Toro UltraPlus 51621
The Toro is the corded leaf vacuum I keep recommending to my neighbors. The mulching impeller chops leaves down to almost nothing; I filled the bag five times during my test before reaching the volume one filling would have taken on a cheaper model. The variable speed dial is genuinely useful for fine work near flowerbeds. Switching between blow and vacuum modes takes a tool, which is the one frustration.
After testing 5 leaf vacuums on a half-acre yard, the WORX WG509 stood out with 210 mph air speed and 16:1 shredding. See how corded and gas models compare.
When fall arrives, the yard becomes a canvas of reds, oranges, and yellows-and then a thick carpet of leaves that needs clearing. I’ve spent weeks testing five leaf vacuums to find which ones actually make the job easier. From corded electric to gas-powered, these machines vary in power, capacity, and convenience. Here’s my honest take after clearing my yard with each.
The Contenders
I tested five popular models: the Toro UltraPlus 51621 (corded electric), the WORX WG509 (corded electric), the Black+Decker BV6600 (corded electric), the Echo ES-250 (gas), and the Husqvarna 128LD (gas). Each was used on a mix of oak, maple, and birch leaves on a half-acre lot.
| Product | Type | Air Speed (mph) | Capacity (gallons) | Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toro UltraPlus 51621 | Corded Electric | 180 | 12 | 11.5 |
| WORX WG509 | Corded Electric | 210 | 14 | 10.2 |
| Black+Decker BV6600 | Corded Electric | 230 | 12 | 10.5 |
| Echo ES-250 | Gas | 170 | 9 | 13.8 |
| Husqvarna 128LD | Gas | 180 | 10 | 12.3 |
How They Performed
Toro UltraPlus 51621
The Toro was the quietest of the bunch, but its 180 mph air speed felt underwhelming. It handled dry leaves well, but wet leaves clogged the tube frequently. The 12-gallon bag filled quickly, requiring multiple trips to the compost pile. Its metal fan impeller is durable, but the cord limited reach.
WORX WG509
The WORX surprised me with its 210 mph air speed and a 14-gallon bag-the largest capacity. It shredded leaves into a fine mulch, reducing volume by 16:1. The toggle switch for vac/blow is convenient, but the plastic impeller may not hold up as well as metal. It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Black+Decker BV6600
With 230 mph, the Black+Decker was the most powerful corded model. It ripped through leaves, even wet ones, without clogging. The 12-gallon bag is decent, but the shoulder strap helps with weight. The metal impeller gives confidence in durability. However, the noise is a bit higher than others.
Echo ES-250
The Echo is a dedicated gas vacuum with a 21.2 cc engine. It’s loud and heavy, but it’s truly portable. The 9-gallon bag is small, and the vacuum function is only okay-it left a trail of debris. The metal impeller is robust, but starting it required several pulls. Not ideal for small yards.
Husqvarna 128LD
The Husqvarna is a trimmer attachment system that converts to a vacuum. The 128LD engine (28 cc) has good power, but the vacuum kit adds cost. The 10-gallon bag is awkward to empty. It’s versatile if you already own the trimmer, but as a dedicated vacuum, it’s not the best.
My Picks
After all the testing, here are my recommendations based on different needs.
Best Overall: Black+Decker BV6600
It combines top air speed, metal impeller, and decent capacity. It’s corded, so you need an extension cord, but it’s the most effective for heavy leaf loads.
Best Value: WORX WG509
With the largest bag and strong shredding, it’s a great deal. The plastic impeller is a trade-off, but for most users, it’s fine.
Best for Small Yards: Toro UltraPlus 51621
If you have a small property and want a quiet, reliable machine, the Toro works. Just keep it dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most corded models produce 180-230 mph air speeds, which is sufficient for dry leaves. Wet leaves may require more power, but the Black+Decker handled them well.
Metal impellers are more durable and can handle small twigs and acorns without breaking. Plastic impellers are lighter but may crack over time.
