I do most (all!) the raking up of leaves and a few years ago Mr T bought a leaf blower which he used once or twice. It was too heavy and awkward for me to use, a wire rake works just fine and I pace myself now, not doing too much at once so continued to use that. The leaf blower languished in the garage taking up space and when he got it out last autumn, just to do the drive way it had a big hole in the bag where the mice had made their home so it had to be thrown away, thankfully . I think they really are a waste of time as whenever I see a council chap using them all that seems to happen is the leaves are spread over a wider area.