I considered a Cyclone and DR, but finally determined that I needed the maneuverability of the Kubota bagger with my BX22 /54" deck. I have a lot of trees and other landscape features. If I had more of an open field, something like the Cyclone would have been great. The problem with using the Kubota bagger for leaves is how quickly the 3 bags fill. But I found a solution of sorts. I bought a terrific Stihl backpack blower that enables me to quickly move massive amounts of leaves off the lawn (my property is surrounded by woods), then I do the final cleanup with the Kubota.
I had a Simplicity with a pto setup that was belt operated and nothing ever went wrong with it except it didn't have enough suction. Followed that up with a TracVac with a 5hp and a 6" hose flowing into a trailer. Biggest problem with that one was the 6" hose clogged too much. Now have a 50" mower with a Commander Cyclone Rake that has an 8" / 6.5 hp set up and it really sucks. The 8" hose is a huge assist over the 6" and having an independent 6.5 hp engine really creates a lot more vacuum than anything I've had over the years. My neighbor has a 3 bagger on the back of his Gravely that I envy in the summer because it is so convenient for summertime mowing, but it doesn't compare to the Commander when the leaves start to fall. I also have a blower to blow the leaves away from the tree trunks before I start mowing so that cuts down on the banging that would otherwise happen.
I am a fan of having the largest hose you can get with an independent engine. It all comes down to the amount you want to spend - time using the equipment and money, the room you have for storage and how much maintence you will perform. Compromises have to be made on everything
