Initially was very pleased with the blower functionality. The vacuum mulched very well and had good suction for an electric, although the flared out vacuum nozzle left it prone to frequent clogs. The bad news, after only 1 and a half seasons of light use, it burned up - as in started smelling hot and by the time I got it shut off it was pouring smoke. Thought it might have been the variable switch, but on ivestigation found the fiberglass mount for the motor brushes completely burned up allowing one of the brushes to jam in the motor. Overall, really great performance the first few times you use it, but in the long run, a disappointing fire-hazzard.