Getting the most from your blower vac
Choose a model with features that suit your needs, and follow our tips to ensure you stay safe while using the kit
KEY FEATURES
Combined assembly model For an easy adjustment between blow and vac modes, which is ideal if you find using tools fiddly Shredding ratio Choose a higher number (e.g. 16:1) for finer shreds. A ratio of 10:1 reduces leaves to 1/10th of their volume. A high ratio is best for small gardens Shoulder strap Look for a wide, adjustable strap to ease the strain on your back Variable blowing speeds Makes it easier to adapt to conditions, giving more power if leaves are damp or less if used over gravel. Where machines do not have this facility you can move closer to or further from the leaves Switch operated start A feature of electric models, giving a reliable start, while petrol machines have a more complicated start-up procedure to follow Petrol engine type Domestic garden blower-vacs usually have 2-stroke engines. These tend to be more compact and lighter than 4-stroke engines so the machine is easier to carry and manoeuvre
OPERATING YOUR MACHINE
Wear safety goggles and ear defenders. Work a few metres away from anyone else in the garden to protect them from flying debris Check all attachments are clipped securely in place before turning on, as some models won’t start if any are loose Close all zips and clips before beginning to vacuum up leaves and debris Disconnect the power or stop the engine when changing attachments to vac mode Blow leaves or debris into a single pile first, before using the vacuum, for an efficient tidy-up. Use variable speed, blower aperture size and distance to control the leaves Use the shredded material straight away as a mulch, or add to your compost heap to rot down. Don’t dig shredded leaves into beds as they need to rot before mixing into soil Turn off the machine or unplug it before brushing off any debris on the casing and disconnecting attachments ahead of storage Regular maintenance through the year will help prolong the engine life of petrol models