Mike - from what you have described, I don't think you will be happy with the performance of a lawn vacuum either. These are very effective at cleaning up leaves and debris on the surface or near the surface of your lawn, but are not very effective at cleaning deeply embedded debris. If you can get these embedded leaves up near the surface by raking them as you have described, then a lawn vacuum will be effective. But I don't think the lawn vacuum will suck these leaves up if they are deep in your grass. I would not recommend this electric lawn vacuum model or any of the non-powered tow behind models. For what you are describing, you will need one of the 4-cycle gas models, as the 4-cycle gas engines will help create greater suction for cleaning your lawn.

This unit is a good unit for being electric. The vacuum power on this is solid. In some cases it can depend on what you are comparing as well. In the case of just picking up leaves, this would be more than fine. The unit does have its limitations when it comes to picking up sticks and other items on the ground other than leaves.

The one issue that can sometimes be a problem is the cord, but if the yard is not too big, then it should not be a big deal.

Overall, when looking at the warranty on these units and the quality behind all their other products as well as this, you should be fine with this vacuum.

Thanks,

Mowers Direct