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Clearing a yard gets frustrating when you need one tool to move leaves, another to collect them, and still another way to reduce the pile. The WORX Trivac WG509 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Blower, Vacuum, and Mulcher combines those jobs in one corded unit, with 350 CFM airflow, air speed from 80 to 210 MPH, and an 18:1 mulching ratio. Its main strengths are fast mode changes and a metal mulching system, while its biggest tradeoff is the extension cord that limits how far you can work from an outlet. This review explains the verified specs, practical use, maintenance, safety points, and the situations where the WG509 makes the most sense.
Quick Verdict
Rating: 8.5/10, Recommended with caveats
Best For: Homeowners who want one corded tool for blowing, vacuuming, and mulching dry yard debris.
Bottom Line: The WG509 gives you strong 350 CFM airflow, up to 210 MPH air speed, and an 18:1 mulch ratio in a 9.3-pound package. It is a practical all-in-one choice for routine leaf cleanup, but you need an outdoor-rated extension cord and must work within the cord’s reach.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | WORX |
| Model | WG509 |
| Product type | 3-in-1 corded leaf blower, vacuum, and mulcher |
| Power input | 12 amps, 120V 60Hz |
| Air volume | 350 CFM |
| Air speed | 80 to 210 MPH |
| No-load speed | 6,000 to 15,000/min |
| Mulching ratio | 18:1 |
| Impeller | Two-stage metal impeller with shredder blade |
| Bag capacity | 1.2 bushels, about 42 L |
| Machine weight | 9.3 lb, about 4.2 kg |
| Main listed material | ABS listed material; metal impeller and shredder blade |
| Included | WG509 blower/vac/mulcher and debris collection bag |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Key Takeaways
- The WG509 combines a blower, yard vacuum, and leaf mulcher in one corded tool.
- Its 350 CFM airflow and 80 to 210 MPH variable air speed let you reduce power around tight areas or increase it for larger leaf piles.
- The two-stage metal impeller delivers an 18:1 mulching ratio, helping you fit more processed leaves into the 1.2-bushel collection bag.
- At 9.3 pounds, it is manageable for a multifunction yard tool, but the cord still affects range and handling.
- The manual calls for dry outdoor use, proper eye protection, an outdoor-rated extension cord, and regular inspection of the collection bag.
What Is the WORX Trivac WG509?
The WORX WG509 is a 12-amp corded 3-in-1 yard cleanup tool. A selector lever changes the unit between blower mode and vacuum/mulching mode without requiring you to swap to a separate machine. The variable speed control ranges from 80 to 210 MPH, while air volume reaches 350 CFM.
Its standout feature is the two-stage metal impeller and shredder blade. In vacuum mode, the system chops leaves at an 18:1 ratio before sending the material into the 1.2-bushel bag. That makes the WG509 especially useful when your main problem is not only moving leaves, but also reducing their volume for disposal or composting.
Who Should Buy It?
Best For
- Small to medium yards where an outdoor outlet is reasonably close.
- Homeowners who want one machine for blowing, vacuuming, and mulching.
- Leaf-heavy cleanup where reducing bag volume matters.
Skip If
- You need cordless freedom across a large property.
- You regularly work in wet conditions or need to vacuum wet surfaces.
- You mainly want maximum air volume from a dedicated blower rather than a 3-in-1 tool.
Before You Buy: The WG509 is corded, and the manual says not to use it on wet surfaces or expose it to rain. Plan your extension-cord route before you start, and wait for wet grass or work areas to dry.
How to Transition Between Blowing, Vacuuming, and Mulching
The WG509 is designed to reduce the downtime that comes with changing tools. Once the blower/vacuum tube and collection bag are properly installed, you use the blower/vacuum selector lever to choose the operating mode. The manual also notes that the machine will not run unless the blower/vacuum tube is attached to the motor housing.
