Cyclone Rake: 7 years hard use!

[@ejl859]

Best video on KZbin about the cyclone rake!!

[@jerrybethel7174]

😂 0:40 0:41

[@mikewessinger5285]

I have been looking hard at one of these. The ability to fold it up and hang it out of the way is very appealing. Thanks for a great demonstration.

[@ODLife]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@spoda81]

I bought mine in 2003 and it hasn't let me down NOT ONCE it's almost fun looking forward to fall and leaves, especially when my 11 and 8 year old grandsons come to play(hey who am I to tell them it's work)I bought the unload attachments last year and boy it's lotsa fun now LOL

[@ODLife]

Nice! It is satisfying when your kids are out there doing it!

[@davidsimms7212]

I've had mine since 1999, By far one of the best things I ever bought!! And they stand behind it.....

[@ODLife]

+David Simms They do have great customer service!

[@Martin-tb4oo]

Thanks for the video. 7 yo and still relevant 😊

[@Pipsquacky]

Very helpful video. Thanks for taking the time to make it! I know what you mean about the value of the KZbin community and how much there is to learn about (and save money doing). Invaluable!

[@georgespangler1517]

Last year I bought a DR leaf vac early cyclone model with hard case, l love it l can do my yard in 5 hours that took me several days before.

[@kenkramer8947]

Excellent info. Very thorough and well presented start to finish. Helped convince me to make a purchase decision on the Cyclone Rake. Thanks!

[@markcicerini9007]

I have been researching Cyclone Rake Commander for about two weeks. Your video was very helpful and honest in regards to the system. I am going to the factory to order and pick up mine very soon. Thanks.

[@ODLife]

Glad it helped! They have great customer service and the unit has just been great!

[@spoda81]

You won't be sorry best investment I ever made.

[@claytonareavis]

Great Video. It was great to see a real person doing the real work and tips and tricks to how you do it and thoughts about how it is using this product. Thanks again!

[@ODLife]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@stevenfoster5737]

This is a very well done video and I'm enjoying it as I'm considering the purchase of a lawn vac. Really super useful! Thanks for your help. You are great at this and no, the on screen text didn't detract from it at all.

[@ODLife]

Thanks man!

[@tbob3246]

Just ordered the Commander version of this machine. Your vids were part of the decision. Thanks.

[@ODLife]

Without a doubt, it has been a worth while investment. Enjoy!

[@dennissmallwood9932]

Love my cyclone rake ! Great product support.

[@bruceboone1232]

I have had mine 12-14 years and still enjoy it.

[@InquisiitorWH44K]

Bought the XL last January. Pretty much the same as yours only one size up. First Fall using it. Had been wanting one for years as I've got a large property. It's already making my annual leaf clean up easier. If you're worried about the weight of the hoses on the top of the canvas they make a roof rack accessory. Price was reasonable. I agree with the 3rd wheel front jack stand. Makes moving around the unit much easier. If you're considering purchasing one of these it's a must purchase accessory.

[@kbkesq]

Nice video. We have a ranch with only one part that has deciduous trees around a large pond. So there’s a ton of raking. We have a vacuum for horse manure that rows behind the UTV. So we can rake/blow away from the pond to a pile then suck it up. Leaves are some of the best compost so don’t waste them for sure.

[@jamesdavis4124]

Always like your videos because you use a lot of the same equipment I use on my property. My wife hates my Cyclone Rake, says I pick up up a lot of dirt with the leaves. She thinks it is too dusty and noisy as well.

[@ODLife]

+James Davis it is loud and dusty but it sure beats raking by hand. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@dustycody]

Thanks for the video- I'm thinking of buying a Cyclone Rake. I see others who have commented on all the dust being blown; I would definitely wear a face mask to stay healthy. Other than that, it seems to be a time-saver when you have too many leaves to manage any other way. Thanks again for the video.

[@ODLife]

It just works! The impeller is a great feature to prevent damage if you get something too big/hard.

