What's this? Based on sweeping and loosening, handling, noise, and, where applicable, vacuuming. Displayed scores are rounded; models are listed in order of precise overall score.
Price range:
$62.86 - $69.99
Summary:The Toro Rake and Vac 51574 is a 10.5amp electric hand held multiple speed blower weighing 6.6 pounds. And it can be used in the vacuuming mode.
Sweeping: Indicates the speed of moving a pile of leaves.
Loosening: Indicates the speed of removing embedded leaf particles from the lawn.
Vacuuming: Reflects how quickly and effectively models with vacuum capability pick up leaves and how finely they are mulched.
Handling and ease of use: Includes ease of maneuvering, using controls, and changing modes.
Noise at ear: Blower-mode noise is based on our measurements at the operator's ear level. Models rated Fair or Poor at ear level emitted at least 85 dBA, loud enough to warrant hearing protection.
Noise at 50 feet: Blower-mode noise is based on industry-standard measurements at 50 feet. Models rated Very Good or Excellent at 50 feet should meet common municipal limits of 65 decibels (dBA).
About This Brand
Another leading brand of electric leaf blowers, Toro makes lightweight plug-in electric models that weigh 5 to 8 lbs. Toro uses line names Power Sweep, Super Blower and Power Blower on some of its models. Toro leaf blowers are among the most widely available, and can be found in mass merchants, home centers, Web retailers and hardware stores.
Features & Specs - Toro Rake and Vac 51574
Weight (lbs.) To the nearest half-pound in blower mode.
Weight (lbs.)
7
cc/amp Engine cubic centimeters (cc) and motor electrical amperage (amps) are from the manufacturer.
cc/amp
10.5amp
Multiple speeds On an electric blower or a variable throttle on a gas-powered blower, these let you increase power for sweeping on hard surfaces or open ground and decrease it around fragile garden beds.
Multiple speeds
Yes
Vacuum capability Comes with the necessary attachments including a collection bag to convert to vacuuming mode for sucking up leaves and debris.
Vacuum capability
Yes
Translucent fuel tank A clear tank lets you see at a glance when fuel is running low.
Translucent fuel tank
NA
Spring assisted starting To makes starting easier, a pull-cord assembly with this feature has a built-in spring that winds up as the starting rope is pulled, to reduce the force necessary to start the engine.
Spring assisted starting
NA
Four-cycle engine Uses straight gasoline and doesn't require an oil/gasoline mixture, as do the more common two-cycle engines used on most trimmers.
As blowers go, it was very good and I was pleased with its performance. However, over the coarse of three years I went through two blowers. The first one only lasted one season. I did use the vacuuming feature, and thought that maybe that use did it in. The store did take it back and with the second one I decided just to use the blower feature. it lasted approximately two years, then quickly started to decrease in power, and then completely quit working. I have since gone with an entirely different brand, hoping for better reliability.
How long have you owned it:
More than six months
Bottom Line
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
By
Cliff
from
Wonder Lake, IL
1.0
Best Buy??
10/27/2012
Pros
Easy to Use
Quiet
Well Balanced Feel
Cons
Best Uses
Blowing Leaves
Comment:
We had this over a year and have used it 3-4 times. Last time, it started slowing down and a burning electrical smell was present afterwards. I would say we have an overall lifetime of 30-40 minutes on this unit - so I can definately say that this is NOT a BEST BUY....Cheap is Expensive!
How long have you owned it:
More than six months
Bottom Line
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
By
Va Grammy
from
Mechanicsville, VA
1.0
Engine burned up and melted cord
10/4/2012
Pros
Disappointed
Price Low Not Worth It
Cons
Burned Up
Best Uses
Blowing Leaves
Comment:
I am very disappointed in this tool. I used it about 3 times. Was not able to take it back to Home Depot since I bought it at the end of last year. Used it a couple times to blow off the deck and then this year to blow leaves. Lasted 15 minutes!!!!!!
9 people have reviewed this model.
Weight (lbs.)