In blower mode, you can use the variable speed control from position 1 through position 6. Lower speed gives you more control around corners, beds, or small piles, while higher speed is better for moving heavier dry debris. In vacuum mode, the same unit pulls leaves through the tube and sends them through the metal impeller before they enter the bag.
Pro Tip: In vacuum mode, keep the tube about 1 inch above the debris instead of pushing it deep into the pile. This helps feed leaves steadily and reduces the chance of clogging the impeller.
Understanding Airflow and Speed for Optimal Use
The two numbers that matter most in blower mode are 350 CFM and 80 to 210 MPH. CFM describes how much air the tool moves, while MPH describes air speed. Together, they give the WG509 enough range for routine residential leaf clearing without forcing you to use full power for every task.
The variable speed control is useful when you move from open lawn to a more delicate area. You can lower the speed near mulch beds, corners, or lightweight debris, then raise it when you need to push a larger pile across pavement or grass. This makes the WG509 more controllable than a single-speed blower.
Mulching Performance and Bag Capacity
The 18:1 mulch ratio is one of the WG509’s strongest reasons to buy. WORX describes the two-stage metal system as capable of reducing the equivalent of 18 bags of leaves into one bag of mulched material. Real results still depend on leaf type, dryness, and how steadily you feed debris into the vacuum.
The collection bag holds 1.2 bushels, about 42 liters. That is large enough for practical home cleanup, but you should expect to empty it several times during a heavy fall session. The quick-release bag collar makes removal easier, and keeping the bag from overfilling helps maintain airflow.
How It Performs in Real Use
For Driveways and Patios
On dry paved areas, the 210 MPH maximum air speed is useful for pushing leaves out of corners and into a collection zone. Start lower when you are close to flower beds or loose material, then increase the speed once the pile is in an open area.
For Lawns and Leaf Piles
On a lawn, the 350 CFM airflow gives you enough volume for routine leaf movement, while the vacuum mode lets you collect the pile without switching machines. You get the best flow when the leaves are dry and loose rather than packed down.
For Under Furniture and Tight Spaces
The tube design is meant to reach under patio furniture and other low areas. This is a useful advantage when leaves collect where a wide blower nozzle or rake is awkward to use. Lower speed also helps you work with more control in those spaces.
For Mulch and Disposal
If your cleanup ends with bagging or composting leaves, the metal impeller is more valuable than blower power alone. The 18:1 reduction can cut the volume of loose leaves substantially, although very dense or mixed debris may not reduce at the same rate.
Extension Cord and Electrical Setup
Because the WG509 uses a 12-amp motor, the extension cord is part of the tool’s safe setup. The manual calls for an outdoor-rated polarized extension cord in good condition and recommends GFCI protection for the circuit or outlet used with the appliance.
For a 10 to 12 amp load at 120V, the manual’s extension-cord table lists minimum wire sizes of 18 AWG at 25 feet, 16 AWG at 50 feet, 14 AWG at 100 feet, and 12 AWG at 150 feet. It also says not to use an extension cord longer than 150 feet. Keep the connection fully seated, use the cord-retention feature, and do not run the cord through standing water or wet grass.
Safety and Correct Use
The WG509 is intended for residential outdoor debris cleanup, but blower and vacuum modes can throw hard objects. Wear suitable eye protection, long pants, and shoes, and keep children, bystanders, and pets away from the work area. Do not blow or vacuum rocks, nails, wire, staples, or other hard objects that could damage the tool or be thrown from the bag.
Turn the machine off and unplug it before removing clogs, servicing it, or taking off the collection bag. The motor continues moving briefly after shutdown, so let all moving parts stop before you set the tool down or open the system. The manual also advises ear protection.
How to Keep Your WORX Trivac Running Strong
Routine maintenance is straightforward, but it matters because airflow and the collection system depend on clear passages. After use, unplug the tool and wipe the housing with a dry cloth. Keep the motor ventilation slots and controls free of dust, and do not use water or chemical cleaners on the power tool itself.
