Best Leaf Vacuum/Mulcher? The Art of Mulching

What’s best Leaf Vacuum/Mulcher? Before we answer that, it’s important to understand mulch in general, including what mulch is and the uses of mulch. We genuinely believe that a leaf/vacuum mulcher is a smart investment. Far too many homeowners throw their leaves in the garbage which doesn’t make any sense considering the benefits of mulch.

The Value of Mulching

Mulch is a layer of any kind of material that is placed (layered) on top of a layer of soil. It has many virtues which range from retaining moisture to weed suppression. We will however discuss those virtues at depth a little later in the article.

The history of mulching can be traced back down to a well known mid-century writer named Ruth Stout. Her book titled ‘Gardening Without Work’ is a testimony to why she became famous as a writer. The humorous book recounts the deductions that she arrived at by just being observant. Mulch was one of them. Ruth derived this method after observing the decomposition that is seen on the forest floor.

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Mulch and It’s Uses

Keeping the deduction that Ruth had made in mind, people soon designed mulch to aid a gardener in his/her work. The word ‘Mulch’ is said to have its roots in the German word ‘molsch’ which means ‘soft and beginning to decay’.

While the forest has always had its own natural mulch, man has had to come up with a way mimic what the forest had in abundance. That’s how the two main kinds of mulch were introduced to the general population.

Permanent Mulch (also known as synthetic mulch): Layers like plastic which are non biodegradable form an effective barrier between the soil and the external elements. These layers are all classified under the Permanent Mulch.

Temporary Mulch (also known as natural mulch): This mulch is biodegradable and it decomposes over a period of time. Since it has to be constantly replaced and tended to, this kind of mulch is called Temporary Mulch. A good example of Temporary Mulch is bark chips.

Learn more about mulch at the Cornell University site.

It doesn’t matter if the mulch is permanent or temporary, all different kinds of mulches have FOUR distinct functions. These functions are none other than:

• Weed control
• Moisture retention
• Aesthetic appeal
• Enhancement of soil fertility

While these may be the main points that gardeners attest by, you will find that there are a number of added benefits to using mulch. Soil temperature control is probably one of the most important ones.

A study that was conducted in this regard showed that soil which was mulched contained moisture contents that were almost double when compared to those which were not! They also found that the soil temperatures of mulched soil in summer were 8-13 degrees lower than soil which was not mulched.

Another potentially interesting point that the study brought out was regarding weeding. It was found that mulching the soil reduced two thirds of the amount of time that an individual spent removing weeds. You can now begin to see why mulching seems more and more attractive to everyone who is involved in gardening!

Stationary Leaf Shredder/Mulcher | WORX WG430

Mulching has other potential benefits which include prevention against frost heaving and protection of roots from the cold. It also prevents soil crusting. Soil crusting occurs when drops of water fall on to the soil and cause the soil particles to disperse in all directions. While cracking may not seem like a really bad thing, it does have one main disadvantage. Water takes longer to penetrate through it. This means that the amount of water that your plants receive is less than you anticipate!

Mulch however helps prevent this from happening. By acting as a barrier between the soil and the water, the mulch reduces the velocity (and thereby the force) at which the water strikes the ground. It prevents the soil particles from dispersing and this in turn means that the soil will not crack!

Video | Different Types of Leaf Blowers (Vacuums + Mulchers)

Join Consumer Reports to gain access to all of their Leaf Vacuum/Mulcher reviews. It’s a great resource.

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CHARACTERISTICS THAT DEFINE GOOD MULCH

Defining the characteristics of good mulch isn’t really that easy. If you had to ask me, I would say that the mulch needs to firstly fulfill all the above functions. A more detailed analysis would bring us to the conclusion that mulch also needs to be cheap because you have to be liberal and spread it thick. The amount you need to buy will also need to depend on the area that you have to cover.

A few of the obvious characteristics are stated below:

• Mulch needs to be economical.
• It needs to be readily available.
• Mulch should be easy to apply. In retrospect, you will slowly begin to understand why I say that mulch should also be easy to remove.
• Good Mulch should stay in place.
• It should also be free of weeds and insects.
• The Mulch should also not carry any kind of disease which can infect the plants in your garden.

Now with all this information in hand, you will slowly come to the conclusion that there is no such thing as super mulch. What does this mean? It means that no single mulch can incorporate all these functions and characteristics. That is why people use a combination of mulches.

