Grass and Cyclovac

[pfrederi 17,680]

Has been a most unusual year for grass.  My lawn is greener and lusher now than most years best in spring. Infrequent mowing due to frequent rain has exacerbated the problem.  Since it was time to get the Cyclovac out to be ready for leaves I put the grass screen on and did some mowing. It works well but there are couple of issues.  First damp green grass is HEAVY.  Even with the unit only about half full she was pushing the C175-8 around especially on hill and turns.  May have to rig some addition l front weights on the WH.  Tilting it up to dump was a real effort.  The biggest issue was how fast the grass screen clogged up.  The first time (no picture) the screen was completely packed tight after mowing only about half the front yard.  The pic here is after only a third.  They provided a small brush to clean the screen which has worked out OK on leaves but totally ineffectual on packed grass.  Finally removed the screen and took the air compressor to it.  That worked but you have to do it frequently. I have to stop and clear it when the unit is only about 25% full (does make dumping easier)..  Anyone have any other ideas on how to make it more efficient/easier???

 

 

 

 

[rmaynard 15,429]

I don't use my Cyclone Rake for anything but leaves. When it was new, I tried wet grass but found the same clogging problem you encountered. Plus wet grass is extremely heavy, so not doing that anymore. Since I only use it for leaves now, no clogging.

[Handy Don 12,167]

I'm much happier since switching to mulching blades and retiring the Baggin' Wagon.

You do have to mow a bit more frequently in spring and with leaves to avoid clumping.

[Skipper 1,788]

This is interesting 

 

To help it get rid of air, I would suggest more venting in the roof section, up towards the tractor. That would slow the airspeed of the air on it's way out. Hopefully leaving more of the debris in the bin, instead of in the screen.

 

How is the clogging in the tube and in the impellers etc?

 

I have a plan for a giga "bagger" for the 3pt on the drawing board, so I will suck up any info with great appetite. Here the grass is most often thick and moist. Not necessarily soaking wet, but full of juice. That is the biggest problem I foresee with my project, so this is just so spot on for me.

 

Great post! 

[pfrederi 17,680]

No problem with clogging tubes chutes or impeller.

 

Have a mulching deck on the the JD  GT235... but when the grass gets heavy or too long (waiting for none rainy days).  it leave a windrow on  one side and I have to get the sweeper out.  The mulcher is not very good at large amounts of leaves.  Cyclovac works great for that

[Lee1977 6,648]

My home made vacuum is vented in the top. I still get a lot of grass when picking up leaves from Thanksgiving to early December.. My trailer is 3' x 5' x 2' 8" trailer not light either. I did add a cover to keep it blowing out the rear.

 

 

Edited October 16, 2021 by Lee1977