Vacuum collector

[SimpleMan 8]

I may have the opportunity to purchase a vaccuum collector (rear pto mounted type) for my tractor. I just wanted to know if anyone could give me advice on 'trouble spots', or things to watch out for. Also, what could one expect to pay for a unit like this, if it is in good shape. It's off of a 7114 Simplicity, so it should fit my Sovereign. Thanks everyone SimpleMan

[Dutch 4]

The design is straight forward. Check for bent pulleys. Check the housing and impeller for deforming, cracks, excessive rust, or previous repairs. Bearings and hoses (ducts) are easy to replace. New tow behind units start at $1000 and go up quickly. Those are powered by seperate engines that require maintenance. I'm quite happy with the performance of my PTO unit. Here's a photo of my setup with high capacity cart & 20' roving nozzle. http://home.att.net/~herb.niewender/vac.jpg

[dlcentral 1]

Nice touch with horns an fangs!and is that a schnozz in the grille?

[BenB 3]

Dutch Are you using that much inlet hose for the mower discharge, or is that only for what I believe Simplicity refers to as the "roving nozzle?" Ben

[PatRarick 1]

By the way Dutch, how are you and Fifi getting along?[A href='http://www.simpletractors.com/clubhouse/ShowMessage.asp?MsgID=4303&mode=short&startwith=80']http://www.simpletractors.com/clubhouse/ShowMessage.asp?MsgID=4303&mode=short&startwith=80[/a]

[Dutch 4]

Ben, Pictured is the roving nozzle. The hose is 20' long. For mowing I use a piece of hose just long enough to go from the deck adapter to the vac.

[John_RI 8]

I managed to find an old system complete with the exception the cart & cover on eBay for my '66 Landlord. Got it for just under $ 100. Works great & and as Herb said, they are pretty basic - mine worked just fine for its 35 years of age. If you need to buy hose that will add to your cost - I think Herb found a source that had it for about 8.50/ft?