So I have one of these (the non-self propelled version). It works decently, but ONLY in a specific way. Dry/single layer of debris, you're good. If you're leaves are damp or there are multiple layers of them, it's instant chute plugging. I do appreciate that the unit is lightweight which is good if you're out trying to use it on damp ground (as we are here in the mid-west during this time of year). It is a BEAST to start. Thankfully it typically starts on the 2nd-3rd pull, but it's a heavy pull. I also wish that the impeller was activated by a grip bar (similar to a self propelled mower). The constantly having to shut it down/restart it to change bags is a hassle (especially when a bag fills up every couple minutes)... see above comment about starting. It's also VERY loud, wear ear protection.
Run the machine over recently fallen Oak leaves with some dry Magnolia leaves mixed in. That would be my situation. This looks like a great product and the chipper makes it a multi-use tool that won't just sit for 90% of the time.
The other thing, by the time my leaves are falling I've been cutting the grass short. That grass still looked long on the first lawn and the machine still did well; I'd certainly consider it. You could probably modify the front to be more of an open mouth, but understandably not safe.
Is it worth getting over a good lawnmower with a bagging attachment? That is a pretty big chunk of coin and the only thing the mower doesn't do is mulch the branches. With a good high lift blade a mower will suck better and do double duty and cut as well
Great idea, I have a little version of one. But the problem is always if it leaves are wet. Dry leaves are generally no problem, but the wet leaves give it a lot of problems. Would love to see how well it works for wet, large leaves.
I just ordered one while they were on sale and had free shipping. In my area, you have to place leaves on your grass at the curb (and kill it, as it sits for 4+ weeks) or bag them for recycle pickup with weekly trash. This is the only machine I know of that has direct to paper bag capabilities. All the others require you to transfer from the machine bag to a paper compostable bag for pickup which is a royal PITA. No better than just using your mower and its bag. I see many like it but it has charging battery issues (I'll possibly have to modify/upgrade to a bigger capacity battery and use an external trickle charger). I'm also making a simple tamping stick to carry with it... pack down the bag and clear the chute. It should come with one standard IMHO.
I'm seriously considering buying this unit for next fall. I've been checking out all the reviews on the different leaf vacuums and this is the first video on this make and model that I could find. I have 4 huge maple trees and it's getting to be too much for me to do as I'm getting older. I checked out having a lawn service to do a fall clean up but their prices have tripled since COVID and caused our difficult economic times as a result. Thanks for the great review. You have definitely helped me to make the right decision.
It's a good machine. Just wish the lever for adjusting height was a bit more firm. That being said there customer support has been great. I called in to test there responsiveness
Do you think the lever is going to be an issue in the long run? I wonder what they had to say about it??? Maybe something can be modified on the lever to beef it up??
@@quarksmork hard to say really. I spoke with their customer service rep and his stance was he didn't see, hear, or replace but maybe one other that he remembers. as for modifying, i haven't looked into it enough to know. I can say that the tire its on is also the tire that's directly connected to the gear box for the self propel. Hope that helps.
Good video.the first i have found on this unit (might there be a reason?). My Questions: ..what do you think about the 'plastic' wheels-they seem a bit cheap? how long did it 'actually take for you to do you friends lawn (w/the trampoline in the yard?) did any type of leaf or exhaust kick back in your face? how do you know the bag is full? Without the drive assist-if ground was a bit damp--is it difficult to push?( OR would you say heavier than a lawn mower?) thank very you much
I would love to see and hear how well it does on maple tree seeds (helicopters) and pine needles. If it is usable throughout the year -- might justify the cost.
This video was a paid sponsored video by DR Power to show you the capabilities of the Pilot XTSP. Check out the product by clicking the link bit.ly/3ug41rN
I’ve been using a friend’s discontinued Troy-bilt vac. Shredding is an impressive 12:1. Even with a dust-reducing collection bag, it’s a dusty chore. Leaf vacs travel very slowly-much slower than a self-propelled mower. They are also louder than a mower. Ultimately vacuuming is more time consuming than blowing the leafs (nearly six times slower). Despite its cons, it’s excellent for collecting leaves from mulched beds if the accessory hose is at least ten feet long.
