If I may, a few words from Russia. We own a campsite and 2 hectares of oak forest. I enjoy your experience and would like to share mine. 1. To avoid such dusty work, picking foliage through the deck is best done in the fall, when the leaves are still fresh. Then there won't be so much dust from them. 2. Sometimes the air flow of the deck is enough to throw leaves into the hopper. The second motor is not needed. Especially if your mower has a central tunnel in its design. 3. If you have a self-powered hopper, you can collect dry leaves without using a deck. Then you will avoid the formation of dust. The dry foliage is light enough that you can directly collect it in a hose without using a deck and grinding. 4.Another option is to shred (mulch) foliage in the fall without clearing the site. It is quite possible that during the period of autumn and winter rains and snow, the fine fraction will turn into a compost layer and ennoble the soil without visual damage to the landscape. However, there are always many options, and only practice will show which one is best for you and your site. Regards for your work and best wishes!
I bought a Cyclone Rake Commander which is cheaper and you can back up as it is directly bolted to the mower. It works great and I have used it for 5 leaf seasons. You can also buy a long hose to use it as a leaf vacuum.
Excellent video . Right on the money . I went through the very same problems and solutions when assembling my vacume . I tow my DR. behind one of my ATVs to access a location on a property where my hoses can't reach . Also I purchased a GOOD pair of ear protectors , one set for me and the other set for any of my workers that are helping me !!!! In addition , purchase HIGH quality dust masks and eye protection for you and your workers . ( a lot of fine particulates coming out of the DR. that can irritate the eyes and lungs ) Trust me , I learned this very fast ! Again , Pete , a job well done on your instructional assembly video . Thanks, B&A .
Delivered a nice even cut, has the super tight turning ability ua-cam.com/users/postUgkx1VWTrayKBdCKAjzAcZ_Eg4dhHTae3LkN also recommend I was looking for, and is just a blast to drive. It takes a little bit to get used to driving one after driving a normal tractor style, but once you've got it, you've got it. If you're cutting lines, you have to be careful spinning the mower around or the back tire will dig a bare spot. Just take it nice and slow during the turn and then it's back to full throttle across the yard!
I purchased the top of the line model. I was impressed with the power of the motor and the hose size (8 inch) did a great job. Assembly was was not as difficult as I thought it would be. However the down side, the top kept shifting to one side. In my opinion engineering was bad. I could have rigged it and maybe prevented the problem. Then I thought as much as this cost me I shouldn’t have to make adjustments. Calling DR back to express the problem was disappointing. Now they won’t answer the phone, or they put me on hold for an hour. Finally they hooked me up with a person in the dissatisfaction section. She was very kind and understanding. At first they told me I would have to pay return shipping. I explained I have had this for less than 30 days and I am not satisfied. The gal in the complaint section ask me if I would clean the unit up as best I could and they would send a truck. They cleared the financing and still today send me advertisement for products. The way I was treated by the right department was impressive. I really was impressed by the machine they just need to do something about the top shifting. They didn’t seem interested in my input.
I make huge piles of compost with the leaves.. Had been for 10 years now I got about 30 yards of topsoil from all the years of dumping leaves/grass. I got the cyclone rake, same difference. NICE!!
Best video; excellent delivery and well done video. Thanks taking the time to provide a wonderfully informative section on cutting and fitting the deck adapter. I just ordered a PRO-321 to replace my homemade unit that wore-out after 30 years of faithful service. It should be here in a week.
I've been using mine for 3+ years. It's a good machine, and does what it should. The stitching inside the fabric enclosure can eventually get abraded by debris, causing the seams to separate. I caught this early, and covered all the interior stitching with silicone caulk, to protect it from abrasion. The big hose is made of PVC, which is not very durable. Mine lasted for a couple of seasons, with lots of duct tape repairs. I replaced it with a quality Urethane hose from Wynn Environmental (no association). The urethane hose is way more durable, I have not had any problems with it.
Just a note to zero turn mower owners. The hydraulic steering motors are not designed to handle the extra weight when the leaf bag starts to fill up and get heavy. Your steering gets sluggish and your front end gets lighter as your casters raise up causing your back steering wheels to struggle and slip. I have a heavy commercial ZT mower and a Cyclone rake. I learned you have to dump the bag at half full instead of max capacity to prevent steering performance issues. A full bag of leaves is well over 200 lbs hanging off the frame behind the motor plus the weight of the motor with components. This model is a single point hitch,cyclones are a 2 point hitch and steer from castor wheels mounted on the frame . Regardless of how it hitches you are still adding a lot weight behind the axle which will effect your steering, ultimately causing wear to your steering pumps
My Scag Turf Tiger handles it great. Doesn't even feel like I'm towing anything behind it. I can idle when backing on to the trailer when I need to empty the hopper .
Thank you for taking the time to do this video. It helped me choose to buy the Cyclone Rake instead. I bought it last Friday, it shipped today (out of CT), and will arrive Wednesday to me in Ohio (all US made, one year in home promise - send it back FREE if I don't like it, plus a three year warranty). Six different models available to pick from. It breaks down and folds flat for storage when you won't be using it and can hang on the wall in the garage or shed. According to my FedEx Ground shipping info, 317lbs in 11 cartons - FYI It's all good! We all make different choices - Fords, Chevys, even them funny looking ones... Ya know, them - *Toyotas!* ...
