The Electric Blower & Vacuum: How to Rake 200mph Faster

If you’ve got trees, you’ve got leaves. And if you’ve got an electric blower and vacuum, life gets a lot easier. So let’s get to know your equipment.

Electric Blower and Vacuum Parts:

electricblower_basicparts

Vacuum inlet. Debris gets sucked up through here in vacuum mode.
Blower outlet. Air exits the unit here in blower mode.
Blower/Vacuum tube. Directs airflow toward your debris, or sucks debris into the bag.
Blower/vacuum switch. Alternates between blower and vacuum mode.
Vacuum bag. Collects the debris you suck up.
Bag hook. Keeps the vacuum back in place while operating.
Bag zipper. Make sure this is fully zipped before vacuuming.
Power speed switch. Adjusts airflow between High, Low and Off.
Support fitting. Clip the optional shoulder harness here.
Motor air vents. These permit airflow to help cool the motor.
Power cord receptacle. Plug the power cord in here.

Gear up. Wear snug-fitting clothes, eye and ear protection, and gloves. If you have long hair, tie it up.
Only use your blower during the day.
Remember never to aim toward windows, vehicles, pets, or people.

To Start: move the switch from OFF to LOW – or HIGH – depending on how fast you want to start.
To Stop: slide the switch back to the OFF position.

To blow: move the mode switch to the UP position.
Stand up straight and hold the handle securely with your right hand, so your body doesn’t block the air intake.
Move the nozzle steadily from side to side, keeping the tube clear of the ground.
Concentrate the air stream low, and go slow. Keeping debris in front of you means you won’t have to backtrack.
For quieter cleaning, operate at a lower speed.
Be sure to keep your balance on stairs, steep slopes, and inclines.
Never overreach and never use your blower on a ladder or a roof.
If you need to set your blower down, turn it off first.

To Use the Yard Vacuum: When you’re ready to collect all those leaves and debris, move the mode switch to the DOWN position.
When finished, transfer your debris from the vacuum bag to a trash bag, or use the debris as mulch.
All done? Store your blower in a cool, dry place until next time.

Now you’re prepared to wrangle any debris that comes your way.

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