By a combination of mulches, I mean that people use different mulches for every different part of the growing season. This is done by understanding the properties that each kind of mulch has.

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Mulch and soil temperatures

Take Black plastic as an example. Plastic tends to act as an insulator and thereby retains heat of the soil. While this is needed in spring, you will find that levels of heat that black plastic provides can be lethal to plants in summer.

Rock and gravel have also been used as mulch in some parts of the world. Like plastic, they tend to store heat. They are very popular in cooler climates where they are used to prolong the growing period.

While we are on the topic of heat, it is important to consider the organic mulches too. Straw, pine leaves, shredded leaves and even wood chips work well as insulators. This function works well in winters. In spring, these very same organic insulators can slow the soil warming.

Patriot CSV-2515 | Electric Leaf Mulcher/Shredder/Chipper

Patriot CSV-2515 : No fumes – safe to use inside garages, workshops, greenhouses, and barns.

Learn more about chippers by reading : Chipper/Shredder Buying Guide.

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Comparing the organic mulch options

Among the organic mulch options, there is a lot of competition. Grass, compost, straw and hay are easily available and easy to apply. Straw however tends to fly away easily. Wood, bark chips, peat moss and gravel look very aesthetic in a garden. Decaying leaves are easily available and offer your garden a blanket of nutrients.

You can see that there are a vast number of options that are available. Each option has its pros and cons.

So, how do you choose?

Choosing a type of mulch seems like a really difficult task because of all the considerations that you have to take in account. Luckily for us, there is a more simplified way of looking at the choice in general. Let’s take one type of mulch at a time.

• Mulches that are made of bark are best suited to be used around trees, garden beds and shrubs. This is because these mulches are woody in nature. They don’t mix well with the soil. The areas around the trees and garden beds are less likely to be dug up and hence mixing of the soil and the mulch doesn’t pose a problem.
• Straw is most commonly used in vegetable gardens. Since it decomposes very slowly, you will find that once you put the straw down, it is likely to last through the entire growing season!
• Compost is extremely versatile but there is one hitch. It needs to be well composted and it needs to be weed free!
• Nature’s preference has always been leaves. Shredded leaves are slowly becoming more and more popular because of two main reasons. One is because they are free and two is because they attract earthworms. Earthworms are great for a garden and every good gardener knows their value!

Video | Types of Mulch — When to Use Them

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Why Is Leaf Mulch So Great?

Did you know that around 50-80 percent of the nutrients that a tree extracts from the environment is stored inside the leaves? These nutrients include carbon, phosphorous and potassium. Since these nutrients are available and they are free, most gardeners consider it a waste not to use them.

The benefits of using leaf mulch are multi-fold. Not only do the leaves help in improving the nutrient quality of the soil, they also help in keeping weeds at bay. Most people use a thick layer (around 2-3 inches thick) of leaves to protect the ground from compaction.

Logically, the amount of leaves required to mulch your garden are a lot. You will find that these leaves aren’t that easily available in spring. That is why people collect and mulch the leaves that their garden collects during fall. If you use this method, you will find that the leaf mulch is economical since you don’t have to spend a penny!

Raking the leaves up and storing them however can cause undue stress on your back. It is also time consuming work. That is the reason why more and more people are using leaf mulchers to do the job.

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Introducing the Leaf Mulcher

Raking and collecting the leaves is a painstaking task. Painstaking because at the end of it, you usually end up with a backache! To avoid this, many people use a variety of techniques. Some have even tried using a vacuum cleaner. The downside to this idea is the fact that a vacuum cleaner is not designed to handle the load that large leaves pose. The tubes eventually get clogged and the end result is more work than you expected.

Leaf mulchers however are a great alternative. Please note that a ‘leaf mulcher’ may also be called a ‘leaf vacuum’ or a ‘leaf vacuum mulcher’. A leaf vacuum does not refer to the traditional vacuum that we use in our homes. So do not get confused.

In essence, a leaf mulcher is very similar to a vacuum cleaner. It picks up leaves from all parts of your garden and patio. The big difference lies within the leaf mulcher. A leaf mulcher has special blades. These blades slice the leaves as they enter the mulcher and this produces fine pieces.

Video | Benefits of Leaf Mulch

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The Classification Of Leaf Mulchers

The classification of leaf mulchers is simple. They can be divided on the basis of their fuel source. In that sense you have:

• Electric
• Battery powered
• Gas

Electric leaf mulchers require a power source near them. This means that the area you can cover with the mulcher is limited by the length of the cord. They do have a very important advantage. Electric leaf mulchers are light, silent and are easy to use. They are perfect for people with small gardens and people who don’t mind using an extension cord!

