This is the first blower I have ever owned. With the variable speed you can blow off the driveway and then slow it down to blow over bark. This especially helpful when using the vacuum, so you don’t suck in larger pieces of bark.
Bought the Ultra Blower/Vacuum Model No. 51619 two weeks ago and finally used it yesterday. Finished most of the leaves before it stopped working and I found the bolt that holds the impeller on was missing. So I came to this site to try and find a repair part. Otherwise it worked okay with a jam now and then from limb that was too large.
My first toro lasted 10 years.My first issue was excessive tension at the electrical plug,the second ,the variable speed control knob fell off and the last was the motor became very noisey.I used it a lot for blowing grass/leaves from my driveway and eavestroughs and sucking up leaves in the fall.
Pros: the new design where the power cord connects.
I had a previous version of this blower, and really liked it. This new model is not only heavier by 4 or 5 pounds, it takes 2 to 3 times longer to do the same area. I am very disappointed with this new model and wish I had tried it before I threw the box away, else I would have sent it back and bought a different brand.
Response from Toro.comBy Customer Care Team, Customer Service, January 11, 2019
I'm sorry to hear you had issues with the weight of the unit. Depending on if you are using it as both a blower and vacuum or just a blower, we do have some lighter options for you. For blower only units we have (model# 51701) that weighs in at 3.85 lbs (with the battery), or for a corded unit (model# 51585) which is 4.7 lbs. If you do use the vacuum feature our lightest blower vac is 6.5 lbs (model# 51617). As for the performance of the blower, we recommend using a 14 gauge extension cord to provide a full stream of power to the motor allowing it to run efficiently. If you are still having performance issues after trying the extension cord, we'd recommend having the unit inspected by an Authorized Service Dealer. You're nearest authorized dealer can be found at (www.Toro.com/Locator). Thank you.
This is the second leaf vacuum I have purchased. The metal impeller is a key feature. Deals with large quantities of fall leaves in an efficient manner. Compacts them nicely for composting.
I took the time to visit your booth at the Mn. State fair, and suggested that what would make it even better if possible to add to the length of the intake side to allow for a more versatile use rather than having to man handle the entire appliance wherever you need it. I’m not sure if the CFM would support a greater length, but I think it may be worth considering.