Leaf Vacuum Hose | Choosing the Best Hose for Lawn Applications (2024)

Posted by Flexaust on Aug 4, 2020

As summer turns to fall, leaves begin falling from trees into the surrounding areas. While this natural process results in some of the most stunning views of the year, it also bestows residential property owners, commercial landscapers, and town/city municipalities with the task of gathering and disposing of the fallen debris. While leaf collection and disposal operations are both time- and labor-intensive, the right tools and equipment can make them more effective and efficient.

Lawn and Leaf Vacuum Hoses at Flexaust

All of our lawn and leaf collection hoses are designed for superior flexibility and durability, making them easy to use and long-lasting. As indicated above, we offer products suitable for residential, light-duty commercial/landscaping, and heavy-duty commercial operations. Below we provide an overview of our hose recommendation for each of these markets.

Residential – Tractor Vacuums: On residential properties, tractor vacuums are generally sufficient to remove excess leaves and lawn clippings. For these units, we offer two hose recommendations:

  • Flex-Tube PV: This medium-weight hose features a coextruded PVC construction reinforced with a rigid PVC helix. This design offers an ultra-smooth interior ensuring efficient air and material flow. This hose is also very flexible and crush resistant.
  • Flex-Tube PU: This medium-weight hose is made from clear coextruded thermoplastic ether-based polyurethane and reinforced with a rigid ABS helix. It offers great resistance to abrasion, crushing, and tears with its high tensile strength. Both Flex-Tube PV and Flex-Tube PU can be customizable (in color and length) to meet OEM requirements. Stocked in 12’ and 25’ lengths to accommodate most tractor equipment
Light-Duty Commercial/Landscaping – Truck Loaders: Compared to residential properties, commercial operations generally have more area to cover during leaf collection operations. As such, the commercial clean-ups typically rely on truck loaders, which offer more power and capacity. For these leaf collection devices, we recommend the following hoses:
  • Flexadux LCDC: This medium-weight hose is made from a high-performance polypropylene blend and reinforced with a spring steel wire helix and external polypropylene wear strip. It tends to be more economical with a long flex life and good abrasion and tear resistance.
  • Flexadux HT-W: This heavier-weight hose features thermoplastic construction reinforced with a spring steel wire helix and external polypropylene wear strip. This construction offers excellent resistance to moisture, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, dragging, and tearing, all of which are necessary for hoses used in outdoor environments.

Leaf Vacuum Hose | Choosing the Best Hose for Lawn Applications (1)

Heavy-Duty Commercial – Municipal Loaders: Heavy-duty commercial and municipal leaf collection operations involve larger clean-up areas than both residential and light-duty commercial operations. Additionally, the amount of leaves and debris is much greater, while the amount of time given for their collection is much shorter. For these reasons, the town and city municipalities generally rely on stronger and larger equipment (e.g., municipal loaders). For these leaf collection systems, we recommend using heavy-duty hoses, such as:
  • Flx-Thane HD: This heavy-weight hose is available in clear polyurethane reinforced with a bronze-coated spring steel wire helix. This construction provides it with superior flexibility and durability (including resistance to abrasion, moisture, and UV).
  • Flx-Thane VHD: This heavier-weight hose is also available in clear polyurethane and reinforced with a bronze-coated spring steel wire helix. Compared to the HD model, it features a thicker wall (.060 inches instead of .045 inches). The (standard) clear color allows user to quickly see blockages. During leaf collection season, these hoses are also available in 10’ lengths to accommodate the municipal equipment

Comparisons Between Lawn and Leaf Vacuum Hoses

The following table provides a comparison of three of the hoses we recommend for leaf/lawn collection applications.

LCDC (Good)

HT-W (Better)

Flx-Thane HD & VHD (Best)

Flex-Tube PV

(Best for Residential)

Flex-Tube PU

(Best for Residential)

ConstructionBlack wire
reinforced
polypropylene
blend
w/polypropylene
wear strip
Black wire reinforced
thermoplastic rubber
w/polypropylene
wear strip
Clear wire
reinforced
polyurethane
Clear all
plastic smooth
interior PVC
w/rigid PVC
Clear all plastic
smooth interior,
thermoplastic
ether based, polyurethane
w/ABS helix

Weight

Medium-weight

Heavy-weight

Heavy-weight

Medium-weight

Medium-weight

Wall Thickness

.032 inches

.045 inches

.035 or .045 inches

0.020 – 0.040 inches

0.020 – 0.040 inches

Inside Diameter

6 to 12 inches

6 to 12 inches

2 to 24 inches

Length

10 & 25 feet

10 & 25 feet

10 & 25 feet

12 & 25 feet

12 & 25 feet

Temperature Range

-30 to 200 °F

-60 to 275 °F

-65 to 200 °F

20 to 160 °F

-40 to 200 °F

Durability

Good abrasion, puncture and tear resistance. Good UV protection

Better abrasion and drag resistance. Great UV protection.

Best abrasion resistance and puncture resistance. Great UV protection

Good abrasion and puncture resistance. Ultra smooth interior and crush resistant.

Superior abrasion and puncture resistance. Ultra smooth interior and crush resistant.

Application

Economical option for residential and commercial light duty intake

Suitable for commercial leaf collection intake

Suitable for commercial leaf vacuum. High abrasion intake

Economical option for residential lawn mowers

Best option for commercial lawn mowers

Selection Considerations for Leaf/Lawn Collection Hoses

When choosing a hose for leaf/lawn collection equipment, it is important to keep in mind the essential characteristics of the hose. Some of the key factors to consider are:

Leaf Vacuum Hose | Choosing the Best Hose for Lawn Applications (2)
  • Durability (e.g., resistance to abrasion, moisture, UV, etc.)
  • Flexibility
  • Inner wall smoothness
  • Visibility into and through the hose
  • Size (e.g., wall thickness and overall diameter)
  • Outside (low) temperatures
  • Cost

In addition to the above factors, it is vital to ensure the hose is compatible with the equipment—i.e., the connections on the chosen hose should fit the equipment ports.