I purchased the Pro for mowing Washington grass. The impeller will seize if the grass is wet and its like concrete to chip out, yearly maintenance is demanded. Also the hose cracked so bad within the first year I ran out of duct tape and form wire. Couldn't get any customer service, sat on the phone three time for over an hour trying to purchase a replacement hose so I gave up and took a youtuber advice and bought one from that other company. better hose and price.
Great video! I bought the same one but have a craftsman 26hp lawn tractor and my deck is curved. Up till I saw the video, I was extremely hesitant about mounting the attachment but you did a great job in giving me confidence to do it. BTW, they suggested when I purchased it to buy the extension and now I'm glad I did. Great job on the "how to".
the mulching performance is impressive. I could mulch and bag in one pass. Normally with thick leaves I would makes a mulching pass then attach the bagger to pick it up just to help keep the volume down.
Now that's some leaves. Been wanting one of these because I'm disabled with extreme back problems and it just kills me to get out to rake all the leaves up. I just live on an acre and the smallest one they have would be fine for me but just can't afford it. I see now that they work really great. You did an awesome job showing how to put it together.
Thank you we just bought one today and are having the store assemble it but we have a grass catcher already for our tractor, so the shoot is ready. My wife was trying to get leaves up yesterday and the tube for grass catcher clogged 3 times, what a pain and nothing accomplished, so this is going to be amazing!!!!!
Good review, thanks for sharing. When I needed hose for my dust collector in the woodshop I got it from a local place that sells HVAC ducting, might want to give one a call.
Overtime you will have to replace the big hose and rebuilt the impeller and surrounding metal cause they just ware out. Maybe the back cover as well. I know others that have them. I don't know much about the Cyclone ones. Nice video Pete!
I also purchased the hand hose kit so I can pull it behind either my mower or my UTV to vac-up around bushes etc... the hose is smaller but it does work as long as I’m careful not to get too aggressive which plugs it up. This hose is 12 ft so it is no fun to unplug!
Should of got a Cyclone Rake.... Trailer has caster type wheels Two mounts points one to left n one to right of the mower So the hose NEVER kinks with left or right turns
Pete - they're way up in CT, so their ads may not go down into TX for all I know. I was lucky, I see it on Google here in Ohio, as well as on TV. All US made Briggs & Stratton Vanguard Commercial motors, one year in home trial they pay return shipping if you wish to return it - it's their 20th anniversary this month too~
I’m leaning towards the dr, I like the idea of a hinged trailer in tight spaces not being slung around possibly into things behind me, but the hose looks like harder to manage with the dr. ?
The extra hose kit is $89 on DR fwiw. It should have been told to you to buy when they asked you what mower you had. Protip: If thinking of buying call the number and buy over the phone so they can help you get the right parts to fit your lawn tractor. This is one item you don't want to order spec...just saying.
Excellent video Was going to ask about left turn concerning hose length and tire rub. I wonder why they don’t include a hard plastic 90 degree elbow off the blower housing? Looks like you have a similar mix of hardwood leaves, pine needles and Sandy soil with gravel in the driveway and maybe road shoulders. My mower deck has all the paint sandblasted off from the pine needles, sand and occasional gravel. Glad to see the blower housing has some metal plates in it. Will that plastic deck collector chute, plastic hose and plastic impeller housing hold up long term?
I need to vac up 1000's of walnuts. Does this unit have sufficient suction to pull them in, and then is the impeller strong enough to withstand the beating without breaking?
Hi Again - I forgot to ask - did the unit come with a 8” hose? Did the unit come with any adaptors so the 8” hose would work with the 6” openings? What I’m wanting to do with the unit is just tow it behind my Atv and use a longer hose to suck up leaf piles - But I wasn’t sure if i can order the 8” hose in the extra length needed - thx
I am a former employee of a DR dealer. We charged $200 for assembly and test - that included custom fit and mount of the adapter on the customer’s mowing deck.
very good video. been looking at the Lawn vacs, this sold me on this one. I have a DR field and Brush mower, so I know the brand. I'll get the 14 ft hose attachment and handle kit to get in the flower beds. What was the typical run time on the engine before filling with gas again, or how long did full tank last?
It’s a great vacuum when it works! But you may spend a lot of time fixing the problems. Tubing and adjusting the connections assembly is a real pain in the neck to the extent that I am question the validity of using it. Its a problem at the beginning because the tube is too short. Then a problem if you add extension. Then it starts tearing up and you have to patching it😢😅. It’s endless pain. I think the best solution is to add extension(2 f) and weld another metal hunger at 45 degree to the horizontal arm of the original metal hunger and have another plastic bungee suspensor to support the tubing including the extension. Let me know if you have another idea, please
When I get the cash, the mulch used for the garden would pay back the expense in a couple years with fantastic soil for the garden. I would leave it on all the time to put the lawn to use to add that valuable mulch! I wonder if this unit could handle 2 x per month for 6 months per year?
