Does the Sears Lawn Vacuum Go Backwards?

Craftsman Professional Chipper/Vac

• Sears model 24717 is the Craftsman professional chipper-vacuum. The machine is designed to be towed behind a ride-on mower or lawn tractor, and it uses the air movement created by the blades under the mower deck -- which must have a right-hand discharge and a 54-inch maximum deck size -- to create an 80 mph vacuum. This force is sufficient to pick up heavy yard waste such as pine cones and small tree debris along with shed leaves and cut grass, and the integral chipper reduces volume by a factor of 5:1.

Craftsman Professional Chipper/Vac Drive Train

• The Craftsman professional chipper-vacuum has an onboard Briggs & Stratton engine and features an extra-long axle and 15-inch wheels for increased stability on uneven terrain. The axle is not attached to any gearing, so if your ride-on mower or lawn tractor has a reverse gear, the chipper-vacuum also will go backwards.

Craftsman 4-in-1 Yard Vacuum System

• Sears model 77013 is the Craftsman 4-in-1 yard vacuum system. This stand-alone machine vacuums up yard debris, chips what it collects then blows it from the shredding chamber into an integral waste collection bag. It can shred tree debris up to 1 1/2-inches in diameter -- waste is reduced at a factor of 8:1 -- and has a self-cleaning anti-clog design and 5-position height adjustment. The 24-inch vacuum nozzle has adjustable height settings and is detachable, so it can safely clear flower beds as effectively as it does with lawns.

Craftsman 4-in-1 Yard Vacuum System Drive Train

• The Craftsman 4-in-1 yard vacuum system features an on-board Briggs & Stratton engine for both propulsion and function. The tires are semi-pneumatic to improve handling and durability. Although the self-propulsion system does not have a reverse gear, the 4-in-1 yard vacuum system can be pulled backward out of tight spots just like a regular walk-behind mower.