For half an acre, you'll do fine with an electric model. Just don't
drag the cord through the petunias.

Mostly agree- for a small lot, electric is fine. The vacuum attachment
on mine is useless for picking up more than one leaf at a time. The
blower function is great- use it for leaves, gutter cleaning, dry snow
less than 2 inches, etc. Toro black 60-buck Borg model, 3 years of heavy
abuse, and works fine. When it craps out, I'll buy another just like it.
Yes, the cords are a pain, but I'd rather hassle with that then the care
and feeding of another small engine.

--
aem sends...

On Nov 17, 10:57*pm, "CGB" wrote:

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

Mow and bag seems to me to provide superior results and be the lesser
of all them associated evils.
-----

- gpsman

Toro 51591 @ loe's for $49 or so. Blows 230 MPH and handles blowing
anything. Plus vacuums and shreds too.

On Nov 17, 10:57*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\

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.

Electric advantage not mentioned in thread is that you can clean out
garage or even car without stinking gas fumes. Also, you do not need to
change stinky clothes after using.

"CGB" wrote in message
. ..
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\


Leaf blowers aren't very expensive. Get a gasser for yourself, an electric
for the missus. Consumer Reports rated them a while back and as you said,
the electrics are kind of underpowered.

I have an Echo hand-held gasser that's pretty good and been very reliable.

We have one and all our neighbors have them....
We all have 1/4 acre of trees of oak and pine..
They are electric with long extensions on them.

shirleyann

Please consider my Dad's solution. Mow the leaves in place, and leave them
to rot. No sense taking all the minerals and nitrogen out of your soil every
year. And sending all those minerals to the landfill.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"CGB" wrote in message
. ..
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\

Stormin Mormon wrote:

Please consider my Dad's solution. Mow the leaves in place, and leave them
to rot. No sense taking all the minerals and nitrogen out of your soil every
year. And sending all those minerals to the landfill.



My sentiments, too. Plant some azaleas and rhododendrons and use
leaves/needles for mulch. Free
plant food, gorgeous plants.

(Ignore any previous half-post)

Another vote here for a good bagging and/or mulching lawnmower. Saves
money, time, and space.

On Nov 18, 12:00�pm, mike wrote:
(Ignore any previous half-post)

Another vote here for a good bagging and/or mulching lawnmower. �Saves
money, time, and space.

i mostly grind leaves to dust, it fertilizes the grass, and is better
for the environment

On Nov 18, 9:22*am, Claude Hopper
wrote:
Stormin Mormon wrote:
Please consider my Dad's solution. Mow the leaves in place, and leave them
to rot. No sense taking all the minerals and nitrogen out of your soil every
year. And sending all those minerals to the landfill.

Some people have way too many leaves for that.

--
Claude Hopper * * * * *

? * * * ? * * * ¥

I don't understand that. My 6.5 hp mower will occasionally have
trouble mulching tall soggy grass, but ONLY IF I let grass muck build
up under the deck. I never have trouble either mulching or bagging
any amount of leaves. Bagging is really easy for the mower, and is
probably a good idea for acidic oak leaves.

Plus, mowers are quieter and less annoying than a cheap, smokey, whiny
2-stroke blower. The lesson: take the money you would spend on a
blower, and save it for a quality, powerful, bagging/mulching mower.

On Nov 17, 10:57 pm, "CGB" wrote:

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).


My $.02:

For leaves too deep to mulch with a mower, no gas or electric blower
will do what a big tarp and a rake can accomplish.

Kind of off this topic, but today while
driving around town, southwest suburb
of Chicago, I saw a lady in a wheel
chair raking leaves with a leaf rake! She
doesn't need no stinkin leaf blower!

The Reverend Natural Light wrote:
On Nov 17, 10:57 pm, "CGB" wrote:
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).


My $.02:

For leaves too deep to mulch with a mower, no gas or electric blower
will do what a big tarp and a rake can accomplish.

mike wrote:
(Ignore any previous half-post)

Another vote here for a good bagging and/or mulching lawnmower. Saves
money, time, and space.
Still need a blower anyway, for the spots the mower won't fit, and for
the gutters and snow. My 6-horse honda-pwered mulching mower was not
happy with me after I did the way-back with it. Of course, this year I
happened to be out of town when the major drop happened, so they were
pretty deep by the time I got back. Now we are into sleet and snow, so I
may not get a chance to do cleanup till spring....

--
aem sends...

"Art Todesco" wrote in message
...
Kind of off this topic, but today while driving around town, southwest
suburb
of Chicago, I saw a lady in a wheel chair raking leaves with a leaf rake!
She
doesn't need no stinkin leaf blower!

Also off topic --

I once planned a lawn party, and on the day of the event my wife called me
to say that a friend of hers had come into town to visit, was going to be at
the party and wanted to know if there was anything she could do to help.

Since it was the fall season, I told my wife that her friend could help by
keeping the lawn clear of leaves. What I didn't know was that her friend
was a high-fashion model from Hong Kong who had never lived outside of a big
city.