For the collection bag, empty debris after use rather than storing leaves inside it. WORX instructs you to turn the bag inside out and shake out excess debris, then hand wash it in soapy water about once a year and let it air dry. Inspect the bag often for wear because damaged fabric can allow small debris to pass through.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Three functions in one machine reduce the need to store separate yard tools.
- 350 CFM airflow and up to 210 MPH give useful residential clearing power.
- 18:1 mulching with a two-stage metal impeller reduces leaf volume.
- Variable speed control improves precision around tight or delicate areas.
- 9.3-pound machine weight is manageable for a multifunction corded tool.
Cons
- The cord limits range and can get in your way during larger cleanup jobs.
- Wet surfaces are not appropriate for use, so weather can delay cleanup.
- The collection bag and impeller need regular inspection and cleaning during heavy leaf season.
Is It Worth the Price?
The WG509 makes the most financial sense when you would otherwise buy or store more than one yard-cleanup tool. You get blower, vacuum, and mulching functions from one 12-amp corded machine, plus a metal impeller and collection bag. That puts it closer to a practical mid-range all-in-one purchase than a basic blower-only tool.
You get the most value if you regularly collect and reduce leaves, not just blow them to the edge of the yard. If you need cordless mobility across a large property, however, spending more on a battery system may fit your workflow better even if the WG509 offers more functions for the money.
How It Compares to Alternatives
Within WORX’s corded lineup, the WG512 favors higher air volume at 600 CFM but lower 70 MPH air speed and a 16:1 mulching ratio. The WG505 is closer to the WG509 at 350 CFM and up to 210 MPH, but WORX lists the WG505 with a 16:1 mulch ratio and a 9.5-pound machine weight.
The WG509 makes the most sense when you want the 350 CFM and 210 MPH combination plus the higher 18:1 mulching ratio. If maximum CFM matters more than higher air speed or mulching reduction, the WG512 is the more obvious WORX model to compare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the WORX WG509 handle wet leaves?
Do not use the WG509 on wet surfaces or expose it to rain. For safer operation and better airflow, wait until the work area and leaves are dry enough for normal outdoor cleanup.
What extension cord should you use with the WG509?
Use a polarized, outdoor-rated extension cord in good condition. The manual lists minimum sizes of 18 AWG at 25 ft, 16 AWG at 50 ft, 14 AWG at 100 ft, and 12 AWG at 150 ft for a 10 to 12 amp load, and it says not to exceed 150 ft.
Is the collection bag reusable and washable?
Yes. Empty it after use, turn it inside out, and shake out excess debris. WORX also instructs you to hand wash the bag in soapy water about once a year and allow it to air dry.
How do you switch from blower to vacuum mode?
Use the blower/vacuum selector lever to choose the operating mode. You do not need a separate power unit, but the tube and collection system must be correctly installed before operation.
How close should the vacuum tube be to the leaves?
Keep the vacuum tube about 1 inch above the debris. Forcing the tube into a pile can clog or damage the metal impeller and blade.
How noisy is the WORX WG509?
A verified decibel rating is not listed in the product information used for this review. The manual advises ear protection, so treat it like other powered yard equipment and protect your hearing during use.
What should you avoid vacuuming?
Avoid rocks, nails, wire, staples, and other sharp or hard objects. These can damage the impeller or pass through a worn collection bag and create an injury risk.
Who should skip the WORX WG509?
Skip it if you need cordless mobility, regularly clean very large properties far from outlets, or expect to work in wet conditions. It is better suited to residential dry-leaf cleanup where a corded 3-in-1 design is practical.
The Bottom Line
The WORX WG509 is a strong choice if you want one corded tool that can blow, vacuum, and mulch dry yard debris with 350 CFM airflow, up to 210 MPH air speed, and an 18:1 mulch ratio. Its main limitation is cord management, so buyers who need unrestricted range or wet-weather use should choose a different setup. For a small to medium yard with accessible power, the WG509 earns its recommended-with-caveats verdict.
