Blowers and vacuums

It's the time of year for leaf clearance, but what equipment should you use? Sally Drury assesses the options

THE REVIEW PANEL

Mark Ekin, programme area manager, College ofWestAnglla, Milton Campus, Cambridge

Andre Gardner, grounds manager. Cannington Campus, Bridgwater College

Tim Jellis, head groundsman, College ofWestAnglia, Milton Campus. Cambridge

Robert Pinion, groundsman, College ofWestAnglia, Milton Campus, Cambridge

Lisa Topham, head gardener, Alscot Park, Warwickshire

As trees begin their transition from summer green to autumn gold, it is time to prepare for leaf clearance. But what will you use this year?

You could blow them back into hedge-bottoms or the fringes of woodland. On lawns and greens It can make sense to blow them into rows or piles and collect them for removal. Perhaps you have considered using a powered vacuum to collect them direct from paving, lawns and beds and borders.

In this review we look at five models of blower - the wheeled Billy Goat, a backpack model from Maklta and three handheld machines from StIhI.

We also look at vacuums, including the latest MV machine from Pinnacle Power, truck and trailer loaders from SCH (Supplies) and Predator and a handheld blower/vacuum from Stihl.

We also consider the value of using a ride-on mower for collecting leaves when we test the SCH lawn vacuum and a set-up for the Wisconsin lawn tractor.

Billy Goat Force F601S wheeled blower

It looks cute, but this baby Billy Goat has hidden aggression when it comes to blowing leaves and debris. What's more, it's the same price as three powerful handheld blowers or two backpack machines, which makes it worth a closer look. We think the price is easy to justify and believe the machine will prove popular.

As the smallest member of the Billy Goat family, the F601S weighs just 34kg. That's some 30 per cent lighter than similar-powered models. The weight reduction has been achieved by using plastic, rather than steel, for the housing. Yet this remains one tough old goat. The housing has structural reinforcement in the form of ribs precisely placed to absorb impact.

The lack of weight, plus three easyroll wheels, means the F601S is a doddle to push and turn. Added to that, this model has power to spare. It Is...