[NO RAKING] Ryobi Vacattack Battery Leaf Vacuum Mulcher Review

[@bmfesta2009]

So glad I watched this before buying one. I was thinking about this for the mulched landscaping areas but 3 hours of charging for 15 minutes of use means way to much down time and I'll never get the area done. Thanks for sharing.

[@Kitearmy]

Glad to help - might need a gas or household powered model

[@maggarlion]

Its simple buy more than 1 battery. I have about 6 batteries that came with other equiptment that I bought. I have 1 1.5 volt, 2 4volt, 1 6volt, 1 7. 5 volt and they came with out equipment that I bought. If you only have one battery you are going to struggle no matter what euipment you use. Ryobi even sent me their fast charger.

[@gsfdriller]

​@@maggarlionThat's very expensive.

[@gsfdriller]

​@@KitearmyGas blower vac is 100% the way to go. Really.

[@wudubora]

Good video, but why are you recommending a leaf blower when I am looking for a leaf vacuum?

[@matthewhohisel7249]

Despite the poor reviews, I'm gonna buy this. My yard is tiny, densely packed CA development. I have about 3 trees on the sidewalk, 3 in the back yard, and the neighbor has 2 massive trees that extend over my fence and dump leaves in my back yard. The amount of leaves in such a small area is insane. I purchased the Ryobi 40v Edger a few months ago marked down to $125 with a 4ah battery, so I will have an extra battery on hand. We will see how well this does.

[@gtaus1]

I have a gas leaf vac from a number of years ago. I used it once, maybe twice, then put it away. It's just not something I found very useful. You are correct to point out that a leaf vac has limited uses. Even in the garden beds, I found a small 6-inch-wide rake worked better than the leaf vac. My vac boasted a 10:1 shred ratio, but in reality, was more like 4:1. 15 mins run time on this vac would do nothing for me. Appreciate your review and common-sense comments.

[@Kitearmy]

Thanks so much mate!

[@DirkCannon]

This is perfect for people that have already adopted the Ryobi 40V family, this will make an excellent tool for my yard as i already have multiple 40V batteries.

[@marshalljay11]

Same here

[@VisionsTruth]

I used this to supplement my existing ryobi blower. I get a lot of leaves during the fall from two maple trees. Quite a few leaves get close to home and I dont like blowing them even away it creates to much dust next to the house so I use this going around the house - entrances. I then use my blower for everything beyond a few feet from my house.

[@maggarlion]

I have been using this equipment for the last 2 years and I cannot complain. I primarry use it to mulch the leaves on the sidewalks in front of my house. My neighbors have said to me how come you are able to keep your sidewalks so clean and I tell them. LOL

[@Kitearmy]

perfect for that

[@stans5270]

Nice to know about the limited run time. I have trees all around my property and use a blower with a bagged lawn mower to eliminate leaves. I pile the leaves up into a spot, use the mower on them, dump them, re-use the mower on them, and they're ready for composting. That Ryobi, sounded promising, but with it's heft and weight [along with it's run time] gets a pass at that price. I have picked up an electric Sun Joe Blower-Vac with a hose attachment that turns it into a semi-pro leaf collection system that I will try on leaves around the house soon.

[@Kitearmy]

Worx makes a 110v connection model - pretty cool

[@CamberRockerCamber]

This is exactly what I'm looking for. My yard isn't that big but i will be blowing/raking my leaves into a pile. Just needed something that can vacuum up the pile vs me having to bend down and pick it up myself.

[@Kitearmy]

This should work then

[@laurenwaggoner4746]

@@Kitearmywill this work for hedge trimming debris? Lots of twigs and branches still attached in the pile.

[@Kitearmy]

@@laurenwaggoner4746 probably not - not that powerful

[@deveroneriksen8773]

To me, this thing was great, way surpassed my expectations especially after reading and watching reviews

[@barrybrundage1581]

I had a different experience. Liked it, worked well for me. I have two 40v batteries already so the runtime was less of an issue, but still slowed the work down. I took a video but it is not allowing me to attach it.