[@martianshoes]

Working at a mower shop I was surprised when Cyclones came in for repair and learning the had plastic impellers. Don’t know if they all are plastic but that was the models we worked on.

[@robertgreen8312]

Better advertisement then the company . Love it Need to see pine needles picked up

[@ODLife]

Thanks, I'll see how it does on some pine needles.

[@amoscardoza5253]

@@ODLife does it work well picking up pine needles?

[@kellysavarese837]

Have my Cyclone Rake Pro for 15 years and It's still running strong, although It's almost time for a new bag. Can't say enough about the Briggs Engine as it starts every time - just make sure you maintain filer, plugs and especially oil.

[@ODLife]

Thanks for watching and adding your comment!

[@joeolejar]

Thanks for the great demo. I'm waiting for them to confirm they have a deck adapter for my White Horse lawn tractor.

[@ODLife]

I'm sure they can make it work for you!

[@joeolejar]

@@ODLife I received the package yesterday, minus the collector, which FedEx is driving around NC. The MDA will work, though I had to insert some additional shims to have it align better with the mower deck opening. All the parts are well built.

[@edmundclark2088]

just bought the commander, love it!!

[@quad50mg]

You explain the whole process very well . I subscribed to your excellent channel ! Michael

[@ODLife]

Thank you! You should be able to find some good stuff in the playlist. I'm holding off on making new videos for the time being.

[@JonsDailyHustle]

Excellent video. I'm going to get one of these tomorrow. Can't wait to give it a try

[@ODLife]

I've been really impressed with its reliability! The customer service is actually really good.

[@JonsDailyHustle]

@@ODLife I've actually heard that as well. So I got the one I said I was...these things are a BEAST lol. I honestly can't wait for leaf season now lol

[@derekobidowski3301]

i have an older Cyclone Rake around 2000 or so its the pro model as today they refer to it as the classic model as this is almost 20 years old the vacuum unit its been repowered with a harbor freight predator 212cc motor with modifications to the engine's exhaust to fit as the adapter to the crankshaft as the miracle impeller is 1 inch the shaft on the predator motor is 3/4. as the same modifications to the exhaust will have to be done if you choose to put on a Honda Gx200. if this motor fails i will go with the proper Briggs and Stratton motor. originally this had a tired and underpowered Tecumseh enduro engine on it. i had to refer to the vider replacing chipper motor with predator engine to install this to the vacuum unit. it mulches leaves somewhat not good as the mtd chipper shredder i had. the primary mulching is your mower blades which may vary on what machine you have the secondary mulching is the impeller. as it lacks the flail knives that most shredders have but its still a good machine. the cyclone rake as im going to up the vacuum unit with the 5 blade impeller in the future to get a bit more mulch out of it as they have parts for older cyclone rakes from 1995-2006. as so far i had to replace the caster wheels on this as woodland power products improved the casters using a sealed precision bearing the wheels are original did replace the tires to turf treads. had to replace the collector bag, exit chute, mower deck hose when i got a new tractor. the hitch had to order. as the top rear brace that holds the collector been replaced. as the collector bag i had originally had a zipper on on the back so its a modern collector bag with latches and velcros. as i like to get a 3rd wheel jackstand for this i do have the power vacuum pickup. as the cyclone rakes from 1995-2000 had caster wheels with welded frames as their bearings were welded to the collector frame. and secured by pins. the modern casters and caster pads are better. if you upgrade to the dual pro superwheels. as i got this machine used but had to get parts from cyclone rake the engine repower from my local harbor freight tools store got the engine on sale. and i modified the carry handle to fit the 212cc engine's recoil mounts. as also for the repower is Tecumseh engines are no longer in business but they still make their refrigeration equipment.

[@pillzrevil]

Thanks for the video. I wish i had found it before i bought my second Deere bagger they are trash. i spend hours clearing out jambs if i don't mow everything over before i try to pick it up. this looks like a better choice.