How well has it held up after 3 years? I’ve heard the seems split on the cover and the main shoot from the vacuum to the cover cracks due to sticks and nuts
Thank you for an excellent and informative video. Excellent detail and functional test. What’d I learn...I’m definitely not getting one, you saved $$$$.
Great video - thanks for sharing Have you used this collector without the lawnmower blades activated? Wondering If the engine from the collector is enough to collect the leaves-
No it won't work. It's designed to run with the blades running because the collector mounted to the deck would clog. But you can take the collector tube off and use it as a vacuum to vacuum up and mulch a pile of leaves.
You could make a nice pallet bench out of the pallet it came on. I can also say I got great customer service from Cyclone rake when my impeller broke ,sent me a new one with out question & no charge or any kind for doing so.
Pete - very well done video. I'm trying to decide between the Cylcone Rake and the DR. How do you like the build quality of the DR? Also, where do you keep it stored? Thanks. Mark S.
Thank you, The Cyclone has some nice features like easy storage and it's fixed to your mower so you're not towing it like a trailer which is nice and keeps the suction tube short. Although I'm not too sure how it will handle around close trees with the rear swinging around like that. I personally think the DR has a better build quality but that's just me. I store it in my 40X60 garage but I have the room for it. If you have a standard garage, you might have to put it in a shed.
Pete B. I have owned the cyclone rake for four seasons now and I have no complaints with it. Love the hitch design no worry's about tearing the hose off when turning. One concern I do have with the CR is the Velcro for the back door likely with wear out over time.
What size was the pallet your dr vac came on? I'm trying to figure if it will fit in the back of my truck when I take deliver for it at my local depot terminal. I have fullsize truck with 6 1/2 ft bed
Thanks, It fit perfect and was able to close the tailgate. I just got it all assembled and all I still need to do is cut the deck adapter so I will be vacuuming soon I hope.
You didn't show the hardest part. Stretching the cover is almost impossible without help. There is no engineering reason for it to be that tight. I wish I had bought a different brand, it isn't only difficult it is actually dangerous when I used some boards to help stretch it and sometimes it snapped back It still doesn't fit well enough to close the velcro on the back. Some of the hardware didn't fit and I had to get some new hardware to use eg. the link on the cable won't fit over the eyebolt that goes on the front. I haven't used it yet, I still have the nightmare of making the attachment on the mower fit. I regret buying it already. They didn't ship as soon as they said and I now have snow on the ground.
I went with the Cyclone rake,went together easy and works great for me. I"be had it since 99,did replace the engine last year and it works even better with the 6.5 hp. I would recommend it to anyone.
I used mine for a couple of years and the hose broke. I taped it and it broke in two more places. I won't be using it this year. The leaves can stay where they are.@@dave434
I bought a leaf sweeper which helped me realize this product doesn’t work well with people who haul away leaves. It works better for people that have place to dump em and leave ‘em. I have to brown bag my leafs to haul em. I don’t want to pick ‘em up with the machine, then dump them on the ground then pick them up again to move em.
We have one Exactly like it at work. As you’ve probably figured out you need an extension for the hose due to the hose popping off. It’s a shame you pay 1700$ and the hose is too short from the factory and when it’s full it hits you in the back of the neck. I would enjoy a video on your AMX
Yeah not too happy about the hose and you're right about hitting you in the back when the leaf vac is full 😂 I thought about doing a video on the AMX but I might sell it soon, I have too much other thing going on.
Man thats going to really expedite the mulching process if you add it to your pile.... plus you get bonus time on equipment when the grass isn't growing. :)
Hello from germany, i have see your very good video and the dr lawn and leafe vacuum is good. So sorry my question: How much cost this?? Sorry my english is not so good. With the best regards from germany.
Thank you, I have the information under the video. It's now $1800.00 USD Here's a link to there web site. www.drpower.com/c/DR-Leaf-and-Lawn-Vacuum/p/LL25013DEN
The hose on mine spits every time I use it. First one end then the other. If I only go straight to no more than maybe 10 deg to the left or 20 deg to the right all is well. So! I recommend using just the mower plus a rake to move the leaves out away from things so a straight pass will pick them up! Also it takes sharp blades to cut up the pine needles so they won’t plug the hose!
I haven't tried it yet on tall grass but I think it will do just fine. I might start doing that and put it in a compost pile and let the grass seeds compost and then add it to my garden.
Thank you for doing this! Awesome instruction video in real time. I have a 61 inch deck, zero turn and I think I need the $2100 model + deck attachment +extended hose, and I'm not sure I can live with paying a company this much to put the whole damn machine together and they can't even deliver for free?
Thank you and yeah I know it's a pricey unit and as I mentioned in another comment, they should also include the deck adapter and the extra hose. Thank you for watching.
Great informative video. A couple of personal gripes with the DR product: They know darn well that the hose is too short for most applications, but rather than include a proper hose with the product, they wait and charge you more when you need the extension. And charging $90 for the deck adapter is just plain stupid! I mean, the product is worthless without the deck adapter, so why does it cost extra? It should be included in the high price of the product!! The trailer is necessary too.....do they charge you more for that?? It's just plain stupid.
bigbluegpr I know and totally agree. They would actually sell more units if they had a 3 foot longer hose and give you an option to choose a deck adapter that was included in the price.