[@turdferguson7686]

if i rake my front yard and bag them up in the fall it is about 60 of those brown paper leaf bags. and that is with smashing them down as you go. and is why i pay a lawncare company to do it for me. this thing is pretty cool though, probably not meant for a half acre with 10 large, mature trees...

[@Kitearmy]

Nope - that would be too much yard for this baby

[@mikegreene9215]

Great video, covered so many things!!!

[@diggorypat66]

Thanks for the information. I was just going to buy a leaf vacuum. 15 minutes is not enough. I just got 2 contracts and im trying to keep it. The have alot of trash and leaves. Well back to the research 😊😊😊

[@SynchronizedRelaxatioin]

Hey Have you found anything I also just got a contract and am doing research?

[@diggorypat66]

​. I don't recommend using a battery operated device unless you buy more than one battery which is expensive especially just starting. Be great if there was a charging station. I'm thinking about getting a portable charger, but I'm not sure how long it will take to charge my batteries. I just blow all the leaves together and then i vacuum them. It saves trash bag space. My family member got me a small blower that is also a vacuum. Works great. But i can only pick up small leaves

[@EricZickefoose]

Can you comment on how this performs with sucking up acorns?

[@2snipe1]

I love unicorns! The price sounds magical too. It's a mulcher too? Would love to see this stack up to a regular lawn mower in volume and gradient of leaves mulched.

[@Kitearmy]

Great suggestion!

[@alternativeharvey7]

In my opinion don't waste your$$ . The batteries hold little life and it loses power through its short cycle

[@goodmanshealth]

I had a leaf blower that also doubled as one of those and I acutually used to use it quite a bit for gardens but it was a plug in which is a pain in the butt and it got old like me. Could you do me a favor and hold onto that mulch and I will come over and pick it up. Great video!

[@Kitearmy]

DO you want the mulch for your bed - I know you are getting ready for winter hibernation

[@Sylvan_dB]

I bought one. Specific purpose is to clean the leaves out of my basement window wells. I no longer have kids to climb down there and clean them out by hand. The VacAttack works better than a shop vac and the battery lasts long enough (and I have 3 more I bought a year ago with my Ryobi post hole digger).

[@Kitearmy]

Perfect use for the Vacattack - thanks for comment

[@mainsource8030]

this is the old model, been out for almost 5 years. Hart sells a replica at wal mart. ryobi released a new HP brushless versionabout a year ago with much more suction and 20:1 leaf choppage.

[@Kitearmy]

Yeah that model is around $500

[@mainsource8030]

@@Kitearmy correct, but the tool only is around 340.00, still very pricy. i added the trash can adaptor and zip tied the vac attacks front wheels to the new model,lol

[@mainsource8030]

also makita and hart have cordless leaf vacs, the hart is a replica of the ryobis @@Kitearmy

[@zaineridling]

If you really hate a family member, give them one of these for Festivus!

[@Kitearmy]

I don't dislike anyone that much

[@gsfdriller]

Yeh without a battery.

[@ltmexico91]

I have a driveway made of small rocks, and it gets covered with leaves on top of it. I wonder if this machine sucks up only the leaves and not the rocks.

[@Kitearmy]

that should work good - though check out the new Worx model I reviewed

[@donneopepe]

Technically they are the only brand that makes a battery operated leaf vacuum since they also own Hart tools which is a sister brand of theirs sold at Walmart. I've had the Hart leaf vacuum for a few years now and I think it works pretty good for what it is, just make sure you have a few spare batteries on deck and you'll be fine. It does get heavy when the bag fills up, twigs will get caught in-between the blade sometimes which you will have to unscrew and remove from the motor, and make sure the leaves are dry. Other then those few problems I say go for it cause it's definitely better then raking!

[@_dakota_298]

I like this one because it has wheels. No more having it all on your shoulders.

