Check out this link to Scag collection systems. It will say 403 Forbidden, but still click on it.
403 Forbidden
But for picking up leaves, it's worth every penny. The Scag collection system is that good. I love mine.
The only negative is I'm often alone so when I install the unit in the fall, then remove it when the job is done, the cover is very large and heavy. So I installed an over head hoist to lift it off the machine when I'm finished with it.
The hoist is a 440LB one sold at most places for under $150 bucks......
Thank you for telling me about your experiences. Were you surprised by the amount of service the collection system has needed? Was it all wear and tear or were any of the replaced parts due to something getting run into the collection system like a branch or something? Sounds like a hose and bearing change about every 200 hours and 300 - 400 hours out of a fan. I wish i could find that unit for $1,895.00 I'd scoop it up!!!When I remove the bagger support and don't have help, I loosen the four bolts holding it to the machine, remove the nuts from the upper bolts, pull one out and while holding the bagger up, I remove the other upper bolt and lower the bagger support to the floor, then I remove the lower bolts. I usually leave it on the machine all the time along with the weights and just remove the blower when I'm either using the chute or mulching plate.
I know that a Scag collection system is pricey, mine was $1,895 plus tax and $100 installation in 2008. I have had to sew up tears in the bags, but I think that I will get another season from them. I'm on my 3rd hose and will need a new one after this fall. I buy hose that has a plastic support spiral rather than the metal wire support, the plastic is more expensive, but lasts much longer. It is almost $15/foot and I buy a ten foot length which gives me two hoses. I have replaced the blower bearings twice and the fan once. About 600 hours on the collection system. I see more commercial operators with Scags and other makes adding collection systems to their machines. Charging customers an extra amount for collection has been difficult. I have mowed with an open chute for some and left rows of clippings to get my point across. I also dethatch with collection spring and fall, but I inform my customers first and give them the option.
It still is a great attachment that does a fabulous job!!! Both of the Ingersoll GTs that I mowed with for many years had hydraulic motor driven blower collection systems although smaller bag capacity and with a six inch hose. I made up a trailer to tow behind the GTs which greatly increased the capacity, but still needed to have a place to empty it. I only cleanup leaves for customers where I can either dispose of them on their property or very close by.
Mad Mackie in CT:laughing::biggrin::smile:
Thank you for telling me about your experiences. Were you surprised by the amount of service the collection system has needed? Was it all wear and tear or were any of the replaced parts due to something getting run into the collection system like a branch or something? Sounds like a hose and bearing change about every 200 hours and 300 - 400 hours out of a fan. I wish i could find that unit for $1,895.00 I'd scoop it up!!!
Where abouts in CT are you?
Thanks, Dan:thumbsup:
I'm in Southington.
Mad Mackie said a while back he got his blower twisted up by a fireplace poker I believe, in a customers yard. My machine is for my property. It didn't work too hard this year, as I was running my Craftsman machine after I replaced the head gasket and was testing it out weekly. (If it goes again I junk it!) I bought the Scag for fall cleanup, so it's ready. If I cut the grass with the Scag, the trimming takes longer than running the ZTR. :laughing: