Keeping our outdoor spaces clean and manicured is an important part of home maintenance, but can often feel like an uphill battle, especially during fall when leaves are in abundance. The Toro 51621 UltraPlus Leaf Blower Vacuum is designed to make this task more manageable. In this review, we'll explore the various features, pros, cons, and overall performance of this machine.
Overview
The Toro 51621 UltraPlus is a 3-in-1 leaf blower, vacuum, and leaf shredder, designed to make your yard work more efficient and less strenuous. Its key features include a powerful up to 250 mph degree, variable speed control, a robust impeller for mulching, and several attachments for different tasks.
- Engine: 250 mph 4-cycle gas powered engine
- Air Volume: 410 CFM
- Air Speed: Up to 250 mph
- Vacuum Capacity: 16 gallons
- Weight: 8.9 lbs
- Tube Length: 22 inches
- Mulch Ratio: 16:1
- Noise Level: 74 dBa
- Warranty: 2 years limited warranty
Design and Aesthetics
The Toro 51621 maintains a similar aesthetic to other Toro products - practical, sturdy, and utilitarian. It's not designed to win any beauty contests, but it is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor work. The tool is predominantly a deep red color, with a large easy-to-handle tube for blowing or vacuuming and a collection bag for vacuum mode.
Performance
The machine's performance is where it truly shines. The leaf blower is powerful enough to handle wet and heavy leaves, small twigs, and even larger debris. With variable speed control, users can adjust the power depending on the task at hand. At its highest setting, the machine can output a wind speed of up to 250 mph, which is more than sufficient for most yard tasks.
The vacuum mode is equally impressive. It sucks up leaves and debris quickly and efficiently and deposits them into a bottom-zip bag that's easy to empty and replace.
The leaf shredding feature is a game-changer, reducing up to 88% of mulched debris to less than 1/2 inch. This not only reduces the amount of bagging and hauling required but also makes the resulting leaf mulch more suitable for composting or as a garden mulch.
User-Friendliness
The Toro 51621 is designed with the user in mind. Switching between the blower and vacuum modes is a straightforward process, and the machine is well balanced, making it easy to handle during extended use. It also comes with a cord storage hook to keep the cord secure and out of the way during use.
The machine includes a set of specialized attachments like the main blower tube for dry leaves, a power insert for wet, heavy leaves, and a concentrator for crevices and corners. These attachments can be easily swapped out depending on the specific task, adding to the user-friendliness of the machine.
Durability
As with all Toro products, the 51621 UltraPlus is built for durability. The metal impeller is not only robust for shredding leaves but also adds to the overall longevity of the machine. The machine's plastic components are sturdy and appear to resist wear and tear well. With proper care and maintenance, this tool can last for several seasons.
Noise Level
The Toro 51621 UltraPlus, like most leaf blowers, is not a quiet machine. It is advisable to use ear protection during operation, especially for extended periods.
Pros
- Powerful 3-in-1 functionality, offering blowing, vacuuming, and shredding capabilities.
- Robust and durable design, with a sturdy metal impeller.
- User-friendly with easy-to-switch modes and useful attachments.
Cons
- Noise levels can be high, requiring ear protection for comfortable use.
- The machine is corded, which might limit mobility for larger yards.
Conclusion
Overall, the Toro 51621 UltraPlus Leaf Blower Vacuum is a versatile and powerful tool that can make yard cleanup more efficient and less physically taxing. Its 3-in-1 functionality, combined with its robust performance and user-friendly design, make it a valuable addition to anyone's yard maintenance toolkit.
While it does have some drawbacks, such as noise level and the corded design, these are relatively minor compared to the benefits it provides. For homeowners seeking a reliable, high-performing leaf blower/vacuum/shredder, the Toro 51621 UltraPlus is worth serious consideration.