[@ODLife]

Your welcome, sometimes a stick will get wedged and cause it to clog but otherwise it's been great.

[@dave434]

My impeller broke in 2011, Called them and they sent me a new one in 3--4 days and never cost me a dime... So you know... I've used the heck out of mine in last 20 years... Been a good solid machine....

[@richardkenworthy9312]

How's the velcro holding up

[@dave434]

@@richardkenworthy9312 I'll take a brush every so often and brush them, To clean them of leaf , dust , dirt that seems to gather in it and that helps it to catch and hold better....

[@dave434]

@@wallacehiett7312 Not hard at all. Easy 1-2-3 mine was anyway... :)

[@denver3369]

Great video, thanks for your insight, greatly appreciated. I'm sold on the cyclone rake, fall 2019 see you in 12 months😁.

[@ODLife]

Awesome! You'll be pleased, they also have great customer service.

[@markadams7899]

Know post is older but just had to say I can't believe how much that cyclone holds !!

[@jeffwoehrle]

I've had a Cyclone Rake for over a dozen years now. Hard use, and it is showing the wear. The "buckles" that attach hoses (and the parts of the blower) are worn loose and have lots of play in them. Still, it works like a champ and I just wrapped up another season with it. One of the best investments I ever made. Running it on a John Deere SST18 zero turn.

[@raymondjoyner8600]

Love my cyclone rake! My backyard is pine city!

[@ODLife]

It sure can cause some dust though.

[@johnhamilton9229]

Ok just subscribed. I enjoyed your tone and physical process. I too have a sub tractor and always looking for tips. Ready to check out other videos you’ve posted. Thanks

[@ODLife]

Thanks John! I hope some of my older videos are of some entertainment and/or useful. Been on a hiatus for a couple years, had a job change and some medical issues. Glad to say I'm 2 wks away from starting yet another job that should be better for work/home balance. Also got my health issues straightened out. Hopefully will be getting back to some of the finer things in life and making videos along the way. Have a blessed day!

[@johnhamilton9229]

@@ODLife here’s hoping your next chapter in in alignment with your goals. I’ll let you know when I’ve watched them all and hopefully you get the chance to work on projects. Best of luck from pinehurst nc.

[@sivmeng1]

Great work sir

[@glennconroy3087]

very good job thanks i am considering buying one.

[@frankmaio7106]

Great video, thank you. I just ordered one

[@bigjim5723]

thanks for the video-enjoyed it a lot-ok. on the fence as to what i might get in the spring.

[@ODLife]

BigJim57 I forgot to mention their customer support. They are great!

[@bigjim5723]

my sister-in-law has a cyclone rack he loves it. has had it for around 10 yrs now.

[@ODLife]

+BigJim57 I am very happy with it. Seems to be a really good company as well.

[@KiotiCS]

It looks like it works great i am glad i dont have to mess with leaves we just mow them but like to have one or a grass catcher that we could cut clover to give the chickens ! take care God bless ! Kioti Curt :-)

[@ODLife]

+Kioti CS2410 it helped me get them under control. Thanks Curt! Have bc a good weekend!

[@michaelfolchetti736]

I'm buying one in summer 2020!.I have one acre with lots of oak trees!

[@ODLife]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@decaturtxhomesales]

Cyclone Rakes are great..!

[@ODLife]

That baby is still going strong!

[@oggabooga5981]

Looks like ti makes a huge dust cloud. Does this thing work well in the rain? Want to avoid making a big scene in my front yard

[@chrisrockwell001]

Cyclone Raje is the best investment I ever made. 25 years on my unit.