It's just a way to show a lower *starting price* to people. Cyclone Rake does the same damn thing. Their "MDA" (Mower Deck Adapter) is $79 bucks, and they plainly tell you that you'll need it unless you already have one.
Held up great and no issues with the motor but of course this isn't something I use all the time, just in the late fall to winter here in East Texas to pickup leaves.
Its a nice video you made on assembling this dr. as this is their downgraded lawn and leaf vacuum they now make. unlike the previous premier, pro, and pro xl they had hard shell collectors and centrifigual seperator on top. as it had the caster option for zero turn mowers. as i have a cyclone rake instead all american made. at the time was looking at the older dr lawn and leaf vacuums. as the cyclone rake i selected better performance and more easier to store as it breaks down for storage easilly. so dr now has downgraded the lawn and leaf vacuum not sure if they did on other product lines they make like log splitters and the field and brush mowers.
On their web site but it looks like they went up in price. I also notices their leaf vacuums come with 8 foot hoses now: www.drpower.com/shop.axd/Search?keywords=Hose+kit
By the way excellent review today... Just curious to know what kind of impeller this unit has is it metal or is it plastic... My guess is it is plastic so don't be surprised if you have to end up buying one because it ingested a rock or some walnuts
You did a really good job here putting it together. I hope you're happy with it for years to come.
If I may, a few words from Russia. We own a campsite and 2 hectares of oak forest. I enjoy your experience and would like to share mine.
1. To avoid such dusty work, picking foliage through the deck is best done in the fall, when the leaves are still fresh. Then there won't be so much dust from them.
2. Sometimes the air flow of the deck is enough to throw leaves into the hopper. The second motor is not needed. Especially if your mower has a central tunnel in its design.
3. If you have a self-powered hopper, you can collect dry leaves without using a deck. Then you will avoid the formation of dust. The dry foliage is light enough that you can directly collect it in a hose without using a deck and grinding.
4.Another option is to shred (mulch) foliage in the fall without clearing the site. It is quite possible that during the period of autumn and winter rains and snow, the fine fraction will turn into a compost layer and ennoble the soil without visual damage to the landscape.
However, there are always many options, and only practice will show which one is best for you and your site.
Regards for your work and best wishes!
After watching you assemble and use the DR, I'm glade I bought the Cyclone Rake.
I've been looking at them cyclone rakes too . Getting about time to pull the trigger on one
I bought a Cyclone Rake Commander which is cheaper and you can back up as it is directly bolted to the mower. It works great and I have used it for 5 leaf seasons. You can also buy a long hose to use it as a leaf vacuum.
Excellent video . Right on the money . I went through the very same problems and solutions when assembling my vacume . I tow my DR. behind one of my ATVs to access a location on a property where my hoses can't reach . Also I purchased a GOOD pair of ear protectors , one set for me and the other set for any of my workers that are helping me !!!! In addition , purchase HIGH quality dust masks and eye protection for you and your workers . ( a lot of fine particulates coming out of the DR. that can irritate the eyes and lungs ) Trust me , I learned this very fast ! Again , Pete , a job well done on your instructional assembly video . Thanks, B&A .
👍
Delivered a nice even cut, has the super tight turning ability ua-cam.com/users/postUgkx1VWTrayKBdCKAjzAcZ_Eg4dhHTae3LkN also recommend I was looking for, and is just a blast to drive. It takes a little bit to get used to driving one after driving a normal tractor style, but once you've got it, you've got it. If you're cutting lines, you have to be careful spinning the mower around or the back tire will dig a bare spot. Just take it nice and slow during the turn and then it's back to full throttle across the yard!
This is a great video. You are a natural teacher. Everyone including DR can benefit from watching the video. Thank you!
Wow, thank you! I really appreciate that.
I purchased the top of the line model.
I was impressed with the power of the motor and the hose size (8 inch) did a great job. Assembly was was not as difficult as I thought it would be.
However the down side, the top kept shifting to one side. In my opinion engineering was bad. I could have rigged it and maybe prevented the problem. Then I thought as much as this cost me I shouldn’t have to make adjustments. Calling DR back to express the problem was disappointing. Now they won’t answer the phone, or they put me on hold for an hour. Finally they hooked me up with a person in the dissatisfaction section. She was very kind and understanding. At first they told me I would have to pay return shipping. I explained I have had this for less than 30 days and I am not satisfied. The gal in the complaint section ask me if I would clean the unit up as best I could and they would send a truck.
They cleared the financing and still today send me advertisement for products.
The way I was treated by the right department was impressive.
I really was impressed by the machine they just need to do something about the top shifting. They didn’t seem interested in my input.
I make huge piles of compost with the leaves.. Had been for 10 years now I got about 30 yards of topsoil from all the years of dumping leaves/grass. I got the cyclone rake, same difference. NICE!!
Best video; excellent delivery and well done video. Thanks taking the time to provide a wonderfully informative section on cutting and fitting the deck adapter. I just ordered a PRO-321 to replace my homemade unit that wore-out after 30 years of faithful service. It should be here in a week.
Thank you
Awesome job
I've been using mine for 3+ years. It's a good machine, and does what it should. The stitching inside the fabric enclosure can eventually get abraded by debris, causing the seams to separate. I caught this early, and covered all the interior stitching with silicone caulk, to protect it from abrasion.
