The best leaf vacuum mulchers are optimal cleaning tools for those who decided that mulching is way better than raking leaves. You see, shredded or mulched leaves can provide plant-based nutrients to your grass, trees, and other greeneries.
Of course, lawnmowers and rakes can’t do this feat. It is sustainable to utilize the organic resources within your area and convert them is something beneficial to the health of your lawn.
The following vacuum mulchers do not only clean your yard; they can also make it a haven for flowers and plants to bloom.
Table of Contents
Best Leaf Vacuum Mulchers
Product Link | Type | Mulching Ratio |
Husqvarna 125BVx Handheld Leaf Blower/Vacuum | Gas | 16:1 |
CRAFTSMAN BV245 Leaf Mulcher | Gas | 16:1 |
BLACK+DECKER LSWV36 Lithium Blower/Vacuum | Electric (Battery) | 6:1 |
Remington RM2BV Ambush | Gas | 10:1 |
Sun Joe SBJ606E-GA-SJG Vacuum Mulcher | Electric (Corded) | 16:1 |
1. Husqvarna 125BVx Handheld Leaf Blower/Vacuum – Editor’s Pick
If you want a powerful utility right from the get-go, it is rightful to pick the Husqvarna 125BVx. This gas-operated leaf vacuum mulcher features 425 CFM air volume and 170 MPH air velocity to ensure that it can blow and suck organic debris with ease. It has a mulching ratio of 16:1, which is already impressive as it can reduce the size of the pile and further increase its bag capacity.
Given that it is a gas-powered unit expect that this vacuum mulcher holds more power and efficiency than most of its electric counterparts. Furthermore, it is portable because it does not have any cables, to begin with.
Pros:
- Engine starts with minimum effort
- Feature auto return stop switch
- Comes with cruise control for easier handling
- Usable as a vacuum and blower
- Optimal mulching ratio
Cons:
- No significant issues
2. CRAFTSMAN BV245 Leaf Mulcher – Runner-Up
The CRAFTSMAN BV245 Leaf Mulcher is a sturdy utility that you can entrust to blow and vacuum the debris in your lawn. It comes with a powerful 27cc 2-cycle gas engine that generates consistent power to the machine. Meanwhile, its air volume and air speed are at 450 CFM/205 MPH. Hence, you can guarantee that it is efficient enough to make quick maintenance to your lawn and yard.
This unit includes a vacuum kit for mulching. It has a similar mulching ratio as the Husqvarna 125BVx, which is 16:1. The latter is already efficient for debris reduction. Keep in mind that this machine is constructed to be ergonomic. All parts have decent durability.
Pros:
- Comes with variable speed throttle for better control
- Molded handle provides comfort while holding this vacuum
- Features the easy-start technology
- Oil is already included in the package
- Motor is rugged and durable
Cons:
- It is somewhat heavy
3. BLACK+DECKER LSWV36 Lithium Blower/Vacuum – Budget-Friendly Pick
The BLACK+DECKER LSWV36 Lithium Blower/Vacuum is a decent choice for those who want a decent vacuum mulcher at an entry-level price. This machine features a 6:1 mulching ratio, which is significantly lower than the first gas-powered units I featured. But given that it is a battery-operated unit, that’s already an acceptable setback.
This unit features lightweight construction. Moreover, it is usable in various surfaces and areas such as your walkways, garages, and decks. With an airspeed of approximately 120 MPH, it can easily blow any debris it can contact. Its noise level is pretty acceptable, as it is just less than 65 decibels.
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable to hold
- Decent vacuum and suction power
- Generates minimal noise when running
- Comes with a large dirt collection bag
- 40-volt lithium battery has a sufficient runtime
Cons:
- Not as powerful as the previous gas-powered vacuum mulcher
4. Remington RM2BV Ambush – Premium Pick
Many of you are no longer strangers to the quality of Remington products. Hence, it is not surprising if many are convinced with the quality of its RM2BV Ambush Vacuum Mulcher. This unit provides exceptional performance in vacuuming and blowing debris in your lawn. It can also be usable in other clean-up projects, which is downright impressive.
The 2-cycle gas engine of this unit enables it to provide 450 CFM of air volume and 205 MPH airspeed. Whether you use it as a vacuum or blower, this machine can deliver satisfying results. Its mulching ration is at 10:1. It can still reduce the size of the pile and minimize the need for frequent emptying.
Pros:
- Features a quick-start technology
- Durable and rugged motor
- Offers cruise control for easier handling
- Mold handle absorbs and reduces vibration
- Comes with an extended nozzle for longer ground reach
Cons:
- Slightly weighted
5. Sun Joe SBJ606E-GA-SJG Vacuum Mulcher
This one is a unique choice. It is versatile, as you can use it as a vacuum, mulcher, blower, and gutter cleaner. Its 4-in-1 performance allows it to handle numerous tasks in your property. It also provides quick conversion; you can transition it from being a blower to a vacuum and vice versa in just a matter of seconds.