[@energytechnologies206]

Emerson makes a sure switch

[@derekobidowski5784]

I have a Cyclone Rake dated 2000 or so as i got it used as its like the classic model 200 gallons is what they had then and had Tecumseh engines on them in which i did replace the engine on mine with a Harbor Frieght Predator 212cc engine after getting a shaft adapter and doing the exhaust to get the muffler inwards and a deflector. it has more power for vacuum does not bog down on heavy leaves as the Tecumseh engine that was on it as it was too underpowered as the governer was maxxed out at full vacuum load. other things i had to replace were the caster wheels the bearings in the forks went bad they were like cart type casters as they improved them with heavy sealed ball bearings, and the collector bag i had to replace as the zipper broke on it and got the improved snap buckle and velcro. and a new deck hose when i got a new mower. the new John Deere X350 i didn't have to drill any holes in the 48 inch deck as i utilized the deflector mounts to mount the MDA to and i use the knobs too to mount the MDA and the knobs to put the deflector back on when not using the cyclone rake. The new bag came with two screens one for leaf pickup which i do and the other one is for grass mowing as i don't it sits till fall. as now i need to replace the impeller it has play and knocks when the engine coasts to a stop and warm starting it as its the whole blower housing that has to be replaced too with the Impeller. i think after i replace that ill upgrade to a newer Cyclone rake the XL of Z10 model that will pair up to the John Deere X350 and 48 inch deck well. the only acessory i have for it is the power Vacuum pickup but need the Estate vacuum as one hose is not enough to reach certian areas.

[@ODLife]

Derek Obidowski Sounds like you have put some hard use on yours!

[@derekobidowski5784]

its a 17 year old cyclone rake the basic classic 200 gallon model this new tractor with a 48"" deck i got im probally going to have to upgrade to a larger Cyclone Rake either the XL or Z10 models. the Classic they now recommend it for mower decks 26-40 inches as this machine was used on my previous lawn tractor with a 42 in deck a Kubota T1560 from 2001. after i get the blower housing replaced i may sell it and upgrade to the larger XL or Z10 model. as Woodland Power Products changes the deck recommendations from time to time. a 17 year old cyclone rake with a Harbor Freight Predator 212cc repower, new collector bag, and rear caster wheels. soon a new blower housing. if i sell it to flip it to get a larger model. as now i realized the deck sizes on the models they specify on the cyclone rake models.

[@ODLife]

Man you've done a great job keeping it going! A new unit would be really nice to have. I will say the jack is a back saver!

[@derekobidowski5784]

i maintained it well as this particular model the classic been made by Woodland Power Products since 1997. when i went on their site they expanded their product line they added the Cyclone Super Hauler the RoboReel for electric cords, air and water hoses and the EarthBox so they are making other products other than the main Cyclone Rake models. due to my tractor's deck size they recommend i upgrade to the XL or the Z10 model. as this 17 year old machine it works well with this tractor. as the XL and Z10 will have much more vacuum power. the downside is the engine units are much heavier than the classic, commander and commercial pro models. they say the Vanguard engines are rated to 3,000 hours im not sure how many hours the predator engine will go for. it seems the Briggs and Stratton Vanguard engines are the only best engines they make the newer push mower and pressure washer engines are junk having plastic camshaft and parts in them that are failure prone. and the newer Horizontal shaft engines are made in China and are Honda clones the engine blocks. The cyclone rake for my area in W PA its generally used for leaf cleanup with the clear conditions this year it is much longer than expected cleaning up leaves mainly blown by the wind. its a backsaver the thing i need is the second hose so i can extend the power vacuum pickup to get into areas that i cannot drive the tractor over. i see in your video you don't have the back brace on that goes accross the back of the collector. if you use the roof rack carrier acessory then that brace is replaced by that. as back then when the cyclone rake came out it was ment for all mower deck sizes and can hitch up to rear engine riding mowers. as now they added 4 more cyclone rake models and improved the vacuum system on them using the jet path vacuum system. since the yard gets muddy late fall im going to have to consider the dual pro superwheels as certian areas the collector gets full and gets heavier than those single 4.10-3.50-4 tires can handle.

