Neil... that is not a paint stir stuck... it is an engineered custom joint reinforcement! I have a Trac Vac too. Mine is PTO driven. It easily handles the discharge from my 60” mower. It connects with an 8” ID flex hose. The system is 14 years old and aside from replacing hoses is still solid as a rock. I wouldn’t change it for anything else that I’ve seen. Our yard is carved into an oak forest. There are maybe ?43? trees in the portion where I mow regularly. Six of those overhang the roofline. (That is after three others were removed a few years back.) All of these trees are mature with trunk diameters ranging from 14” to 38”. Leaves are only a fraction of the problems they create. In spring, the flower buds crack open and rain down a shower of hulls. Then, they flower. Their pollen turns everything green. When you drive to the feed store you can count the number of oak trees a farmer has by the thickness of pollen their wipers have scraped off the windshield that morning. Then the worst mess happens... the flowers start to drop. They are like tiny octopus paratroopers dropping behind enemy lines. They float around looking for something to cling onto.. or a place to hide. Then, they wrap around it like a bolo does around a fleeing enemy’s ankles... or if they find one another they form a balled up mass that when wet becomes a pile of slime capable of permanently discoloring stainless steel. These do not blow out of your gutters. Then begins the self pruning phase. Throughout the remainder of the year, the trees shed dead limbs, chewed off leaves, galls, last winters squirrel nests and of course the little paratroopers that were hung up in the tree since spring. In early fall, the army of squirrels begins its invasion. At first the acorns are not mature enough to bury... however they are perfect for snacking on. All day long you are pelted with acorn shells and dropped nut meats. The roof and the gutters are filled with them. BTW.. if you have a yard light, some squirrels will continue their assault all night! Then comes the second worse attacks that Oaks launch. They drop marble sized nuts everywhere. Although I did see a squirrel pick one out of a gutter... that was a paltry consolation for the hundreds of thousands that I’ve seen them drop there. Uncovered gutters are their designated rendezvous spot! Finally, there are the leaves. Black oaks, post oaks and blackjack oaks do not drop their leaves all at once. In fact, some hang on all winter and drop them in the spring. But, nonetheless we normally get a cold wet windy rain day that decimates the canopy... and covers the yard in a couple of inches of brown shingle tough leaves about the size of Shaq’s hand. If you’ve waited this long to begin waging war... you will have to call out the National Guard and the USMC. My strategy? Starting early in the leaf fall cycle, I find a day when the wind is mild and preferably the leaves are damp. Then, I mow the leaves into open area windrows. To be sucked up by the TracVac. (Did I mention you want them damp and no wind? To do otherwise ensures a miserable day. You’ll experience a neckline that feels like you’ve just come from the barbershop and he didn’t use a towel to cover or a brush to remove the cuttings.) Helpful hint: Putting a coat of car wax in the bottom of the hopper cart makes them slide easily as I pour the loads out. These I pile into a mound with my bucket loader. Then it is rinse and repeat three or four more times. The final cleanup is going to be this week. That is when I get out the blower and do mop up on the leaves, sticks, acorns and yes; even some refugee spring flowers. So far, I’ve vacuumed 19 cartloads of leaf pieces chopped into dime size pieces. I expect this final cleanup to yield three more. My leaf pile is 8’ high and 20’ in diameter. It will receive a good turning with the loader after every snowfall and drenching rain for the rest of its life. Last year’s pile is reduced to 3’X8’. The previous years pile was used up as leaf mold mulch in my garden this past spring and compost that I used in flowerbeds with this falls’ winter prep. You’ll notice I didn’t mention gutter covers. That is because no one who sells aftermarket covers has ever lived in an oak forest... I know! I bought into three different snake oil sales claims. None of them worked two of them made the problem worse. Then, I had an epiphany... My daughter lived in Virginia in a house that was surrounded by pine trees. Her builder had installed K Guard gutters. They were trouble free for the five years she lived there. And, they are guaranteed to be maintenance and CLOG free for a lifetime. So, three years ago, I took the plunge. It was expensive but, so far, I haven’t spent one minute cleaning them out or had one instance of waterfall gutters. I’m not suggesting you need them... but, they have proven to be the perfect armament in my arsenal to wage counterterrorism attacks on my oaks! If you made it this far... please accept my appreciation for your patience and awe at your stamina... in the 35 years that I’ve waged this war, I’ve gone from 100 hours of battle, per year. to abut 15 hours of skirmishing against my beloved enemy... the oaks!
What a beautiful story and account of the annual leaf war! So many parts to enjoy! I l chuckled at the octopus paratroopers and nodded in agreement at most of the leaf bits. I liked hearing that there is perhaps a solution out there that works. I have fallen victim to the snake oil pitches, but obviously haven't written any checks yet. You are a dedicated soldier and I can appreciate the years of experience that takes the task from 100 to 15 hours! That's impressive. I will look into that gutter system. On a relatable note. My wife's parents built a home in the woods as can be seen in a few of my videos. My father in laws preemptive approach was to first remove all trees within falling distance of the house. Next step: NO GUTTERS! Everyone has told him it was a bad idea. I'm not so sure it wasn't a brilliant idea. He made provisions around the house for rain runoff and there is a perimeter tile in the stones around the house. Most of the home is on a slab or basement, so I don't know how it would necessarily be a negative impact to the foundation. Three years in and he hasn't seemed to have any problems but not sure what long term could be. I haven't found anyone that can give me a logical explanation for how the lack of gutters will ruin his house. The best part is, he hasn't cleaned his gutters once! He drives around the house with his lawn mower starting up close to the landscaping and then just pushes the leaves outward until they're off the grass. Anyway, thanks for your thoughtful and well-written comment. I honestly enjoy reading them William. Take care.
@@digdrivediy yep... removing the trees is one option. And I do have a backhoe. I’ve used it to install a collection box in a particularly troublesome area on the inside of the L where my screened in porch meets the house. But, I have two problems with removing the trees. The first is August. Here we always have a drought. The summertime temps run around 100f for most of the month. Without the trees the house becomes an oven. With them, we can sit on the porch with the ceiling fan on of an evening. We don’t want to be forced inside to cower under the graces of our air conditioner. The second reason the trees are staying is... we’ve been married 47 years... I don’t want to start all over again with someone else. Such would be my fate if the trees were to disappear under my hand. Thanks for the response... I enjoy reading them.
I bought the stihl gutter extension for my blower. Someone I worked with fell from a ladder helping a neighbor trim a tree and is now paralyzed. After that I try to take fewer ladder risks.
That sounds like a great alternative and I need to look into the blower extension. Do you have a backpack blower? I'm sorry to hear about your coworker - that would be just awful. It is accidents like those that should give us all pause when taking unnecessary risks on the ladder like this. Thanks for the suggestion and thanks for watching.
