In message , Janet Tweedy
writes
I'm thinking about getting a leaf vacuum /shredder for getting leaves
off the hundreds of pots and cold frame etc.
Have several large trees with large leaves.
Has anyone got or used a Viking BE600 vacuum /leaf shredder to comment
upon?
Picture here
http://www.mower-magic.co.uk/acatalo...ower_Vacs.html

If not should I wait and save up for Stihl? they have several models
but come in at a much heftier price..
Is it like shredders, in that you get as big as you can afford or live
to regret it ?

I bought one a couple of weeks ago for clearing the leaves on our paved
areas (I use the mower to pick up the leaves on the lawns). I was
offered a very good price by our local horticultural/garden equipment
suppliers and as I am satisfied with my Viking hedge trimmer I thought
it was worth trying out.

Cons - I expected better build quality - some sharp plastic edges are
evident and the design could be better - to make it easier to empty the
leaf bag without dismantling the kit, and swapping between blower and
vacuum. The online pictures of it show it with a plug and socket
adjacent to the motor - this is a useful feature that is unfortunately
restricted to our continental cousins - I will modify mine.
Pros - it is light weight, the lightest I could find, and seems to be
remarkably effective - even on wet leaves and the shredding/compaction
is very good. We usually get heaps of leaves up against hedges which I
pick up with boards and move in the wheelbarrow, however, as the
shredding/compaction is so good I will try using the new toy.

If you intend to use it for lawns and large areas then go for a Stihl if
you don't mind the greater weight (and price).
--
Robert