Black and Decker BV5600 High Performance Blower Vac Mulcher Review

The Black and Decker BV5600 is a high performance three in one unit that is a blower, a vacuum and a mulcher all in one unit. This is a corded electric unit so it releases zero emissions in your yard, helping to reduce your carbon footprint. Keep in mind that you will need an additional extension cord for this unit because it only has a cord that is a few inches long. It is not made to plug in on its own.

This blower is ideal for clearing driveways, sidewalks, decks and garages of debris and fall leaves from yard and the heavy-duty vacuum is ideal for vacuuming leaves, grass clippings, twigs, pine needles and other lawn debris.

There are two speeds on this unit, 180 mph and 250 mph. Use the high speed for general blowing in the large part of your yard. But then when you get to the flower beds, just put it on low speed and it will neatly clean out your flower beds without destroying your landscaping.

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Specifications of the Black and Decker BV5600

Type – Blower/Vacuum
Power Source – Electric (you will need an extension cord)
Voltage – 12amps
Air Speed – 180 low speed & 250 high speed
Decibel – 68dBA
Weight – 8.1 pounds
Mulch Ratio – 16:1
Bag – 1.5 bushels

Features of the Black and Decker BV5600

Powered with a High Performance 12 amp Motor

The 12 amp motor on the Black and Decker BV5600 operates the blower, vacuum and the mulcher. There are two speed selections. The lower speed of about 180 mph is great for blowing around flower beds. If you have heavy and matted leaves, the higher speed of 250 mph is going to do the trick. All you need to do is rotate the knob to switch from one speed to the other.

Even though the Black and Decker BV5600 has a lot of power, it is not noisy. It tests out to be about 50% quieter than many other blowers. The decibel rating is 68 dBA.

This leaf blower only has a little cord that is a few inches long.You will need a longer extension cord in order to operate it. The cord should be double insulated and should be listed by Underwriters Laboratories. Since you will be using this outdoors the extension cord should also be suitable for outdoor use. You want either a 16 or 18 gauge cord with a 16 gauge being the best.

16/3 Vinyl Outdoor Extension Cord – 100 Feet 16/3 Vinyl Outdoor Extension Cord – 50 Feet

Easily Converts to a Mulcher

The Black and Decker BV5600 will quickly and easily convert into a vacuum/mulcher with just a switch of the tubes.The heavy-duty vacuum is ideal for vacuuming leaves, grass clippings, twigs, pine needles, and other lawn debris. Attach the bag and you are ready to mulch.

Unlike many other leaf/vac/mulchers that has a lot of plastic parts, the BV5600 has a high impact metal fan that prevents clogging when mulching. The reusuable bag holds 1.5 bushels and the mulcher will grind down at a ratio of 16:1.

Cord Retainer

A cord retainer is incorporated into the rear of the power head. It can be used in two ways. One way is to hook the extension cord under the retainer, then plug the cord from the power head into the extension cord. Another way is to loop the extension cord over the power head cord and plug the two ends into each other, then hook the extension cord under the retainer. Whichever way you decide to use it, it will help keep the extension cord in place and plugged in.

Black and Decker BV5600 vs BV6000 and BV6600

What are the differences between the B&D BV5600, BV6000 and BV6600 blower vacs?

The differences between all three of those models are the attachments that are included with them and the switch. The performance of all three are the same – 180/250 mph.

BV5600 includes the vacuum tubes, blower tubes, concentrator, reusuable collection bag, leaf blaster attachment, and two speed switch.
BV6000 includes the vacuum tubes, blower tubes, concentrator, diffuser, disposable bag, detachable strap, and two speed switch.
BV6600 includes all the same attachments as the BV6000 plus a rake attachment and the switch is variable speed.