@@digdrivediy I just have a regular homeowner bg-56. I wish I would have bought a backpack blower at the time. I’ve seen other extensions online that you may be able to retrofit to yours. I just found your channel the other night. My son and I watch tractor and other videos on RUclips almost every night. It started around harvest time a few years ago and he liked watching the combines and tractors go up and down the road and in the fields behind the house. We’re down in Columbus, IN.
Neil try putting a gutter drain pipe and elbow on your backpack blower for your upper/or all gutters for blowing them out ,I have been doing this for years and finish completely very fast and efficient.
The older we get, the more respectful we should be of heights and realize our comfort level. First, if you are not comfortable doing something, don’t do it! As far as the ladder, I am a huge fan of little giant ladders, but they their place and use. I would invest in a nice fiberglass, or aluminum, extension ladder. They are much stronger and more stable when working at heights. Having said that, I have had “leaf guard” gutters for more than 20 years and have been very happy with them. They are more expensive, but I don’t need to get on the roof, or on an extension ladder to clean my gutters anymore.
I think you speak for the common sense solution that should prevail. Your words on the being comfortable are on point and make perfect sense. I too like the little giant but an nice extension would be a better choice here. I don't know why I would struggle with the decision other than the costs. It is hard to justify spending so much money on something that takes only a couple hours a year to accomplish. I think I'm going to pursue the gutter guard for sure. Thanks so much for watching and commenting. It is greatly appreciated.
25 year firefighter here - invest in a good quality fiberglass ladder, at least 4 ft taller than the tallest building you need access to. In my case, a 28' Keller was ~$200, reaches everything I need, and it's solid. Set it properly, and it won't flop around like that aluminum...
That is terrific advice. I should have a decent ladder for this. Every year I think will be my last to do it but then I'm up there again. Appreciate the feedback. Sometimes you just gotta be smart and bite the bullet. Thanks for watching!
I would retire that aluminum ladder and buy a fiberglass that will extend above the gutters and attach a stabilizer to contact the shingles. As time goes by the stabilization of the body declines for high places. I solved this and sold my 2 story log house , now a ranch 4-12 pitch can reach all the gutters with a 12 foot extension ladder, oh and gutters screens help, but not totally. Mulch the leaves on the turf.
I like the sound of all those ideas Ed. Except maybe not the sale quite yet, although it will likely come some day. Thanks for the suggestions. I could really stand to have a better ladder for sure!
I know you've done a more recent leaf harvest video with a nicer dumping system, but I'll chime in here since so many have mentioned gutter guards. My property is more or less a cleared island surrounded by an oak forest. I had my gutters replaced about a year or so back and had gutter guards installed, but only on the sections that I could not access with my leaf blower extension. Doing a partial gutter install just for those areas I personally wouldn't touch saved me a bit of money. I still use my leaf blower and extension to handle the remaining gutters from the ground.
I'll be doing the last mowing of the year today as well. I have gutter guards on the house, but they're the drip edge style and they do need to be cleaned every so often
Glad to hear from you. Thanks for the feedback on the drip edge style. I wondered about that type of situation. Good luck with your last mowing today and thanks for watching.
@@digdrivediy I use a soft brush like you'd use for an RV on a long extension pole for painting - it works well cleaning them. The other option is a pressure washer on low with extensions. The guards work great - they've been up for around 10 years and I've never had to clean them out (knock on wood). Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
I was thinking a longer ladder so you would have more lean.... what if you lower ladder just under gutter onto the house, I think you can still reach into gutter, if not how about those painting brackets. As for your fear of ladder... be safe. How you feel is the important thing. If you can use a sturdier ladder I would!! Then put gutter guards on let the wind blow the leaves off lol. God bless you and stay safe.
I like your line of thinking Michael. I'm glad to not have anyone tell me I just need to "man up and use the ladder". Those are all good points and now because of this I am really going to look into a gutter guard system of some sort at least for that side of the house. I shall do my best to be safe and I thank you sir. Appreciate your comment.
just when i thought i seen it all you are sketchy my guy the ladder is one thang now your hanging brush mowers from your wall that homer simpson dddddddddd ddooooppppppppeeeee love the channel never the less
Hey Neil on Amazon they make it like a 20 foot attachment for your pressure washer absolutely would buy one of those. There are only like $114. That would be a whole lot cheaper than a trip to the morgue.
Anytime there is an excuse for a new and fancy tool, I'm all for it! My wife thinks I'm a sucker for all the "must have" tools and attachments but I'm all about finding the things that make life easier, and safer. I'll look into that wand. Thanks for the tip sir!
I’m pro ladder climbing guy. Buy yourself a 28’ 2 section extension ladder. Attempt to place the ladder at 70 degree angle. Have the ladder extended 3-5 rungs above the roof line. It will afford you a lot more safety. I enjoy your videos
Thanks Casy Casy! I need to look into the Costco option. My brother and his wife are members so I'll put him to the task I think! Appreciate your support of the videos and channel.
It's been over 2 years so maybe you've remedied this, but I will say this for anyone who happens to read this - that ladder is too short for that sketchy part of your house! You should have at least two rungs above contact with the gutters. As others have stated, use an extension ladder. And even better, get some stablizers for the extension ladder and learn how to properly install and use them. Ladder safety is no joke and we need good people like you to stick around. I paused the video at 4:59 to comment. Back to the video...
It’s a little costly but I had all the gutters replaced. He put in the gutter guards while he was building them, they work flawless... no more ladders for me and worth every penny! But, yes expensive... you can hire Gutter Dan to come clean them for you as well... if you sell that Trac Vac let me know, I’d be interested in buying it.
Some good options for sure. I really like the "no more ladders" part of having the gutter guards! Never heard of gutter Dan. That's probably a good business! I wished I would have been smart enough to save the Trac Vac as an option to offer to subscribers to purchase! Since I recorded this a couple weeks ago I actually already had it for sale and sold it to someone I know. I think I've realized now that if I'm going to mention something for sale in a video it might be cool to make it available to subscribers. Nonetheless, thanks so much for watching and commenting. I really appreciate it Gliderider!
In the uk 🇬🇧 I have a bracket that fits on the ladders and spreads the weight on the side of the house not the guttering. Also have a 4meter extension pole with a bracket with the same shape of the profile of the gutters. You just stand in the middle of the house and clean both sides. Hope this helps
Thanks Russell! I like the idea of working from one spot. I hadn't heard of the extension pole idea. I've seen the ladder load spreading thing. I should look into one of those. Thanks for watching!
I’m watching you perform this extremely unsafe procedure with no safety precautions and assume that you are single or your wife isn’t home. After seeing her have no reaction I would sleep with one eye open! By the way, love the 318!
Hi Neil, the last time I got on a roof was my barn, which was over 17 feet. It scared me so much, that I quit any roof work, rendering the snow off the solar panels. There's a cover you can buy for gutters, that let water enter the gutters but the screen won't allow the leaves in. I thought of you mate. Vernon
I built a TALL 2 story house here in the Philippines (I am from Van Wert originally.) The house in on stilts to start with, has 10' ceilings plus 2' bar joists between stories so the eaves on the road side of my house are about 30' above the ground and the ocean side is about 35' above the ROCKS below. The roof is VERY steep, and I knew I never wanted to clean gutters, so I did not install any. You really do need a better ladder though.
Hey Neil, great video. I agree, I don’t like to get up on the roof anymore to clean out the gutters or on a ladder. I bought an extension tube that comes in sections for my Stihl blower. It’s made by Stihl for all hand blowers, I don’t know if it’s compatible with the backpack blowers. It costs around $50 and I think you can get up to 30’ that connects to the blower. Saves me from getting up on the roof. Occasionally I have to use a ladder to unclog a down spout, but well worth the money.
Hey Paul thanks! How is it handling the tube when you have a good bit of length on there? That sounds like a very feasible option for me, especially on those lowers. Reasonable enough price to try it out if it works on my blower. Thanks for the idea and appreciate you watching!
@@digdrivediy Their is some kickback on the blower when tube attached, but easily manageable. Included with the extensions is a “J” nozzle that enables you to walk and blow the gutters out for the entire length. Hope that helps!
Mr. Koch, this is what I was thinking with the blower tube. Does this work? Did you try it? Didn't see a gutter cleaning update for fall 2021, only the chimney video. I'm like you, don't care for monkeying around with ladders. I bet you could DIY a pipe for your backpack with some 2" drain waste light weight pvc pipe and some fittings (and the occasional use of gorilla duct tape😉). You could even mount your GoPro at the top of the tube and a couple of handles to control that pipe.🤷♂️. Pardon if already addressed.
Could you do a video of how you build your sprayer brackets and the three-point part. I got a big long tank that I want to put on my tractor 3 point hitch. Thought I might be able to get some ideas from the way you built that one?
That's a great idea! I actually have planned to move this spayer over to the larger 755 tractors that I have with a larger tank. I hope to do exactly as you've described. I absolutely love ideas for more videos too because I never know what to make the next video about or if I can find anything interesting. Thanks for the idea! Maybe if I'm lucky I'll have something ready to go before next spring's spraying season.
Hey Neil. Found something out this year. Cuz we live in Kansas. Which literally means land of the Wind. I always get lazy come about September October and quit mowing cuz I figure out it's almost the last time I'm going to have to mow. This year I mode up until late November. And figure it out if I kept the grass short the dried leaves would tumble across the grass and blow out in the field behind me. Had to help the ones right behind the house but once I got them out there the wind just carry them over that I didn't even have to blow them. Just a thought man that might help you out?
You are most certainly right! When the grass is short it really helps those leaves to move on outta here. Our problem is the leaves drop off for such a long duration during the latter part of the mowing season. But yes, I always try to use the "wind assist" as much as possible. There have been 2 or 3 years in the 20 years that I've lived here that I didn't need to vaccuum any leaves because of the mower mulch and wind effect. Thanks for the good thoughts, I'm loving all the ideas.
Morning neil as you get older you loose your bottle i never used to mind heights not anymore dont like heights at all so you are not on your own belive me its a thing you have to do every year just get the right equipment i no it costs money but your safety comes first allways first. Untill next time be safe.
So, I'm thinking maybe an attachment to go on the backhoe boom to attach the leaf blower, and use the drone camera as to see what you're doing. How's that for a better method :)
Now you're talking! These are the kinda "outside the box" solutions I'm looking for here! Basically a drone guided piece of heavy equipment to remove leafs from the delicate aluminum trough that hangs from the eaves of our home. So far, this is the most interesting solution! Thanks Tony! You can come over and be my drone pilot!
Neil, you are picking up leaves, but there is another option. You might want to explore the use of Kavli Blades to mulch your leaves. I've seen some very impressive videos! (somethingforyou2lookat)
Ofcourse that metal pipe is going to brake, it was not that good when new!! You were lucky on that start! Mine had a stuck valve one year; so I had to pop the head off and tap it with a hammer. (Your engine looks like a newer type)
We did our own gutters a few years ago due to the house not really having any on it when we bought it (wow, guess it was about 10 now that I think about it), and yeah, leaf guard or similar products are ridiculously expensive. For the very upper gutters, I just stuff a pool noodle cut it half so that it slows the water down from crashing onto the overlapping bits below, then I went and made my own system using the pool noodle as a form and stapling one side of a product called Gutter Guard under the roofline. It's essentially diamond mesh polymer that I added a UV inhibitor coating to, comes on a 20 foot roll (they might have longer, those are just what I ended up with) and this one is 6 inches wide. It was about $6 a roll back then, though I'm sure it's gone up a little bit since then. If I recall, my thinking behind the bowed top was to use the wind to deflect dry leaves over the shape, and if they're still up there when it rains, all but one layer with get beat to death by the cascading rooflines above until it flows down the gutter over my office/workshop storage building as it is the furthest section from the main house. I only have one run I have to clean little bits and pieces out of occasionally, and that I can do with a hose or the pressure washer. Our gutters didn't have a lip on the top, but if yours do, you don't need the pool noodle. Add: I love gorilla tape. I don't even bother with regular duct tape anymore, but sadly, everything else of their product line I've tried usually fails. Their construction adhesive, glues, and caulk end up breaking or the joint fails, to which I end up with a Loctite product. The tape on the other hand lasts and works better than anything else, even in very 'aggressive'/unconventional temp repairs.
Just cleaned the dang gutters again this past weekend. I need to be doing something. I say it every year. I like some of your suggestions or solutions. I need to dig in into for sure and get something figured out.
Leaf filter... I’m sure someone else has already said it, but if you’re going to spend the money and time on a gutter guard system then just get the leaf filter. Everything else is a waste of money and just more aggravation. Beautiful property you have too! Love the old timber and well manicured yard. Hopefully mine will be similar in a few years time
No Doubt! I actually still get to use that thing once in a while as my cousins bought it and it's in the neighborhood. Would make quick work of this for sure. It wouldn't be the first time I've used a bucket truck for the gutters!
I really like that idea too. My wife wants a new pressure washer. Can always find lots of uses for one also. Another great suggestion! Thanks End User!
I was going to say,"Why don't you get leaf guard." but at 8K.... forget about it!! Get a better latter. That latter is sketchy for that job. I know you do not weigh 375 but get the 1AA latter that is rated that high. It will cost about $500 but you will feel and be a lot safer. Consider if latter arms will be of help. I did not see right away a platform latter that looked tall enough.
@@digdrivediy LoL. I would give the vac good servicing every year instead of replacing it and save up to invest in the gutter guards. good video too. I just did the same clean-up at my house last week but installed the guards 2yrs ago.
@@MarlonJoseGE Not a bad plan. I'm really thinking that I will probably invest in the gutter guards, especially on that side of the house. I already let my impulsivity get the best of me and sold the trac-vac! I'm going to look at a hydraulic system for my JD755 tomorrow! Thanks for watching and commenting.
