Shredder Leaf Vacuum Opinions Recomendations

[faverymi]

I need the common knowledge opinion here.

Im in the market for one of this machines.

It will only be used once or twice a year.

The purpose is to finish what the big landscaper didn't meaning after they leave there are still leaves that fall. I just want nice and neat before the snow. Little pruning of bushes and small trees.

I don't need super big power because when I need it I call the pros.

These are the contenders. I have no experience. It just what looks usable.

Please help

[faverymi]

[faverymi]

[ckelly78z]

I just sold my Duerr chipper/shredder/leaf collector for lack of use. I didn't like using the grinder because it was impossible without gloves, and not good with all the safety equipment.
My unit was too big to be dragging all over the yard sucking up leaves, so I just let the Winter winds blow them into the adjacent fields.

I would thingk that the push mower style shown above ^^^ would be much better for small jobs.

[stevej37]

How big of an area are you doing? Do you currently own a lawn tractor?

[flipper35]

If you have a lawn tractor then a mulcher or bagger, or both.

[faverymi]

I don't own a tractor. I would like to avoid having one if possible. Storage reasons

Around half acre. Around the edges mostly

Again is to finish the stuff. Big stuff done by pros.

Thanks

[VincentVega]

I would just ask your pro to spend more time in the beds/around the edges. It should be cheaper then the new equipment and no maintenance. I have a billy goat similar to above and its $$, you still have to do the work, the bag is a bit of a pain and then you still need to pull out the rake and/or blower.

That said, I just blow out the beds then rake up the leaves and shred them in to the compost pile.

[Borders Reivers]

Rent

[Nordwest]

FWIW...
I picked up something like this used a few years ago. I only used it a few times and sold it. I have an acre of so with lots of trees and for me it is easier to blow, rake and mow up the rest. Emptying the bag was a pain in the ass. My 2 cents... Dave

[faverymi]

I guess I'll rent a few first and experience what I like.

Thanks!

[Nickshu]

Personally I agree w/ the above comment...easier to rake and bag then get a shoulder harness leaf vacuum (looks like a leaf blower w/ a bag on it) to suck up the corners, under trees, and places that it's hard to rake. With the type in the photos above you'll spend more time emptying the bag than it's worth unless you have very few leaves or you run it multiple times throughout the fall.