Paul,
I'm having a bit of trouble understanding your reluctance to mulch the leaves into powder. If you go over them several times in several different directions with just your mower running to top speed, you can grind them into very fine particles. I have several neighbors that do this and they don't have any trouble with the fine particles killing the grass.
This is, by far, the least expensive solution. Given the large volumes of leaves you have, tow-behind sweepers and most tractor-mounted vacuum systems will run you ragged hauling them to the dump pile. Larger powered units such as Trac-Vac, Bluebird, Cyclone Rake, and maybe the new DR commercial duty vac are more in line with what you need to vacuum. These will cost somewhat above $2000 at least.
I suggest you start a savings account to be able to get one next year. For now, just buy some extra cans of Diesel fuel and mow, remow, remow, remow, etc. until there are only sawdust sized particles.
Good Luck.
JackIL
I'm having a bit of trouble understanding your reluctance to mulch the leaves into powder. If you go over them several times in several different directions with just your mower running to top speed, you can grind them into very fine particles. I have several neighbors that do this and they don't have any trouble with the fine particles killing the grass.
This is, by far, the least expensive solution. Given the large volumes of leaves you have, tow-behind sweepers and most tractor-mounted vacuum systems will run you ragged hauling them to the dump pile. Larger powered units such as Trac-Vac, Bluebird, Cyclone Rake, and maybe the new DR commercial duty vac are more in line with what you need to vacuum. These will cost somewhat above $2000 at least.
I suggest you start a savings account to be able to get one next year. For now, just buy some extra cans of Diesel fuel and mow, remow, remow, remow, etc. until there are only sawdust sized particles.
Good Luck.
JackIL