Now, this is a thinking man right here! A man after my own heart. This is exactly how I would explain it to my wife! 😋 Believe it or not, I actually had a man lift for several years back in the mid 2000s. I used it all throughout the remodel process of our house. It was great to have around but it was heavy and difficult to move. Lots of folks wanted to use it and borrow it too which is fine but made for some time consuming weekends getting it moved around. I wouldn't mind having a smaller one though. The one I had was a 55' Grove and it weighed about 12000 pounds. I could be talked into another smaller one though that wouldn't ruin the yard. Thanks for the suggestion and appreciate you watching!
@@digdrivediy In my former line of work i used. tow behind model that got me into some pretty tight places very simply. It had a gas motor, but i see many rental yards use all battery powered ones. I would start by looking into rental yards for used ones for sale. They will def get you up high enough to clear gutters, trim trees, raise a few 2x4's or stuff into your loft, and maybe more simply than your backhoe forks for the light stuff. best of luck, love the content.
@@philipirwin5286 That would be a great piece to have around here for sure. If for nothing else, I could definitely use it to install those gutter guards!
The world is held together with duct tape and baling string/wire my brother. Kara was obviously the project manager on this one. She was smart and stayed on the ground. I hauled my dumbass up a Litttle Giant ladder for 25 years, and it never failed me. She flexed, groaned and scared the shit out of me more than once, but I lived to talk about it today and watch your videos.
Ha! I can just imagine that Greg! This ladder does the same thing and boy you're right, Kara is the smarter one :) I still need to look into some kinda gutter guard. Thanks!
Thanks a lot Ed! Unfortunately I've already sold the leaf vac to someone locally. In hindsight I wished I had offered it up for sale to the good folks that watch these videos! Thanks for asking though and I hope that you can find one that suits your needs!
The only way i'd do that is with a ladder that sticks above the roof (gutter) by about 4 feet. You scare me watching you. P.S. I loved your trip to Utah. Vernon
Have you looked into gutter guards to keep the leaves out of the gutters? We have them on our home in the woods. Then you never have to clean them out. At least for the gutters you hate doing on that one side of the house?
I have looked into a few. I need to get serious about it. I keep hoping one of those company's will see this and want to sponsor a video for me! I do appreciate the feedback though. It's nice to hear from folks that have good things to say about those options. Thanks for watching!
If we get any snow this winter than I'm sure I'll do one. That would be kinda cool. I've got that 755 with a snowblade and I've never even used it before! Thanks for checking out the video!
Where are you guys, I know you said Mid-West, but which state? Baggers or lawn vacs are the way to go, I actually don't mind raking, I just can't stand picking them up.
We are in Northeast Indiana. I bought a vac-system for my 755 that I'm anxious to try out soon. Sold the Trac-vac which I may live to regret, but they're pretty easy to find. I'm with you on the raking. Not bad in short bursts but it is tough to deal with the piles for sure. I'll likely have more Leaf collection content in the future now with the new bagger 😄
@@digdrivediy Yeah, I ended up getting a DR Premier 200 last year. All the tractor-mounted stuff from Deere is super $$$, so went that route and then decided to attach it to the LGT16D instead of the 1023E so the JD could stay a "tractor". It works decent has a huge capacity like your Trac Vac, but maneuverability is not it's forte. May fork over the money someone for a 1023E mounted unit, but I'm n ot in that income bracket yet:-)
It’s stupid!! My grandfather fell off a roof at 38 years old and spent the remaining 36 years of his life on crutches with a broken back. My dad had to drop out of school his junior year to keep the farm going. DO NOT DO IT AGAIN!!
That back roof is steeper than the rest and no where to land but the ground should I slip and fall. The rest of the roof I have the security of sliding off onto the flat pitched porch roof. Thanks for watching!
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Neil... that is not a paint stir stuck... it is an engineered custom joint reinforcement!
I have a Trac Vac too. Mine is PTO driven. It easily handles the discharge from my 60” mower. It connects with an 8” ID flex hose. The system is 14 years old and aside from replacing hoses is still solid as a rock. I wouldn’t change it for anything else that I’ve seen.
Our yard is carved into an oak forest. There are maybe ?43? trees in the portion where I mow regularly. Six of those overhang the roofline. (That is after three others were removed a few years back.)
All of these trees are mature with trunk diameters ranging from 14” to 38”. Leaves are only a fraction of the problems they create. In spring, the flower buds crack open and rain down a shower of hulls. Then, they flower. Their pollen turns everything green. When you drive to the feed store you can count the number of oak trees a farmer has by the thickness of pollen their wipers have scraped off the windshield that morning.
Then the worst mess happens... the flowers start to drop. They are like tiny octopus paratroopers dropping behind enemy lines. They float around looking for something to cling onto.. or a place to hide. Then, they wrap around it like a bolo does around a fleeing enemy’s ankles... or if they find one another they form a balled up mass that when wet becomes a pile of slime capable of permanently discoloring stainless steel. These do not blow out of your gutters.
Then begins the self pruning phase. Throughout the remainder of the year, the trees shed dead limbs, chewed off leaves, galls, last winters squirrel nests and of course the little paratroopers that were hung up in the tree since spring.
In early fall, the army of squirrels begins its invasion. At first the acorns are not mature enough to bury... however they are perfect for snacking on. All day long you are pelted with acorn shells and dropped nut meats. The roof and the gutters are filled with them. BTW.. if you have a yard light, some squirrels will continue their assault all night!
Then comes the second worse attacks that Oaks launch. They drop marble sized nuts everywhere. Although I did see a squirrel pick one out of a gutter... that was a paltry consolation for the hundreds of thousands that I’ve seen them drop there. Uncovered gutters are their designated rendezvous spot!
Finally, there are the leaves. Black oaks, post oaks and blackjack oaks do not drop their leaves all at once. In fact, some hang on all winter and drop them in the spring. But, nonetheless we normally get a cold wet windy rain day that decimates the canopy... and covers the yard in a couple of inches of brown shingle tough leaves about the size of Shaq’s hand. If you’ve waited this long to begin waging war... you will have to call out the National Guard and the USMC.
My strategy? Starting early in the leaf fall cycle, I find a day when the wind is mild and preferably the leaves are damp. Then, I mow the leaves into open area windrows. To be sucked up by the TracVac. (Did I mention you want them damp and no wind? To do otherwise ensures a miserable day. You’ll experience a neckline that feels like you’ve just come from the barbershop and he didn’t use a towel to cover or a brush to remove the cuttings.)
Helpful hint: Putting a coat of car wax in the bottom of the hopper cart makes them slide easily as I pour the loads out.
These I pile into a mound with my bucket loader. Then it is rinse and repeat three or four more times. The final cleanup is going to be this week. That is when I get out the blower and do mop up on the leaves, sticks, acorns and yes; even some refugee spring flowers.
