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How to Build a Leaf Vacuum

Updated Jun 27, 2022 11:12 PM

Learning how to build a leaf vacuum can save you a ton of money and be a fun activity for those interested in mechanics. There are a few things to know before you jump into it, however. The best vacuum cleaners and the leading leaf vacuum mulchers can make home maintenance seem like fun, and a leaf vacuum can do the same for your lawn.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Making a leaf vacuum part of your normal lawn mowing routine can give you a far cleaner, more pleasant space.
  • Checking city ordinances regarding lawn care will help you determine if you need to build your lawn vacuum.
  • Building a lawn vacuum is probably easier than you think it is but still requires quite a bit of know-how, so don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

How to Build a Leaf Vacuum

If you purchase the best commercial leaf vacuum, you don’t need this guide. But, you’ll be missing out on a cool project. Figuring out how to build a leaf vacuum doesn’t have to be complicated. The following steps will help you build your DIY leaf vacuum with ease. Like building a bee vacuum or making a pond vacuum, it’s all about using the right tools and supplies.

Insider Tip

Learning how to build a leaf vacuum can save you a ton of money and be a fun activity for those interested in mechanics.

Moreover, it’s much more interesting to create a new original device than using a standard one, as you’ll see in our Sanitaire commercial vacuum review.

1. Gather Your Supplies

There are just a few things you need to build a DIY leaf vacuum:

  • Rubber Strap
  • Eye Goggles
  • Power Drill
  • Protective Goggles
  • Gloves
  • Discharge Chute Cover
  • 6in x 2in Wood Block
  • Tape Measure
  • Wrench
  • Mulching Blade

2. Disassemble Your Mower

Begin by taking the blade off of the lawnmower. Removing mower blades can be dangerous, so make sure to wear cut-resistant gloves and take your time. Just like replacing a vacuum cleaner belt, you need to use the right tools for the job, so you can do the job properly and avoid any problem. 

3. Reassemble Your Mower

You’ll then take the mulching blade and install it in place of the mower’s blade. Use the washer that came with the blade to secure it, and then use the woodblock for further stabilization. You’ll slide that wooden block between the mulcher and the mower, screwing the nut back into place so that everything stays together.

4. Install Your Discharge Chute

The last step in transforming a lawnmower into a yard vac is installing the discharge chute. This is done by removing the existing discharge chute, which isn’t made for the yard clean-up you’re about to do. Use a rubber strap to ensure that the discharge chute stays in place.

Warning

Removing mower blades can be dangerous, so make sure to wear cut-resistant gloves and take your time.

And, while maintaining this leaf vacuum, you’ll need to service this vacuum regularly, as warranties and manufacturers probably won’t cover it. 

F.A.Q.

How to Get Rid of Leaves with a Yard Vac?

You’ll want to have a rake, as well, since even the best yard vac can’t suck up every stray piece of debris. To start, you’ll just turn your yard vac on and start vacuuming up leaves. It’s almost the same with a strong ash vacuum, except it’s much easier to collect ash. 


I don’t want a machine I only use once a year. Are there other uses for it?

There are multiple reasons to have a leaf vacuum. While they’re best used in the autumn and fall, the other seasons need yard clean-up, too. For example, spring showers can cause all sorts of lawn debris to fall.


How to Choose the Best Leaf and Lawn Vacuum

Your budget and lifestyle will always determine the best purchase for you. Look into the features you can expect with a leaf vacuum and figure out how much you can spend. From there, it’s a pretty straightforward process.


How to Use a Leaf Blower Vacuum?

Every leaf blower vacuum will come with its own set of instructions. Most of them work the same way, but you might find that this varies from model to model.


STAT: Some 76% of people consider suction power most important when choosing what vacuum cleaner to buy, a long way ahead of the next most important factors of being easy to move around (44%), lightweight (28%), and good at picking up pet hairs (24%). (source)

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