Troy-Bilt (3") CSV 206 205cc Chipper Shredder Vacuum

I purchased this and couldn't wait to use it. Then it wouldn't start. I took it in and had it looked at twice. We'd get it started but then if we let it sit for a week it wouldn't start again. They blamed it on the safety switch that it was compressed not enough.

Then the next time it was compressed too much. I'd love to give it a good review but at this point I have spent more time trying to get it to work then I have using it. I can't deal with it any more and decided I wanted to return it for a different unit. Hope you don't go through the same headaches I did with this thing.

I purchased this and couldn't wait to use it. Then it wouldn't start. I took it in and had it looked at twice. We'd get it started but then if we let it sit for a week it wouldn't start again. They blamed it on the safety switch that it was compressed not enough.

Then the next time it was compressed too much. I'd love to give it a good review but at this point I have spent more time trying to get it to work then I have using it. I can't deal with it any more and decided I wanted to... more

It works well, a little tough to start. Getting the bag off once it is more than half full is damn near impossible. It mulches well. Self propelled is a real plus when you live on a hill like I do.

Bought mine new in 2003. It starts on the first pull most of the time. I have Oaks and Maples in the yard and it does a very nice job of picking up the leaves, even wet ones. The self propelled feature is very handy and have not had a problem with it. The bag is a good size and it shreds the leaves in very small pieces. The hose attachment is awkward to use and comes detached as it is very heavy. I found the best way to empty the bag is to set up a backstop of cardboard or other material, then run on slow speed. This will help to empty the bag without much effort. The leaves will form a nice pile. I do this in the garage. I use a large dust pan to transfer the leaves to paper leaf bags.

Twigs are not a problem. It is very powerful and may even pick up a chipmunk if you can run over it. The end product is great for composting. Works great on grass clippings too! The only complaint is the stems to add air to the rear tires are on the inside of the rim, and awkward to reach.

Bought mine new in 2003. It starts on the first pull most of the time. I have Oaks and Maples in the yard and it does a very nice job of picking up the leaves, even wet ones. The self propelled feature is very handy and have not had a problem with it. The bag is a good size and it shreds the leaves in very small pieces. The hose attachment is awkward to use and comes detached as it is very heavy. I found the best way to empty the bag is to set up a backstop of cardboard or other material, then... more

This is my 3rd year using our CSV206. We use it about every two weeks in the fall when the Pecan and Magnolia leaves are falling. We also have some Oaks and Japanese Magnolias. My neighbor is now 72 and finds it hard to use, so this year I'm doing the most use. (I'm 66) it is heavy, but I like it better than raking. A little harder than my lawn mower. Probably too much for a smaller woman.(?) It mulches the leaves very tiny. I share shredding w/ neighbors for their Azealeas, etc. I regularly shred limbs up to 2 inches. I just used it for 3hours/day for 3 days. I have had no mechanical issues except for fixing a flat (cotter pin and tire pumped at tire store.)

This is my 3rd year using our CSV206. We use it about every two weeks in the fall when the Pecan and Magnolia leaves are falling. We also have some Oaks and Japanese Magnolias. My neighbor is now 72 and finds it hard to use, so this year I'm doing the most use. (I'm 66) it is heavy, but I like it better than raking. A little harder than my lawn mower. Probably too much for a smaller woman.(?) It mulches the leaves very tiny. I share shredding w/ neighbors for their Azealeas, etc. I... more

Bought this for my Troy Bilt MTD style chipper vac. It works great and was cheaper than other stores. I will buy from again when need a part thanks for having it in stock, other website's and stores were out of stock and did not know when they could get it. Leaf Blowers Direct had it and I received in less than a week thanks for fast delivery and great price.

I have one of these that's 20 years old. It says Craftsman because I bought it at Sears but it's the same machine. Decided it was time for a new one so got this. Only difference is the engine. My old one had a purge bulb and no choke, this one with the choke is much better. Bad news is the old one had an oil filler tube with a dipstick.

Whatever idiot that designed the oil fill on this one should be shot. It says to fill it till it overflows but the oil bottle blocks your view and you can't see when it overflows. Your driveway will love this.Other than that it vacuums up the leaves and almost powders them.Great for mulch but not a toy for those who put their leaves out at the curb.