So far, I’ve vacuumed 19 cartloads of leaf pieces chopped into dime size pieces. I expect this final cleanup to yield three more. My leaf pile is 8’ high and 20’ in diameter. It will receive a good turning with the loader after every snowfall and drenching rain for the rest of its life.
Last year’s pile is reduced to 3’X8’. The previous years pile was used up as leaf mold mulch in my garden this past spring and compost that I used in flowerbeds with this falls’ winter prep.
You’ll notice I didn’t mention gutter covers. That is because no one who sells aftermarket covers has ever lived in an oak forest... I know! I bought into three different snake oil sales claims. None of them worked two of them made the problem worse. Then, I had an epiphany...
My daughter lived in Virginia in a house that was surrounded by pine trees. Her builder had installed K Guard gutters. They were trouble free for the five years she lived there. And, they are guaranteed to be maintenance and CLOG free for a lifetime. So, three years ago, I took the plunge. It was expensive but, so far, I haven’t spent one minute cleaning them out or had one instance of waterfall gutters. I’m not suggesting you need them... but, they have proven to be the perfect armament in my arsenal to wage counterterrorism attacks on my oaks!
If you made it this far... please accept my appreciation for your patience and awe at your stamina... in the 35 years that I’ve waged this war, I’ve gone from 100 hours of battle, per year. to abut 15 hours of skirmishing against my beloved enemy... the oaks!
What a beautiful story and account of the annual leaf war! So many parts to enjoy! I l chuckled at the octopus paratroopers and nodded in agreement at most of the leaf bits. I liked hearing that there is perhaps a solution out there that works. I have fallen victim to the snake oil pitches, but obviously haven't written any checks yet. You are a dedicated soldier and I can appreciate the years of experience that takes the task from 100 to 15 hours! That's impressive. I will look into that gutter system.
On a relatable note. My wife's parents built a home in the woods as can be seen in a few of my videos. My father in laws preemptive approach was to first remove all trees within falling distance of the house. Next step: NO GUTTERS! Everyone has told him it was a bad idea. I'm not so sure it wasn't a brilliant idea. He made provisions around the house for rain runoff and there is a perimeter tile in the stones around the house. Most of the home is on a slab or basement, so I don't know how it would necessarily be a negative impact to the foundation. Three years in and he hasn't seemed to have any problems but not sure what long term could be. I haven't found anyone that can give me a logical explanation for how the lack of gutters will ruin his house. The best part is, he hasn't cleaned his gutters once! He drives around the house with his lawn mower starting up close to the landscaping and then just pushes the leaves outward until they're off the grass.
Anyway, thanks for your thoughtful and well-written comment. I honestly enjoy reading them William. Take care.
@@digdrivediy yep... removing the trees is one option. And I do have a backhoe. I’ve used it to install a collection box in a particularly troublesome area on the inside of the L where my screened in porch meets the house.
But, I have two problems with removing the trees. The first is August. Here we always have a drought. The summertime temps run around 100f for most of the month. Without the trees the house becomes an oven. With them, we can sit on the porch with the ceiling fan on of an evening. We don’t want to be forced inside to cower under the graces of our air conditioner.
The second reason the trees are staying is... we’ve been married 47 years... I don’t want to start all over again with someone else. Such would be my fate if the trees were to disappear under my hand.
Thanks for the response... I enjoy reading them.
I've had leaf guard for 11 years. Money well spent.
I need to do that too.
I bought the stihl gutter extension for my blower. Someone I worked with fell from a ladder helping a neighbor trim a tree and is now paralyzed. After that I try to take fewer ladder risks.
That sounds like a great alternative and I need to look into the blower extension. Do you have a backpack blower? I'm sorry to hear about your coworker - that would be just awful. It is accidents like those that should give us all pause when taking unnecessary risks on the ladder like this. Thanks for the suggestion and thanks for watching.
@@digdrivediy I just have a regular homeowner bg-56. I wish I would have bought a backpack blower at the time. I’ve seen other extensions online that you may be able to retrofit to yours.
I just found your channel the other night. My son and I watch tractor and other videos on RUclips almost every night. It started around harvest time a few years ago and he liked watching the combines and tractors go up and down the road and in the fields behind the house. We’re down in Columbus, IN.
For the mower deck, try putting it on a pallet and put the pallet in a shed or something
Neil try putting a gutter drain pipe and elbow on your backpack blower for your upper/or all gutters for blowing them out ,I have been doing this for years and finish completely very fast and efficient.
I've tried that too. Works pretty good unless they're full of wet leaves, then it's just bit messy is all.
The older we get, the more respectful we should be of heights and realize our comfort level. First, if you are not comfortable doing something, don’t do it! As far as the ladder, I am a huge fan of little giant ladders, but they their place and use. I would invest in a nice fiberglass, or aluminum, extension ladder. They are much stronger and more stable when working at heights. Having said that, I have had “leaf guard” gutters for more than 20 years and have been very happy with them. They are more expensive, but I don’t need to get on the roof, or on an extension ladder to clean my gutters anymore.
I think you speak for the common sense solution that should prevail. Your words on the being comfortable are on point and make perfect sense. I too like the little giant but an nice extension would be a better choice here. I don't know why I would struggle with the decision other than the costs. It is hard to justify spending so much money on something that takes only a couple hours a year to accomplish. I think I'm going to pursue the gutter guard for sure. Thanks so much for watching and commenting. It is greatly appreciated.
My man's wife is a cutie! He is punching WAY above his weight class with her. It's adorable how much y'all love each other though.
Your wife is quite the worker.... toting around the Stihl backpack blower like a freakin' Champ! haha (You're not too bad, either!)
💪
25 year firefighter here - invest in a good quality fiberglass ladder, at least 4 ft taller than the tallest building you need access to. In my case, a 28' Keller was ~$200, reaches everything I need, and it's solid. Set it properly, and it won't flop around like that aluminum...
That is terrific advice. I should have a decent ladder for this. Every year I think will be my last to do it but then I'm up there again. Appreciate the feedback. Sometimes you just gotta be smart and bite the bullet. Thanks for watching!
I would retire that aluminum ladder and buy a fiberglass that will extend above the gutters and attach a stabilizer to contact the shingles. As time goes by the stabilization of the body declines for high places. I solved this and sold my 2 story log house , now a ranch 4-12 pitch can reach all the gutters with a 12 foot extension ladder, oh and gutters screens help, but not totally. Mulch the leaves on the turf.
I like the sound of all those ideas Ed. Except maybe not the sale quite yet, although it will likely come some day. Thanks for the suggestions. I could really stand to have a better ladder for sure!
I know you've done a more recent leaf harvest video with a nicer dumping system, but I'll chime in here since so many have mentioned gutter guards.
