What do you dislike about fall? Because for me, it’s the constant need for blowing, raking, and bagging leaves. Luckily, technology has made it easier to blow and dispose of leaves. WORX WG509 Trivac Leaf Blower designed to make it easier and probably fun to blow and mulch leaves. As the name suggests, this is a 3-in-1 tool combining a blower, vacuum, and a mulcher.
We cover the features, how it works, who it’s best suited for, and whether you should buy it in 2024.
WORX WG509 Specs
| Brand | WORX |
| Model | WG509 |
| Functions | Blower, Mulcher, Vacuum |
| Powering | Electric |
| Battery | No |
| Rated Voltage | 120V~60HZ |
| Power Input | 12 AMPS |
| Air Volume | 350 CFM |
| Air Speed | 80-120 mph |
| Bag Capacity | 1.2 Bushels (8 gallons) |
| Mulching ratio | 18 bags are reduced to 1 bag |
| Mulching blade | Dual-stage metal impeller |
| Variable Speed Settings | Yes |
| Noise | 75 db |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs/ 4.2 kgs |
| Warranty | 3-years |
WORX Trivac WG509 Review
Maintaining a clean yard or lawn is an expensive affair. Not only by the amount of work and effort needed but also by the number of tools required. That’s why brands are combining several tools into one so that instead of buying two or three tools, you just buy one.
One such tool is the WORX Trivac WG509. It is called the Trivac as it combines three tools into a single lightweight multipurpose tool. It’s a blower, vacuum, and mulcher.
The blower lets you blow leaves to a specific spot, while the vacuum and mulcher function sucks in the leaves and mulches them making it easier to bag and dispose of the waste.
The biggest deal with this leaf blower is the ease of changing from a blower to a vacuum. Unlike in other models where you will have to interchange parts, the WORX Trivac WG509 uses a switch that converts it from a blower to a vacuum.
WORX Trivac WG509 Ratings
| Overall Rating | 4.0/5 |
| Blower Performance | 4.0/5 |
| Vacuum Performance | 4.0/5 |
| Mulching Performance | 4.5/5 |
| Design | 4.0/5 |
| Quality | 4.3/5 |
| Durability | 4.3/5 |
About Worx Trivac Leaf Blower
In 2010, Worx made its first Trivac leaf blower, the Worx TriVac WG500. The idea was to design a leaf blower that switches from blowing leaves to vacuuming and mulching with just a flip of a switch. The Trivac WG500 (still available for sale) became a bestseller and won the Product of the Year Award by DIY Week Magazine.
Worx has over the years improved the design and performance of the next Trivac models. After the WG500, Worx released the WG502, WG505, WG 509 (the model we are reviewing here), and the latest WG512.
All these models have the same working principle as the flagship model, the WG500. The major improvement over the years has been the air volume, the mulch ratio, and the design. Weight, bag capacity, and controls have all remained the same.
WORX WG500 vs WORX WG505 vs WORX WG509 vs WORX WG512
| WORX WG500 | WORX WG505 | WORX WG509 | WORX WG512 | |
| Air Speed | 80-210 mph | 75-210 mph | 75-110 mph | 55-70 mph |
| Air Volume | 350 mph | 350 | 350 CFM | 470 to 600 CFM |
| Mulch Ratio | 10:1 | 16:1 | 18:1 | 16:1 |
| Bag Capacity | 1.2 Bushels | 1.2 Bushels | 1.2 Bushels | 1.2 Bushels |
| Unit Weight | 8.4 lbs | 8.6 lbs. | 8.6 lbs. | 9.0 lbs. |
| Mulch impeller | Plastic | Metal | Metal | Metal |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years |
| Amazon | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Features of the WORX WG509
WORX WG509 Metal Impeller
Unlike the Worx Trivac 505, the Worx Trivac 509 comes with a two-stage mulching system. This was a very necessary upgrade. Most leaf mulchers come with a strong plastic blade. While these blades still manage to do a great job, the edges become weaker and blunt over time from mulching sticks, stones and pieces of wood.
Stage one is fitted with a shredder blade, while stage two has a metallic impeller.
With a metallic impeller, Worx Trivac 509 is stronger and will definitely last longer. The mulching process is also faster and more effective compared to using the WG505.
Blowing Function of the Worx WG 509
When you want to blow and direct the leaves into a spot before vacuuming and mulching, you will use the blower function. The blower port is the smaller and shorter port that is located below the wider and longer vacuuming port.
To change from blowing to vacuuming, there is a lever that you flip and it will automatically change the function. This is a great deal about this model. There is no changing of ports or anything else. The blower port has an orange dial in the middle that you use to regulate the air getting out of the blower.
The WG500, WG505, and WG509 models have separate ports for the blower and vacuum functions, while the WG512 (most recent Trivac) has a single tube that works for both the blowing and vacuuming functions.
The blower port is shorter than the vacuum port in the WG500, WG505, and WG509 models which is a challenge since the blower port can’t touch the ground.
Vacuuming and Mulching function
The vacuuming and mulching functions work together when you want to bag the mulched leaves. When mulching you will need to connect the provided debris to the mulching port. The blower port is the top one, which is longer and wider. It is slightly angled at the end making blowing leaves stuck under an object easier. The blower produces up to 350 cubic feet per minute of air moving at a speed of between 80 and 210 miles per hour.
