Toro  Universal Leaf Collector

This is a GREAT idea that just does not work in execution. It is obvious that the "Universal" leaf collector was released without testing. It fails at every possible point of failure. The root problem is that the trash can cover is too tightly woven: good for durability, but it results in way too much pressure for the collector to work. I started to list all the ways that this product fails when used, but it is not worth the trouble... If you feel, like I did, that it has to be more convenient than the collection bag that comes with the blower vac, it isn't. But the hose does seem to be of good quality if you are inclined to rebuild the entire system to make something that works...

The Toro Universal Leaf Collector is a good product, but with a bit of work and less than $5 you can make this a 5 star product. Now I know that you shouldn't have to fix any problems with this item but it's a big time saver once you get the kinks worked out. I have a Toro 51599 Ultra Blower and Vacuum and the vacuum works great but the included bag with the blower fills up too quickly which is why this a big time saver. I attached this product right out of the box to my 32 gallon rolling rubbermaid trash can. I started sucking up leaves and all of the sudden the black flex hose popped out of the can cover (white section). So I put it back in and tried again. A few minutes later, same thing. To solve issue #1 I put a large 24" zip tie around the black flex tube and secured it to the can cover bag. Problem #2 arose shortly there after which is the can cover completely flew off the trash can. Simple fix spring clamps to hold the bag to the bin.

This is a great idea but very clumsy to use and very flimsy in construction.

The item is difficult to work with. Comes off the barrel I'm using to deposit leaves.

The problem with most leaf blower/vac combinations is that the bags aren't really all that durable, or their capacity is too small to be useful for more than a quick sweep of the yard. That's where this attachment comes in. However, you do need to have some realistic expectations when you start using this product. You need to use a trash can with some sort of a lip on it. I use a 32 gallon Rubbermaid can and I tie this around below the handles, and I've never had a problem with the cover blowing off. Since the rubbermaid can is light, it will topple over if you go too far. This is what happens when the can is empty and you're walking away from it. Those two things said, this beats blowing a growing pile of leaves across the yard and into their final resting place. Now I am on the lookout for a larger container to wheel about as I vac/mulch the piles.

Supposed to fit all yardvacs,doesn't fit stihl G55! too much trouble to try to fit anything but Toro!

It's a good buy, but only if you have a small yard. The hose really only goes about 4-6 ft before it starts to pull on the trash can. It works for our backyard, which is flat and not very big, but our front yard is slanted and kinda large, so we only use it for the backyard.

I previously had a toro leaf collector but after 8 years of heavy use it was time to replace it. We purchased this one again and it works just as well as the first one. To help keep the can cover on simply use it with a can with a lip around the edge - one that allows the lip to snap on - I use a rubbermaid can. I tied a 5ft piece of elastic to the handle of the can. Once the cover is on the can, I wrap the elastic around the can cover and secure the other end to the handle of the can. It keeps the can cover very snug.

I HAVE LOOKED EVERYWHERE FOR AN ACCESSORY TO VAC LEAVES STRAIGHT INTO THE TRASH CAN OR TRASH BAG.I HAD NO LUCK UNTIL I FOUND THE TORO LEAF COLLECTOR.SO FAR I HAVE ONLY USED IT FOR A VERY SHORT TIME MAYBE 30 MIN.JUST LONG ENOUGH TO KNOW IT WILL DO JUST WHAT I NEED IT FOR.OTHER STORES ADVERTISED IT BUT DID NOT HAVE IT IN THEIR STORE AND HAD NO IDEA WHEN OR IF THEY WOULD GET IT IN.SEARS WAS VERY HELPFUL WITH MY FINDING IT AND I AM ANXIOUS FOR IT TO GET WARM ENOUGH AND DRY ENOUGH TO REALLY GET TO USE IT.

This product worked well after I added a plastic tie to the hose so it would not come off the can cover. Much easier to compress the leaves into a can than continously remove and empty the bag from the blower. Rake the leaves into a big pile and vacuum away.