When I got home I discovered this beautiful model in a Dior gown standing in
my yard next to a trashbag. Every time a leaf fell off the tree she would
walk over, daintily pick it up by the stem and put it into the bag, then
wait for the next one.

On Nov 18, 7:24*am, Frank wrote:
Electric advantage not mentioned in thread is that you can clean out
garage or even car without stinking gas fumes. *Also, you do not need to
change stinky clothes after using.

Brings back memories of Bill Murray in Caddy Shack.

On Nov 18, 12:39*pm, mike wrote:
On Nov 18, 9:22*am, Claude Hopper
wrote:

Stormin Mormon wrote:
Please consider my Dad's solution. Mow the leaves in place, and leave them
to rot. No sense taking all the minerals and nitrogen out of your soil every
year. And sending all those minerals to the landfill.

Some people have way too many leaves for that.

--
Claude Hopper * * * * *

? * * * ? * * * ¥

I don't understand that. *My 6.5 hp mower will occasionally have
trouble mulching tall soggy grass, but ONLY IF I let grass muck build
up under the deck. *I never have trouble either mulching or bagging
any amount of leaves. *Bagging is really easy for the mower, and is
probably a good idea for acidic oak leaves.

Plus, mowers are quieter and less annoying than a cheap, smokey, whiny
2-stroke blower. * The lesson: *take the money you would spend on a
blower, and save it for a quality, powerful, bagging/mulching mower.


That works great with a reasonable amount of leaves. But if you have
a heavily wooded area, mulching up all the leaves will result in so
much mulch that it smoothers the grass and kills it. I mulch when I
can, but still need to use a blower.

if shes gonna blow leaves get her the electric. if your gonna do em
,get the gas powered.

----------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.minibite.com/america/malone.htm

On Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:57:49 -0500, "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 have tried several types and now satisfied with a gas-powered
back-pack type. I have about 200 trees and it does a fast job of
moving an 8-foot mound of leaves. I use it in the summer to sweep
sidewalks and driveways. An electric model simply doesn't have the
power and is a joke. Pine needles nor pine cones don't blow so
easily, at least the ones in my yard.

Phisherman wrote:

On Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:57:49 -0500, "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 have tried several types and now satisfied with a gas-powered
back-pack type. I have about 200 trees and it does a fast job of
moving an 8-foot mound of leaves. I use it in the summer to sweep
sidewalks and driveways. An electric model simply doesn't have the
power and is a joke. Pine needles nor pine cones don't blow so
easily, at least the ones in my yard.

I have a lot of leaves too and agree with your solution. I bought
the second-largest Echo and it does a great job. A couple of winters
ago, we had about a foot of very dry snow overnight and my blower did
a great job of cleaning the driveway. Fun stuff! Not possible with
the typical heavy snow though.

I wonder if he's still alive. That boy was FUNNY!

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


wrote in message
...
On Nov 18, 7:24 am, Frank wrote:
Electric advantage not mentioned in thread is that you can clean out
garage or even car without stinking gas fumes. Also, you do not need to
change stinky clothes after using.

Brings back memories of Bill Murray in Caddy Shack.

"CGB" wrote in
:

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\



You want the gas one. Get it.

Electric ones are not that expensive. $50 for a Toro blower/vac, $25 for
a Weed Eater blower(only). B&D probably has some models too. Get the
blower for her. Maybe she'll return the favor:-)

On Nov 17, 10:57*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?

....

Not an exception, but rather a comment, For many people I would
agree with your statement, but for me, the battery operated tools I
have work just fine. I don't have a need for additional power or
capacity, but my needs are likely different than yours.


Chet\

wrote in news
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.




Must be the same one I have. Definitely metal impeller if it's a vac. The
variable speed is more a dial than a selector. About 10 speeds. That low
speed does get used in like corners of places where I don't want all the
crap blowing back in my face.

wrote in news
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.




Here it is Salty. It's called Toro Ultra Blower Vac Model 51598. Shows
at O_Borg but not B-Borg.

# Infinitely variable air control
# Metal impeller for mulching

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...ctId=100091571

On Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:34:21 -0600, Red Green
wrote:

wrote in news
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.




Must be the same one I have. Definitely metal impeller if it's a vac. The
variable speed is more a dial than a selector. About 10 speeds. That low
speed does get used in like corners of places where I don't want all the
crap blowing back in my face.

I mentioned the metal impeller, because that's one of the features
that makes it easy to select the "good" model. The one with the metal
impeller is overall better than the very similar model with the
plastic impeller. The price is close enough, and the packaging is
close enough that's it's easy to go home with the inferior model. I
think one is called "super" and one is called "Ultimate". When I
bought mine, I had researched it online. At the store, there were a
lot of the plastic impeller model on the display, and since it was
about the right price, I was almost fooled. In looking for a carton
with less damage, I found ONE of the metal impeller models behind all
the plastic ones, for $8 more.