[@alternativeharvey7]

I have Ryobi tools. Main con is the battery life. Especially leaf blower. Loses power throughout its short work cycle also

[@Kitearmy]

yep - good try but fail

[@cguy96]

Out here in Seattle, we pay $6.85 per extra yard waste bag. If the VacAttack worked, even if it only saved four bags, that would save me $27 for every 5 original bags! (In Maryland where we just moved from, there is NO charge). I could pay back the whole thing in one fall. Of course, I can just drive to the transfer station where the whole load would cost me $24, and it would take 10 years to pay it back. On the other hand, Andrew, NOT driving to the transfer station is also a bonus. What’s the best mulcher out there (for a reasonable price)?

[@Kitearmy]

I like the worx houshold powered model

[@cguy96]

@@Kitearmy i had seen that one and it looked good. Glad it has “Army” approval! Oh, for those narrow places, don’t forget shrub rakes. I use them all the time.

[@Kitearmy]

I like that it can dump right into a bucket@@cguy96

[@GA08GT478]

Hey Andrew. I’m in the market for a pressure washer, but I’m not sure if I should go for the GreenWorks 3000 psi the Hart 3000 psi unit or wait for the EGO one?

[@Kitearmy]

Greenworks unless you want cordless then wait for EGO

[@GA08GT478]

@@KitearmyThanks for the reply. I think I’ll wait for the EGO to be reviewed before I decide.

[@Kitearmy]

Coming soon on this channel@@GA08GT478

[@marksimmons330]

i have watch others and finally someone tells you the truth. on how limited they are. i had decided to just leaf blow and get a mulcher as where i live there is no way these would work.

[@Kitearmy]

They work a little

[@santiagobriones410]

Thank you for this video. I'm looking for a way to help my kid go out and earn some money but 15 minutes of use ain't gonna cut it. Thanks again

[@danyeo]

UPDATE. I returned it. I ended up not using the thing half the time. Just grab a metal rake for tight spots and get the leaves out in the open where I use a mower to get the leaves or a regular leaf blower to blow wherever you need. And Kitearmy IS right, don't waste your money, stick with Ego. I’ve owned the Ego 765 blower since it first came out, just grabbed the Ryobi Vac attack a few weeks ago. They are NOT substitutes for each other, the Ego 765 can’t do what the Ryobi can which is cleanup in mulch areas, between bushes, tight spots etc. For a wide open lawn them yes I grab the Ego blower. Best thing of all, someone at Home Depot decided to drop 2 5.0AH batteries into the box.

[@CJ-rg4qu]

Whenever someone does not recommend a tool and then immediately recommends another tool from another brand immediately after, you know they are sponsored and not providing an unbiased review. Just saying.

[@Kitearmy]

You know what I do in that case - ignore them and go and buy it - they are just trying to make a great product look bad. Make sure you follow up and let us know just how great this vac is.

[@AverageReviewsYT]

Yeah go buy this 😆😆😆 do your multi acre land and let us know how many days it takes.

[@CJ-rg4qu]

@@AverageReviewsYT Well that's a straw man argument if I've ever seen one. Have you heard of wrong tool for the job?

[@karatohongkongcat]

Why would you say go get the Ego blower, when this should be about leaf vacuum? As far as I know Ego doesn’t make a leaf vacuum

[@valoriebuentello4685]

Will acorns ruin it?? I have so many acorns and leaves 😅

[@serezhka021]

I think it will ruin that plasctic blade pretty fast

[@arcticredpanda4598]

there is a little metal strip on the handle that gives a mild shock to bare hands, weird

[@privateprivate8366]

15 run time, even for my small property is terrible. It’s not simply property size. But what types of trees and the volume of leaves they drop. I barely have any leaf cleanup for the front yard. It’s all in the backyard, with some in the driveway. At the rate it seems to vacuum, it would take maybe 5-7 days of cleanup, with recharge times considered. Well, Ryobi followed modem day business model. The purpose of the tool 👉🏽is to sell batteries. Also, the EGO is not a comparative tool, as it only blows. No vac/mulch.