My property is more or less a cleared island surrounded by an oak forest. I had my gutters replaced about a year or so back and had gutter guards installed, but only on the sections that I could not access with my leaf blower extension. Doing a partial gutter install just for those areas I personally wouldn't touch saved me a bit of money. I still use my leaf blower and extension to handle the remaining gutters from the ground.
I'll tell you one thing you do great work
I'll be doing the last mowing of the year today as well. I have gutter guards on the house, but they're the drip edge style and they do need to be cleaned every so often
Glad to hear from you. Thanks for the feedback on the drip edge style. I wondered about that type of situation. Good luck with your last mowing today and thanks for watching.
@@digdrivediy I use a soft brush like you'd use for an RV on a long extension pole for painting - it works well cleaning them. The other option is a pressure washer on low with extensions. The guards work great - they've been up for around 10 years and I've never had to clean them out (knock on wood). Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
@@m2hmghb what brand do you have? Mine are K Guard. They work just as you explained.
I was thinking a longer ladder so you would have more lean.... what if you lower ladder just under gutter onto the house, I think you can still reach into gutter, if not how about those painting brackets.
As for your fear of ladder... be safe.
How you feel is the important thing.
If you can use a sturdier ladder I would!! Then put gutter guards on let the wind blow the leaves off lol.
God bless you and stay safe.
I like your line of thinking Michael. I'm glad to not have anyone tell me I just need to "man up and use the ladder". Those are all good points and now because of this I am really going to look into a gutter guard system of some sort at least for that side of the house. I shall do my best to be safe and I thank you sir. Appreciate your comment.
just when i thought i seen it all you are sketchy my guy the ladder is one thang now your hanging brush mowers from your wall that homer simpson dddddddddd ddooooppppppppeeeee love the channel never the less
haha! Gotta get them up outta the way!
Hey Neil on Amazon they make it like a 20 foot attachment for your pressure washer absolutely would buy one of those. There are only like $114. That would be a whole lot cheaper than a trip to the morgue.
Anytime there is an excuse for a new and fancy tool, I'm all for it! My wife thinks I'm a sucker for all the "must have" tools and attachments but I'm all about finding the things that make life easier, and safer. I'll look into that wand. Thanks for the tip sir!
Great job thank you love your videos
I’m pro ladder climbing guy. Buy yourself a 28’ 2 section extension ladder.
Attempt to place the ladder at 70 degree angle. Have the ladder extended 3-5 rungs above the roof line. It will afford you a lot more safety.
I enjoy your videos
another quality video.costco has some nice gutter guards and their a pretty good price.
Thanks Casy Casy! I need to look into the Costco option. My brother and his wife are members so I'll put him to the task I think! Appreciate your support of the videos and channel.
It's been over 2 years so maybe you've remedied this, but I will say this for anyone who happens to read this - that ladder is too short for that sketchy part of your house!
You should have at least two rungs above contact with the gutters.
As others have stated, use an extension ladder. And even better, get some stablizers for the extension ladder and learn how to properly install and use them.
Ladder safety is no joke and we need good people like you to stick around.
I paused the video at 4:59 to comment. Back to the video...
Sketch level = 10
It’s a little costly but I had all the gutters replaced. He put in the gutter guards while he was building them, they work flawless... no more ladders for me and worth every penny! But, yes expensive... you can hire Gutter Dan to come clean them for you as well...
if you sell that Trac Vac let me know, I’d be interested in buying it.
Some good options for sure. I really like the "no more ladders" part of having the gutter guards! Never heard of gutter Dan. That's probably a good business! I wished I would have been smart enough to save the Trac Vac as an option to offer to subscribers to purchase! Since I recorded this a couple weeks ago I actually already had it for sale and sold it to someone I know. I think I've realized now that if I'm going to mention something for sale in a video it might be cool to make it available to subscribers. Nonetheless, thanks so much for watching and commenting. I really appreciate it Gliderider!
In the uk 🇬🇧 I have a bracket that fits on the ladders and spreads the weight on the side of the house not the guttering. Also have a 4meter extension pole with a bracket with the same shape of the profile of the gutters. You just stand in the middle of the house and clean both sides. Hope this helps
Thanks Russell! I like the idea of working from one spot. I hadn't heard of the extension pole idea. I've seen the ladder load spreading thing. I should look into one of those. Thanks for watching!
I’m watching you perform this extremely unsafe procedure with no safety precautions and assume that you are single or your wife isn’t home. After seeing her have no reaction I would sleep with one eye open! By the way, love the 318!
She's seen me do dumber stuff...
I don't like heights...and to think I stacked two of those ladders on top of the same and bungee cord to hold together. That was sketchy!
I'm with u I don't like ladders either 😩
Haha. “That’s not ideal”. I’m gonna start saying that to myself instead of cussing!
Hi Neil, the last time I got on a roof was my barn, which was over 17 feet.
It scared me so much, that I quit any roof work, rendering the snow off the solar panels.
There's a cover you can buy for gutters, that let water enter the gutters but the screen won't allow the leaves in.
I thought of you mate.
Vernon
I built a TALL 2 story house here in the Philippines (I am from Van Wert originally.) The house in on stilts to start with, has 10' ceilings plus 2' bar joists between stories so the eaves on the road side of my house are about 30' above the ground and the ocean side is about 35' above the ROCKS below. The roof is VERY steep, and I knew I never wanted to clean gutters, so I did not install any. You really do need a better ladder though.
You're certainly Right about the ladder! The house in the Philippines sounds pretty awesome!
Hey Neil, great video. I agree, I don’t like to get up on the roof anymore to clean out the gutters or on a ladder. I bought an extension tube that comes in sections for my Stihl blower. It’s made by Stihl for all hand blowers, I don’t know if it’s compatible with the backpack blowers. It costs around $50 and I think you can get up to 30’ that connects to the blower. Saves me from getting up on the roof. Occasionally I have to use a ladder to unclog a down spout, but well worth the money.
Hey Paul thanks! How is it handling the tube when you have a good bit of length on there? That sounds like a very feasible option for me, especially on those lowers. Reasonable enough price to try it out if it works on my blower. Thanks for the idea and appreciate you watching!
@@digdrivediy Their is some kickback on the blower when tube attached, but easily manageable. Included with the extensions is a “J” nozzle that enables you to walk and blow the gutters out for the entire length. Hope that helps!
@@paulwiedeman4501 Awesome! Thanks 👍
Mr. Koch, this is what I was thinking with the blower tube. Does this work? Did you try it? Didn't see a gutter cleaning update for fall 2021, only the chimney video. I'm like you, don't care for monkeying around with ladders. I bet you could DIY a pipe for your backpack with some 2" drain waste light weight pvc pipe and some fittings (and the occasional use of gorilla duct tape😉). You could even mount your GoPro at the top of the tube and a couple of handles to control that pipe.🤷♂️. Pardon if already addressed.
I have that same ladder and climbed to my second floor to clean my gutters for the first time a week ago. I hated it, it felt sketchy as heck!!!
