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Leaf vacuum/shredders are among the more versatile pieces of equipment you can have for cleaning up your lawn. Vacuum/shredders from both Echo and Stihl offer powerful two-in-one performance as both shredders and blowers, and include all the required parts for switching between these two modes. You can move leaves and other lawn debris with the blower, then quickly convert to vacuum mode to remove leaves and shred them into useful mulch.
Echo Shred ‘N’ Vac
Shred ‘n’ Vac vacuum/shredders from Echo are designed to shred leaves, grass, and small twigs so efficiently that they can reduce the volume of debris by a ratio of 12:1. Both of the available models have a 35-inch long tube so you don’t have to bend over or stoop as much to reach the lawn. The 2-bushel bag capacity is large enough that you can work for quite some time before emptying the bag.
The Echo ES-250 Shred ‘N’ Vac has a professional-grade 2-stroke engine and 4 cutting blades for outstanding shredding performance. When converted for use as a blower, it has an air velocity of 165 miles per hour. The Echo ES-255 Pro Shred ‘N’ Vac features Echo’s i-30 starting system for quick and easy starts. It is also more powerful, and as a blower can move air up to 191 miles per hour. The rubber top handle on this professional-grade vacuum/shredder makes it more comfortable to use for long periods of time.
Stihl Shredder Vac/Blower
The Stihl vacuum/shredders can reduce the volume of vacuumed leaves by a ratio of 14:1. The bags on Stihl’s vacuum/shredders have a 1.2 bushel capacity, and are easy to empty using the zippered opening. Both models put all the controls on one comfortable handle for easy-access. Stihl’s Easy2Start technology and Purge Pump Primer make starting these vacuum/shredders hassle-free.
The Stihl SH 56 C-E Shredder Vac/Blower is a residential vacuum/shredder that is fuel efficient with low emissions. As a blower, the SH 56 C-E has an air velocity of 143 miles per hour. The Stihl SH 86 C-E Shredder Vac/Blower is a more powerful model designed for professional use or homeowners with a large yard to maintain. Extra features include an anti-vibration system, a soft-grip handle, and a throttle trigger lock with built-in momentary stop switch. When used as a blower, the air velocity for this model is 154 miles per hour.
Using Shredded Leaves
Shredded leaves are very useful in gardens. If compared pound-for-pound, most types of tree leaves have twice as many nutrients as composted manure. Using the leaves you already have around your home is a great way to save money on fertilizers and mulch while still giving your garden a boost. Shredded leaves can be worked directly into the soil if you’re tilling up a new garden bed in the fall or working the soil in a vegetable garden. On flower beds, the shredded leaves can be spread across the soil as mulch. Shredded leaves also make a good addition to the compost pile for use on next year’s garden.
