Home made grass collector

[wayno 0]

I have posted questions regarding screen rear doors because I'm looking to do something like this for grass catching next year. My wife doesn't like the clippings when they are really long because you can't mow due to a weeks+ worth of rain. I don't like taking the whole trailer collector out for a 1/4 load of grass.

I saw this on eBay, anyone try something like this? I know something like this was done in the mid to late 80's with a canvas collector but I think the garbage can would be easier. Good winter project.;) Wayno

[MPH 12]

I like that idea, no wagon behind for small loads.

[ehertzfeld 1]

I have been working on one like that. It works ok but because of the way the top tube bends, it tend to clog quick. I'm still working on it, and with a addition of Gator Blades, I'm hoping to make something work before next summer.

[JJ MARSHALL 0]

[img]/club2/attach/jj marshall/416vac1.jpg[/img] i made this 1 about 6 years it also dumps. JJ

[RobS 0]

Here's one I made quick a few weekends ago with whatever I had laying around in the garage. Works great for the light leaves and grass, once the heavy leaves start I'll hook-up the cart instead. For venting I drilled oodles of holes in the plywood cover. I set it up so as not to modify the trash can in any way so it's still usable otherwise and also so when everything's taken off the traactor it's just a platform with two legs that will store as easy as a folding snack tray table. I guess not too bad for free and an hour and a half playin' around in the garage...

[Roy 0]

Strange looking device but who is to argue as long as it works. I like the translucent hoses.

[Ketchamized 2]

Rob, I like the clear hoses too. Easy to tell if there's a clog or if it's actually working and how much is flying in there. Very nice. :) The only thing I would have done differently is, instead of that garbage can, I would build a plywood structure... It'd hold more and look better. I'd also add a 4" tall screen "window" on all 4 sides to allow the air to blow out, this would allow for a better vaccuum. To dress it up, I would sand the corners to make it soft corner, and paint the whole thing, inside and out. Maybe even build a trapdoor on the side/bottom to allow the leaves to dump. Hmm.. I think I know what I'll be making this coming summer. :)

[RobS 0]

Erick, I totally agree with you but this was one of those "Hmmmm I have to cut the grass today, what do I have laying around - let's try something new" Plus this rear bagger is only for a month or so til I hook up the cart so I wanted something that would literally take up no storage room, I can hang it on the wall when I pull it off. The cart cover I did build as a plywood box with venting and a trap door as you mentioned. It's built on a 17 cu. ft. cart and I believe it's 3' high so it holds a ridiculous amount of leaves and it really packs 'em in. You open the trap door and it's a solid rectangular block of mulch, like the results of a garbage compactor. I'll have to upload some pics when I hook 'er up in the next few weeks.

[Ketchamized 2]

RobS, :) It was well done. Where did you get the clear hoses? :)

[plastikosmd 1,002]

maybe add a swivel caster to the rear to help with the load...like on the back of a brushhog. just a thought scott

[lndscpr 0]

nice ideas. I will be looking to rig something up. I dont want to drop 200 dollars for a bagger for my frame mounted collector i just got.

[4xbill 2]

When you run those vaccum collectors, do you have to have the deck running too?

[JoeJ 0]

Rob, ;)I like it!!! But can you fill the can and still steer? God if it doesn't took like it would get real front end light.:I

[RobS 0]

Erick: The hoses I bought at Wynn Environmental online, pricey but will last a very long time as this is a fall leaf machine for me as I primarily cut with my Scag. After the 50mph winds this weekend I'll have to remove the rear bagger and setup the cart, I'm wall to wall leaves here... :) 4xbill: See photos 3 & 4, the vac has it's own clutch lever so you can run it independent of the deck. Sometimes I lay the chute on the ground and just rake into it or use just the hose in the beds. JoeJ: No wheelies yet. That 125lb deck helps a bit I'm sure.

[RobS 0]

After this weekend of over 50mph winds I figured it was time for the turf tires and leaf cart:

Having the Echo blower mounted on the front is real handy for blowin' out around the trees, tight spots, etc.

This measure out to be 55 cubic feet which is 68 bushels. When she's full and you open all three doors you find a big solid block that looks like it went through a garbage compactor. I give it a few good shoves and it falls apart. It's almost like hittin a heavy bag.

I just added the baffle to the mower deck this week. This deck was missing the baffle but one of my junk decks that I keep for parts had the baffle so I removed it and installed it in this deck. I was shocked how much more efficient the deck is. It used to leave some debris behind and would require a second pass or two. Today when I went through these leaves and took this picture the leaves and grass were still wet from last night's rain. The baffle really improves the deck performance. Fun stuff...

[FastPaul 0]

Thats awesome !!! I can relate, Sitting down raking and cutting the grass at the same time :D:D:D:D:D

[Ketchamized 2]

RobS, I have the same agri-fab cart. (Except I changed the tires out with rear Craftsman tires for added strength) You're giving me some ideas.... Heh. Good project for this winter. :)

[Just_Me 0]

This is what I use. Home made-N-handy.

Yes when it's full it's hard to steer.