skip to main content

Walk behind lawn vacuum

18 years ago

Okay, I know there's a lawn mower forum and a tractor forum, but I get some good stuff here, so I ask for any advice on the use/value of a walk behind lawn vacuum. I have had a chipper shreader for years, in fact I'm on my second one, which is "broke". I'm thinking maybe instead of reparing, I'll buy one of the walk behind vacuums that also have a small capacity chipper, maybe up to 1.5 inch branchs can be handles.

Any experience/advice?

Featured Answer

randster

15 years ago

Greetings, I've have a Sears Craftsman "Vacuum - Shredder - Bagger - Blower", walk behind model #113.797831 that I don't need. It has the power brush feature, is new, never used or run. It has been stored indoors, warm and dry for the last 14 to 15 years, prior to that it was kept in an unheated garage. It was purchased from Sears in Feb of 1990. It is complete with all hardware, non bagging & gagging chutes, bag and manual. It is mostly assembled and have no box to ship it in, but wouldn't rule shipping out. Was bought for the purpose of having a spare for my father's lawn care venture, needless to say it was never needed. Available for pick up in far North West PA. Please contact for offers or pictures. Happy gardening!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

javert
18 years ago
I have a Craftsman walk-behind, which is similar in appearance to a lawnmower. Works pretty good. Never tried anything as big as 1 1/2 inches, just stuff less than an inch. It's equipped with a hose, which is useful for flower beds UNLESS there are vines in it. Also, the corrugated hose seems designed for twigs to lodge in. Since most of my shredding is leaves, I'm probably going to sell my chipper/shredder. If I had lots of branches to shred, I'd likely not use the walk-behind.
delcogreg
18 years ago
The link below will take you to a relatively recent thread in the lawn mower forum on this topic. I wrote a fairly long post there.

I've had a Yard-Man for a few years and I like it. The chipper works fine, but it is basically just for cleaning up medium sized sticks that would clog the vac. One inch thick is usually about the limit unless they are very straight sticks, but my vac hasn't had any problem with anything I could shove into it. I also have a regular chipper but I can remember the last time I had it out. Anything that won't fit in the vac is firewood, kindling, or goes in the burn pile.

If you just push the vac around it will clog, but if you walk the area and pick up the big sticks first and then stop and pick up the stuff you missed as you go, the vac will rarely clog. It sounds like a hassle, but it is probably the easiest part of the job. I never use the hose so I can't comment on that clogging.

BTW, the leaves are shredded up enough to make really nice compost within a year without any help at all (no turning, no adding any extra greens).

