Customer Reviews: Read 239 more reviews...
 OK but not great - would not buy again October 11, 2008
Seems like a great product - relatively inexpensive, powerful, lighter than gas models, can blow or vac, mulches when in vac mode, environment friendly etc.
Not so great in practice for the following reasons:
* Can blow at modest speed fairly quietly but loud whine at full speed --> need hearing protection
* Very loud in vacuum mode, mostly leaves whacking through machine --> need hearing protection
* Awkward to carry and hold in vacuum mode- bag supposed to sit over one shoulder but really need two hands to hold unit in front of body so everything kind of twisted and awkward
* Vacuum near useless at anything other than full power
* Vacuum useless to pick up leaves by walking around lawn - need to blow or rake into piles then vacuum/mulch
* Pick up chute frequently jams with twigs and sticks causing leaves to block it up completely
* Vacuum bag constantly detaches from discharge chute and sends debris flying at high speed (which really hurts when it hits you) until you can switch off and reattach- need a third hand to hold it on - plastic parts appear not built to tight enough tolerances
* Unless you already have a low gauge extension cord then plan on ~$70 for one of any decent length (e.g 12/3 100ft).
* Managing power cord is a HUGE annoyance - makes smoothly covering lawn with blower difficult
I find it quicker and easier to go old school and rake leaves into pile than to blow them. Then they can be vacuumed/mulched but prepare for chute to jam and bag to blow off frequently.
Bottom line - I wouldn't buy it again - too many issues and annoyances - might look at a gas powered unit but not sure they're much better except for getting rid of the cord.
 Great Item October 11, 2008
The Toro Blower/Vac is great. The power is just right for either blowing leaves and grass or vacuuming. A high quality product.
 Best Blower/Vacuum for smaller yards October 7, 2008
This blower/vacuum from Toro is the best for those living on smaller lots. My home sits on a lot that is only 1/5 of an acre. With my home roughly in the middle of this lot there is a power outlet always within 100 feet of any section of the lot and a 100 foot power cord works great. I use a RIGID power cord because it is 12 amp rated (like this Toro)and has orange and gray striping to make it stick out and be seen. This Toro blower/vac is really QUIET, way more than gas models and you really do not need hearing protection to use it. It really vacuums up my Crimson King Maple Tree's large sized leaves and shreds them to where I have 1 bag to about 10 if I had raked them only. I am so glad not to have to use gas and deal with cord pulling and fumes and gas and oil etc. This Toro just needs a turn of a knob and you are off getting up the leaves. Fast, fun,clean and effective. The only drawback is the cord which limits the area you can use it but for smaller lots like mine,about 1/4 acre in size or less, I can not see buying anything else.
Great Quiet Power October 3, 2008
Excellent buy. Amazing power, variable speed. Ergonomic design. Traded a Craftsman gas for this great product. Happy ... so is my wife, who prefers to drag a cord rather than fire up a noisy smelly gas engine
Electric Blower October 3, 2008
Toro Ultra 12 Amp Electric Blower/Vacuum #51599
It is the best blower I have owned. It is even better than the 4 cycle gas powered Ryobi I am replacing. Ligther, much less noise, more power and I can adjust the air coming out. I would recommend this to my neighbors and family....! I have not tried the vaccum feature yet, but I feel it is going to work as good.
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