Overall, this blower is not as powerful as earlier models and it's apparent they've gone to great lengths to cheapen the product with materials of less quality -- examples:
(1) Leaf bagger U-shaped main coupling/adapter is roughly 1/2 the thickness of earlier models, it's flimsy and very thin, vulnerable to cracking
(2) Leaf collection bag is smaller than previous models, made of a less durable material
(3) Primary speed switch remains a single point of failure as it is not separately replaceable --- if it fails (common in the past models I've owned) you need to replace the entire motor assembly
(4) Obvious reductions across the board in parts sizes, thicknesses from earlier models -- the cover inlet is 25% smaller than earlier machines. Blower tube is 25% smaller. Leaf vacuum assembly is 25% smaller AND increasingly likely to clog given the volume has been reduced.
Ergonomics, ease of use remain a big problem with the machine's design when you shift from leaf blowing to leaf vacuuming -- placement of the bag, electrical cord, etc is AWKARD and they interfere with the "work path" when you're trying to vacuum up leaves --- poor design from a human factors point of view.
I realize the Toro people are under pressure to reduce costs, improve margins but it's obvious they've gone overboard reducing the quality in this machine compared to earlier models.
- Amazon Business : For business-only pricing, quantity discounts and FREE Shipping. Register a free business account