What type of gas does it use? Straight pump gas or do you have to mix it with oil ? Two stroke or four stroke? Can’t find information on there site. Great video it really shows what it can do.
Have you tried this machine on helicopters? I hate those things and they are nearly impossible to get up off my lawn. Also do they make an hose attachment that you can use in between bushes and in window recesses and other tight areas?
I need a backpack sized one of these for random lawn cleanup - redwood twigs mostly. Got any ideas there? I have a toro thing but its unwieldy in its design.
I see that Dr Power has a version of this that is not self propelled and doesn't come with branch chipper or Electric start . Do you think the self propelled model is a must have, or is machine light enough for pushing manually?
great question. I ran it not being self propelled. trying to think of the best way of describing it. It won't kill you or your body on flat ground without it being self propelled. similar to running a mower without being self propelled. its a luxury item. a fantastic one at that.
@@pestandlawnginja I bought the non self propelled version and wish I'd sprung for the self propelled one. Keeping a constant speed is challenging. it IS pretty lightweight though, so I don't find it overly taxing to push, even when the bags are full. In hindsight I found that having that chipper shoot would have been nice to have as well.
I ended up finding a practically brand new one someone was getting rid of. Non self propelled one for a steal. 600 bucks. Perfect condition. For my use case I use my backpack leaf blower to blow all leaves on my blacktop driveay and then just do a few passes with the machine. Woeks great. Learned to keep the leaves in a thin layer, originally blew into a narrow tall row, and I increases the height setting and found I was still going over it multiple times, so now keep it kinda spread out some on my driveay or sidewalks and no problem. Plus easy to push. Also just came back here to find out what bag you use when I want to dump in compost vs paper bag for takeaway by town.
I just received mine. Check your wheel alignment, the bracket on the front wheels that adjusts the height is over bent causing the machine to pull to the left.
30 gal or 45 gal Sleek bags? Looks like 30 gal. Based on your video I'm going ahead with this machine. Still have a billy goat, 12 yr old, it's a beast. The DR looks luxurious by comparison.
I have a mulching mower and run it back and forth and that gets about 80%. Then I mow up and down and by the time I an down. all the leaves are just dust in the lawn and fertilizer for next year.
Our lawn has no grass, but hardpacked dirt and pine bark mulch. How does this machine work on that surface? How does this machine work on leaf covered patio and driveway? I am a senior and want to continue doing yard work but need machines to help me do that, ie less strain on the wrists, less bending over; is this the machine for me?
does well in my opinion. with the hard packed dirt it will be dusty. no ways around it. that's what happened on the second lawn in a few parts along the border of the sidewalk. I did spend about 20 minutes running it directly on concrete. it does suck and kickup dust but it also picks up leaves with ease.
happy to help. you may be able to play with the levels on the front of the unit and not suck up all your mulch the mulch is heavy enough. have a great day. @@jcolmanley
I'll have to try it. I think at the highest setting it would do just ok for an initial cleanout. but i do feel for maintenance cleanups it would work well.
Neat machine! I'd need a much bigger yard to justify having something like that, though. My mulching lawn mower does well enough with my 3 maple trees.
Curious to see if you can do a review that uses the hose attachment accessory that connects to the front of the snout for working in/around bushes or sucking up piles of leaves.
@@pestandlawnginja - yeah i wonder if a standard dust collection hose with a PVC reducer/fittings on the end could connect to that port, and then fashion some sort of suction nozzle for it, would work.
My properties not laid out like your UA-cam it's it's a lot lot different and I was wondering if that machine has the tube that comes off of it and you can suck up the leaves in certain areas that you can't get the
the machines does have an optional attachment specific for the task you mentioned. there is a circular piece of rubber that comes off the front of the bottom of the machine where this attachment goes.
