Why spend money on a leaf vacuum or mulcher if you can build on your own? Make your own DIY leaf vacuum by using your existing mower.
How to Make a DIY Leaf Vacuum or Mulcher
Fallen leaves and grass cuttings can make your yard dirty, which can encourage the growth of parasites, fungi, and bacteria. They can also damage lawns, leaving brown patches. In addition, these leaves can clog up the drainage, causing puddles to accumulate.
Using broomsticks and push brooms can help; however, when leaves are plentiful, the task can be daunting and time-consuming.
If you have a DIY leaf vacuum, you can collect the leaves and grass cuttings so that you can mulch them or throw them away. You have the option to buy a leaf vacuum which you can find at Leaf vacuum reviews or DIY leaf vacuum. Try making your own DIY leaf vacuum. Do it-yourself leaf vacuum by turning your mower into a handy tool.
Materials for DIY Leaf Vacuum
There are the materials needed for your DIY leaf vacuum:
- Heavy-duty work glove
- Eye goggles
- Mower
- Block of wood (6-inch by 2-inch)
- Wrench
- Mulching blade
- Tape measure
- Discharge chute cover
- Screwdriver or power drill
- Rubber strap
DIY Leaf Vacuum: Remove Blade From Mower
Take your lawn mower and make sure that it is completely powered off. Unplug if you’re using an electric mower. Wear heavy-duty work gloves and eye goggles for protection.
Position your lawn mower on its side. Remove the sparkplug wire from the sparkplug. Place a block of wood in between the body of the mower and the blade.
The block of wood will act as a stopper so that your mower’s blade will not move while you’re disassembling it.
Make sure to insert the wood snugly so that the blade will not wiggle. Using a socket wrench, loosen the nuts and washers that connect the blade to the mower.
Slide the existing washer from the post. Remove the blade carefully. Then, set the blade, nuts, and washers aside.
DIY Leaf Vacuum, Insert Mulching Blade
Insert the mulching blade in place. Use the existing washer and slide it on the post. Screw the nut in place loosely using your hand. Place the block of wood in a wedge, between the mulching blade and the side part of the mower. Tighten the nut using a wrench.
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DIY Leaf Vacuum, Place Discharge Chute Cover
Measure the discharge chute cover that you’ll use. The width should match that of the mower’s deck. Remove the bolts that connect your mower’s old discharge chute.
Separate the existing discharge chute from the mower deck. Place the discharge cover over the discharge chute. Usually, the discharge hole in the mower’s deck is rectangular.
Make sure that the discharge chute cover touches the top left corner of this rectangle hole. Then, press the chute downward.
Make sure that the bottom of the chute is below the bracket that crosses the bottom of the mower’s deck. Push the chute towards the deck completely; the front edge of the chute should touch the mower’s deck.
For added protection and to ensure that the chute will stay in place, attach a rubber strap, extend it around the chute, and connect it to the mower’s deck.
DIY Leaf Vacuum, Tighten Bolts and Nuts
Insert the bolts into the holes. Make sure that they are tight and secure. Remove the block of wood. Place the mower upright.
Place the plug in the lawn mower ejection shoot. This will keep the grass inside the chute. Place the sparkplug wire back into the sparkplug.
Test Mower for Your DIY Leaf Vacuum Project
Test your new vacuum or mulcher by making a few passes before using it. Check for unusual movement or vibration.
Make sure that when you mow the grass or leaves, they will not exit the chute of your new DIY leaf vacuum. Do-it-yourself projects on How to Make a DIY Leaf Vacuum or Mulcher are fun and economical as well.
Additional Reading for DIY Leaf Vacuum
- Free Patents Online: Grass Discharge Chute – http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4258539.html
- Installing Discharge Chute – http://manuals.deere.com/cceomview/OMGX20927_K1/Output/OMGX20927_K15.html
- VacGeek – https://vacgeek.com/best-commercial-vacuum-cleaner
