Just moved to a 9 acre wooded lot last year. Spent probably 10 hours a week with a leaf blower last Fall and couldn't keep up. I've been eyeing the DR leaf vac but some of the reviews around difficult assembly have been concerning. Compared to some of the alternatives, I like how this is built (metal impeller, larger engine, etc). Lots of sticks and walnuts on our property. Really appreciate your enthusiasm for the product. Assembly only really occurs once and reviewing the video from DR doesn't seem that awful, maybe just a little time consuming.
I break mine down for storage every year and I'd say it takes roughly an hr to to take apart or put together. like anything else it takes a little learning the first time or two. After that it's pretty smooth sailing. over the yrs we have gotten a little more efficient at using it also. I get it all setup and my wife drives it while I use the leaf blower and blow leaves out away from the house and trees so it's easier to pick them up. I've found that works really well and cuts time down a ton. I'm in no way compensated by dr and I've also never used ant other brand but I can tell you just having a leave vac of any kind will save you time on your leaves once you get a system setup. Thanks for watching and commenting. Hope it helps ya Zach!
You know what make DR stuff even more appealing (if not less profitable for DR)? Standardizing their removable engines into just a few “power pack” sizes across all their equipment (towed equipment at least). If they can be relatively easily removed from the tool and stored away separately, it should be installable on another piece of equipment. Imagine the same sharable engine between the spring tiller, the summer mower, the fall leaf vac and the winter snowblower (as long as it’s made quick and easy of course). Kinda crazy to own all these different pieces of seasonal equipment and the significant engine cost does nothing for you most of the year. They (you) could also afford a nicer-quality engine if the basic implement cost is lower to start with.
I bought my DR Leaf and Lawn Vac in 2016 and use a Cub cadet 50 in zero turn to pull around the yard.I have an electric start model but this motor, even thought made in China, is easy to start with the pull rope. Lessons learned: 1. watch for low hanging tree branches when towing. 2. The plastic dump cart is the weakest link to this equipment. Don't overload or it will crack. I've had to add support between the frame and plastic tub to mitigate the cracking of the dump cart. Also had to use a Folger's coffee can to extend the chute into the front hole of the canvas as mine was manufactured to barely fit. Be careful when vacuuming wet leave as if your vacuum hose gets clogged, it can collapse the vacuum hose.
Great video, I’ve had mine 7 or 8 years now and love it. It does a great job, mulches up the material quite well. What I’ve learned on my journey: The hose cracked and split rather quickly; I found a more durable one on the internet. I removed one of the “lift assist” bars, because as pointed out it is tough to push down. Mine works well with just one attached. I use the chute off my lawn mower grass catcher rather than the one supplied, it works well, and I didn’t have to cut it to fit. In fact, I do not clamp the mower end, it stays on and moves a little bit as I turn, reduces stress on the hose. I have a Cub Cadet lawn tractor; I think the chute is the same for many lawn mowers. Be sure to properly size your unit. I got the largest one available at the time. It is a trade off about how often you empty it versus how much it weighs on both you and the mower. When mine is full the tongue weight is significant on mower and being in my 70’s it can be a chore for me to dump alone. This is a significant investment, and I am not sorry for one moment that I made it. I hope you find this information helpful if you are thinking about purchasing one.
I'm just about to install my deck adapter for my DR... found your video, nice tips but now I'm more interested in your car videos. I had a couple of '69 Camaros and need to come back to watch those! I subscribed, keep pumpin' out the project videos!
Thanks for your time. I have 5 acres with huge oak trees. I will be getting a DR and a zero turn mower soon. I was on the fence about it just because of the cost factor but I believe that it will be well worth it. Good luck with the Camaro.
I also have a DR Leaf Vac. One thing I noticed first rattle out of the box was that the clam shell on mine would not stay straight and bounced up and down losing the leaves out of the container. I took some long tie down rubber straps with the s hooks ( I think was 3 of them) over the top between the last snap and second snap of the flap and hooked them near the rear of the tub where it wouldn't slide up. Never lost another leaf out the back. Just have to remember to unhook on both sides before you try to dump it. LOL Mine is the Premiere (200 gallon).