@@scottmansell8121 I personally haven't used it. What I can say is just off the reviews and what some of our local reps have mentioned. Which simply put is they work well and much better than they have in the previous models over the past 5 years
Wow, for me I can say not worth it. Not enough leaves, I just use the lawn mower and bag it up. I have the Oregon blade on it that sucks things up,. and it works I ruined a rubber mat. I normally started it over this mat and no issue, then I changed the blade and had to pick pieces of the mat out of my mower.
Give a link/description of your bags
Sleek Garden Leaf Bag (be sure to click on the more expensive item to include the hand held
leaf scoopers)
Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2QsRsUk
@@pestandlawnginja One thing: 30 gal or 45 gal? You're the man! Thank you. Really appreciate your sharing this stuff. :)
@@epictrundling4639 pretty confident it was the 30gal
@@pestandlawnginja Thanks! Your video is great!
So I have one of these (the non-self propelled version). It works decently, but ONLY in a specific way. Dry/single layer of debris, you're good. If you're leaves are damp or there are multiple layers of them, it's instant chute plugging. I do appreciate that the unit is lightweight which is good if you're out trying to use it on damp ground (as we are here in the mid-west during this time of year). It is a BEAST to start. Thankfully it typically starts on the 2nd-3rd pull, but it's a heavy pull. I also wish that the impeller was activated by a grip bar (similar to a self propelled mower). The constantly having to shut it down/restart it to change bags is a hassle (especially when a bag fills up every couple minutes)... see above comment about starting. It's also VERY loud, wear ear protection.
I have the Billy Goat version. It will suck the soul from your body. I love these lawn vacuums. My neighbors watch when I pull the thing out.
🤣🤣🤣
Suck the soul out your body you say …. 🤔lol
Run the machine over recently fallen Oak leaves with some dry Magnolia leaves mixed in. That would be my situation. This looks like a great product and the chipper makes it a multi-use tool that won't just sit for 90% of the time.
The other thing, by the time my leaves are falling I've been cutting the grass short. That grass still looked long on the first lawn and the machine still did well; I'd certainly consider it. You could probably modify the front to be more of an open mouth, but understandably not safe.
Not sure what that would do four suction. May do better may do worse
Is it worth getting over a good lawnmower with a bagging attachment? That is a pretty big chunk of coin and the only thing the mower doesn't do is mulch the branches. With a good high lift blade a mower will suck better and do double duty and cut as well
I believe there are a few benefits. The biggest being the bag capacity
That thing is kickass! Love the little branch chopper!
The chipper shredder cut like butter 🧈
Very cool that it is self propelled and looks sturdy.
I have a tamper to force leaves down in the paper bags...rounded edges so as not to tear them.
Great idea 💡
Good idea. I'm going to make a simple one that I can carry with the machine, clipped to the side.
Great idea, I have a little version of one. But the problem is always if it leaves are wet. Dry leaves are generally no problem, but the wet leaves give it a lot of problems. Would love to see how well it works for wet, large leaves.
I agree 👍. So far so good
I just ordered one while they were on sale and had free shipping. In my area, you have to place leaves on your grass at the curb (and kill it, as it sits for 4+ weeks) or bag them for recycle pickup with weekly trash. This is the only machine I know of that has direct to paper bag capabilities. All the others require you to transfer from the machine bag to a paper compostable bag for pickup which is a royal PITA. No better than just using your mower and its bag.
I see many like it but it has charging battery issues (I'll possibly have to modify/upgrade to a bigger capacity battery and use an external trickle charger). I'm also making a simple tamping stick to carry with it... pack down the bag and clear the chute. It should come with one standard IMHO.
Love the detailed feedback. Thanks for sharing
I'm seriously considering buying this unit for next fall. I've been checking out all the reviews on the different leaf vacuums and this is the first video on this make and model that I could find. I have 4 huge maple trees and it's getting to be too much for me to do as I'm getting older. I checked out having a lawn service to do a fall clean up but their prices have tripled since COVID and caused our difficult economic times as a result. Thanks for the great review. You have definitely helped me to make the right decision.