Here is a link that might be useful: Thread in mower forum
Related Discussions
issues with 21 inch snapper walk behind lawn mower
Q
Comments (3)
Maybe if we had engine numbers or snap a quick pic of the carb area.
...See More
New Honda walk behind lawn mower is slow...
Q
Comments (39)
I have a HRX217HXA mower. The transmission cable broke and was replaced under warranty a year ago (with original type cable). It broke again and they replaced it with the new cable/kit. Now the mower self propelled speed is very slow. Tried adjusting the cable per the owner's manual and still slow. Trying to advance the cable to gain speed and then the rear wheels lock when you try to pull the mower backwards (drive disengaged of course). Took it back to the dealer ( A Harley/Honda dealer where I bought it) and they called and told me there is nothing wrong. Any Suggestions? Will a slipping belt cause a loss of speed? How important is the two control cable bands? ( I made sure they were at the right places when I adjusted it, and then as the mechanic had told me after the cable change that they sometimes hurt more than helped I removed them, but still same slow speed) When I go get it tomorrow (a 70 mile round trip) I will try it out and if still slow show your previous suggestions (for other models) to them. Thanks, Cliff
...See More
Ariens Walk-behind (34') 13.5-HP Lawn Mower...
Q
Comments (3)
Hi RoadBike, Thanks for the response. I can't say I know what controlled differential steering is? If it did not have this, what would it have? The bigger cutting area should be fine in most spots. I can always weedwhack in a few areas, but this should be OK overall. Most of the yards are fairly wide open. And the weight would not be an issue- the furthest areas are only 2-3 blocks away. Good food for thought though.
...See More
Walk behind chipper/shredder/leaf vacuums
Q
Comments (2)
Hi PK, These do work quite well on oak leaves (both damp and dry). I have the Sears 4-in-1 model with the 6.75 HP engine. The machine does shread pretty fine so the bag does hold a fair amount of debris between emptying, certainly more than a mulching mower. I do have to say they are much less impressive for their ability to pick up acorns. I got mine second hand on C/L and am generally pleased with the investment.
...See More
paitsgreekgirl
17 years ago
I've had a Sears Craftsman walk behind model #113.797830 that I've loved but the brush broke and the bag is in bad shape. I can't get the parts from Sears because it's too old. Does anyone have one that wants to get rid of or has parts to it. I live in central Florida but I would pay for shipping.
kang_optonline_net
15 years ago
Is your lawn vac the old red model with the silver leaf bag? I am interested.
Tony Laschon
7 years ago
I realize that this thread is 8 years old but I'm curious to find out if Randster still has his Vacuum - Shredder - Bagger - Blower? I'd love to see photos and get pricing.
Kathy Maxwell (Z 5a)
6 years ago
Love my 20-year old Troy-Bilt Chipper (1 1/2" sticks) Shredder Vac. I've had a few minor things done to it, and I bought my second new bag last Fall and my second battery. I make sure the oil is changed and everything is oiled and tight before the leaf season starts. It also has a hose that gets around perennials and shrubs, and it's self-propelled. I have a wooded lot and wouldn't get all the leaves to the street without it.

Lowe's has the Troy-Bilt for around $500.

Related Stories

EARTH DAY The Case for Losing the Traditional Lawn

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Work less, help the environment and foster connections by just saying no to typical turf

MORE ROOMS Behind a Garage Door, a Family Fun Room

By Kristy Woodson Harvey and Beth Woodson

Designer Kerrie Kelly's secrets to this low-budget garage makeover: a soothing palette, horizontal stripes and dashes of color

BEFORE AND AFTERS See 6 Yards Transformed by Losing Their Lawns

By Annie Thornton

Wondering whether a turf lawn is the best use of your outdoor space? These homeowners did, and they found creative alternatives

MOST POPULAR Meet a Lawn Alternative That Works Wonders

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Carex can replace turfgrass in any spot, is low maintenance and adjusts easily. Add its good looks and you’ve got a ground cover winner

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Get Along With Less Lawn — Ideas to Save Water and Effort

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Ditch the mower and lower your water bill while creating a feast for the eyes with diverse plantings and gathering places

FRONT YARD IDEAS Before and After: Front Lawn to Prairie Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

How they did it: Homeowners create a plan, stick to it and keep the neighbors (and wildlife) in mind

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 7 Low-Maintenance Lawn Alternatives

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Turf isn't the only ground cover in town. Get a lush no-grass lawn with clover, moss and other easy-care plants

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Replace Your Lawn With a Garden

By June Scott Design

New project for a new year: Lose the turfgrass for energy savings, wildlife friendliness and lower maintenance

INSPIRING GARDENS Lawn Gives Way to a More Natural Lakeside Garden

By Bonnie Monte

Meadow grasses, beach pebbles and driftwood replace turfgrass in a nature-friendly landscape on Lake Washington’s shore

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Landscape Tour: Garden Rooms Edge a Lawn in New Jersey

By Becky Harris

Built and planted forms combine to create a relaxing suburban backyard oasis

Sponsored

More Discussions

Chain saw won't run... battery problem for SURE?

11

Question about TraxGarden hoe..........

2

chipper not starting

2

Storage shed foundation question

3

Wood chipper/grinder you can recommend?

1