Its 14-AMP motor is capable of generating air flow of around 250 MPH and ensures that it can have a consistent 16:1 mulching ratio. Similar to other machines listed here, this unit has a quick-start mechanism for a hassle-free operation. The package of the Sun Joe SBJ606E-GA-SJG Vacuum Mulcher includes a 12-gallon bag and another 18-gallon replacement bag.
Pros:
- Comes with a gutter cleaning kit
- Highly versatile performance
- Offers consistent suction and blowing power
- Includes a durable aluminum impeller
- Dirt collection bag is large
Cons:
- Does not include a lengthy cord
What Is A Leaf Vacuum Mulcher?
How do you clean your yard from the leaves that are scattered all over it? Do you still use your rake to do this errand during the weekends?
If I were you, you should make the switch right now. I mean, if you are already reading this post, I am sure that you are well-convinced that these leaf vacuum mulchers can help you complete this task faster and more efficiently.
A leaf vacuum mulcher is what it is. It sucks the rustling leaves in your porch, lawn, and other parts of your property. And aside from taking them, the device also mulches them, which ensures that you can dispose of them quickly. You can also use the mulch as fertilizers if you want to.
Why Pick A Leaf Vacuum Mulcher Over A Lawnmower?
When it comes to suction power, nothing yet can beat a lawnmower. That’s a given. Even the finest leaf vacuum mulcher will still come short to a standard lawnmower that has been running around outside your house for years already. Lawnmowers have higher holding capacity than these vacuums. The mere fact that its debris container is attached on its frame simply means that you don’t have to carry it, as well.
So why pick a leaf vacuum mulcher if these benefits are within your reach?
First, leaf vacuums do more than just collect leaves in your yard. It can also pick up cones, small pieces of debris, acorns, twigs, and conifer needles.
Second, the device can also remove the debris stuck on the corner of a sidewalk where it is too tight for lawnmowers to reach. Aside from that, you can even bring leaf vacuum mulchers inside your garage and use it to clear cobwebs and dust. And unlike lawnmowers, you can take these leaf vacuums on paved surfaces and expect that they can do impressive cleaning results.
Mulched leaves are also beneficial to your lawn. They can serve as nutrients to your plants. Unlike full leaves, shredded leaves are easier to decompose, which means that by spring, they are already absorbed by the roots of your plants and trees.
How To Choose The Best Leaf Vacuum Mulcher
Gas Or Electric
Picking between gas and electric leaf vacuums is pretty similar to picking between a corded and cordless model. Today, the most convenient choice for people are these electric leaf vacuums. Simply attach them to a power cord, and they can operate for as long as you want them.
However, let me remind you that gas-operated vacuums are more powerful than their electric counterparts. They provide better resistance to clogging than the electric corded models, especially when dealing with wet leaves and twigs. Their mobility is impressive, too. You can bring them anywhere, given that they don’t have a cord. This capability signifies that these gas leaf vacuums excel in large lawns and other spacious areas.
Mulching Ratio
When it comes to mulching efficiency, you should not be surprised if the machine did not fully shred the leaves and dirt that is collected. It is pretty normal; you shouldn’t expect that it can digest the entirety of residues.
Keep in mind that the reduction of the size of the pile also concerns the way it is flattened and packed when it is forced into its bag. Shredding the dirt through the impeller of the vacuum may come as a separate but related matter.
Weight
I think that it is not suitable to pick a leaf vacuum mulcher that you cannot carry. There should be an option out there that is bearable to your end. If the machine is too heavy for you, then I recommend that you don’t get it–regardless of how impressive it is.
You also need to consider your convenience while using the device. Using a bulky and enormous unit is counterintuitive, to begin with. Not only will it prevent you from cleaning the entirety of your property, but it will also cause bodily strains.
Accessories
These vacuums should come with the essential accessories needed for you to accomplish your errand. After all, versatility counts when it comes to vacuum cleaners. Attachments like hoses and nozzles will help you tackle different cleaning tasks in your yard and garage. Sometimes, these attachments are the ones that separate high-quality leaf mulchers from the bad ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a leaf vacuum pick up pine needles?
A: I am not sure if all leaf vacuum mulchers can pick up this particular debris. However, many premium and top-rated units can take up these pine needles and other piles that are scattered in your property.
Q: What happens when you don’t clean up leaves?
A: Many people think that letting the leaves stay in the ground doesn’t have any repercussions. If you don’t remove them, the grass below them will die. During springtime, the areas where the leaves are gathered will have bare patches. To fix them, you need resodding and reseeding, which are both time-consuming, by the way.
Q: Are leaf vacuum mulchers noisy?
A: Similar to other vacuums, these machines do generate noise, given that they have motors as their heart. But then again, this is not an excuse for the vacuum mulcher to create excessive levels of noise. Who wants to use a vacuum that can disturb your household and neighbors anyway?
Conclusion
As you see, the best leaf vacuum mulchers are beneficial in ensuring that you can clean your yard from leaves and other organic debris. At the same time, they are a perfect tool for re-using the residues of the pile you gathered. After all, mulched leaves can improve the health of your lawn.
That’s it for now. If you have related inquiries, feel free to ask me in the comment section below.