There is a dial at the back where you regulate the vacuuming and mulching function. The 6-speed settings allow you to either decrease or increase the vacuuming speed. Higher speeds are ideal when vacuuming leaves stuck in the grass, while lower speeds are ideal when vacuuming leaves on pavements and sidewalks and other flat surfaces.
Note: you cannot use the vacuum function separately since each function has no independent switch. Since the vacuum port is angled at the end, it’s typically harder to vacuum leaves that are directly below the port, it will vacuum what is slightly ahead. When using the vacuum try different vacuuming styles for instance a sweeping move is more effective.
One-handed operation of Leaf Blower
The WORX Trivac WG509 is designed for handheld use. Weight is strategically distributed to make it easy to hold and use with one hand. The Debris collection bag has a strap that you put on your shoulder. Even as the bag gets filled up, it’s still comfortable to hold the blower. The only issue with the straps is that they are not padded.
It is easier and more comfortable to use as a blower than when the bag is dirt connected since it’s lighter.
Power of the WORX Trivac WG509
The first thing to note about the WORX Trivac WG509, is that it’s an electric tool. It is rated 120V~60HZ so it will plug directly into your home power outlet. Since you will be working outdoors, you will require an additional extension plug that connects the blower to the power socket. If you don’t have a long extension, make sure to buy one.
The benefit of being corded is that you can run it for hours without worrying about charging a battery. Secondly, most battery-powered tools require battery replacement after some time, so with this one, there are no battery replacement costs. Corded tools are also more powerful.
The downside is that you are restricted by the length of the power cord and the location of your power socket. Secondly, if there are bushes and objects where you are cleaning, the cord may get tangled up.
Air Speed and Air Volume
The WORX Trivac WG509 moves 350 cubic feet per minute of air moving at a speed of between 80 and 210 miles per hour, just like the WG500 and WG505. This is enough airflow to move large masses of leaves even when trapped in the grass. The latest Worx model WG512 is the most powerful as it produces between 470 and 500 cubic feet of air per minute
Bag capacity and mulch ratio.
The WORX Trivac WG509 blower comes with a 1.2-bushel bag and an 18.1 mulch ratio. This is one of the major advancements compared to the WG500, which has a 10.1 mulch ratio, and WG505, which has a 16:1 mulch ratio.
What this means is that the WORX Trivac WG509 will compress 18 bags of leaves into just 1 bag of small leaves. This will not only reduce the number of bags that you will need but also use small space in the compost if you are composting. If you prefer to dispose of the leaves, it will be cheaper if you are paying the council to dump the leaves for you.
The debris collection bag connects easily to the bottom of the blower and is also easy to disconnect.
If you are vacuuming a large volume of leaves in a single spot, you can consider buying a bigger collection bag such as the WORX WA4054.2 LeafPro Universal Leaf Collection System which can hold more leaves.
Weight of the WORX Trivac WG509
This blower is one of the lightest among other 3-in-1 blowers at only 9.3 lbs. The weight is strategically distributed to make it comfortable and easy to operate on one hand.
What we love about the WORX WG509
- Simple assembly
It only takes about two minutes to assemble this tool. The only thing to connect are the blowing ports. Since it’s corded, you can start using it immediately unlike with a corded model, in which you have to charge the battery first.
- Corded operation
You can use this blower for long hours without taking a break since it’s not battery powered. The corded operation also means no battery replacement. Corded tools are also easier to store during winter, unlike gas-powered tools.
- Metallic impeller
Unlike the WG500, which had a plastic impeller, the WORX Trivac WG509 has a metallic impeller. Even if the blower accidentally picks up a stone it cannot get damaged.
- The WORX WG509 comes with a 3-year warranty
- It’s affordable
- Easy to set up and use
- Its a 3-in-1 tool
- Impressive mulching ratio – 18:1
- Changes from blower to vacuum/mulcher with just a flip of a switch
- Very easy to access the impeller in case it gets jammed.
Downsides but not deal breakers
- The blower port is shorter and is underneath the vacuum port
- This blower struggles with wet leaves
- Since it’s corded, you are limited by the length of your extension and availability of power.
- The vacuuming and blower ports have only one type of head.
- The suction power decreases as the bag gets full
- I wish there was a setting to vacuum without mulching. It’s designed so that when it’s vacuuming it must mulch. However, this would mean the bag will get fuller faster.
- No cruise controls
- Only ideal for small lawns and backyards
Who is the WORX Trivac WG509 best for?
The WORX WG509 makes a great leaf blower for homeowners with small lawns and backyards. If you have a very huge lawn or are looking for a blower for commercial application, this model is not right for you. The blowing and mulching functions are equally strong and do a great job. The tool is very effective when blowing leaves on curbs, pavements, and other cemented areas. It struggles with vacuuming wet leaves and large twigs.
WORX WG509-In Conclusion
The WORX WG509 is a great 3-in-1 blower, vacuum, and mulcher tool. It changes from a blower to a vacuum with just a flip of a lever. It’s easy to assemble and it’s designed for one-hand operation. If you are looking for a blower for a small lawn, this model will be a great pick.