[@BenKempa]

I believe cyclone rake offers a power dump kit with a linear actuator, so you don't have to rake it out as much.

[@lastmanstanding1767]

Great video 👍

[@ODLife]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@american1857]

I have the commander pro. I love it. One of the best investments ive ever made for my company

[@ODLife]

Plus the customer service is fantastic!

[@drake89316]

Good video ! Thank u

[@ODLife]

And it's still going strong... hope I didn't jinx myself. Going to fire up this weekend for the first time this year!

[@joesnyder4328]

Great video

[@ODLife]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@bjg770]

I would love that for my compost bin.

[@ODLife]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@iancrossley6637]

My neighborhood kid has grown up and moved away so raking leaves is up to me. I'm getting too old for that now and this machine looks like the ticket. Once thos Maples start dropping it's a sea of leaves around my property.

[@0re02bruh]

Good video

[@ODLife]

Thanks!

[@JJ-dm9cx]

sir thank you for the video and detailed review, I like the jack you had connected to the leaf vac i was hoping you could tell me where you got it or specifically what type of jack that is I need one for the same purpose you did thankyou from V.A

[@ODLife]

I got it from Cyclone Rake. Here's a video I did on it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z52ViWt6oryKZq8

[@JJ-dm9cx]

@@ODLife Thank you for the quick response!!

[@justincaldwell5121]

I've got a grasshopper 220 with the box on the back of the actual mower but it CONSTANTLY clogs at the deck. Any suggestions?

[@bigtill]

Were is your rear support bar for the top of the bag to keep it spread?

[@ODLife]

Mine didn't have it, must have been added later??? It is still going strong.

[@popeye583]

thanks!

[@ODLife]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@johnanttila5847]

O&D Life, I really liked your video. Do you still have/like or love your cyclone rake? If not, what would you recommend?

[@ODLife]

Still going strong! And I would say I'm hard on it. My yard is not that smooth and I get moving pretty fast. Impeller is so resistant to damage. Still very satisfied.

[@arthilliker3721]

I made my own set up. Works a LOT better and cost a LOT less. No extra motor to mess with either. Mine don't have the ridged mount that may crack the frame on some tractors. That type mount creates a LOT of stress on most models. Just sayin". I just used my trailer and modified it. Works GREAT !! I've watched this thing for years and just not "gettin it" for the money. To each their own of course.

[@GTRclanGaming]

I also loved the video though doing some research on the models and seeing that you have a classic and it looks like your ZG222 is a 48" the CR Classic only fits deck widths from 26" to 40". I have a 48" eXmark and would like to find out if this would truly fit mine or if my assumption of your equipment is incorrect. Also, The Pro Commercial model is the one that shows that would fit mine being recommended from 38" to 48". Maybe the "recommended" can be modified to fit?

[@GTRclanGaming]

I think I just answered my own question. Looking at he MDA (Boot), looks like you cut out the size of the outlet chute of the deck. I guess the recommended sizes from CR is just based on volume of the debris from the deck to the models of the CRs.

[@ODLife]

Exactly, you are correct, my deck is 48inch.

[@josephmessing2168]

I've got 14 years on mine. I'd like to upgrade to the new, larger one, but have no problems or reasons to dump this one.

[@pgmurray76]

My local Kubota dealer went to Mahindra three weeks ago (Oct 2022).

[@haydenlandscape2325]

How much does a full load weigh? (Trying to see if one could push up into a dump trailer to dump?) 🤪

[@ODLife]

Can be pretty heavy. I think a Mower should be able to push up.

[@3thicsg]

Hey nice video. I need to empty a ton of planter boxes. Do you think this would vac up potting soil?

[@ODLife]

Without a doubt it would do the trick.

[@ursulaearnheart9531]

I was using the flower bed hose for the first time but it hardly picked up any leaf's, so almost no suction, I have the 6.5 briggs and stratton engine?