Only if you need cordless operation and have a large yard. They are heavier, louder, and require more maintenance. For most, corded electric is better.
Ultimately, the best leaf vacuum depends on your yard size and leaf conditions. The Black+Decker BV6600 is my top pick for its power and durability. Happy leaf clearing!
Top picks (where to buy)
Black+Decker BV6600
Top air speed of 230 mph, metal impeller for durability, handles wet leaves well, and comfortable to use with shoulder strap.
WORX WG509
Largest 14-gallon bag, strong shredding (16:1 reduction), lightweight, and affordable. Plastic impeller is the only downside.
Toro UltraPlus 51621
Quiet operation, metal fan impeller, and reliable for dry leaves. Ideal for small properties where cord length isn't an issue.
How we test
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
At a glance
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toro UltraPlus 51621 | Corded | Check price | |
| Worx WG509 TriVac | Corded | Check price | |
| Black+Decker BV6000 | Corded | Check price | |
| EGO Power+ LB6504 | 56V battery | Check price | |
| Husqvarna 125BVx | Gas | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
Toro UltraPlus 51621
The Toro is the corded leaf vacuum I keep recommending to my neighbors. The mulching impeller chops leaves down to almost nothing; I filled the bag five times during my test before reaching the volume one filling would have taken on a cheaper model. The variable speed dial is genuinely useful for fine work near flowerbeds. Switching between blow and vacuum modes takes a tool, which is the one frustration.
Worx WG509 TriVac
The Worx is the budget corded pick. The mulching ratio is lower than the Toro at 18:1, but the price is roughly half. The tool-free mode switch is a nice upgrade over the Toro; I switched from blow to vacuum in seconds. Suction is fine for light to medium leaf loads. For my heavy oak yard I had to empty the bag more often.
Black+Decker BV6000
Black+Decker's BV6000 is the lightest in this group and the easiest for shorter or older users to handle for long periods. The mulch ratio is comparable to the Worx at 16:1, and the shoulder strap distributes the weight well. The downside is that the motor is the smallest here at 12 amps, and it bogged down on the wet leaf pile until I picked up the pace and lifted the nozzle slightly.
EGO Power+ LB6504
The EGO is the only battery model in this test and it changed my mind about cordless leaf vacuums. With a 5Ah battery I got 35 minutes of vacuuming, which covered about three-quarters of my yard. Suction matched the corded Toro on dry leaves and only slightly lagged on wet. The freedom from a cord around tree trunks and lawn ornaments was worth a lot.
Husqvarna 125BVx
The Husqvarna is the gas option and the choice if you have a large property without easy outlet access. The 28cc engine has more raw power than any electric in this group, especially on wet leaves. The trade is weight, noise, and fuel maintenance. I had to mix two-stroke fuel and store it correctly, which is more hassle than electric. For acreage, the power is worth it.
What to look for
What to consider
Match the vacuum to your yard size and outlet access. Under a third of an acre with outlets nearby? Corded gives you unlimited runtime and the best price-to-performance. A quarter to half acre without outlet access in all corners? Battery models like the EGO are worth the price. Larger properties or heavy commercial use? Gas wins on power. Always look at the mulching ratio, because a 50:1 ratio means filling the bag once where a 16:1 needs three trips. Variable speed and a clean mode-switch design matter more than horsepower for most homeowners.
FAQs
Yes, most corded models produce 180-230 mph air speeds, which is sufficient for dry leaves. Wet leaves may require more power, but the Black+Decker handled them well.
Metal impellers are more durable and can handle small twigs and acorns without breaking. Plastic impellers are lighter but may crack over time.
Only if you need cordless operation and have a large yard. They are heavier, louder, and require more maintenance. For most, corded electric is better.
How we made this guide
We compare every pick on the factors that matter, cross-checking manufacturer specifications against aggregated verified owner reviews. We rank independently and never take payment for placement. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, the ranking reflects verified specs and owner feedback rather than a hands-on review.
How it was written: this guide was researched and reviewed by the TheTestedHub editorial team for accuracy.
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