This is a great electric Blower / Vac. Somewhat heavier than my replaced Toro, but manageable. I am sure the potentiometer will be handy, thought I have not found a use for other that "full blow" The single most misstep I keep experiencing is the cord lock. It does not work as well as my last Toro. Keeps falling out.
Found the vac a big waste of time picking up oak leaves. When back to racking. Blower is heavy for my wife. Has a strong volumn of air when used on sidewalks and driveways.
Pros: strong air volumn
Cons: heavy and vac not worth it.
Response from ToroDealer.comBy Customer Care, July 17, 2018
hank you for your response regarding the Toro Blower/Vacuum. We agree, with the Ultra Blower/Vac's top wind speed of 250mph, sidewalks and driveways will clear with ease. With all this power packed into 8.5 pounds, the vacuum has a suction power of 140 cfm. We recommend reviewing the product video on the Ultra Blower Vac page on how to utilize the vacuum feature. Our "How to Choose a Leaf Blower" article at Toro.com/yardtools can help you find the best fit blower for you!
I just purchased this and used it for the first time today. It works great and seems to have a lot of power. I'm left handed, and it feels a bit awkward when using the vacuum feature. I feel like the bag and strap are designed for right handed people, and so it feels backwards. I bought a house last summer and the yard was about 4" deep in leaves. I've raked for hours on end, so I had a lot of piles to vacuum up. It does great with the leaves, and really condensed them nicely. I'm very happy I bought this, and things will only get better. Now that I can blow the leaves I won't be raking up rocks, sticks and acorns anymore. I only wish the bag didn't feel so awkward on the left side.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I/m 86 years old and had a yard literally full of my neighbors leaves. Did research and decided on the Toro Product. I have a ball cleaning up my leaves. Have gotten 5plus recycle bags full and wish I had more leaves A great product!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Toro Ultra Blower Vac 51619 is like having a cyclone in your hand with the power to move piles of leaves and all types of lawn debris. However, the variable speed can be reduced to produce a gentle breeze to prevent creating a major dust storm when light power is all that you need. Changing from the blower mode to an effective vacuum / shredder is fast, simple, and easy.
I have had a few of these. I haven't had an issue with the bag because I don't use the bag too often. I bought a hose and cover for my garbage can that pumps the shredded leaves right into the garbage can. It saves a step but it does require dealing with relocating the trash can from time to time. But if you use the leaf blower option and blow the leaves into several big piles, it's no big deal. After a few years I have noticed that the blades on the blower are getting chipped from hard objects getting sucked up into the blade. That's to be expected when rocks get into the blade. A replacement blade is on order shortly. Another thing I will note, after a few years the safety switch failed. I bypassed the switch but would not recommend this. It means the blower can turn on any time the switch is turned on. I unplug the cord any time I make changes to the device changing it from blower to vacuum.