Handheld power broom on an Echo or Stihl weed eater stick. FORGET 'rack', rake or shovel.
ALL NorthEastern yard guys use the handheld power brooms to remove gravel, rocks, sand from winter snowplowing from lawns. And on everything except standing water lawns the hand held units won't rip up the lawn at all. Regular rakes are much rougher on the grass than any power broom. I've used one on my lawns every year for the last 20 or so, and virtually no damage. I usually turn the unit over and run it so it's pulling the stones toward me and then walk backwards to bring the gravel/debris to the driveway edge. I find it easier than trying to push the stones forward. Much less stress on the back.
Note: it's called a power broom , but in fact it's actually a power paddle wheel, with rubber flaps where bristles would otherwise go on a power broom type tool. BUT one can buy a power broom head as well, with actual stiff nylon bristles, for maybe using on sidewalks or similar. All I know is my paddle wheel power 'broom' shows no wear from being used Spring/Fall for about 20 years or thereabout.
On a tractor, a power brush/broom would also work, but it might be harder to keep from damaging a wet lawn due to the tractor's tires/weight of the tractor, etc. But, if one could rent one and use it judiciously, then it could work as well as a handheld one. JMHO on the tractor based unit; haven't ever tried that particular tool, but I bet it's not cheap to rent or own.
