Mobile vacuum system for use with a riding tractor mower

Abstract

A vacuum-blower unit has an intake connected by a flexible hose to a molded plastics boot pivotally connected to the discharge portion of a rotary mower deck mounted on a riding tractor. The boot is also supported in horizontally spaced relation to the deck by a caster wheel to form an air gap and is adapted for convenient connection with decks of different sizes and configurations and having either a right or left discharge. The boot is cut to form an opening somewhat larger than the discharge outlet of the mower deck to extend the air gap which cooperates with air intake holes in the boot to avoid clogging of the boot with grass clippings, leaves and other debris transported by the vacuum-blower unit through flexible ducts to a trailing wheel supported cart. The cart includes a body enclosed by a canopy having an elongated top air discharge outlet covered by a screen and a row of independently pivotal louvers. The cart encloses a set of abutting containers which receive the debris and may be lined with disposable bags, and the containers are individually removable from the cart after the rear door of the cart is opened.