It's a good machine. Just wish the lever for adjusting height was a bit more firm. That being said there customer support has been great. I called in to test there responsiveness
Do you think the lever is going to be an issue in the long run? I wonder what they had to say about it???
Maybe something can be modified on the lever to beef it up??
@@quarksmork hard to say really. I spoke with their customer service rep and his stance was he didn't see, hear, or replace but maybe one other that he remembers.
as for modifying, i haven't looked into it enough to know. I can say that the tire its on is also the tire that's directly connected to the gear box for the self propel. Hope that helps.
Good video.the first i have found on this unit (might there be a reason?). My Questions: ..what do you think about the 'plastic' wheels-they seem a bit cheap? how long did it 'actually take for you to do you friends lawn (w/the trampoline in the yard?) did any type of leaf or exhaust kick back in your face? how do you know the bag is full? Without the drive assist-if ground was a bit damp--is it difficult to push?( OR would you say heavier than a lawn mower?) thank very you much
I would love to see and hear how well it does on maple tree seeds (helicopters) and pine needles. If it is usable throughout the year -- might justify the cost.
I'll write it down and test it out. Great ideas. So far it's done well on my trees
I have this unit. I bought the reusable bag, but the reusable bag you have looks like it might work well too. Can you provide a link to the bag?
🛒 Sleek Garden Leaf Bag (be sure to click on the more expensive item to include the hand held
leaf scoopers)
Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2QsRsUk
This video was a paid sponsored video by DR Power to show you the capabilities of the Pilot XTSP. Check out the product by clicking the link
bit.ly/3ug41rN
I’ve been using a friend’s discontinued Troy-bilt vac. Shredding is an impressive 12:1. Even with a dust-reducing collection bag, it’s a dusty chore. Leaf vacs travel very slowly-much slower than a self-propelled mower. They are also louder than a mower. Ultimately vacuuming is more time consuming than blowing the leafs (nearly six times slower). Despite its cons, it’s excellent for collecting leaves from mulched beds if the accessory hose is at least ten feet long.
Thanks for sharing!
What type of gas does it use? Straight pump gas or do you have to mix it with oil ? Two stroke or four stroke? Can’t find information on there site. Great video it really shows what it can do.
Four. Regular gas ⛽️
How would it work with dead grass and debris pulled out of the grass by a SunJoe?
Someone else mentioned that. I need to try it!
Have you tried this machine on helicopters? I hate those things and they are nearly impossible to get up off my lawn. Also do they make an hose attachment that you can use in between bushes and in window recesses and other tight areas?
yes, my own mapletree. it does well. not a miracle maker but it got 80%-85% of them with two passes.
Could the paper bags be reused several times? Dump in the woods and reinstall? I read the paper bags create a better seal for the dust??
you could likely get a few uses out of the paper bags assuming you treat them gently. as for a better seal..... its debatable.
I need a backpack sized one of these for random lawn cleanup - redwood twigs mostly. Got any ideas there? I have a toro thing but its unwieldy in its design.
Just the chipper shredders by Sun Joe and earthwise but they don't do leaves
Stihl makes a bloewr vacuum that does what you need
I see that Dr Power has a version of this that is not self propelled and doesn't come with branch chipper or Electric start . Do you think the self propelled model is a must have, or is machine light enough for pushing manually?
great question. I ran it not being self propelled. trying to think of the best way of describing it. It won't kill you or your body on flat ground without it being self propelled. similar to running a mower without being self propelled. its a luxury item. a fantastic one at that.
@@pestandlawnginja I bought the non self propelled version and wish I'd sprung for the self propelled one. Keeping a constant speed is challenging. it IS pretty lightweight though, so I don't find it overly taxing to push, even when the bags are full. In hindsight I found that having that chipper shoot would have been nice to have as well.
