I have tried using my sweeper in the spring to clean the remnants of mowed leaves and de-thatch in the spring. It can only be loaded up with so much material before the leaves are just pulled back over behind the broom. The leaves get somewhat mulched by the process and you pick up a lot of thatch as well. It didn't work well enough to really recommend it as the best way to remove leaves, except off of pavement.
Too mcuh pressure can rip up tender grass, especially in the shady areas. Healthy, sturdy turf generally fared well with the sweeper.
I wish I had a good vac system instead, but the sweeper came with the tractor when I bought it used. The sweeper is one of my least-used attachments.
- Rick