The dust is not going to hurt much it is the leaf pieces that are going to clog things. might do more harm than good if a "screen" clogs
Today we use rotary screens on combines to throw off the accumulating debris.
I'd just try to blow them out more often with the air hose.
On the "gators" take them off and use your cutoff wheel to sharpen the "tips"
or fingers if you prefer to call them, it will make a big difference in their ability to break up the leaves.
Try to mulch several times during their "fall" rather than only once @ the end of leaf fall.
Maybe time it if possible, when they are dry, as they just disappear into the ground.
I run the deck a little higher, and in the really thick fall of leaves, I go over them 2x in circles under the trees, works for me.