Battery powered leaf mulchers can run on either electricity or a small (but powerful) battery. The advantage about these models is that you can switch of the electricity and use the battery to cover areas in the garden which are not accessible. The downside to these models is usually the price tag.

Gas leaf mulchers are the first generation of mulchers. They strong sturdy and are portable even though they are heavier than the electric and battery powered leaf mulchers. While these leaf mulchers are popular among people who have large gardens and orchards, it is wise to note that they cannot be used in regions which experience extremely hot weather! Another drawback of gas mulchers is the smoke and the noise that they produce!

Another frequently used classification is based on whether the leaf mulcher has a bag or not.

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Best Leaf Mulchers

Black & Decker, Worx and Remington are probably the most popular brands of Leaf mulchers. That’s why we have picked up a few of the best models in town. Let’s take a look at how they work.

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BLACK AND DECKER

While browsing through the Black and Decker leaf mulcher category, two mulchers caught my eye.

• The Black and Decker BV5600
• The Black and Decker BV6600

BLACK + DECKER BV5600 | Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher

The Black and Decker BV5600 is an electric leaf mulcher that has 3 functions. It acts as a blower, a vacuum and a leaf mulcher.

Features:

• 12 amp motor. Versatile 3-in-1 blower, vacuum, and mulcher.
• Air speeds up to 250 MPH, this blower clears leaves and debris with ease.
• Relatively quiet.
• High Impact Metal Fan prevents clogging when mulching.
• Mulch Ratio : 16 bags down to one — 16:1
• 2 Speed selections for flower beds and the high speed for packed leaves.
• Pivoting action turbo nozzle. Greater efficiency.
• Easily switch between vacuum and blower.
• Built-in cord retainer keeps the extension in place while you work.

View or download the MANUAL for the BV5600.

Parts Of The BV5600

The main parts of the BV5600 that concern us are listed below:

• It functions using a 12 amp motor which produces wind speeds up to 250 miles/hr. This means that the machinery under the hood suits the requirements of almost all users.
• The BV5600 also comes with a single blow tube, a vacuum tube and a LEAFBLASTER nozzle.
• Finally, the device also comes with a collection bag. This means that you can collect the leaves and store them or use them in a different location.

How Does The BV5600 work?

We have discussed how leaf mulchers work and we have also mentioned that the BV5600 can act as both a vacuum and a blower. This means that the BV5600 can either blow air out or suck it in. When it blows the air outwards, it pushes the leaves further from you and clears the ground in this way.

When it draws the air inwards, it sucks the leaves in via the vacuum tube. Now since large leaves can block the system, the BV5600 incorporates a high impact metal fan. As the leaves hit the fan, it cuts them up into smaller pieces and your mulch is ready!

That however is what all leaf mulchers are supposed to do. The BV5600 has a lot of added fringe benefits.

• Most people do not use leaf mulchers near their flower beds. After all the hard work, you don’t want a machine chopping up the flowers. That is why the BV5600 is designed with a 2 speed selection. So if you have leaves in your flowerbeds, set the BV5600 to a lower setting and gently remove them!
• Face it! Leaves get wet and clump together. This makes them difficult to suck up. So where most mulchers fail, the BV5600 uses a turbo nozzle that has a pivoting action. This action loosens the leaves and the BV5600 proceeds to swallow them.
• The BV5600 can grind up 16 bags of leaves and turn it into one bag of mulch! This saves a lot of your storage space in your garage.
• When you use the blower function, you will find that the wind speeds that the BV5600 produces is pretty awesome. Remember that LEAFBLASTER nozzle we mentioned as one of the parts of the device? Well, it comes in very handy when you are trying to get the leaves out of a tight spot. This is because it concentrates the air flow in one spot.
• The BV5600 comes with a built in cord retainer. This helps keep the extension in place. We will talk a little more about the cord in the safety instructions of this device.

SAFETY | Black + Decker BV5600

All power tools come with safety instructions. It is important to read them because of the harm you can inflict on yourself if you don’t use the device properly. The BV5600 also has its own set of safety instructions and let us glance through the most important ones.

Warning | The Cutting Danger

The BV5600 has a high impact fan and you don’t want your fingers anywhere near it when it is rotating. That is why Black and Decker specifically instructs the users to wait for ten seconds till the fan stops moving. Once the fan stops, you can proceed to disassemble it.

