They do pretty good but you probably need short cut grass for the items you describe, especially gumballs.

Short grass is OK. I currently use the leaf blower and the grass must be short for the same reasons

Had one, gave to my brother to use for pine needles. I wasn't impressed with them. Seemed like you really have to be moving along to get it to load the hopper. I went with a bagging deck and big bagger. Check CL, there's usually a few on there which may be a message.

I had pretty much the same experience as exmar. Couldn't get the sweeper to load more than about 1/4 full. Switched to bagging system for the lawn tractor and it does a good job on the leaves.