I bought my DR two years ago. Bought it used, but it was like new. One of the best things I have bought in a while. We also have a lot of leaves. The DR. Just cuts the work load down significantly. As for taking the top off to use as a dump wagon, yeah, i think im going to go buy one of those towable yard carts. Taking it apart looks like too much trouble. Thanks for the video.
Great video! I have used a Cyclone Rake behind a Bad Boy zero turn 60" deck with a 27 hp Kawasaki engine for 5 years and I believe it may have some advantages.
I don’t know, I really like the clam shell dumper, and the cyclone is way more expensive. And it looks like a lot of work to adapt the chute to most mowers. I’m on the fence between the two. What is the cyclone biggest advantage as price for me is not the main factor. Ease of use and efficacy is.
Great vidio I have used quite a few of your tips really like the idea on bending the brackets and using the original place where the grass deflecter mounts works great thanx again.
I just ordered the xl 330 and before I use it I am going to use a couple of loctite tunes of adhesive and glue on a rug with a rubber backing to the rear panel inside where the leaves blow against the back to cut down the wearing of that back panel.
Awesome video! I have this same model Dr Vac but my neighbors complain about the noise. I’m on 5 acres but wish I were even further away from neighbors. It is loud, the nature of the beast I guess. If I’m talking to a neighbor I’ll tell em I’m firing up the old B-17 today just to see their reaction. Is it the impeller spinning, besides the engine, that makes it so loud? Lol
yes, it works great for grass clippings. I would recommend you dump it when it's about half full though because just grass clippings are a lot heavier than just leaves. Thanks for watching!
Yes it can, it picks up Grass clippings very well. I don't recommend using it if the grass or leaves are damp. I've done it a few times and it tends to plug up the hose. It has no problems sucking it up or mulching it though. I have alot of sticks and acorn sized nuts in my yard, if it can pick it up it will mulch it. Thanks for watching and I hope this answers your question Paul!
I'm on the fence between the DR and CR. There's certainly pros and cons to each. One thing I hadn't seen yet was the DR suction hose looks like it slightly kinks where it attaches to the motor. That looks like a possible problem down the road. The CR uses a molded elbow with buckle clasps to make the turn. Decisions decisions???
There is definitely alot of variables to look at when comparing models and manufacturers. I have not had a cr so I can't do a direct comparison between them. I will say that the hose has never been an issue for me at the engine. The housing is at a slight angle forward to help the turn be less aggressive. I hope my videos help with your decision and I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever choice you make!
Yes, I run the mower blades and the leaf vacuum at the same time. It has alot of suction and will pick up some leaves without the blades but it works best when the mower cuts and shoots the leaves into the tube. I can mow over leaves easily 2-3" deep and it picks up 99% of them in one pass. As long as the hopper isn't full. Thanks for watching and I hope this answers your question Jason!
I just saw your video on the dr vacuum, I have one just like. Do you have a problem when you dump the leave out.when I fill it up that lid gets that heavy , big problem. Talked with company and can’t figure it out.
Tim, I have had that issue before. Usually, it's when my leaves are slightly damp or I wait too long to dump them. I have a bad habit of forgetting to dump it until its packed full. My suggestion would be to try and dump it a little more often. I have noticed a big difference between emptying it when its full and when its packed full. Hopefully this helps in some way. Thanks for watching, commenting and supporting the channel.
to be honest it really depends on how large of an area you are doing and how many leaves you typically have. I went with the largest model they make for a few reasons. 1 I have a ton of trees 2 I knew I needed one of the larger models but wasn't sure which one. 3 I came to the conclusion that the price difference between models wasn't worth being wrong. I went with the largest model they had at the time thinking if it is to big for my yard atleast it will have the largest engine and be built the best so it will in theory last the longest. also if it's to big it will do the job much easier and I'll have to dump it less. Now if it turned out to be too small atleast I would know that it's the biggest they offer. I would hate to save a few bucks and then regret it or Always think should I have got the bigger one? I never regret getting the little bigger or nicer model of something within reason. thanks for watching and for your comment. I hope this helps!
