Comments are for the 1st purchase. My first one lasted for 4-5 seasons. However the switch broke in the 2nd season and I just unplugged each time to empty the bag for the other years. I only use the vacuum portion, because it is too difficult for me to get plastic pieces apart. I am an 82 year old women, 5'7". I believe it would be hard for a shorter person to use. Sometimes it is difficult to pull the bag portion off, because leaf fragments get lodged in there. Perhaps with the new zipper location, I won't need to take it off to empty. I have not used the new one yet. I was very satisfied with the old one and expect the new one to be even better.
Very easy to assemble out of the box. My wife did it in a matter of minutes, and she is NOT mechanically inclined. Instructions were complete and easy to follow. Very light weight and powerful!!
Pros: light and easy to use.
Cons: requires some disassembly to store in the bag.
I have used this primarily to vacuum leaves and am pleased with the way it works. Really shreds the leaves into small pieces (of course the leaves are dry). Like the bottom opening bag (don't have to take it off my shoulder). The cord plugs in on the front side which means I have to keep the extension cord over my shoulder or I step on it (only negative so far).
Pros: bottom-opening bag
Cons: cord plug-in on front can cause you to step on ext
Used this unit upon its arrival today; worked as well as the previous one. This is a warranty replacement for a similar unit (Model 51609) which inexplicably 'died' overnight. Generally I use it as a blower but it works equally well as a vacuum/mulcher; it is easy to convert between its functions and handle. I am very satisfied with the product.