Toro 51619 Ultra Electric Blower Vac: A Comprehensive Review
Tired of struggling with a heavy, gas-powered leaf blower? The Toro 51619 Ultra Electric Blower Vac promises a powerful and convenient solution for clearing leaves, debris, and even light snow from your yard. This 250 mph electric blower offers the trifecta of blowing, vacuuming, and shredding capabilities, making it a versatile tool for maintaining a tidy outdoor space. But does it live up to the hype?
This review dives deep into the Toro 51619 Ultra Electric Blower Vac, exploring its features, performance, and overall value. We'll analyze its strengths and weaknesses, helping you decide if it's the right choice for your needs. Whether you're a homeowner with a small yard or someone looking for a lightweight alternative to gas-powered blowers, this review will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Thinking about Kitchen & Dining features? That's not quite what this is about, but it will definitely clean up the patio after the party!
Key Features and Specifications
The Toro 51619 Ultra Electric Blower Vac boasts a range of features designed for efficient and convenient yard work. Here's a breakdown:
- • Air Speed: Up to 250 mph – Provides powerful blowing force to clear stubborn debris.
- • Variable Speed Control: Offers precise control for different tasks and surfaces.
- • Blower/Vacuum/Shredder: 3-in-1 functionality for versatile yard maintenance.
- • Shredz-All™ Shred Ring: Reduces debris volume for easier disposal (up to 16:1 mulch ratio).
- • Lightweight Design: Easier to maneuver and carry compared to gas-powered models.
- • Motor: Electric powered for reliable performance and no gas emissions
- • Weight: Approximately 8.5 lbs (blower only), 9.1 lbs (vacuum).
- • Included: Blower tube, vacuum tube, collection bag.
- • Corded Electric: Requires a power outlet; extension cord may be needed. 10 Amps.
Pros: What We Liked
The Toro 51619 Ultra Electric Blower Vac offers several compelling advantages:
- • Powerful Blowing Performance: With an air speed of up to 250 mph, this blower can effectively clear leaves, grass clippings, and other debris from driveways, patios, and lawns. The high speed makes quick work of even stubborn piles. It's definitely powerful for an electric blower.
- • Versatile 3-in-1 Functionality: The ability to switch between blowing, vacuuming, and shredding modes makes this a highly versatile tool. Vacuuming helps collect leaves and debris in a neat and tidy manner, while the shredder reduces the volume for easier disposal and composting. This saves you time and effort.
- • Lightweight and Easy to Maneuver: Weighing only 8.5 pounds in blower mode, the Toro 51619 is remarkably lightweight and easy to handle. This makes it ideal for users of all ages and physical abilities, reducing fatigue during extended use. The ergonomics are great.
- • Environmentally Friendly: Being electric powered, this blower produces no gas emissions, making it a more environmentally friendly option compared to gas-powered models. You can breathe easy knowing you're not contributing to air pollution.
- • Easy to Use: The simple switch between blowing, vacuuming and shredding modes, with toolless transitions, makes it simple to operate.
Cons: What Could Be Improved
While the Toro 51619 Ultra Electric Blower Vac offers many benefits, it also has some drawbacks:
- • Corded Operation: The corded design limits mobility and requires access to a power outlet. An extension cord is often necessary, which can be cumbersome. Cord management is a potential hassle.
- • Vacuum Bag Capacity: The collection bag for the vacuum function could be larger. It fills up relatively quickly, requiring frequent emptying, especially when dealing with large volumes of leaves. The fill capacity could be improved.
- • Loud Operation: While quieter than a gas blower, this model is still quite loud, so consider wearing ear protection when using it for extended periods. Noise levels are a consideration, especially in quieter neighborhoods.
Who Should Buy the Toro 51619 Ultra Electric Blower Vac?
The Toro 51619 Ultra Electric Blower Vac is ideal for homeowners with small to medium-sized yards who are looking for a powerful and convenient way to maintain their outdoor spaces. Its lightweight design and versatile functionality make it a great choice for those who want to avoid the hassle and emissions of gas-powered blowers.
This blower/vac is particularly well-suited for:
- • Homeowners with smaller yards: The corded design is less of a limitation in smaller spaces.
- • Users seeking an environmentally friendly option: The electric motor produces no emissions.
- • Individuals looking for a lightweight and easy-to-use blower: The compact design and simple controls make it accessible to a wide range of users.
If you have a very large yard or need to clear heavy, wet debris, a gas-powered blower or a higher-powered electric model might be a better choice. Also consider the WORX WG505E or the Black+Decker BV6000, which are other electric alternatives.
Conclusion: Is It Worth the Investment?
At a price point of around $99.98, the Toro 51619 Ultra Electric Blower Vac offers excellent value for its performance and features. Its powerful blowing force, versatile functionality, and lightweight design make it a compelling alternative to gas-powered models. While the corded operation and relatively small collection bag are drawbacks, the overall benefits outweigh the limitations for many users. For smaller yards this is great, just check outlet placement!
If you're looking for an efficient and eco-friendly way to keep your yard clean, the Toro 51619 Ultra Electric Blower Vac is a solid choice. Consider the corded nature and enjoy the cleanup!
FAQs
Q: Does this blower work on wet leaves?
A: While it's most effective on dry leaves, it can handle light, damp leaves. Heavier, soaked leaves may require more effort and multiple passes.
Q: What is the mulch ratio?
A: The mulch ratio is up to 16:1, meaning it reduces 16 bags of leaves into one bag of mulch.
Q: Can I use this to vacuum up pine needles?
A: Yes, the vacuum function is effective for collecting pine needles and other small debris.
Q: Is the blower quiet?
A: While it's quieter than a gas-powered blower, it's still moderately loud. Ear protection is recommended for prolonged use.
Q: What kind of extension cord do I need?
A: Use a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cord to ensure proper power delivery and safety. A 14-gauge or 12-gauge cord is recommended.
Ready to get yours? Get your Toro 51619 Ultra Electric Blower Vac today and make yard work a breeze!