I've never had a problem with that. it does have a good amount of dust escape when it's picking up leaves though. I usually run it with the last 2 snaps undone
Mine just got RECALLED! This not the com-any of 2013, they are crap! Go buy a different[roduct, from someone else. Had mine lease that 6 months with the hose cracking / splitting
Wet leaves tend to clog up the suction pipe and make a mess in the hopper. It will still suck them up and mulch them if you take your time. I don't recommend it though. Hope this answers your question. Thanks for watching David!
Just moved to a 9 acre wooded lot last year. Spent probably 10 hours a week with a leaf blower last Fall and couldn't keep up. I've been eyeing the DR leaf vac but some of the reviews around difficult assembly have been concerning. Compared to some of the alternatives, I like how this is built (metal impeller, larger engine, etc). Lots of sticks and walnuts on our property. Really appreciate your enthusiasm for the product. Assembly only really occurs once and reviewing the video from DR doesn't seem that awful, maybe just a little time consuming.
I break mine down for storage every year and I'd say it takes roughly an hr to to take apart or put together. like anything else it takes a little learning the first time or two. After that it's pretty smooth sailing. over the yrs we have gotten a little more efficient at using it also. I get it all setup and my wife drives it while I use the leaf blower and blow leaves out away from the house and trees so it's easier to pick them up. I've found that works really well and cuts time down a ton. I'm in no way compensated by dr and I've also never used ant other brand but I can tell you just having a leave vac of any kind will save you time on your leaves once you get a system setup. Thanks for watching and commenting. Hope it helps ya Zach!
You know what make DR stuff even more appealing (if not less profitable for DR)? Standardizing their removable engines into just a few “power pack” sizes across all their equipment (towed equipment at least). If they can be relatively easily removed from the tool and stored away separately, it should be installable on another piece of equipment. Imagine the same sharable engine between the spring tiller, the summer mower, the fall leaf vac and the winter snowblower (as long as it’s made quick and easy of course). Kinda crazy to own all these different pieces of seasonal equipment and the significant engine cost does nothing for you most of the year. They (you) could also afford a nicer-quality engine if the basic implement cost is lower to start with.
@chriskelvin248 that is a great idea!
I bought my DR Leaf and Lawn Vac in 2016 and use a Cub cadet 50 in zero turn to pull around the yard.I have an electric start model but this motor, even thought made in China, is easy to start with the pull rope. Lessons learned: 1. watch for low hanging tree branches when towing. 2. The plastic dump cart is the weakest link to this equipment. Don't overload or it will crack. I've had to add support between the frame and plastic tub to mitigate the cracking of the dump cart. Also had to use a Folger's coffee can to extend the chute into the front hole of the canvas as mine was manufactured to barely fit. Be careful when vacuuming wet leave as if your vacuum hose gets clogged, it can collapse the vacuum hose.
great tips Greg, thanks for taking the time to watch and comment 👍
Great review. Next review don’t have the truck in the back ground. Couldn’t keep my eyes of it 😍😍
glad you enjoyed the review and my truck!
I used mine to blow mulch, used a cheap wagon to carry the engine and did the same thing you did with the blown insulation.
thats a great idea!
Great video, I’ve had mine 7 or 8 years now and love it. It does a great job, mulches up the material quite well. What I’ve learned on my journey:
The hose cracked and split rather quickly; I found a more durable one on the internet.
I removed one of the “lift assist” bars, because as pointed out it is tough to push down. Mine works well with just one attached.
