On Fri, 21 Nov 2014 15:19:18 +0000, Broadback
wrote:

It looks as though my trusty Stihl blower vacuum may be on its last
legs, just waiting for results of a health check. If it is are electric
ones worthwhile? As my gardening is reduced, now I just need it at this
time of year for leaf collection my first thoughts are one might do.
Advice and recommendations appreciated.

I have been using a Stihl/Viking mains electric blower vac for more
than 15 years without any problems. The current model is
http://www.stihl.co.uk/STIHL-Product...75/SHE-71.aspx
Having said that I find that I rarely use the vac facility - just use
the blower to blow stuff on to the shrub beds or into heaps and use
these very good plastic hands to scoop it into the barrow.
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Land...lectors/p26354
If I was going to replace the blower/vac now I would go with the Stihl
BGA650 cordless blower as I already have a good battery pack for a
cordless brushcutter.
--
rbel