Buying a Backpack Yard Vacuum

A good backpack yard vacuum can make the chore of cleaning up your property much easier. These handy machines suck up leaves, pine needles, acorns, grass clippings, and debris from around hedges, between shrubs, and other hard-to-reach spots that raking can miss. They also have the ability to mulch waste and reduce its volume, so you can fit more into a single collection bag. They’re available in handheld versions for small yards and spot work, as attachments for riding mowers, or as walk-behind models that can be used to clean large properties.

When deciding which lawn and garden vacuum is best for your needs, pay attention to the size of your yard and how many piles of leaves you expect to accumulate each year. Then look at the unit’s mph and CFM rating, which indicate its power. A gas leaf vacuum typically has a higher cfm than an electric model. Weight is another consideration, as is the form and size of the collection bag. Some have a backpack design to reduce back strain, while others hang directly below the engine and may not be as comfortable to carry.

Some units have a dual function as a blower and a vacuum, which saves time by eliminating the need to change out tubes or use tools to switch functions. For example, the Worx WG509 combines blowing and vacuuming with the flip of a switch, without requiring you to empty the collection bag or change out the blower tube. Its metal impeller is designed to reduce leaves by an 18:1 ratio, and it comes with a 1-bushel collection bag and shoulder strap to ease fatigue.