Pull behind rake hopper thingy performance

[stick]

My brother was asking if I knew anything about the tow-behind, non-motorized, yard rake hoppers and if they worked. I do not have any experience with these, so I thought I'd go to the place that gets answers. Can anyone chime in with their knowledge on these units and if they work (primarily for leaves)?

Thanks in advance.

[MuleShack]

I think I would invest in a good bagging system before one of those.

Either that or look into that one on the infomercial that has a motor attached to it for suction.

I dont think much of the sweepers.

[Eric Wettschreck]

I've only used one twice.....sucked both times.

[stick]

Thanks guys...appreciate the feedback and the avoidance of wasting cash.

[311Hemi]

I bought an older john deere one last fall, sold it a couple days after I bought it. It was worthless IMO. As others have said get a bagging system.

[jtroop]

I agree it doesn't work very well as intended. Instead, now, I hand rake in to rows then run over the row with the sweeper. I keep a rope attached to the bin so I can dump it without leaving the tractor seat. Seems to speed things up when I'm working solo.

[stick]

jtroop, it looks like we frequent the same area up north. This application is for a cabin in the Grand Rapids area. Small world.

[Ryan_V]

I'm going the other way...while agree they don't work as well as a bagging system for a mower, I have a sweeper, and if set and used properly, it works excellently, barely leaves anything behind. the worse part is dumping it, and then deciding what to do with it. I just back mine into my woods, but i live in the country so I don't have to bag up the clippings/leaves and bring them anywhere.