It is also important to use the device only when the vacuum tubes and collection bag are secured in place. Remember that this device generates a lot of suction power. If you are not careful, your hand can get sucked in!

Remember to keep the device switched off when you are changing from vacuum to blower. This will prevent the suction power from acting on your limbs. The BV5600 should also remain switched off and disconnected from the electrical source when you leave it unattended or when cleaning the device.

Make sure you get the appropriate extension cord

Extension Cords

While getting an extension cord for your device, you need to keep two things in mind.

1. The BV5600 is a double insulated appliance. For those of you who don’t know what it means, double insulation is used in place of grounding. This means that the BV5600 does not have grounding. Please note that there is no need to apply grounding to this device. On the contrary, ensure that the device is connected to a double insulated extension cord only!
2. The device uses a polarized plug. This means that one blade is bigger than the other. The polarized plug is used as protection against electrical shocks. Ensure that the extension cord supports this kind of plug.

Learn more by reading our Outdoor Extension Cord Buying Guide.

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BLACK + DECKER BV6600 | Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher

Features:

• 12 amp motor 3-in-1 blower, vacuum, and mulcher
• 140 to 250 MPH. Powerful enough for most jobs around the home.
• High Impact Metal Fan prevents clogging when mulching.
• Mulch Ratio: 16:1
• Variable Speed selection: One for flower beds, one for everything else.
• EZ-Empty reusable leaf bag design saves time and effort.
• Quickly switch between vacuum and blower.
• Built-in cord retainer keeps the extension in place when you’re working.

Includes: (1) BV5600 Motor Head, (3) Disposable Leaf Bags, (1) Diffuser for use with Disposable Bags, (1) Detachable Shoulder Strap, (1) Concentrator, (1) Blow Tube, (1) Vacuum Tube, EZ-Empty Reusable Bag Assembly.

Overview | Back + Decker BV6600

The Back and Decker BV6600 is the new and improved version of the BV5600. A lot of the features of this device are similar to the BV5600. For example, the BV6600 uses a 12 amp motor which it uses to power its three settings: the vacuum, the blower and the mulcher. Like the BV5600, the motor of the BV6600 can generate wind speeds of up to 250 miles/hour.

Before the BV6600 was released, Black and Decker had an intermediate model named BV6000. This model is no longer available and for good reason. The BV6000 posed an unexpected drawback. While leaves were supposed to get sucked into the device and mulched, most users found that the leaves got stuck instead. In fact, many owners complained that they spent more time cleaning the blockage than actually vacuuming the leaves! It wasn’t long before Black and Decker pulled the model from the stands and released the new and improved BV6600!

Like the BV5600, the BV6600 uses a high impact fan to convert the leaves into mulch. It has variable speeds that come in very useful when it is used in and around flower beds. Even the safety instructions are the same as the BV5600. So what is it that makes the BV6600 so special? Let’s take a look to find out!

And Where Does The Difference Lie?

• The Disposable Bag: While the BV6600 does come with its own reusable bag, the buyer is also provided with a disposable bag (Black & Decker BV-008). These bags are great when it comes to storing the mulch. All you have to do is remove the disposable bag, undo the diffuser strap and then slide the bag off. You will see an elastic that is visible from a hole in the neck. Pull on it! Cut the elastic off and tie the neck of the bag. The bag is now ready for storage or disposal.

Please note that disposable bags are meant for one time use only! Do not reuse the bags as there are high chances that the bags will split. Not only will this be a messy scenario but it has a high potential for accidents!

• The Detachable Strap: The BV6600 comes with a detachable shoulder strap. This strap is useful when you are using the leaf mulcher for long duration of time.

Essential Accessory (THE BV-006) | Leaf Collection System

Tools have their accessories. I usually don’t mix the topics up but the Black and Decker BV-006 just caught my eye. At first glance you will notice that the fully set up device resembles a trash can and you aren’t far from the truth! The BV-006 acts as receptacle for all the mulch. Since it is larger than the standard bags, it stores a larger amount of mulch in it!

The BV-006 is easy to use. All you have to do is slide the clinch lock towards the knot. This will loosen the drawstring. Now just fit the fabric on top of the trash can. Remember that the trash can must be of a standard size. It can be square or round. The shape doesn’t really matter!

