I purchased a billy goat with honda engine this spring...has optional hose and chipper for small branches (1"). I find it has come in quite handy and works very well. It is also self-propelled, but goes pretty slow as there is only one speed. So, I push it around until it starts to fill up, then use the self propelled feature. If leaves are heavy the bag does fill up fast, and I find I spend more time emptying the bag than vacuuming. However, for large jobs, cleaning up along curbs at subdivision entryways quite useful. As somone else commented, for smaller jobs it may be just as easy and quick to blow and rake. Cost new was $1,800.