The big hose is made of PVC, which is not very durable. Mine lasted for a couple of seasons, with lots of duct tape repairs. I replaced it with a quality Urethane hose from Wynn Environmental (no association). The urethane hose is way more durable, I have not had any problems with it.
Best design yet I've seen so far. I've got an agrifab and this units got it beat on a few things. Great informative video!
Thank you
Looks like a great time saver. Thanks for showing how it goes together. I bet you get some amazing compost from all the clippings and leaves.
Thank you and yes the leaves get mulched up nicely.
Just a note to zero turn mower owners. The hydraulic steering motors are not designed to handle the extra weight when the leaf bag starts to fill up and get heavy. Your steering gets sluggish and your front end gets lighter as your casters raise up causing your back steering wheels to struggle and slip. I have a heavy commercial ZT mower and a Cyclone rake. I learned you have to dump the bag at half full instead of max capacity to prevent steering performance issues. A full bag of leaves is well over 200 lbs hanging off the frame behind the motor plus the weight of the motor with components. This model is a single point hitch,cyclones are a 2 point hitch and steer from castor wheels mounted on the frame . Regardless of how it hitches you are still adding a lot weight behind the axle which will effect your steering, ultimately causing wear to your steering pumps
My Scag Turf Tiger handles it great. Doesn't even feel like I'm towing anything behind it. I can idle when backing on to the trailer when I need to empty the hopper .
my Toro handles it like a champ....
Best assembly video I have seen to date! i just purchased the Premier, and this was extremely helpful!
Jill Keller Thank you
How long until the trailer draw bar is twisted like a pretzel?
Thank you for taking the time to do this video. It helped me choose to buy the Cyclone Rake instead. I bought it last Friday, it shipped today (out of CT), and will arrive Wednesday to me in Ohio (all US made, one year in home promise - send it back FREE if I don't like it, plus a three year warranty).
Six different models available to pick from. It breaks down and folds flat for storage when you won't be using it and can hang on the wall in the garage or shed. According to my FedEx Ground shipping info, 317lbs in 11 cartons - FYI
It's all good! We all make different choices - Fords, Chevys, even them funny looking ones... Ya know, them - *Toyotas!* ...
Cool, I hope it works out for you. Thanks for watching.
Me too, I think it will. As you know, hindsight is always 20/20.
Good tips, appreciate it . Makes it easier to understand than the paper.
Thank you
small leaks make a difference, consider putting weatherstripping on the outside of the deck. This help with blowing dust and debrief.
I purchased the Pro for mowing Washington grass. The impeller will seize if the grass is wet and its like concrete to chip out, yearly maintenance is demanded. Also the hose cracked so bad within the first year I ran out of duct tape and form wire. Couldn't get any customer service, sat on the phone three time for over an hour trying to purchase a replacement hose so I gave up and took a youtuber advice and bought one from that other company. better hose and price.
Just bought one of these and real glad I found your video. Great step by step instructions.....thanks.
Good assembly video Pete, subscribed.
Thank you
great lawn vacuum, But I really like the AMX in the background in the opening shot!!
Nice work Pete. That is the best adaptation of a leaf vacuum. An thanks for sharing the video.
Thanks 👍
How is this unit holding up now after 4+ years?
Great video! I bought the same one but have a craftsman 26hp lawn tractor and my deck is curved. Up till I saw the video, I was extremely hesitant about mounting the attachment but you did a great job in giving me confidence to do it. BTW, they suggested when I purchased it to buy the extension and now I'm glad I did.
Great job on the "how to".
Thank you, this unit will get plenty of use this fall and it's all going into our garden to replenish the soil.
Robin Borden - which extension are you referring to? Thanks
the mulching performance is impressive. I could mulch and bag in one pass. Normally with thick leaves I would makes a mulching pass then attach the bagger to pick it up just to help keep the volume down.
Now that's some leaves. Been wanting one of these because I'm disabled with extreme back problems and it just kills me to get out to rake all the leaves up. I just live on an acre and the smallest one they have would be fine for me but just can't afford it. I see now that they work really great. You did an awesome job showing how to put it together.
Thank you we just bought one today and are having the store assemble it but we have a grass catcher already for our tractor, so the shoot is ready. My wife was trying to get leaves up yesterday and the tube for grass catcher clogged 3 times, what a pain and nothing accomplished, so this is going to be amazing!!!!!
Awesome 👍
Good review, thanks for sharing. When I needed hose for my dust collector in the woodshop I got it from a local place that sells HVAC ducting, might want to give one a call.
Good idea, I'll keep that in mind. Thank you.
Very helpful! I just bought 16 acres and this machine came with the land. Thanks for the video!
👍
Overtime you will have to replace the big hose and rebuilt the impeller and surrounding metal cause they just ware out. Maybe the back cover as well. I know others that have them. I don't know much about the Cyclone ones. Nice video Pete!
Great video. Best I have seen on this product.
Thank you.
I also purchased the hand hose kit so I can pull it behind either my mower or my UTV to vac-up around bushes etc... the hose is smaller but it does work as long as I’m careful not to get too aggressive which plugs it up. This hose is 12 ft so it is no fun to unplug!
