Listen to Papa ! - Kris

I have a mackissic 12pt10 and it is outstanding. The only thing it will not do (I think) is to pick up leaves with a hose. I have to pick mine up and dump them in the hopper. It will easily cut up to 3" branches and it does them fast.

bcliver,

I have the MacKissic 12PT9 (the predecessor to dmullen's 12PT10) and, like he said, it's great at shredding and chipping, but I have to sweep up and carry the leaves and pour them into the shredder chute. Since most of my leaves are in a wooded area with uneven terrain, slopes, boulders, stumps, and lots of tree trunks, I couldn't get a machine in there very conveniently. I have a couple of big plastic tubs that I use to transport the leaves to my "Mighty Mac". I can drag them with a rope or carry them, whichever is more convenient in a particular terrain.

For your purposes, you might want to take a look at the MacKissic Leaf Cycler. It can vacuum leaves and chip limbs.

The Mighty Mac VCB 258 vacuum-chipper-bagger is another candidate for your application.

I don't own either of those machines, so I can't testify to any hands-on experience with them. If you have a local MacKissic dealer, they might be able to help you with your selection. I have ordered Merry Tiller tines through West Power Tools and I was pleased with their free shipping service. Apparently my tiller tines were drop-shipped directly from MacKissic to me, but I saved some money by purchasing through West Power Tools.

MM

Check out the chippers from Patriot Products, inc. They make compact gas and electric chippers with a leaf sucking hose accessory and I believe they're made in USA.
I purchased one about 7 years ago. I bought the commercial 10hp gas version. It is compact and takes up little room. It's powerfull enough for all my needs. I can move it by hand without a trailer. It has given me no problems. I did buy the leaf hose but have not used it very much to give an honest report.