I use the chute off my lawn mower grass catcher rather than the one supplied, it works well, and I didn’t have to cut it to fit. In fact, I do not clamp the mower end, it stays on and moves a little bit as I turn, reduces stress on the hose. I have a Cub Cadet lawn tractor; I think the chute is the same for many lawn mowers.
Be sure to properly size your unit. I got the largest one available at the time. It is a trade off about how often you empty it versus how much it weighs on both you and the mower. When mine is full the tongue weight is significant on mower and being in my 70’s it can be a chore for me to dump alone.
This is a significant investment, and I am not sorry for one moment that I made it. I hope you find this information helpful if you are thinking about purchasing one.
thanks for watching, im glad you enjoyed the video
I love you i did not have any idea what to do with the hose hanger system mine kept slipping up too so thank you that clamp idea is perfect
awesome, glad I could help!
I'm just about to install my deck adapter for my DR... found your video, nice tips but now I'm more interested in your car videos. I had a couple of '69 Camaros and need to come back to watch those! I subscribed, keep pumpin' out the project videos!
I'm glad you found my video handy. thanks for the sub and I hope you enjoy the content as much as I do making it!
Thanks for your time. I have 5 acres with huge oak trees. I will be getting a DR and a zero turn mower soon. I was on the fence about it just because of the cost factor but I believe that it will be well worth it. Good luck with the Camaro.
glad the video was helpful!
I also have a DR Leaf Vac. One thing I noticed first rattle out of the box was that the clam shell on mine would not stay straight and bounced up and down losing the leaves out of the container. I took some long tie down rubber straps with the s hooks ( I think was 3 of them) over the top between the last snap and second snap of the flap and hooked them near the rear of the tub where it wouldn't slide up. Never lost another leaf out the back. Just have to remember to unhook on both sides before you try to dump it. LOL Mine is the Premiere (200 gallon).
mine does bounce sometimes and the top will sit crooked but it's not very often. great fix!
How is it for pine needles and small twigs and tree limbs? Thanks Mike
I bought my DR two years ago. Bought it used, but it was like new. One of the best things I have bought in a while. We also have a lot of leaves. The DR. Just cuts the work load down significantly. As for taking the top off to use as a dump wagon, yeah, i think im going to go buy one of those towable yard carts. Taking it apart looks like too much trouble. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching!
Great video! I have used a Cyclone Rake behind a Bad Boy zero turn 60" deck with a 27 hp Kawasaki engine for 5 years and I believe it may have some advantages.
I remember looking at those as well before I bought the Dr. thanks for watching I'm glad you enjoyed it!
I don’t know, I really like the clam shell dumper, and the cyclone is way more expensive. And it looks like a lot of work to adapt the chute to most mowers. I’m on the fence between the two. What is the cyclone biggest advantage as price for me is not the main factor. Ease of use and efficacy is.
Great vidio I have used quite a few of your tips really like the idea on bending the brackets and using the original place where the grass deflecter mounts works great thanx again.
Glad my tips were helpful! Thanks for watching!
I just ordered the xl 330 and before I use it I am going to use a couple of loctite tunes of adhesive and glue on a rug with a rubber backing to the rear panel inside where the leaves blow against the back to cut down the wearing of that back panel.
thats a great idea!
What were You reviewing again ??
I kept getting distracted by the truck in the Back ground HAHAHAHAH
Mike M..
thanks for watching and commenting. there will be more truck videos coming and I've go lots of cool projects!
Awesome video! I have this same model Dr Vac but my neighbors complain about the noise. I’m on 5 acres but wish I were even further away from neighbors. It is loud, the nature of the beast I guess. If I’m talking to a neighbor I’ll tell em I’m firing up the old B-17 today just to see their reaction. Is it the impeller spinning, besides the engine, that makes it so loud? Lol
I agree, it is very loud. I wear ear plugs it helps tremendously. Maybe hand your neighbors a pair lol!