Could you do a video of how you build your sprayer brackets and the three-point part. I got a big long tank that I want to put on my tractor 3 point hitch. Thought I might be able to get some ideas from the way you built that one?
That's a great idea! I actually have planned to move this spayer over to the larger 755 tractors that I have with a larger tank. I hope to do exactly as you've described. I absolutely love ideas for more videos too because I never know what to make the next video about or if I can find anything interesting. Thanks for the idea! Maybe if I'm lucky I'll have something ready to go before next spring's spraying season.
Hey Neil. Found something out this year. Cuz we live in Kansas. Which literally means land of the Wind. I always get lazy come about September October and quit mowing cuz I figure out it's almost the last time I'm going to have to mow. This year I mode up until late November. And figure it out if I kept the grass short the dried leaves would tumble across the grass and blow out in the field behind me. Had to help the ones right behind the house but once I got them out there the wind just carry them over that I didn't even have to blow them. Just a thought man that might help you out?
You are most certainly right! When the grass is short it really helps those leaves to move on outta here. Our problem is the leaves drop off for such a long duration during the latter part of the mowing season. But yes, I always try to use the "wind assist" as much as possible. There have been 2 or 3 years in the 20 years that I've lived here that I didn't need to vaccuum any leaves because of the mower mulch and wind effect. Thanks for the good thoughts, I'm loving all the ideas.
your mister diy, gutter guard is cheap at lowes and you put it up yourself and your done forever!
climb any height there is as long as i have one foot on the ground...🤣
Neil, you do need a better ladder. You should drive a steak in at the bottom so the ladder won't kick out. Carl FONDEROSA FARMS MD
I can't argue with you there!
Morning neil as you get older you loose your bottle i never used to mind heights not anymore dont like heights at all so you are not on your own belive me its a thing you have to do every year just get the right equipment i no it costs money but your safety comes first allways first. Untill next time be safe.
You're spot on Toni!
10:57 classic Andrew Camarata quote :)
Looks like a permanent repair to me!
So, I'm thinking maybe an attachment to go on the backhoe boom to attach the leaf blower, and use the drone camera as to see what you're doing. How's that for a better method :)
Now you're talking! These are the kinda "outside the box" solutions I'm looking for here! Basically a drone guided piece of heavy equipment to remove leafs from the delicate aluminum trough that hangs from the eaves of our home. So far, this is the most interesting solution! Thanks Tony! You can come over and be my drone pilot!
I need one of those vac systems.
I sold this one last fall and got one for 755.
@@digdrivediy seems like that one ran great for it's age. Sure beats raking.
Neil, you are picking up leaves, but there is another option. You might want to explore the use of Kavli Blades to mulch your leaves. I've seen some very impressive videos! (somethingforyou2lookat)
I may need to look into that. Thanks for the tip!
Im late to the party. My mom had a ling pipe looked like a shepards hook hooked to the garden hose . It work slicker than snot on ice to clean gutters
That would work pretty good. Wonder how messy it gets? I think some gutter guards are in my future.
@@digdrivediy be ready to hose off your siding
Hey Neil, thanks for another great video!!! The spray guard is an awesome idea!! I don't like heights either :/ Thanks!!
Appreciate it Verle!
Another great video. Leaf work blows, but you gave me a great idea for a video
Thanks! Be interested to see what that idea is for your video! Appreciate you watching.
Ofcourse that metal pipe is going to brake, it was not that good when new!! You were lucky on that start! Mine had a stuck valve one year; so I had to pop the head off and tap it with a hammer. (Your engine looks like a newer type)
We did our own gutters a few years ago due to the house not really having any on it when we bought it (wow, guess it was about 10 now that I think about it), and yeah, leaf guard or similar products are ridiculously expensive. For the very upper gutters, I just stuff a pool noodle cut it half so that it slows the water down from crashing onto the overlapping bits below, then I went and made my own system using the pool noodle as a form and stapling one side of a product called Gutter Guard under the roofline. It's essentially diamond mesh polymer that I added a UV inhibitor coating to, comes on a 20 foot roll (they might have longer, those are just what I ended up with) and this one is 6 inches wide. It was about $6 a roll back then, though I'm sure it's gone up a little bit since then. If I recall, my thinking behind the bowed top was to use the wind to deflect dry leaves over the shape, and if they're still up there when it rains, all but one layer with get beat to death by the cascading rooflines above until it flows down the gutter over my office/workshop storage building as it is the furthest section from the main house. I only have one run I have to clean little bits and pieces out of occasionally, and that I can do with a hose or the pressure washer.
Our gutters didn't have a lip on the top, but if yours do, you don't need the pool noodle.
Add: I love gorilla tape. I don't even bother with regular duct tape anymore, but sadly, everything else of their product line I've tried usually fails. Their construction adhesive, glues, and caulk end up breaking or the joint fails, to which I end up with a Loctite product. The tape on the other hand lasts and works better than anything else, even in very 'aggressive'/unconventional temp repairs.
Just cleaned the dang gutters again this past weekend. I need to be doing something. I say it every year. I like some of your suggestions or solutions. I need to dig in into for sure and get something figured out.
Leaf filter... I’m sure someone else has already said it, but if you’re going to spend the money and time on a gutter guard system then just get the leaf filter. Everything else is a waste of money and just more aggravation. Beautiful property you have too! Love the old timber and well manicured yard. Hopefully mine will be similar in a few years time
I need to try that. Wished I could work out a sponsorship deal!
you need that bucket truck we use to use!!
No Doubt! I actually still get to use that thing once in a while as my cousins bought it and it's in the neighborhood. Would make quick work of this for sure. It wouldn't be the first time I've used a bucket truck for the gutters!
Awesome content 👍
I use a 2700psi power washer, hot water, 100ft hose and a 180° (U shaped) wand tip
I really like that idea too. My wife wants a new pressure washer. Can always find lots of uses for one also. Another great suggestion! Thanks End User!
@@digdrivediy you're welcome. The added plus to the power washer is that you can also power wash the trough to get the grime off that everyone sees
Search ladder stand off that’s what we use as the majority of properties are pitched roofs
That's probably a smart move. Thanks Derek!
I was going to say,"Why don't you get leaf guard." but at 8K.... forget about it!! Get a better latter. That latter is sketchy for that job. I know you do not weigh 375 but get the 1AA latter that is rated that high. It will cost about $500 but you will feel and be a lot safer. Consider if latter arms will be of help. I did not see right away a platform latter that looked tall enough.
Good thinking!
I have seen leef gaurds at lowes, but i dont know how much they are
I should explore all those systems a little more Ryan. Honestly I haven't checked at all the big box stores yet. Thanks for checking out the video!
You need gutter guards so you don't have clean out your gutters 🤨
Seems like a logical solution. Gonna need to start shopping around it sounds like.
