The Green Industry's Resource Center

Ijustwantausername · #1 08-06-2012, 10:11 AM

Wasn't too sure where to put this, but I need a great bagger, mainly for leaves for the fall. I have some commercial properties and some churches that are 2-3 acres of nothing but Oak trees, so I need something that can really hold/chop up some leaves.

Would a pull along bagger like an Agri-Fab or Cyclone be the best bet, or would something along the lines of a peco or a bagger that fits onto the mower be the way to go?

Thanks guys.

orangemower · #2 08-06-2012, 10:18 AM

I know it's not cheap but the OEM kit for the Scag mowers are very effective with leaves. Going any other route and you'll have more time wasted dealing with a after market kit. Plus the OEM kits use the mower as the power supply and not another engine to keep fueled up.

My first season was terrible without a bagger kit. Took me forever to get the jobs done. The following spring I got the OEM kit and I love it. The blowers suck so good that it could suck start a Harley! LOL

Jimslawncareservice · #3 08-06-2012, 10:38 AM

I have a cyclone rake and hate it. Too big, heavy and clumsy. It's way to long. The Dang screen always comes off the velcro. If you have a truck loader, dump them on a trailer or pile them some where get the scag clam shell bagger. You can't beat it. Back up to where you want to dump and pull a lever. Inside it there's a deal that pushes the stuff out at the same time the door opens.
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TriCountyLawn · #4 08-06-2012, 10:58 AM

Probably hard to beat the OEM 3 bag or hopper. I have seen one guy who has a compact tractor who has a peco pull behind unit that holds a TON of leaves. But he only breaks it out in the fall and it takes up most of the trailer.

WPLE · #5 08-07-2012, 12:08 AM

The scag clam shell if you can dump on your trailer or on the property somewhere. I've had a peco before and it seemed like I was always having to fix little things on it. Then big things. lol

That's why I like the clam shell. Not much on it that can break down.

orangemower · #6 08-07-2012, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WPLE

The scag clam shell if you can dump on your trailer or on the property somewhere. I've had a peco before and it seemed like I was always having to fix little things on it. Then big things. lol

That's why I like the clam shell. Not much on it that can break down.

Yeah the clam shell hopper is nice. I have the 3 bagger kit on mine. Even though the clam shell is more reliable, things can happen to either. I like a idiot had the mower on the trailer and wasn't thinking about the large ratchet strap laying all but under the deck. Yeah I pulled the pto to blow some of the grass off the trailer and sucked the strap in and the ratchet hit the blower impeller, jammed and stalled the engine in just seconds! I was like WTF then felt like a idiot. $130 later and it was fixed and working. I did have to cut the blower housing in a given place since the hole it goes through is very tight. With a bent impeller blade it wouldn't come out so I cut and bent the housing enough, got the junk one out, bent the housing straight and welded it back in place, assembled and done.

Ijustwantausername · #7 08-07-2012, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orangemower

Yeah the clam shell hopper is nice. I have the 3 bagger kit on mine. Even though the clam shell is more reliable, things can happen to either. I like a idiot had the mower on the trailer and wasn't thinking about the large ratchet strap laying all but under the deck. Yeah I pulled the pto to blow some of the grass off the trailer and sucked the strap in and the ratchet hit the blower impeller, jammed and stalled the engine in just seconds! I was like WTF then felt like a idiot. $130 later and it was fixed and working. I did have to cut the blower housing in a given place since the hole it goes through is very tight. With a bent impeller blade it wouldn't come out so I cut and bent the housing enough, got the junk one out, bent the housing straight and welded it back in place, assembled and done.

Orangemower, 2 questions..

1. So a clam shell and a 3 bagger kit are different? Which one enables you to remain seated when dumping? Which one has the largest capacity?

2. What price are we talking for these?

Thanks

Ijustwantausername · #8 08-07-2012, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WPLE

The scag clam shell if you can dump on your trailer or on the property somewhere. I've had a peco before and it seemed like I was always having to fix little things on it. Then big things. lol

That's why I like the clam shell. Not much on it that can break down.

Yeah, all of my commercials have either wooded land where I can dump or they have a designated (and I mean huge) leaf pile. So I wouldn't want to be getting off the mower every single time.

How much does the clam shell stick out past the rear of the mower?

orangemower · #9 08-07-2012, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ijustwantausername

Orangemower, 2 questions..

1. So a clam shell and a 3 bagger kit are different? Which one enables you to remain seated when dumping? Which one has the largest capacity?

2. What price are we talking for these?

Thanks

Yes they are different in the fact that one uses bags and the other a hopper. The hopper can be dumped from the seat which in your case with having the ability to dump on site, you would definitely want the clam shell kit. The bagger has the larger capacity but you have to stop and get off to empty them.
Price? You'll have to see what the dealer says. I paid close to $2700 for the bagger kit.

The kits stick out a couple feet but not bad enough that you wouldn't get use to the distance you need to stay clear of objects. I've banged a few fences and trees with my bagger kit and it's held up strong to some abuse.

I hate to say it but you should spend the extra money regardless for the OEM kit. It will pay for it self in a season of leaf clean ups. At least I managed to do that. Now it's just a money maker for me going on 5 years. I did have to wrap the intake hose with double wide duct tape. After a couple seasons it started to get holes in it from sticks and stuff. Been holding out great for 2 seasons now with no holes.

jrat · #10 08-07-2012, 03:52 PM

OEM kit is well worth the money. I just bought a 3 bag one for my Tiger Cat. I paid $2699. I had an old bluebird clamshell one on my old Turf Tiger. That one had a seperate 5hp honda motor on it. And it was all metal so it was very heavy. It took 2 people to take it on and off. The OEM kit goes on and off in about 5-10 minutes. And 1 person can take it on and off.