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Garden Vacuum

phalaropephalarope Posts: 1
in Tools and techniques

I seem to spend half my time sweeping our large patio, 120 square metres, – we are surrounded by large trees and the area is quite shaded.

The type of debris that needs to be swept includes moss (that falls to pieces as it is swept and seems to distribute the fragments over the patio!), leaves, twigs, tree seeds (mainly ash, oak, sycamore and silver birch - they all have their seasons!), berries (hawthorn, laurel, etc), wisteria debris (beautiful flowers for about 2 weeks, but it may have to go),petals, and so on. The debris, including the leaves, is usually wet!

It is often quicker to pick up the fragments by hand, or to get down on ones hands an knees using a dustpan and brush.

It has been suggested that I may use a leaf blower to gather it into one corner and then brush it up.

However, I think garden vac. preferably cordless may do a better job?

In the Autumn the bulk of the leaves seem to blow into one corner so I can remove them manually.

The backdrop to the property is stunning and I wouldn’t want to change it, so I am not complaining.

I attach pictures of the type of debris – it doesn’t look extensive but to remove it all with a yard brush takes about an hour.

Recommendations would be appreciated.

Thank you for your help.

 


Posts

  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    A cordless combination blower and vacuum/shredder would be worth considering but look for one that converts easily between each function. I have a Stiga model but there are others available!  They work best when the debris is reasonably dry. Check that the price includes a battery/batteries and charger, preferably a fast charger. Mine is reasonably quiet but I use it only briefly and try to do so when my immediate neighbour is out!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • kate.james58kate.james58 Posts: 198
    I had a garden vac years ago but the bag ripped when a largish twig got sucked up. Quality may have improved now.
    Cheshire
  • ColinAColinA Posts: 392
    I have owned a Flymo Blow/Vac for years and it has been great the only complaint is the price of the shredder sticks so I bought a small pack of 2.4mm shredder line, tie a knot in a cut length and it works fine
  • Dobbin26Dobbin26 Posts: 60
    I had a flymo unit for over 20 years that worked great,  until I dropped it 2 years ago. I bought a Bosch as a replacement as their power tools are good quality and it's been the biggest load of junk ever. So much so I gave it away at the end of last summer and will be looking for a new one this year. It definitely won't be a Bosch.
  • bcpathomebcpathome Posts: 1,313
    Our patio is covered with that moss stuff . It falls from our roof on a daily basis . I have a great patio cleaner . It’s called my husband with a brush ! 
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Bosch used to make a brilliant auger type shredder. Now they dont.😒
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • LeadFarmerLeadFarmer Posts: 1,500
    I've never owned a garden vac as I've never found one with enough good reviews to make it worth buying. They all seen to either be under powered, struggle to pick up wet leaves, can break if stones get picked up, and seem to have small collection bags.

    Instead I use a small but powerful Makita battery powered blower to create a pile, then a brush and shovel to pick up and take to the bin.

    Hire Makita Cordless Leaf Blower - 18V Direct Digital - London Manchester


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