Garden Vac

alanobrien

Anyone have any experience of using one of these things
with a gravel garden ?

I have a wood next door most of which seems to be falling in my garden so if one of these things would work it could help save my dodgy back.

I suspect they are not powerful enough to suck up the gravel but some first hand experience would be useful.

If i know that it will work i will start looking around for a good deal on one.

all comments appreciated.........

Alfie_E

Yes, they work on a gravel garden. As to whether they pick up gravel, it’s yes and no. The one I’ve used has a power rating of 2500W. You’ll probably find your gravel like mine – made up of a mixture of stones of different density. There are the very odd ones that are very light for their size, and these do get picked up. But, clearly, all the gravel that survives the first use will stay put for all the subsequent uses. So, if you have a garden vac with an integral shredder, you don’t want the shredder part in use. But, otherwise, picking up the odd bit of gravel isn’t a problem.

One thing to note though, if you have a dodgy back is: garden vacs are not particularly light. The good part is that they’re quick. They also pick up bits settled into the gravel that are extremely difficult to get out otherwise, such as the little twiggy parts that attach leaves to the branches of some trees, and which get shed along with their leaves.

economiser

I have two. Don't ask why. My garden is about half an acre and we have lots of leaves. I find they are more use a blowers. Blow leaves into heap and then pick up manually - a lot quicker than trying to suck them up. I have a Flymo which is good at blowing but a bit clumsy for picking up and I therefore got a cheapo one from B&Q which I use for picking up around pots and so on around the terrace area. We have a pea shingle drive and the this is definitely picked up when in suck mode by both machines. The Flymo is easy to swich from blow to suck mode but the B&Q one is frankly a pain to switch. I agree with Alfie - don't underestimate the weight.

LittleJo

Hi,
Blow leaves into a pile, then suck them up.
Easiest way!!
Jo

rizla01

I got mine, a McCulloch Petrol off the rubbish tip and it's all complete.

The other point to note is that you may put the thing on your shoulder and think that the weight is OK, but I was in for a bit of a shock when I vacuumed up all of the leaves, to find that the SACK weighs quite heavy too.

also they're pretty good fun and make a great racket so it'll definitely impress the neighbours.:)

Just a little hint though.

In blow mode it's a good idea to peg down a couple of dust sheets and blow the leaves onto it. pick up the four corners and play Santa. Very simple and quick.