I have one of these that's 20 years old. It says Craftsman because I bought it at Sears but it's the same machine. Decided it was time for a new one so got this. Only difference is the engine. My old one had a purge bulb and no choke, this one with the choke is much better. Bad news is the old one had an oil filler tube with a dipstick.

Whatever idiot that designed the oil fill on this one should be shot. It says to fill it till it overflows but the oil bottle blocks your view and you can't... more

Several things, one I am a graduate manufacturing engineer two, I have worked in manufacturing,quality, and engineering for over 30 years four, I owned an older chipper/vac for over 10 years with excellent results.

#1) Immediately someone needs to inspect the welds on the vanes of the roror such that every weld is per engineering spec. My problem, one vane with tines broke off and parts flew out though the chute wild vacuuming leaves. At the time I added a 1inch branch, quite straight and immediately all hell broke loose. Heavy vibration, two holes in the duck work and shut down. This unit has beenn utilized 3 or 4 times to vacumn leaves. No chipping until failure. It worked quite good, did a nice job mulching the leaves.

I find it rolls fairly easily, do miss the 3 speeds forward and one reverse. I find the cap and position to check oil is unsatisfactory, can't get at it. Who ever heard of sticking your finger in to check for oil level. Add a stem int he future. The on off switch, or engine speed lever is also undesirable, behind the bag that is pressing against it when full.
It starts nicely, however the pull cord is behind the bag.

These few items are functional however not customer friendly .Otherwise, it does the job for leaves. I really haven't done any chipping yet. It is suppose to handle up to 3 inches.

Currently the machine is in the a certified repair shop and working with Troy Bilt people for replacement parts.
I CAN'T STESS ENOUGH TO GET BACK TO THE MFG. LINE AND REVIEW THE WELDING PERFORMANCE AND QUALITY ASSURANCE BEFORE GOING OUT THE DOOR! SAVE YOURSELF A MAJOR CUSTOMER QUALITY ISSUE! Currently Willy's shop in Fremont is repairing the chipper/vac. They have worked on my other unit and feel very confident that it will be safe and function satisfactorily when returned to me.

I like the machine basically, however feel engineering needs to address a few issues to make it user friendly and manufacturing needs to jump on the quality of welds for the working members. This is a major safety issue. I have enjoyed TroyBilt equipment in the past, we all encounter problems and do feel this unit will be good for me eventually. I will be glad to report on the unit after it is returned and in use. Respectively, Roger Herold

Several things, one I am a graduate manufacturing engineer two, I have worked in manufacturing,quality, and engineering for over 30 years four, I owned an older chipper/vac for over 10 years with excellent results.

#1) Immediately someone needs to inspect the welds on the vanes of the roror such that every weld is per engineering spec. My problem, one vane with tines broke off and parts flew out though the chute wild vacuuming leaves. At the time I added a 1inch branch, quite straight and... more

Poor design. Cheap bolts for front attachment. Difficult to pull start. Does not track in a straight line, pulls to the left when the wheels are engaged. Bag is difficult to hook and unhook and does not hold much. It would be better to buy a pull behind vacuum that goes back of a mower.

Terrible return policy doesn't back the equipment.

While putting together my machine, the "tang" that "holds up" the chute during assembly was a little bit too long. The chipper "blades" could not turn even one full revolution. After I figured out what the problem was and took a hacksaw and cut off about 1/8" of the "tang" and put it back together, it started and ran just fine. It "sucks" leaves better than the Troy-Bilt that I bought 25ish years ago. One other problem is the collection bag.

After the bag gets full, it is very difficult to dismount it from the machine. After that, it is almost impossible to empty the bag because the opening is too small. I am using the bag from my 25ish old machine and that works much better. I bought an additional bag for this machine before I figured out that it was no good. I should have bought another new bag for my 25 year old machine. All in all, this machine is GREAT !!!

While putting together my machine, the "tang" that "holds up" the chute during assembly was a little bit too long. The chipper "blades" could not turn even one full revolution. After I figured out what the problem was and took a hacksaw and cut off about 1/8" of the "tang" and put it back together, it started and ran just fine. It "sucks" leaves better than the Troy-Bilt that I bought 25ish years ago. One other problem is the collection... more

Although it is small compared to other Shredder Vac's, it is just the right size for a 5 ft. great-grandmother to use. It is self propelled and easily climbs the many rises I have in my 1 1/3 acre home site.