Tighten the fabric by sliding the clinch lock back. The BV-006 can be used for both the BV5600 and the BV6600 leaf mulchers.

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WORX | Leaf Vacuum/Mulchers + Blower

Like Black and Decker, WORX too has made a name for itself as far as leaf mulchers are concerned. Two particular models beg to be mentioned. They are none other than the WORX WG505 and the WORX WG509.

Since both the models have a number of similarities and a few differences, I thought we would go through both of them together. Let’s take a look at how they work.

WORX WG505 TriVac vs. WORX WG509 TriVac

Both the WORX WG505 and the WORX WG509 have three functions. They can act as a blower, a vacuum and a leaf mulcher. All that you have to do is flip a simple switch! Both devices have been designed to be light (the WG505 weighs 9.7 lbs and the WG509 weighs 9.3 lbs) and quiet. These features can be attributed to the fact that both the WG505 and the WG509 use electricity to function.

The comfort of the owner is maximized by using an ErgoSum Design technology. The features of this technology are a soft grip handle and an angled nose. This helps reduce the stress on both your back and your hands.

Video | WORX TriVac in Action

How Does It Work?

The WG505 and the WG509 work by using a powerful 12 amp motor. This motor can produce airflow of 350cfm and air speeds of anywhere between 80-210mph. Please note that these air speeds can be controlled by you. The details of which will be discussed a little later.

The design incorporates the use of a heavy duty metal impeller. The impeller cuts through the debris with ease and prevents the device from getting clogged up. This feature is present in both the WORX products.

A collection bag with the capacity of 1.2 Bushel is then used to collect the mulch in both these devices.

WG509 — Features

• 3-in-one design: blower, mulcher & vacuum.
• Quickly converts from blower to vacuum mode with the flip of a switch.
• Two-stage metal impeller with shredder blade provides an 18:1 mulch ratio.
• Electronic variable speed control for corners and heavy debris.
• Adjust the air flow from 75 to 210 mph.
• Quick-release button makes cleaning debris as easy as ever.
• Mulches leaves up to 1/18th of their original size.
• Weight :  9.3 lbs.

✓ View or download the MANUAL for the WORX WG509.

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WG505 — Features

• 12 Amp electric motor.
• 3-in-one design: blower, mulcher & vacuum.
• Quickly converts from blower to vacuum mode with the flip of a switch
• Innovative vacuum tube design that easily reaches under decks
  and patio furniture.
• Single-handed operation for blower & vacuum modes.
• Quick-release button.
• Blower speed : 210 mph.
• 350 cubic feet of airflow per minute.
•  High impact resistant impeller mulches leaves up to 1/10 of their original size.
• Quickly change to vacuuming dry leaves up to 14 gallons per minute.
• Weight: 11 lbs.

✓ View or download the MANUAL for the WORX WG505 Leaf Vacuum/Mulcher + Blower.

Maintenance

The easy to maintain system allows you to release the vacuum tube with just the press of the button. This provides you with easy access to clean out the debris from within.

Similarities apart, let’s look at the differences!

The WG509 is a more advanced version of the WG505. Let’s take a look at the newer features that have been incorporated in it!

• The 2 Stage Mulching Blade: Unlike the WG505, the WG509 has a two stage mulching blade. The leaves in the WG509 have to pass through a shredder first. Once they are shredded, they then pass through a metal impeller. This is one of the big differences between both the models.
• The Mulch Ratio: The mulch ratio refers to how many bags of leaves can be compressed into a single bag of mulch. The WG505 has a ratio of 16:1 (that is 16 bags of leaves turn into one bag of mulch). Thanks to the 2 stage mulching blade, the WG509 has a mulch ratio of 18:1.
• The Variable Speed Setting: Both models of leaf mulchers have variable blower settings. This helps to ensure that you can use the blower in your flower beds without damaging the delicate flowers. The difference however lies in the fact that the WG505 has a manual air speed control while the WG509 has an electric variable speed setting!

Safety Instructions

The safety instructions of both these models are the same and that is why we are going to run through them together.

• The device uses a polarized plug. Ensure that you connect it to an extension cord/ socket that is compatible.
• WORX advises against using an extension cord that is longer than 150 feet.
• Check the power cord for the integrity of the insulation. Remember wet grass could cause a short circuit or you could even get a really bad shock.
• Do not use the blower to blow heavy objects like stones, nails etc. It can cause grievous injury if it strikes anyone nearby.
• Wear safety goggles, long pants and shoes when operating the device.
• Do not vacuum sharp objects as it could rip the lining of the collecting bag. Not only does this damage the collecting bag, but it could act as a harmful projectile to anyone standing behind you.
• Turn off the device when emptying the collection bag.