[@Kitearmy]

yeah this is certainly not made for heavy leaf falls

[@johnmacdonald6220]

It’s an ergonomic nightmare to use. Especially for the older generation. I bought one due to the fact it is cordless. However you have to hold the weight of the battery along with the weight of the unit and the added weight of the leaves. Yes I know the shoot is on wheels and resting on the ground. You still are holding the bulk the weight while maneuvering the unit across the lawn. If you don’t want to walk an extra five miles while cleaning up your lawn you are most likely going to move it side to side when moving forward. Plus the plastic fan portion on the unit I purchased already lost a few parts of the blade when a small to medium hardwood branch was vacuumed up the nozzle. It definitely needs a strap to help support the weight. My shoulder and elbow definitely were complaining after using the vac attack.

[@saulgoodman2018]

I use my shop vac to vacuum up leaves. It just clogs too easy.

[@Kitearmy]

not a bad idea - i guess it does not mulch them

[@saulgoodman2018]

@@Kitearmy That's what blenders are for.

[@Sylvan_dB]

This works much better than a shop vac, at least for my sycamore, maple and honey locust leaves.

[@saulgoodman2018]

@@Sylvan_dB But I already have the shop vac. So it doesn't cost me anything.

[@Kitearmy]

That is always the right price

[@gsfdriller]

That was a struggle to vac that bucket of leaves. My gas powered unit would eat that in seconds.

[@brandybee906]

It is no better than the Ryobi leaf vacuum except the suction power. The weight is about 9.5 pounds with the battery only. Just think when there is added weight to your wrist when you add the leaves It did last for about 20 minutes. The bag can only get half full otherwise it’s very heavy and the clip from the bag , unclips from the vacuum hose unit. He showed that the wheels clicked to several different heights for different. ( Mine only clicks to two different levels. It does not catch on all grooves. This could be a defective part.) He demonstrated you do not have to connect it from the unit. when you do connect it from the unit one of the clips comes off very easily. The other one does not it gets stuck in the groove. I am 5’8 and still have to tilt the handle up to get the right angle to suction the leaves. I do not know how short people would be able to handle lifting up that much weight for 15 or more to complete the job. overall the only thing I like about this is the suction power. .

[@tbix1963]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and videos. Yes definitely a unicorn. 😂 I had a corded variation of this concept about 30 years ago. Even with infinite energy from the grid it was still a limited design. I think I used it as a vacuum once or twice. The most use I got out of it was as a blower into a burning barrel. It was such a poor design that I never gave the leaf blower concept another thought until the EGO design came out. The wheels are definitely a great improvement and the addition of a chopping blade will probably also add to its usefulness. Mine had a solid plastic impeller / chopper with a attached label saying use for picking up pine cones will likely damage it. One of the few reasons I was drawn towards a yard vacuum was the idea of cleaning up under the many pine trees I had. I’m always amazed every time I see someone resurrecting an idea that my dad bought back in the sixties and left unused in his workshop for me to discover as a child while exploring his workshop after his death. Even though my initial purchase was from the eighties I think this falls into that category. 😂

[@Kitearmy]

For sure - I think a corded version would be more useful but this is one of the rare cases that I would recommend a gas version

[@1voluntaryist]

My $100 25 year old corded B&D leaf vac works great, 15 -1 reduction, little dust, metal blades, no stopping except to empty a full bag. I switched to all electric tools over thirty ago and will NEVER go back.

[@MIKEVFIT]

Thanks you save me 219$ I was gonna buy it lol

[@Kitearmy]

You're welcome mate!

[@unknown_user4463]

Can u use a milwaukee battery on this?

[@Kitearmy]

won't fit

[@unknown_user4463]

@@Kitearmy u need to add a badaptor and it will work

[@benruthlessburger8905]

You answer your own question

[@unknown_user4463]

@@benruthlessburger8905 o right i forgot

[@AntLive29]

I blow, bag and mulch the leftovers with my mower

[@Kitearmy]

That is a good way to do it - me too

[@julius.150]

I take this up on the roof and clean gutters with it

[@Fuzztooth]

I was going to go get one of these today, but that 15 minute runtime for the battery has given me pause. That’s really not very useful unless you have three batteries or very very little space to deal with.

