I had an older model Homelite blower which ran fairly well as long as it was level. When the rope broke after many hours of use I decided to get another.

I never did any shopping, no comparisons between brands and models. The only decision I made was between the two Homelite models. With or without the vacuum. I decided on the VACAttack II not because I wanted the vacuum but because of the velocity rating of 200MPH. The volume was also higher at 420 CFM. The other model is the YardBroom II with a velocity of 170 MPH and a volume of 375 CFM. I think the difference between the two is the design of the end of the nozzle. On the YardBroom II the nozzle is restricted to cut down the air flow. Both have a 30cc engine.

I bought two actually, one for both of us. We have 3 acres in Western Pennsylvania so the leaves are quite plentiful.

I found the new model to be terrible. The first one I opened never did start, so back to the store it went. The second only started when I put the carburetor from my old one on it. It started almost immediately, but made a lot of clanky noises while running and never did run at full speed. I put the original carburetor back on. It didn't start again. Back to the store went that clunker.

By the time I started the 3rd one I decided to go entirely by the starting instructions. so I very diligently followed the instructions. After many pulls it started.

The starting of this machine is complicated because Homelite decided to take the two position speed control at the carburetor and put it on the handle. To start this machine you have to put it in low speed and set the choke to on. The big design problem is that when you grab the handle with your left hand and pull the rope with your right hand you invariably trip the choke off because your hand is struggling to hold it while pulling. Why can't Homelite just design it so the choke is on when the moron sets the choke on?

The fourth one I again explicitly followed the directions and began pulling. The biggest change I made this time is I counted how many pulls I made. I got up to 51 pulls before it grudgingly turned over a few times. FIFTY ONE PULLS! I'm 61 years old!!

After that things got better and I finally got up to the 15 seconds of recommended idling and gave it some gas.

I now have two blowers that run pretty well. One again doesn't like not being level and neither can take running out of gas. If you run out you're looking at about 20 rope pulls. She thinks it starts fairly easily, if I do the pulling.

I intended not to fill this article up with a lot of product specs. They're available on the web in this century at:

http://www.homelite.com/products/blowers/vacattack/productdisplay.htm

However! The specs there don't match with the specs on the box.

So here they are followed by the web site specs, if different.

Engine: 30cc PowerStroke (25cc)
Velocity 200 MPH
Volume: 420 CFM
Throttle: Variable Speed
Mulching Ratio - 12:1
Weight: 9.8 pounds (10.9 Pounds)

On the web site there's a link to specs, but it goes to a digital hole.

I think the folks at Homelite need to test what they redesign completely before they release a new product. I don't believe they ever pull one from the line and start it. Also they redesigned the throttle to the handle which isn't necessary as you always use a blower at full speed. To use the new design you squeeze the throttle control and slide up a plastic piece, the "Cruise Control", which locks the throttle setting. In reality as you use it the setting slips from vibration. If it doesn't when you want to go back to idle you must fight with the thing, which is still cruising, to release it.

Recommended: No