Learn more on the WORX site.

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WORX WA4054.2 – Leaf Pro Universal Fit Leaf Collection System

Features (LeafPro):

• Universal: fits all major blower/vac brands – gas and electric
• High-flow, ventilated mesh hood adjusts to fit 32-96 gallon round
  or square trash cans
• Flexible, industrial strength 8-foot hose with up to 16-feet of surrounding reach

Like the Black and Decker, WORX too has an accessory for its leaf mulchers. The WA4054.2 is a simple device which has three main parts.

1. The ventilated mesh hood that covers the top of the trash can.
2. The 8 feet long hose. The hose has up to 16 feet of surrounding reach.
3. Flexible industrial strength universal hose connector. WORX/Universal Adapter.

 

The fabric is used to create a tight seal over the trash can. This allows the leaf mulcher to dump the mulch directly in the can for disposal. It also avoids the use of multiple collection bags and reduces the time required to keep changing them!

The connectors help in attaching the hose to the leaf mulcher. The universal connector is designed such that it can fit any leaf blower that is up to 5 inches in diameter!

✓ View or download the MANUAL for the WORX WA4054.2 LeafPro.

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Remington RM193BVT | Leaf Vacuum/Mulcher + Blower

Features:

• 3-in-1 Design Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher.
• Tool-less conversion from blower to vacuum.
• Convenient mulching feature reduces debris from 14 bags down to 1 (14:1 ratio).
• 2-speed blower (low and high speeds) with cruise control.
• Dual-blade, anti-clog design.

✓ View or download the MANUAL or the PARTS LIST for the Remington leaf vacuum/mulcher.

Overview | RM193BVT

The Remington RM193BVT is a blower, a vacuum and a mulcher all rolled in one. The device functions by using electricity and it can generate air speeds that can range up to 200 mph! It does this with the help of its 12 amp motor.

The RM193BVT shreds the vacuumed leaves and twigs by using titanium coated mulching blades. These blades chew through the debris and convert it into fine pulp. The mulch ratio of this tool is 14:1. It is significantly lower when compared to the other devices that we have discussed but you also need to note that the price of the RM193BVT makes it a much cheaper buy.

The anti-clog system is an added bonus as it means that you won’t have to spend much time cleaning the device. Another advantage that the RM193BVT has is its no tools required conversion mechanism. It helps make the task quick, easy and stress free!

Installation

The RM193BVT is easy to install. The manual gives step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow. In addition to this, it also provides pictorial descriptions of the entire process.

Using The Blower

Once the blower has been assembled, you can use any of the two settings provided. The lower setting is meant for flower beds. The reduced air speed does not damage the flowers and the delicate plants. The higher setting is used to dislodge leaves from corners and grooves.

Remington gives some cautionary advice regarding the use of the blower.

• Do not use or direct it in the direction of pets, children or adults in the vicinity.
• Do not blow hard and sharp objects from the path as they can act like shrapnel.
• Be careful when blowing objects from stairs and other tight spots. The air may inadvertently blow the debris towards you.
• Wear protective goggles when working.

Cautionary Advice While Using The Vaccuum/Mulcher function

Remington provides a few safety instructions that are related to using the vacuum/mulcher. The most important ones are listed below.

• Never operate the device without the vacuum bag attached. This is because the debris is sucked in under high pressure. Without a vacuum bag to break the impact, they could hurt anyone the strike.
• Do not vacuum sharp objects that can cause the vacuum bag to rip.
• The RM193BVT is designed to vacuum soft leaves and cut grass. Do not use it to vacuum hard objects like acorns, sticks and rocks.
• Do not force the vacuum pipe directly into a pile of debris. This could cause the pipe to get clogged. If the pipe gets clogged, remember to switch off the device before cleaning it.

As you can see, each company has their own kind of leaf mulcher on the market. The designs of the devices are similar but their suction rate and mulching ratio differ. They all come with variable speeds and the 3-in-1 device system (i.e. blower, vacuum and mulcher). This makes the choice pretty touch. That’s why I would advice looking at the cost factor and the expanse of your garden. It will help give you perspective and you will eventually make the right choice!

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Additional Resources:

• Mulch Alternatives Around Trees — Horticulture Magazine