Another great review Pete! Thank you.
ufomr Thank you
Should of got a Cyclone Rake....
Trailer has caster type wheels
Two mounts points one to left n one to right of the mower
So the hose NEVER kinks with left or right turns
With all the research I did, I never saw the Cyclone rake..........so much for research.
Pete - they're way up in CT, so their ads may not go down into TX for all I know. I was lucky, I see it on Google here in Ohio, as well as on TV. All US made Briggs & Stratton Vanguard Commercial motors, one year in home trial they pay return shipping if you wish to return it - it's their 20th anniversary this month too~
I’m leaning towards the dr, I like the idea of a hinged trailer in tight spaces not being slung around possibly into things behind me, but the hose looks like harder to manage with the dr. ?
The extra hose kit is $89 on DR fwiw. It should have been told to you to buy when they asked you what mower you had. Protip: If thinking of buying call the number and buy over the phone so they can help you get the right parts to fit your lawn tractor. This is one item you don't want to order spec...just saying.
Excellent video
Was going to ask about left turn concerning hose length and tire rub.
I wonder why they don’t include a hard plastic 90 degree elbow off the blower housing?
Looks like you have a similar mix of hardwood leaves, pine needles and Sandy soil with gravel in the driveway and maybe road shoulders.
My mower deck has all the paint sandblasted off from the pine needles, sand and occasional gravel.
Glad to see the blower housing has some metal plates in it.
Will that plastic deck collector chute, plastic hose and plastic impeller housing hold up long term?
I need to vac up 1000's of walnuts. Does this unit have sufficient suction to pull them in, and then is the impeller strong enough to withstand the beating without breaking?
What a great Video - Thanks for taking the time to make it - God Bless
Thank you, God bless you too.
Hi Again - I forgot to ask - did the unit come with a 8” hose? Did the unit come with any adaptors so the 8” hose would work with the 6” openings? What I’m wanting to do with the unit is just tow it behind my Atv and use a longer hose to suck up leaf piles - But I wasn’t sure if i can order the 8” hose in the extra length needed - thx
I am a former employee of a DR dealer.
We charged $200 for assembly and test - that included custom fit and mount of the adapter on the customer’s mowing deck.
Thanks for the video ... how is the quality over time ... and from Fargo the movie ... so that is your fluffy back in the chipper ... eh?
very good video. been looking at the Lawn vacs, this sold me on this one. I have a DR field and Brush mower, so I know the brand. I'll get the 14 ft hose attachment and handle kit to get in the flower beds. What was the typical run time on the engine before filling with gas again, or how long did full tank last?
I've never had to fill it for the amount of area I have to do so not really sure how long it will run on a tank of gas.
It’s a great vacuum when it works! But you may spend a lot of time fixing the problems. Tubing and adjusting the connections assembly is a real pain in the neck to the extent that I am question the validity of using it. Its a problem at the beginning because the tube is too short. Then a problem if you add extension. Then it starts tearing up and you have to patching it😢😅. It’s endless pain.
I think the best solution is to add extension(2 f) and weld another metal hunger at 45 degree to the horizontal arm of the original metal hunger and have another plastic bungee suspensor to support the tubing including the extension. Let me know if you have another idea, please
When I get the cash, the mulch used for the garden would pay back the expense in a couple years with fantastic soil for the garden. I would leave it on all the time to put the lawn to use to add that valuable mulch! I wonder if this unit could handle 2 x per month for 6 months per year?
Hello great video but i have a question how to do you keep grass from building up in the Chute
I only use it to vacuum up leaves but sometimes I would need to slow down to prevent the tube from blocking up.
Could you have cut the tongue of trailer 4 inches to make up for purchasing a larger hose??
awesome video sir.love that kubota
Thank you
How well has it held up after 3 years? I’ve heard the seems split on the cover and the main shoot from the vacuum to the cover cracks due to sticks and nuts
It's been holding up great although I don't use it all the time, I've had no problems with it.
Very good demo and I am not sure that I can do this by myself. I thinking of purchasing one all ready put together.
Are you cutting with high lift blades , or gator blades, or what kind of blades ? Thanks ! Great video !
Well that does it for me and thanks for the heads up. I don't have the time or patience to custom fit the adapter to my John Deere 54" Mower Deck.
I found a ready made adapter from 'Trac-Vac" Fits perfect, 1 minute installation.
Thank you for an excellent and informative video. Excellent detail and functional test. What’d I learn...I’m definitely not getting one, you saved $$$$.
Great video - thanks for sharing
Have you used this collector without the lawnmower blades activated?
Wondering If the engine from the collector is enough to collect the leaves-
No it won't work. It's designed to run with the blades running because the collector mounted to the deck would clog. But you can take the collector tube off and use it as a vacuum to vacuum up and mulch a pile of leaves.
Thank you very much quite informative I’m getting ready to purchase one
Thank you for the video!
thanks very informative, I have zero turn John Deer very informative thinking about purchasing one
Thank you
Nice video, well done. Thanks for posting.
Well explained, thanks Pete.
👍
I am assuming you have the PTO engaged and are running the lawnmower blades as well? Am I correct?
