Ryobi RBV3000VP Electric Vacuum Leaf Blower

This was my second, had it for 3 years before it gave up. It could be repaired, but that takes weeks. The problem is the nozzle. It will not work until fully extended and it easily switches itself off from contact with the ground. It then needs lifting, the tricky switch held in (often stuck and temperamental) and then forcefully pulling out again. I am looking for a replacement but will only buy a non-extendable nozzle.

Dr MartinHaworth, London

I found no reivews for this machine at the Review Centre. I bought it because it is rare among electric vacumm/blowers in having a metal --not plastic-- impeller, a very extendable nozzle (its user is 6ft 4ins) and a variable speed. It would not work. It would start reluctantly after many attempts and then at once turn itself off and refuse to start again for about 10 minutes. The nozzle was fully extended (failure to extend it can cause this problem.) The machine went straight back. The innocent and helpful retailer (IronmongeryOnline, via Amazon) had it collected free of charge and made a refund--but the hassle was huge. Don't buy Ryobi . . .