[@alexandercroes4647]

MAKITA HAS JUST GOT ONE CHECK IT OUT ITS BATERY OPERATED

[@bryanbahling2877]

To my knowledge thats definitely not how youre supposed to use that thing. You're supposed to basically use a blower to push leaves and ground debris to a central location and then once its all in a pile, vac mulch it into the bag and empty. Lot easier than going around like a vacuun cleaner would. Its a supplemental tool to a blower, thats all it was ever meant to be.

[@Kitearmy]

Right

[@markcole6475]

Doesn’t seem to have a lot of suction for say! Raking would appear to be faster ….only benefit would be that leaves would be mulched up and take up less room.

[@invisiblerevolution]

IT'S A BAD TOOL.... I disagree 🤔 If you FIRST blow your leaves 🍃 into a pile and then you use the leaf vacuum it, *15 minutes is a decent amount of RUN TIME.* For a small residential property, it seems decent enough!

[@Kitearmy]

cool - thanks for comment

[@jollyranch1026]

This guy is super Duper wealthy he can mulch money and don’t give a fuck

[@Kitearmy]

I did $10 bills in the first take

[@Chicken-x6q6d]

If you've got a large area to clear then you need a walk behind vacuum machine complete with wander hose, these small things are a waste of time.

[@Kitearmy]

That's the conclusion that I came too

[@Chicken-x6q6d]

@@Kitearmy A few problems I had were that the bags are too small and if there’s wet leaves it gets heavy which can break the plastic seal holding them on, the other is they lack the power to mulch up anything but leaves and very small twigs. Sounds okay as it is meant for leaves after all but things like sticks, cans and bottles (among other things) like to hide among piles of leaves, that’s why I’d always go for a walk behind or a ride on with proper steel impeller that doesn’t jam all the time.

[@AverageReviewsYT]

I saw someone use this a couple months ago.. I was out delivering, and it was taking him forever… i felt bad for him lol I stopped and watched for like 3 minutes and he made slow progress.. a huge waste of battery life.

[@AverageReviewsYT]

U basically stated all I had seen.. that and evidently it’s horrendous battery life.. I hate ryobi… they suck at everything except clown shoe batteries..

[@JossinJax]

Peep how it kind of struggled with that very first, single dollar bill…no thanks.

[@charlesboone6320]

Nascar to speed up the part that what's to take the longest

[@henerygreen578]

i bought this ""thing"" ...guy sold me wrong Batt....did not have correct Batt . had to go to different store for Batt. ....new charger new Batt....charge correct Batt... this cheap junk STILL wont work.... I've had with Ryobi and home depo...... I'll continue on my quest to try to figure out how to make it work ....

[@Kitearmy]

Sounds about right

[@sailingstonerose]

Short version of the review, this sucks but not in the way intended. Short battery life and clogs all the time with Maple leaves.

[@Kitearmy]

yep - just not enough power

[@sailingstonerose]

@@Kitearmy It is the lack of power and the fact that the tube is tapered. The taper causes maple leaves to bunch up.

[@1voluntaryist]

Charge 3 hours, run 15 minutes? NO! Leaf mulch is the BEST plant food. Why throw it away? People will love to come get it.

[@Kitearmy]

That is true - depends on how many leaves you get - we have maples so trust me it's too much to mulch

[@nitenitesucka]

Hahahaha dont buy this product, buy the one that makes me money!!!

[@Kitearmy]

or the one that is better and makes me money for the hard work that I do

[@AlexKunstar]

Lol you were so close to having a good review... But just HAD to recommend your fanboy ego blower. Guess what.. Everyone is already going to have a blower before purchasing the mulcher. 😂

[@RichardLloydRoberts]

And its all plastic that you know with time is going to break

[@Kitearmy]

4 sure

[@letscheckitout1985]

Things a damn toy

[@narutobroken]

The power on this thing is really lacking

[@Kitearmy]

Yeah it needs more juice

[@youredwalker]

this is the absolute worse lawn tool. It is awkward, inefficient and a waste.

[@elizabethmizglewski8169]

Doesn't seem worth it

[@Kitearmy]

nope