Correct
Thank you for a fantastic instructional video... step by step!!! Would you recommend the auto start? Thanks again!!
Thank you, I personally don't need the auto start because it's easy to start and you'll save some money. But that's a personal preference.
Pete B. Thanks for your opinion!!
Awesome video-extremely helpful!! Thank you!
👍
You could make a nice pallet bench out of the pallet it came on. I can also say I got great customer service from Cyclone rake when my impeller broke ,sent me a new one with out question & no charge or any kind for doing so.
That tree pollen would kill me. Thanks for the video.
👍
Pete - very well done video. I'm trying to decide between the Cylcone Rake and the DR. How do you like the build quality of the DR? Also, where do you keep it stored? Thanks. Mark S.
Thank you, The Cyclone has some nice features like easy storage and it's fixed to your mower so you're not towing it like a trailer which is nice and keeps the suction tube short. Although I'm not too sure how it will handle around close trees with the rear swinging around like that. I personally think the DR has a better build quality but that's just me. I store it in my 40X60 garage but I have the room for it. If you have a standard garage, you might have to put it in a shed.
Pete B.
I have owned the cyclone
rake for four seasons now and I have no complaints with it. Love the hitch design no worry's about tearing the hose off when turning. One concern I do have with the CR is the Velcro for the back door likely with wear out over time.
What size was the pallet your dr vac came on? I'm trying to figure if it will fit in the back of my truck when I take deliver for it at my local depot terminal. I have fullsize truck with 6 1/2 ft bed
I'm glad I kept the pallet.........It's exactly 48"x 77" it will fit in between the wheel wells and you might actually be able to close the gate.
Awesome thanks for the reply!
Thanks,
It fit perfect and was able to close the tailgate. I just got it all assembled and all I still need to do is cut the deck adapter so I will be vacuuming soon I hope.
Awesome, when I went to get mine I had to bring my trailer because I wasn't sure if it would fit in my truck. Glad it worked.
I have exact same engine there fantastic, running awesome 👌
You didn't show the hardest part. Stretching the cover is almost impossible without help. There is no engineering reason for it to be that tight. I wish I had bought a different brand, it isn't only difficult it is actually dangerous when I used some boards to help stretch it and sometimes it snapped back It still doesn't fit well enough to close the velcro on the back. Some of the hardware didn't fit and I had to get some new hardware to use eg. the link on the cable won't fit over the eyebolt that goes on the front. I haven't used it yet, I still have the nightmare of making the attachment on the mower fit. I regret buying it already. They didn't ship as soon as they said and I now have snow on the ground.
IF YOU LIKE LAWN CARE ACTION PLEASE JOIN MY CHANNEL #JACKSONSYARDCAREJYC
use a bottle jack and some 2x4's of different lengths.
I went with the Cyclone rake,went together easy and works great for me. I"be had it since 99,did replace the engine last year and it works even better with the 6.5 hp. I would recommend it to anyone.
I used mine for a couple of years and the hose broke. I taped it and it broke in two more places. I won't be using it this year. The leaves can stay where they are.@@dave434
I bought a leaf sweeper which helped me realize this product doesn’t work well with people who haul away leaves. It works better for people that have place to dump em and leave ‘em.
I have to brown bag my leafs to haul em.
I don’t want to pick ‘em up with the machine, then dump them on the ground then pick them up again to move em.
Wow what a great review. Thank you.
Thank you
We have one Exactly like it at work. As you’ve probably figured out you need an extension for the hose due to the hose popping off. It’s a shame you pay 1700$ and the hose is too short from the factory and when it’s full it hits you in the back of the neck. I would enjoy a video on your AMX
Yeah not too happy about the hose and you're right about hitting you in the back when the leaf vac is full 😂 I thought about doing a video on the AMX but I might sell it soon, I have too much other thing going on.
Do you have to engage the mower blades while using this or is the suction from trailer motor enough?
Yes you have to engage the mower blades.
Nice AMX had the same 1970 Burnt Orange.
Awesome👍
Pete: How about an update on your DR Leaf and Lawn Vacuum?
Thanks, I'll probably do one soon.
Great video! thanks for the info. Have you ever seen someone connect it to a lawn mower with a round deck chute area?
They have two types of Lawn Deck Adapters. I put a link in the description under the video.
Nice Rig, but I didn't hear mention if You Greased Your wheel bearings
I didn't grease them because they seemed fine but I will do that soon now that fall is upon us. Thanks
Man thats going to really expedite the mulching process if you add it to your pile.... plus you get bonus time on equipment when the grass isn't growing. :)
Fred Flinstone I hate spending money on wood chips so I figure with all the natural resources I have on my property, it will payoff soon.
Video well done, it helped me do the assembly much quicker.
Thank you
Hello from germany, i have see your very good video and the dr lawn and leafe vacuum is good. So sorry my question: How much cost this?? Sorry my english is not so good. With the best regards from germany.
Thank you, I have the information under the video. It's now $1800.00 USD Here's a link to there web site. www.drpower.com/c/DR-Leaf-and-Lawn-Vacuum/p/LL25013DEN
Great video. Where did you get the hose extension kit?
There's a link to it in the description under the video.
@@petebeasttexashomesteading It helps if I click on the "show more" button. Thank you!
