Centurion MZ Windy Vac Petrol Garden Vac

At school we are always reminded of health & safety issues. Wet leaves are a real problem this time of year and so we purchased a Centurion MZ Windy Vac from www.internetgardener.co.uk

It is a big 4 wheeled machiner, yet it arrived by lunch the following day, fanastic service.

The Centurion MZ Windy Vac was selected primarily on price, but also it had a 3m hose option - this is really useful add-on for clearing under our veg beds and shrubs.

Overall good value for the price but has several limitations in use. It will collect leaves easily and the bag fills quickly but then comes the problem. It either has to be removed and refitted which is awkward or emptied in place which is equally difficult. The zip gets full of dirt so won't open or close properly and the access flap doesn't stay up. Also air being expelled from the side of the bag blows leaves onto areas already swept so you are constantly having to go over the same ground.

I've usede my Windyvac for about 6 years. The main snag with it (and some other brands) is that the forced air expelled from the bag blows dry leaves all over the place, making it neccessary to repeat collecting from areas already done. I find it good when leaves are wet.

Replacement bags are too expensive.

Centurion MZ Windy Vac Petrol Garden Vac. Great for anything except wet leaves. Zip not the best quality and the flap should be reinforced as this is where any stones etc fly up and puncture holes in the bag. Replacement bags quite expensive.

As a ground maintenance contractor, I use this Centurion MZ Windy Vac Petrol Garden Vac most days.

In the past I have used IBEA garden vacs, but find the Windy Vac more than adequate for the job.

The Ibea 700mm wide unit has a 5hp B&S engine and the Windy Vac has a 4hp B&S engine. The Ibea costs around £900 and the Windy Vac costs £330!!!!