Cant see any problem with the vac repair 😆 should be good for another 10 years at least
Thanks Ian! I used the high dollar Gorilla tape so may even get 15 years out of it 😁
@@digdrivediy LoL. I would give the vac good servicing every year instead of replacing it and save up to invest in the gutter guards. good video too. I just did the same clean-up at my house last week but installed the guards 2yrs ago.
@@MarlonJoseGE Not a bad plan. I'm really thinking that I will probably invest in the gutter guards, especially on that side of the house. I already let my impulsivity get the best of me and sold the trac-vac! I'm going to look at a hydraulic system for my JD755 tomorrow! Thanks for watching and commenting.
Heck, for 8k in gutter guards you could get some used man lift and use it for tons of other things.
Now, this is a thinking man right here! A man after my own heart. This is exactly how I would explain it to my wife! 😋 Believe it or not, I actually had a man lift for several years back in the mid 2000s. I used it all throughout the remodel process of our house. It was great to have around but it was heavy and difficult to move. Lots of folks wanted to use it and borrow it too which is fine but made for some time consuming weekends getting it moved around. I wouldn't mind having a smaller one though. The one I had was a 55' Grove and it weighed about 12000 pounds. I could be talked into another smaller one though that wouldn't ruin the yard. Thanks for the suggestion and appreciate you watching!
@@digdrivediy In my former line of work i used. tow behind model that got me into some pretty tight places very simply. It had a gas motor, but i see many rental yards use all battery powered ones. I would start by looking into rental yards for used ones for sale. They will def get you up high enough to clear gutters, trim trees, raise a few 2x4's or stuff into your loft, and maybe more simply than your backhoe forks for the light stuff. best of luck, love the content.
@@philipirwin5286 That would be a great piece to have around here for sure. If for nothing else, I could definitely use it to install those gutter guards!
How many years could you pay a dude to come clean them out once a year for $8,000?
@@KingsOutdoorLife What is the fun in that? Get a new to you tool. Make a little money, have a little fun, learn a little.
👍👍
Counts as a comment! Thank you kindly hollanduck79!
The world is held together with duct tape and baling string/wire my brother. Kara was obviously the project manager on this one. She was smart and stayed on the ground. I hauled my dumbass up a Litttle Giant ladder for 25 years, and it never failed me. She flexed, groaned and scared the shit out of me more than once, but I lived to talk about it today and watch your videos.
Ha! I can just imagine that Greg! This ladder does the same thing and boy you're right, Kara is the smarter one :) I still need to look into some kinda gutter guard. Thanks!
awesome video if you get rid of the leaf vacuum i would like to have it because i cant afford a brand new 1
Thanks a lot Ed! Unfortunately I've already sold the leaf vac to someone locally. In hindsight I wished I had offered it up for sale to the good folks that watch these videos! Thanks for asking though and I hope that you can find one that suits your needs!
The only way i'd do that is with a ladder that sticks above the roof (gutter) by about 4 feet.
You scare me watching you.
P.S. I loved your trip to Utah.
Vernon
You're right! I definitely need a better ladder. Thanks for checking it out Vernon!
You need the man lift I saw on Tractor time with Tim’s channel.
Very true. But they are hard on the yard. I had one for a while and it was very nice to have around but mine was really heavy.
You need to update to a new 35 hp tractor and new attachments - except for the hard part paying for them!
I would love to Ronald. Except for that payment thing! That's the hardest part for me!
Have you looked into gutter guards to keep the leaves out of the gutters? We have them on our home in the woods. Then you never have to clean them out. At least for the gutters you hate doing on that one side of the house?
I have looked into a few. I need to get serious about it. I keep hoping one of those company's will see this and want to sponsor a video for me! I do appreciate the feedback though. It's nice to hear from folks that have good things to say about those options. Thanks for watching!
Ugh I hate heights it’s sketchy !
The older I get the worse it is for me it seems.
Are you going to do a snow removal video
If we get any snow this winter than I'm sure I'll do one. That would be kinda cool. I've got that 755 with a snowblade and I've never even used it before! Thanks for checking out the video!
Where are you guys, I know you said Mid-West, but which state? Baggers or lawn vacs are the way to go, I actually don't mind raking, I just can't stand picking them up.
We are in Northeast Indiana. I bought a vac-system for my 755 that I'm anxious to try out soon. Sold the Trac-vac which I may live to regret, but they're pretty easy to find. I'm with you on the raking. Not bad in short bursts but it is tough to deal with the piles for sure. I'll likely have more Leaf collection content in the future now with the new bagger 😄
@@digdrivediy Yeah, I ended up getting a DR Premier 200 last year. All the tractor-mounted stuff from Deere is super $$$, so went that route and then decided to attach it to the LGT16D instead of the 1023E so the JD could stay a "tractor". It works decent has a huge capacity like your Trac Vac, but maneuverability is not it's forte. May fork over the money someone for a 1023E mounted unit, but I'm n ot in that income bracket yet:-)
Was that another 318 I saw in the back of your shop in the corner?
Yes it was 😋 They're everywhere!
not scratchy because you have a nice ladder.
I need just a slightly taller ladder though maybe. Or a boom lift!
It’s stupid!! My grandfather fell off a roof at 38 years old and spent the remaining 36 years of his life on crutches with a broken back. My dad had to drop out of school his junior year to keep the farm going. DO NOT DO IT AGAIN!!
Great advice. Thanks for watching.
Personally I would just take the gutters that are on the side it the house off and leave the ones that are like on the other stories on
Why wouldn’t you put the ladder on the low roof and just walk up to the top roof and take your back pack blower and blow the gutter out?
That back roof is steeper than the rest and no where to land but the ground should I slip and fall. The rest of the roof I have the security of sliding off onto the flat pitched porch roof. Thanks for watching!
That isn't junk , that leaf vac is a collector's item
Ha! "Collector's Item"... "Leaf Collector"... Yes, I guess it literally is a "collector item". 😃
You need leaf guard, so never have to clean out your gutters again, and I mean NEVER...and still does what suppose to do,I hate to clean out gutters.
You're exactly right!!! I'm hoping leaf guard will see this and offer me a sponsorship deal!!
It look sechy
Do you still have the yard vac
Yes I do!
Do you wanna part with it
@@randyblankenship2115 I think I'll hold onto it for now.
Invest in gutter gaurds
please tell me you've heard of gutter guards! cmon!
Use gutter helmet
I've heard gutter helmet, leaf filter. Not sure which I should try...
no way on gods green earth would i trust that ladder im sorry to each there own but me give me a one piece aluminum ladder plz
I agree. I hate that ladder. Thanks for watching!
Ya look like me on a latter .Not my fav..Don't ya have a brother in law with a latter truck?
5min and 24 second in the video, you scare me with the ladder, I would not have step trashy high on it.
Yer being a bit of a girl, extension ladder def. With the goofy brackets to hold off eaves
2 4 D deadly chemical why bother.
What should I use?
i hate cleaning gutters thats how my grand father died
Dang. Sorry to hear that 😕