Does it fit a torn timecutter zero turn 42 inch deck
The hose on mine spits every time I use it. First one end then the other. If I only go straight to no more than maybe 10 deg to the left or 20 deg to the right all is well. So! I recommend using just the mower plus a rake to move the leaves out away from things so a straight pass will pick them up! Also it takes sharp blades to cut up the pine needles so they won’t plug the hose!
👍
Where did you buy the plastic shoot that you mounted onto the mower deck??
DRPower.com????
www.drpower.com/power-equipment/leaf-blowers-vacuums/leaf-vacuums/tow-behind-leaf-vacs/accessories/deck-adapters
@@petebeasttexashomesteading Thank you
I noticed you conveniently left out how you outlined the deck adapter mark. Kind of difficult huh?
Maybe you should watch the video, I showed how I outlined the deck adapter from 19:00 to around 32:00 minute mark.
I’d use a silver sharpie
Yes I got one last year and the first thing was the tube tore open and I called the company and they sent a longer one to me. 10/16/2017
Did they send it free of charge? If they did that's really good.
Yes they did and it's longer also.
Stan Wilson 👍
Have you used this in tall green grass? I was curious how it would perform?
I haven't tried it yet on tall grass but I think it will do just fine. I might start doing that and put it in a compost pile and let the grass seeds compost and then add it to my garden.
Pete B. That is my plan too compost leaves with green grass. I just ordered the 16.96 I have 54 inch deck on my x590 John Deere
Pete B. That is my plan too compost leaves with green grass. I just ordered the 16.96 I have 54 inch deck on my x590 John Deere
That's awesome, you're going to have a lot of suction and mulching power with the 16.96 model.
Thank you for doing this! Awesome instruction video in real time. I have a 61 inch deck, zero turn and I think I need the $2100 model + deck attachment +extended hose, and I'm not sure I can live with paying a company this much to put the whole damn machine together and they can't even deliver for free?
Thank you and yeah I know it's a pricey unit and as I mentioned in another comment, they should also include the deck adapter and the extra hose. Thank you for watching.
check out a cyclone Rake z-10 they fit up to 72 inch deck.
Yeah I like cyclone too. You don't have to worry about the hose binding up.
NICE WORK KEEP MAKING VIDEOS
Thank you
@@petebeasttexashomesteading HOW LONG YOU BEEN U BEEN YOUTUBING?
Since 2013
Looks like something Agri Fab would build. I'll stay with my Trac Vac.
A ridged 90 degree elbow at the blower with the 6' of flex tube straight might work better. Bert
Thanks, that's a good idea.
Great informative video. A couple of personal gripes with the DR product: They know darn well that the hose is too short for most applications, but rather than include a proper hose with the product, they wait and charge you more when you need the extension. And charging $90 for the deck adapter is just plain stupid! I mean, the product is worthless without the deck adapter, so why does it cost extra? It should be included in the high price of the product!! The trailer is necessary too.....do they charge you more for that?? It's just plain stupid.
bigbluegpr I know and totally agree. They would actually sell more units if they had a 3 foot longer hose and give you an option to choose a deck adapter that was included in the price.
It's just a way to show a lower *starting price* to people. Cyclone Rake does the same damn thing. Their "MDA" (Mower Deck Adapter) is $79 bucks, and they plainly tell you that you'll need it unless you already have one.
Thank you for showing that to us. Too bad about the hose though.
Any reason you went with DR instead of a different brand?
I don't understand about the longer hose part. Even if you could turn more to the left the hose is going to rub on the tire?
How has it held up any issues with motor thanks .
Held up great and no issues with the motor but of course this isn't something I use all the time, just in the late fall to winter here in East Texas to pickup leaves.
Does the bigger model come with a longer hose? Same boat zero turn 60"
Not sure
Its a nice video you made on assembling this dr. as this is their downgraded lawn and leaf vacuum they now make. unlike the previous premier, pro, and pro xl they had hard shell collectors and centrifigual seperator on top. as it had the caster option for zero turn mowers. as i have a cyclone rake instead all american made. at the time was looking at the older dr lawn and leaf vacuums. as the cyclone rake i selected better performance and more easier to store as it breaks down for storage easilly. so dr now has downgraded the lawn and leaf vacuum not sure if they did on other product lines they make like log splitters and the field and brush mowers.
Where did you get 3 foot hose kit for $ 70.00
On their web site but it looks like they went up in price. I also notices their leaf vacuums come with 8 foot hoses now: www.drpower.com/shop.axd/Search?keywords=Hose+kit
Are you still happy with this unit?
Yes, but from what I hear DR is having trouble getting parts to build them right now and will keep you waiting for them.
@@petebeasttexashomesteadingOK, Thanks!
Still like your DR leaf valcuum
Yes, just waiting for the rain to stop and things to dry up here to use it.
By the way excellent review today... Just curious to know what kind of impeller this unit has is it metal or is it plastic... My guess is it is plastic so don't be surprised if you have to end up buying one because it ingested a rock or some walnuts
Thank you, The impellers are metal and the inside housing is metal lined.
Пыль зверская, но очень полезный комплект. Интересно посмотреть как он всасывает влажную траву и листву, чтобы меньше пыли было.