[@zackwhatley6449]

You must have a clog in the hose, mine is 20+ ft long and it will pull your glove off at the end of hose. Stretch out you hose so not kinks and give it a good bounce on the ground, you will hear the clog as the impeller bust up the clump. Just be careful you haven't suck up a flower pot! The impeller is replaceable....

[@richardkenworthy9312]

I was wondering how long the velcro will last?

[@ODLife]

It is still going strong despite all the leaf litter and dust.

[@1WHITEBOY32]

What's the longest hose you can use and still not lose suction?

[@jtltet]

I think you need to fix that hole in the top so you don't have so much dust flying around.

[@kennethmichael5607]

Thanks

[@intn14]

Did you have to drill holes in the KUBOTA’s deck to attach the boot?

[@ODLife]

+intn14 yes, two holes to mount the bolts.

[@intn14]

I’ve read that people have used the KUBOTA boot to attach to the 8 inch hose of the cyclone Rake. That seems like a good way to go also as I don’t think you have to drill any holes

[@ODLife]

That would be nice to be able to do.

[@johnalex3023]

How is it with wet leaves?

[@ODLife]

@johnalex3023 it pulls them up, may take a few passes.

[@loriday8821]

nice

[@danfriday1968]

Where can you get these in the UK ?

[@ODLife]

Not sure, might try looking up the company on Google and email them.

[@James-fr9sq]

Looks like it doesn't pick up leafs very well? Kinda messy..

[@jyctv5827]

Learning lesson

[@josephbehringer5298]

How’s it work for grass clippings? I noticed it being used on a zero turn anyone have any experience with a BX and a 60” deck?

[@cdb122980]

I just bought 1 used for my Husquvarna pzt54 but the hose from the deck to the engine is way to short

[@ODLife]

You can contact Cyclone Rake and order another tube and cut to your size.

[@cdb122980]

Yeah I went online and put it together myself and want to hundred bucks for a hose that is about a foot longer

[@BioHazardra]

about how much does such a unit cost? I would be interested in one possibly

[@ODLife]

+Hazardra Lawn Care check out cyclonerake.com you can price the units out there. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@alisonw6182]

Just saw this video. My impeller is shot, did not bend. It is broken down to the hub...The new impeller is $169. Yikes. My unit is over 15 years old but not used enough for the impeller to shred away...does anyone know if they make a metal one?

[@ODLife]

@alisonw6182 wow, that stinks, sorry to hear! I'm not familiar with a metal version for them.

[@jonkrueger359]

Will you sell blower

[@Lakecenterlawncare]

You could get rid of the twine if you shortened the hose.

[@mikenkfalls]

The only thing I see wrong with this setup is that when or if you went into to much of dip something could bend or break. Maybe I'm wrong. Never have seen one up close.

[@ODLife]

It has some play that allows the pins to slide up and down to accommodate that. I've got a few spots and no problems.

[@DLR-ft8vl]

Never bend or break, unless the owner is an idiot and he/she is mowing on hilly surfaces with a heavy load in the cyclone take bag!!!🤔

[@johnpilcher4936]

DR Power is way better dumping and you don't have to wear a mask when you use it! Cyclone Rake is better than nothing though.

[@dennislubing3148]

The dust! Get a way to filter it out before it goes out to you, and your animals, and of course family , members. I

[@shannonlowry8053]

Get to the point already

[@mikemotor3103]

Dont buy one.. cheap plastic housing disintegrated...demanding my money back...

[@CycloneRake]

Hi Mike - No need to demand...We have the best warranty/guarantee in the industry. If you purchased the unit from us and are using it at your home, we have a complete 1-year guarantee to get your money back. Or, if it's still under our 3-year warranty, we'll gladly replace it as long as it wasn't neglect or misuse that caused the failure. The housings have been in production for 20+ years and rarely have we seen a housing break. But if it happened and it's a material defect...no problem. Please give our support team a call at 888-531-7253 and we'll get this resolved.