Bosch ALS 2500 Electric Garden Blower/ Vacuum

UPDATE: After 18 months the motor packed up, but Bosch replaced it under warranty.This is a review for the ALS 2500 model but there are a couple of interesting details that are worth noting.My first ALS 2500 I purchased back in October 2015 and it did a sterling job, but then in November 2016 the motor decided to pack up. I say 'pack up', it made a funny smell and then tripped the fuses in my main board. I contacted Bosch customer services to explain what had happened, and they arranged to collect the main part by courier the next day from my work address. In the meantime I purchased another ALS 2500 as I had a mountain of work to do and wasn't sure what the outcome of the return would be. It turns out the new ALS 2500 I purchased was slightly different from my original ALS 2500. Anyone who has used one that moans that the 'variable speed dial' doesn't really make much difference I can certainly attest to for my original one, but my new one behaves totally differently. There is a definite step-change in the motor speed when you rotate the dial, and the dial actually has a '1' and '2' marked on the dial, whereas on my old one there were no markings, just a Volume-style symbol next to the dial. It makes a big difference.The ALS 2500 is surprisingly powerful considering it's not very expensive in the big scheme of things. I like that it operates in two separate modes as I find the styles of Blower/Vac that are 'all-in-'one' without adjustment tend to be bulky and not as effective. I like that if you operate it as just the blower then it is quite lightweight. Changing modes is not too big a deal, but it can be a bit of a faff, and aligning the sucker-nozzle over the impeller can be a bit hit-and-miss as there are no markings to help you line things up.I did have a duff leaf bag on my first one where the zips were mis-aligned but Bosch sent me a new one.Anyway, back to the return, Bosch contacted me a week after they picked up my unit to tell me that they couldn't repair it under warranty so they sent me out a new unit, which ended up being an ALS 30. So now I have one ALS 2500 and one ALS 30, plus a spare set of attachments. The ALS 30 and ALS 2500 appear to be all-but-identical, but according to the Bosch website the motor on the ALS 30 draws 3,000 Watts compared to the 2,500 Watts of the ALS 2500, all whilst producing the same blowing and suction capabilities. I'm assuming therefore that the ALS 2500 might be the 'newer' model given it's improved efficiency.Overall, I think given the price that you can acquire these devices for, and the excellent customer service granted by Bosch, together with the effective 2 year warranty make this an excellent buy.

I bought this machine to replace a Power Base Blower/Vacuum that was several years old, heavy and cumbersome although effective. Having now used the Bosch on dry and wet leaves in both modes, I am pleased to report that I am very happy with it. I did not have to change the tubes on the old machine, but it is quick and easy to do on the Bosch.On full power, it will blow or suck up roof moss dropped by birds, bark chippings and gravel from the drive if you are not careful. Gravel is not a good idea as the impeller is plastic and the blades could be damaged. On half power, it will easily blow or suck up dry or wet leaves.The collecting bag is sturdy and easy to fit and empty but it is rather like a large balloon making the blower difficult to manoeuvre in tight spaces. Otherwise, it is not a problem. Leaves etc do get caught on the impeller and it is a good idea to remove them when you have finished using the machine. It is easy to do as the impeller is readily accessible.The supporting strap can be worn across the chest in either mode, blowing or hoovering, but the length needs to be adjusted according to the mode. Again, this is quick and easy; no problem. The cable is long enough - at least 10m.I am 73 and medium-build but had no difficulty using the Bosch to vacuum wet leaves for an hour or more without emptying the bag. It is lighter than the old Power Base and weight was not a problem. It was great for vacuuming leaves under bushes and in other awkward places. I am very pleased with the purchase.

Brilliant garden vac blower, slightly heavier/ larger than I expected ( I'm female ) it has an adjustable strap and is reasonably easy to use, love the clip on/off bag for easy use. Very good quality machine bag.My only reservation is that to blow leaves etc (it's great it's beautifully designed) it's much smaller and great to use but changing to the vac requires stopping and assembling it to vac and it becomes quite a cumbersome large machine to use ( for me as a woman) and store whereas my last vac had just a switch to change from vac to blow and stayed in one piece for storing, but you then had to carry a heavy machine all the time so on reflection it's a personal choice, I love the light blower so assembling to vac is a small price to pay for a small inconvenience of disconnecting the blower attachment and putting on the vac tube.My adult son loves it and it really is easy for him to use, all in all a great buy for the price. 1star deducted for weight /assembly between using and storing separate pieces.( I have a large garden bag that it's stored/ transported in so easy to overcome the once the vac tube is removed).