Abstract: Disclosed is a machine for comminuting lawn refuse and having a vacuum characteristic which is enhanced when organic debris is being fed into the machine grinding chamber through an opening other than that in the tube used to feed in small branches. The tube mouth has a substantially smooth sealing lip and a removable cover is fitted snugly to the lip to substantially prevent air from flowing between the lip and the cover. An embodiment of the machine has a U-shaped nozzle portion attached thereto by a hose. Such portion removes leaves and other debris from an eaves trough. A method for comminuting organic lawn debris is also disclosed.

Abstract: A new chipper-shredder machine has a number of features selected with the user in mind. Such machine includes a laminated lightweight fan and comminuting assembly to accommodate the characteristics of an electric drive motor. The assembly drive shaft has exposed wrench "flats" for reverse-rotating such assembly to remove clogging obstructions. In recognition of the possibility of user abuse or negligence which might cause breakage of grinding rotor parts, such rotor is arranged and configured to direct broken parts away from the machine prime mover and toward the fan chamber. And the machine fan discharge port has increased area for improved air flow and reduced clogging.

Abstract: The new yard-care machine includes features of a mower, a mulching mower and a branch chipper. Such machine has a cutting blade in an enlarged lower blade chamber and a fan and a chipper plate in an enlarged upper fan chamber. A restriction separates the chambers and a leaf and grass-comminuting mulching blade is interposed in the restriction between the blade and the plate. The machine shroud has an exhaust port equipped with an optional diffuser for spreading finely-divided mulch on a lawn. The shroud also has an opening through which branches can be introduced to the chipper plate. The resulting branch chips are exhausted into a collection bag. Manual and self-propelled ("walk behind" or riding) versions and various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a machine for comminuting lawn refuse and having a refuse-receiving hopper with a hopper opening. An aspect of the invention involves a vacuum adapter attached to the hopper and substantially spanning the opening. The adapter has a collar for removably receiving a vacuum hose in air flow communication with the hopper. Preferably, the hose is a ribbed irrigation hose which is widely available at low cost. The hose is retained by a diaphgragm-like resilient member so that the hose readily pivots 360.degree. and is securely retained. Other aspects of the invention involve a closure for the branch feed tube, a novel engine mounting arrangement and a unique strut mount which substantially lessens the tendency of the machine to "walk" during operation.