Choosing a garden vacuum cleaner: what you need to know and what to look for
Autumn cleaning of leaves with a rake is already very boring. You stand over that mountain for days, but there is no end to it. If you are faced with the same problem, then we offer you an article in which we will tell you all the intricacies of choosing a garden vacuum cleaner, what it is and how to use it correctly. Let's get started!
The content of the article
Why do you need a garden vacuum cleaner?
We repeat: this garden equipment completely replaces the usual rake and broom. It is enough to turn on the device, throw it on your shoulders and work on the site. Some modifications simply blow the leaves to the sides, while others collect all the debris in a separate bag. Therefore, it is worth further understanding which garden vacuum cleaner is better and what criteria to look for when choosing.
How to choose the right garden vacuum cleaner for your site
The task of first importance is to identify the characteristics that interest us and arrange them in order of decreasing importance. This will guide us in the price and performance of garden tools, and also answer the question “How to choose a garden vacuum cleaner?”
Device power type
There is little choice in this category: a gas leaf blower or an electric one. The first one is powerful, but makes a lot of noise and requires constant refueling and oil filling. Produces a lot of exhaust gases.
The second option does not harm the environment in any way. Divided into mains and battery options.
The network tool has several significant disadvantages:
- Does not work without access to 220 V;
- The length of the cable does not allow you to go very deep;
- It is not recommended to work in moisture.
Cordless options do not require direct current from an outlet. They allow you to work mobile and have the same quality as the gasoline version. Disadvantages of the model:
- Requires time to recharge;
- Operation is limited by battery life.
The battery can be used not only for a garden vacuum cleaner, but also for other tools. Therefore, you can buy a universal model from the same company as other tools in the house, and take spare batteries from them so as not to have to run around again to recharge.
Which garden vacuum cleaner to choose is up to you.
What modes can the device operate in?
In any rating of garden vacuum cleaners and electric leaf blowers, there are 3 modes:
- Suction. When present, all debris and leaves are drawn in and directed into the prepared bag. The mode allows you to clear the area of unnecessary elements.
- Blowing In this format, a garden vacuum blows air, moving leaves to another location.
- Grinding. Additional mode to the first. The essence of the work: the leaves that are sucked into the bag are additionally crushed into several pieces, and only then fall into the container.
Motor power and performance
The first indicator directly affects the performance of the device. The higher it is, the larger and heavier the debris it can remove. Tip: for a small garden, a vacuum cleaner with a battery and a motor of up to 40 watts is enough.
Productivity is measured by the volume of air blowing and air flow.The volume characterizes the suction power of the device. The scale is cubic meters per minute. The larger it is, the more area is captured at a time. For garden work, a model with 10-15 cubic meters/minute is sufficient.
The blowing speed affects the second mode of the above. The scale is meters per second. For manual models, this figure varies up to 70 m/s. Backpack devices can blow at speeds of more than 100 m/s.
Noise and weight: what do they affect?
Noise is measured in decibels. Affects the sound level at which the garden vacuum cleaner will operate. If your model produces more than 110 dB, then you should additionally wear headphones or earplugs.
The more powerful the motor, the heavier the device. In hand tools the weight does not exceed 5 kg, and in backpack tools - 10 or more. Lightweight hand tools can handle small areas, while backpack tools are suitable for landscaping services and industrial purposes.
Additional vacuum cleaner settings that you can take into account
Garbage bin. Collects garbage in a separate container. Volume – from 10 to 50 liters. The big bag is different in that it does not need to be constantly emptied and thus lasts longer.
Belt system. Reduces the load on the worker’s shoulders and allows the tool to be carried comfortably. This is especially important when you have back problems or the weight of the device is too large.
Support wheels. Allows you to reduce the load on the operator’s physical efforts to hold the pipe while blowing. They are attached directly to the working part of the pipe.
Air adjustment. Allows you to adjust the air flow speed. This way you can choose the optimal operating mode and reduce energy consumption.
Protects the impeller from stones and coarse debris. Increases the service life of parts and the vacuum cleaner as a whole.