@@smokineaglesrodshop 😂
How does it work for just grass clippings? Iam thinking i would use it like a bagger.. cause my current bagger stopes up all the time
yes, it works great for grass clippings. I would recommend you dump it when it's about half full though because just grass clippings are a lot heavier than just leaves. Thanks for watching!
I have a Exmark zero turn 3 years old and the accessory bagger is not available anymore. Can this be used to catch grass clippings also?
Yes it can, it picks up Grass clippings very well. I don't recommend using it if the grass or leaves are damp. I've done it a few times and it tends to plug up the hose. It has no problems sucking it up or mulching it though. I have alot of sticks and acorn sized nuts in my yard, if it can pick it up it will mulch it. Thanks for watching and I hope this answers your question Paul!
I'm on the fence between the DR and CR. There's certainly pros and cons to each. One thing I hadn't seen yet was the DR suction hose looks like it slightly kinks where it attaches to the motor. That looks like a possible problem down the road. The CR uses a molded elbow with buckle clasps to make the turn. Decisions decisions???
There is definitely alot of variables to look at when comparing models and manufacturers. I have not had a cr so I can't do a direct comparison between them.
I will say that the hose has never been an issue for me at the engine. The housing is at a slight angle forward to help the turn be less aggressive.
I hope my videos help with your decision and I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever choice you make!
Awesome video. I was wondering if you run the mower pto and the DR motor or if you just run the motor on the DR and that creates enough suction?
Yes, I run the mower blades and the leaf vacuum at the same time. It has alot of suction and will pick up some leaves without the blades but it works best when the mower cuts and shoots the leaves into the tube. I can mow over leaves easily 2-3" deep and it picks up 99% of them in one pass. As long as the hopper isn't full. Thanks for watching and I hope this answers your question Jason!
I just saw your video on the dr vacuum, I have one just like. Do you have a problem when you dump the leave out.when I fill it up that lid gets that heavy , big problem. Talked with company and can’t figure it out.
Tim, I have had that issue before. Usually, it's when my leaves are slightly damp or I wait too long to dump them. I have a bad habit of forgetting to dump it until its packed full. My suggestion would be to try and dump it a little more often. I have noticed a big difference between emptying it when its full and when its packed full. Hopefully this helps in some way. Thanks for watching, commenting and supporting the channel.
The bungee clamp, i need to do this.
Hope it helps ya!
Nice video question what size is your garage I am looking to get
30x60 pole barn
thanks for the video.
Thanks for the review. Straight up like and comment for the hat though :)
thanks for watching and dropping a line
What’s the best model for the money
to be honest it really depends on how large of an area you are doing and how many leaves you typically have. I went with the largest model they make for a few reasons. 1 I have a ton of trees 2 I knew I needed one of the larger models but wasn't sure which one. 3 I came to the conclusion that the price difference between models wasn't worth being wrong.
I went with the largest model they had at the time thinking if it is to big for my yard atleast it will have the largest engine and be built the best so it will in theory last the longest. also if it's to big it will do the job much easier and I'll have to dump it less.
Now if it turned out to be too small atleast I would know that it's the biggest they offer. I would hate to save a few bucks and then regret it or Always think should I have got the bigger one? I never regret getting the little bigger or nicer model of something within reason.
thanks for watching and for your comment. I hope this helps!
Love to have one
Good Job
Do u have a problem with the canvas like vent on top plug with dust
I've never had a problem with that. it does have a good amount of dust escape when it's picking up leaves though. I usually run it with the last 2 snaps undone
Mine just got RECALLED! This not the com-any of 2013, they are crap! Go buy a different[roduct, from someone else. Had mine lease that 6 months with the hose cracking / splitting
I just got a letter in the mail about a recall. I haven't had a chance to mess with mine yet but I may end up making a video about it!
How does it do with wet leaves?
Wet leaves tend to clog up the suction pipe and make a mess in the hopper. It will still suck them up and mulch them if you take your time. I don't recommend it though. Hope this answers your question. Thanks for watching David!