@@joshuasmalley great feedback. Thanks for sharing
I ended up finding a practically brand new one someone was getting rid of. Non self propelled one for a steal. 600 bucks. Perfect condition. For my use case I use my backpack leaf blower to blow all leaves on my blacktop driveay and then just do a few passes with the machine. Woeks great. Learned to keep the leaves in a thin layer, originally blew into a narrow tall row, and I increases the height setting and found I was still going over it multiple times, so now keep it kinda spread out some on my driveay or sidewalks and no problem. Plus easy to push. Also just came back here to find out what bag you use when I want to dump in compost vs paper bag for takeaway by town.
I just received mine. Check your wheel alignment, the bracket on the front wheels that adjusts the height is over bent causing the machine to pull to the left.
nailed it for sure!
How did you fix? Same issue.
30 gal or 45 gal Sleek bags? Looks like 30 gal. Based on your video I'm going ahead with this machine. Still have a billy goat, 12 yr old, it's a beast. The DR looks luxurious by comparison.
not bad for what it is if you have a big yard and lots of trees , great honest review G have a great thanksgiving
Thanks, you too!
My leaves on my bradford pears are so slow to fall. It takes 3-4 sessions. We compost so its best if they are dry so the Toro ultra grinds them fine
Awesome 👌
Love the video….where did you get the reusable bag…thinking about getting this model.
listed in the description of the video!
@@pestandlawnginja I do not see it in the video description.
I have a mulching mower and run it back and forth and that gets about 80%. Then I mow up and down and by the time I an down. all the leaves are just dust in the lawn and fertilizer for next year.
I think about buying something like this every year… usually when I’m cleaning my leaf boogers. 😅
Ha ha ha good old leaf boogers
Ginja l bought a Billy goat brand lawn vacuum in the fall last year to help with leaves found it also picks up thatch very well tons of uses
Great idea 💡 never thought about that
I have a SCAG zero turn with a nice bagger on it. Would it be a benefit for me to also get one of these? Or would they work about the same?
man.... that is a fantastic question. I would invest in the leaf bagger on that scag.
Wishing you and the family a blessed one this holiday bro
Same to you! Happy holidays
Love your new side kick!!!
He's the man!
Our lawn has no grass, but hardpacked dirt and pine bark mulch. How does this machine work on that surface? How does this machine work on leaf covered patio and driveway? I am a senior and want to continue doing yard work but need machines to help me do that, ie less strain on the wrists, less bending over; is this the machine for me?
does well in my opinion. with the hard packed dirt it will be dusty. no ways around it. that's what happened on the second lawn in a few parts along the border of the sidewalk.
I did spend about 20 minutes running it directly on concrete. it does suck and kickup dust but it also picks up leaves with ease.
tks, the dust make sense - i suppose it will also decimate the mulch? thanks again! fun video..((: @@pestandlawnginja
happy to help. you may be able to play with the levels on the front of the unit and not suck up all your mulch the mulch is heavy enough. have a great day. @@jcolmanley
Would this machine pick up pine needles and pine cones? Or really any hard vac?
I'd need to do more testing to give you a good answer. When I tested there were some and if they were on top of the grass it did pick them up
What type of material or method would you use to attach to the Collapsible -30 Gallon Canvas Garden Waste Bag?
Rubber
Mulch, then bag and whatever is left over can breakdown over the fall
As long as it's mulched fine it's a great way to do it
Where did you get the leaf bags?
Sleek Garden Leaf Bag (be sure to click on the more expensive item to include the hand held
leaf scoopers)
Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2QsRsUk
Have you tried this with plastic trash bags/leaf bags rather than the paper bags?
No. It needs somewhat of a base to sit on to leverage the weight
@@pestandlawnginja - how about contractor bags - they are larger, and once leaves are in it might sit in place.
Is that reusable bag the 30gal Fiskars Kangaroo Collapsible Garden Bag?
It was a little dusty with the honey locust tree. Also it really did well with grass not cut short.
With the honey locust. There were bald spots in the lawn that were the cause. It wasnt dust from grinding the leaves.
How well would this work to use after using a SunJoe to power rake for spring cleanup?
I'll have to try it. I think at the highest setting it would do just ok for an initial cleanout. but i do feel for maintenance cleanups it would work well.
