Features

Electric blower and vacuum. 2400W. Variable speed.  Weight: 5.7kg. 12m cable. 45 litre collecting bag. Wheels. Patio head and shoulder strap. Blow speed 185-237km/hr. Suction capacity 8-14 cubic metres / min; shredding ratio 10:1; noise emission 97-107dB

Comments

This electric blower vac is uncomplicated to assemble and we found it very easy to switch between blowing and vacuuming modes.  The on switch locks into position and there is no trigger switch to hold. It is good at blowing and very good at sucking leaves and blossom. The patio head attachment is only really useful if the patio area is totally flat and the white collecting bag will discolour easily.

Stockist: 01628 894 400 www.ryobipower.co.uk

GHI Test Report - Oct 08

Features

Electric blower and vacuum. 2500W. Weight: 5.3kg. 12m cable. 45 litre collecting bag. Wheels and shoulder strap. Blow speed 200km/hr. Suction capacity 180 litres /second. Shredding ratio 10:1. Noise emission 84.6-100dB

Comments

This model is very easy to assemble and is compact in design.  The on switch is comfortable to use at first but a strain to keep pushed on all the time. It is excellent at shredding. The collection bag has no zip for easy access to leaves.

Stockist: 01325 300303 www.flymo.co.uk

GHI Test Report - Oct 08

Features

Electric blower and vacuum. 3000W  with two speeds.  Weight: 6kg. 12m cable. 35 litre collecting bag. Wheels and shoulder strap. Blow speed 290 km/hr. Suction capacity 10.8 cubic metres / min. Shredding ratio 10:1. Noise emission 107dB

Comments

This is a lightweight and easy to use model with a separate blower. It vibrates quite a lot during use when vacuuming and blowing. The vacuuming tube is quite long and awkward to use especially on full power as there are no wheels to help support weight.

Stockist: 01753 500934 www.blackanddecker.eu

GHI Test Report - Oct 08

Features

Petrol driven blower and vacuum. 4 stroke engine. Speed 7,800rpm. Weight: 4.5kg. Collecting bag size n/s.  Blow speed n/s; suction capacity n/s; shredding ratio n/s; noise emission 89.3-102dB

Comments

This model is ideal for a large garden. It is excellent as a blower, lightweight and easy to use.  The nozzle is small enough to get around the bottom of bushes etc. We found it awkward to change over to the vacuum as pressure is required to attach the separate tube.  It vibrates quite a bit during use.  There is no carrying strap or wheels making it uncomfortable when vacuuming.

Stockist: 01908 211678 www.makitauk.com

GHI Test Report - Oct 08

Features

Electric blower and vacuum. 2400W. Weight: 5.4kg. 12m cable. 40 litre collecting bag. Wheels and shoulder strap. Blow speed 210 km/hr. Suction capacity 10 cubic metres / min. Shredding ratio 10:1. Noise emission 93dB

Comments

This model is complicated to assemble. We found it difficult to keep the on switch pressed on during use.  The switch is stiff to use between blowing and vacuuming. It has a washable collection sack.

Stockist: 01963 828055 www.alkogarden.co.uk

GHI Test Report - Oct 08