Garden vacuums are handy tools that can be used to keep your garden neat and tidy throughout the year.
They are predominantly used to collect fallen leaves from lawns, decking and patios during the autumn months which if left uncollected, can cause lawn damage, slippery decking and patio areas; or the leaves blow into ponds and pools and upset the chemical balance.
Garden vacuums can be purchased either as petrol or electric powered.
Each type has its own advantages and corresponding disadvantages, and the type you would ultimately choose will depend on your own personal preferences.
A petrol powered garden vacuum, either the handheld or the push along the ground style, are considered to create a more powerful suction than their electric powered alternatives.
This enables the user to vacuum up damp leaves that would otherwise become unsightly and a slipping hazard.
As such, they are therefore also considered to be more efficient at clearing away garden waste.
Being powered by a portable fuel source, means that petrol garden vacuums can be used almost anywhere and do not restrict the user to the length of an electricity supply source or extension lead an electric powered vacuum would.
However, as a piece of machinery that has petrol fueled engine, it requires a certain level of maintenance and a good understanding of engines.
This kind is also generally heavier, more expensive to purchase and thought to be more polluting, both through carbon emissions and noise pollution, than electric models.
On the other hand, electric powered garden vacuums are often lighter in weight, meaning they are easier and more comfortable to use than petrol powered alternatives.
A particularly important consideration is if using a hand held machine for an extended period of time causes any back or shoulder problems.
They can also be argued to emit fewer pollutants into the atmosphere, although the initial pollution created to make the electricity needs to be taken into consideration.
However, they do tend to be quieter than petrol alternatives which will have less disturbing effect on neighbors and be less damaging to the user's ears.
The main drawback with an electric powered garden vacuum is their limited range of use.
Machines powered by a mains electricity supply are limited to use within the distance set by the length of their electricity cable.
Due to needing an external power supply, they are also not recommended for use in wet weather.
Battery powered machines are also available; however, the life use of a battery before it requires recharging can also limit its use.