This post follows on from the post "Recommend Me a Bang for Buck Leaf Blower/Vacuum!" which deals with cheap blower/vacs
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/242799
I have created a new post because I would like to discuss whether buying an expensive petrol ones is worth it in terms of being able to complete the vacuuming job faster.
I have a cheap electric blower/vac. In order to vacuum, the head must be 5cm or less from the object to be vacuumed. This makes vacuuming outdoors quite time consuming.
I understand petrol ones are more powerful. Does anyone have any experience whether the more expensive petrol ones such as the ones listed below are so much more powerful that I will be able to complete the job faster?
Is it worth it paying more for 4-stroke? What advantages does it have over 2 stroke apart from the convenience of not having to mix fuel and oil?
Examples
Ryobi 2 stroke $199 - https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-26cc-2-stroke-blower-vac_p…
Makita 4 stroke $389! - https://www.bunnings.com.au/makita-24-5cc-4-stroke-petrol-bl…
In my opinion, electric ones are just as powerful, if you can endure all that cord, which for me is impractical.
I have read, possibly on Whirlpool, of two instances where customers who purchased that or a very similar Makita were denied replacements by Makita who decided the machine broke because the user sucked up a stone. That persuaded me from purchasing one, and I don't really need the vacuum function anyway, since I mostly blow dirt rather than leaves. So I ended up getting a Homelite for $65.
If you need to vacuum, I suggest the Ryobi or anything cheaper. Power is not an issue, even cheap ones have sufficient for home use, and Bunnings offer 2 years warranty.