I have a leaf collector by "Yardworks" that looks exactly the same (sans engine). I bought it because it does a good job and it matches my Cub Cadet equipment. You did a great job adding the engine to yours! Very nice!!
If you cut up your leaves first and blow them into windrows the width of the sweeper, it would reduce the bulk in the hopper. Might have to go over them a time or two for best results. The sweeper with the engine should work very well because you can go a little slower with the brush spinning fast for more effective leaf pick up. Some of my yard in the back is bumpy. I don't like having to go faster to get the sweeper brush spinning fast enough to pick up effectively. So, I think you have a good set up with the addition of the engine.
I have a Cub Cadet/Agri-fab leaf vacuum that I also use. It works much better than the sweeper but it is more work to empty when full, so it's a trade off. I like that I can go a little slower with the vacuum for the most effective leaf pick up.