Contact Us for Your Leaf/Lawn Vacuum Hose Needs!

The right equipment is critical to the success of the operation. This statement applies to many industrial, commercial, and residential processes, including leaf/lawn collection.

At Flexaust, our experts are ready and willing to help you choose the right hose for your leaf/lawn collection equipment. Equipped with over 80 years of experience manufacturing and distributing hose and ducting products, we have the knowledge and skills to identify appropriate solutions for nearly any need. If you have additional questions about leaf vacuum hoses, contact us or request a quote today.

Leaf Vacuum Hose | Choosing the Best Hose for Lawn Applications (3)

Topics: Leaf Collection Season, Lawn and Leaf Collection, Leaf Collection Hoses, Leaf Collection Equipment

Leaf Vacuum Hose | Choosing the Best Hose for Lawn Applications (2024)

FAQs

Leaf Vacuum Hose | Choosing the Best Hose for Lawn Applications? ›

In many cases, the most important factor in purchasing hose is its ability to resist punctures and tears. Urethane hose is the most puncture resistant and our Flex Tube PU is highly recommended for mulch blowing. It is also the best for leaf and grass collection.

Can you use a leaf vacuum on grass? ›

Two versatile yard tools can help you do the job quickly and efficiently: a leaf blower and a leaf vacuum. These simple tools can tackle leaves, grass and other yard debris, as well as tasks like cleaning your garage and gutters.

Will leaf vacuum pick up grass clippings? ›

You can use a blower to displace and pile up leaves, cut grass, twigs or sawdust, whereas with a leaf vacuum, you can suck all these materials into a collection bag.

Can an air hose be used as a vacuum hose? ›

Air hoses can supply power to cylinders and vacuum pumps as well as funnel compressed air to jackhammers, staplers and impact tools. They can even be used to provide vehicle functionality for mobile equipment and can also be used in areas of agriculture, mining and drilling.

What is the difference between 1.5 and 2.5 Shop-Vac hose? ›

The hose opening is roughly the size of a golf ball. 1.5" accessories fit vacs with a 1.5" hose diameter. 2.5" accessories fit vacs with a 2.5" hose diameter. The hose opening is roughly the size of a baseball.

Do leaf sweepers work on grass? ›

A lawn sweeper can basically replace your rake, as it can sweep up leaves, acorns, grass clippings and other debris.

What is the difference between a leaf vacuum and a lawn mower? ›

Lawn Mowers are intended for Lawn Cuttings and Lawn Vacuums are intended for Cleanups of lawn: A lawn vacuum is a specialized piece of equipment that is used to clean up leaves, grass clippings, and other debris from a lawn. It has a section that sucks clipping and debris etc into a large bag.

What is the difference between a vacuum hose and a fuel hose? ›

Wrong! Fuel hose is built to resist expansion so it doesn't burst under heat and pressure. That is opposite of what you are looking for in a vacuum hose. Vacuum hose needs to resist sucking shut. As your engine is running and creating that vacuum on the booster, it is going to try and close the hose.

Is suction hose the same as normal hose? ›

Suction hoses are used under negative pressure to remove materials, while pressure hoses operate under positive pressure to discharge materials. These hoses are made from various polymers, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane (PU). The hose is then strengthened by a support coil running along the tube.

Can you run water through vacuum hose? ›

Rinse The Inside

After cleaning and scrubbing the vacuum hose, it's time to rinse it out. Take advantage of the water pressure directly from the faucet for this task. Let the water run through the hose to flush out any loose dirt or grime. You may want to hold the hose in a 'U' shape.

What is the most common vacuum hose size? ›

Standard 1.5" Diameter Hoses are widely regarded as universal options, fitting most brands on the market, making them a popular choice among homeowners.

Can you use leaf blower on grass? ›

Leaf blowers are a common sight and sound when autumn arrives and the leaves fall. This powerful hand-held gardening tool also makes tidying up a yard full of grass clippings easier in the spring and summer. A blower is a handy and versatile tool to have in your garage or shed.

Can you use a leaf vacuum on artificial grass? ›

Yes it's ok to vacuum artificial grass as long as care is taken not to displace any of the artificial grass infill that sits under the blades, on top of the turf backing. The infill plays an important role with artificial turf including providing structure, temperature control and protecting the grass from punctures.

Can you use a power broom on grass? ›

With a power broom, you can: Fluff up and restore matted down areas of turf. Remove traffic and wear patterns. Clean your lawn of dirt and debris.

Can you vacuum turf grass? ›

One question that we get asked every now and then by our customers is 'Can I hoover artificial grass? ' – the answer is no in most cases. You should refrain from using a vacuum cleaner on your synthetic turf, as the suction will remove the infill sand from the grass area.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Rueben Jacobs

Last Updated:

Views: 6339

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (77 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rueben Jacobs

Birthday: 1999-03-14

Address: 951 Caterina Walk, Schambergerside, CA 67667-0896

Phone: +6881806848632

Job: Internal Education Planner

Hobby: Candle making, Cabaret, Poi, Gambling, Rock climbing, Wood carving, Computer programming

Introduction: My name is Rueben Jacobs, I am a cooperative, beautiful, kind, comfortable, glamorous, open, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.