Neat machine! I'd need a much bigger yard to justify having something like that, though. My mulching lawn mower does well enough with my 3 maple trees.
Makes sense!
did it good for lawn Thatch ?
Great idea. I'll give it a try
The link is not working, trying to look up the vac on the website but can seem to find the actual vac.
www.drpower.com/Power-Equipment/Leaf-Blowers-%26-Vacuums/Walk-Behind-Leaf-Vacs/DR-Leaf-and-Lawn-Vacuum-/p/WL31004DEN
The sides of my pond has a slight grade. I wonder if this could handle it without slipping downhill (and into the pond!)
Debatable 😆
Not sure if try it and that's saying a lot
Curious to see if you can do a review that uses the hose attachment accessory that connects to the front of the snout for working in/around bushes or sucking up piles of leaves.
Wish they would have sent it. I'll do an updated video but unfortunately not till late spring or fall of next year. It's already snowing here in Utah
@@pestandlawnginja - yeah i wonder if a standard dust collection hose with a PVC reducer/fittings on the end could connect to that port, and then fashion some sort of suction nozzle for it, would work.
@@maximus3ae I t may just be that simple. The cap is a round, about 3" in diameter could be more, cap.
How does this work on a yard full of oak trees and uneven terrain? Tons and tons of acorns.
Okay. I'd suggest working around the roots
My properties not laid out like your UA-cam it's it's a lot lot different and I was wondering if that machine has the tube that comes off of it and you can suck up the leaves in certain areas that you can't get the
the machines does have an optional attachment specific for the task you mentioned. there is a circular piece of rubber that comes off the front of the bottom of the machine where this attachment goes.
Is there an option for a good lawn vacuum for around the sun Joe price?
an actual leaf vacuum this size, not that i'm aware of. as for a sucker, mulcher combo there are varies that do a decent job in the same price range.
@@pestandlawnginja what are your thoughts on the worx trivac 3 in 1 blower/ sucker/ all metal mulcher?
@@scottmansell8121 I personally haven't used it. What I can say is just off the reviews and what some of our local reps have mentioned. Which simply put is they work well and much better than they have in the previous models over the past 5 years
It's probably easier to get a longish bungee cord to hold the collapsible bag in place than pad the bottoms.
I like that idea
Try this on a blackjack oak. It'd show what it can do with glossy thick leaves.
Great idea 💡
These are owned by Generac so no wonder these machines are amazing
Looks good just needs better suction Imo.
Interesting
Looks like a pretty nice machine.👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸
So far it's been great
Nice vid, man. Would have been cool to see a non-professional use it. 😮
Good call. Thanks for the feedback
Do you have a link to the green collection bags? @pestandlawnginja
Sleek Garden Leaf Bag (be sure to click on the more expensive item to include the hand held
leaf scoopers)
Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2QsRsUk
cool . I am looking for such kind of machine.
Awesome
Wow, for me I can say not worth it. Not enough leaves, I just use the lawn mower and bag it up. I have the Oregon blade on it that sucks things up,. and it works I ruined a rubber mat. I normally started it over this mat and no issue, then I changed the blade and had to pick pieces of the mat out of my mower.
You do not even need to bag it, just mulch it and leave it.
Not suppose to lubricate belts. It makes them slip.
Good point 👉
I want to see this on Sweetgums.
Good call
short grass, it would work great!
Good call!
"Paid sponsorship"
&
"My opinions are honest"
😂
The best stigma alive
Yeah it makes sense that it takes 2 passes with that amount of leaves
It was a ton!
But does it make Julienne Fries 😂
Ooooo sounds delicious
Just use a mulching mower
you can for sure but its way slower. the mower clogs often when the leaves are thick.
I feel like if they allowed you to angle the front part of the vacuum outwards it would catch all the leaves instead of pushing a pile
interesting idea. that would work if it was more like a funnel. the issue is not losing the suction. I like it.
I bet that shredder would mince up all my grassy biannuals that need cut out every year.
It might! Be a fun test
Cool machine. Not worth the price though. A $200 lawn mower does the exact same thing.