Lawn Sweeper: The Best Way to Keep Your Yard Clean

A young man is going to mow the lawn, he starts a push lawn mower. A guy in casual yellow t-shirt and in sunglasses

If you're like most people, then you probably dread cleaning up your yard. It can be a lot of work! But what if you could keep your yard clean quickly and easily? There is a lawn sweeper, believe it or not. A lawn sweeper is a terrific method to clean up your yard fast and efficiently without all the effort. The advantages of utilizing a lawn sweeper will be discussed in this blog post and how it may make your life easier!

It's a hassle to rake leaves, pick up yard waste, and keep your lawn looking nice. It is not only difficult on your back and joints, but the tasks also appear to be never-ending. However, there is an easier method! The right lawn sweeper can assist you in completing the task swiftly and easily.

Contents

What is a Lawn Sweeper?

This machine is good for sweeping up leaves, acorns, grass clippings, and other debris.

Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper

A tow-behind lawn sweeper is a machine that you can use to clean your yard. A lawn tractor or a riding mower pulls it.

Push Lawn Sweeper

A push lawn sweeper is a tool that you use to clean your lawn by pushing it. It is good for people who have small lawns or like doing yard work as a form of exercise.

A lawn sweeper has a rotating brush that picks up leaves and other debris from the lawn. The debris is collected in a bag, which you can then empty into a lawn bag or compost pile.

Is a Lawn Sweeper Worth It?

A lawn sweeper is a fantastic option if you have a large yard and don't want to spend time cleaning it. It can save you hours, and you won't have to use as much energy.

A lawn sweeper can help you manage different types of debris, such as leaves, pine needles, pine cones, acorns, and twigs. Keep in mind that it might not pick up bigger sticks and branches. But it can help you clear out dust and dirt from your patio, walkway, or driveway.

People who have lawn sweepers say they now enjoy cleaning their lawns. They used to not like doing this job, but now they feel better after getting a lawn sweeper.

Consider These Factors Before Buying a Lawn Sweeper

Lawn sweepers can be found at Lowe's, The Home Depot, Tractor Supply, and Menards, among other home improvement stores. You can also find them online. Some stores let you rent them to try them out before you buy.

Gardener by electric lawn mower cutting green grass in the garden. Garden meadow lawn cutting. Worker guy trimmed grass field. Backyard care concept

What Is the Best Lawn Sweeper?

Tow-behind lawn sweepers generally cost between $300 and $400. The Agri-Fab 44-inch lawn sweeper is one of Amazon's best-selling models.

Some people in Amazon said that they have two big pin oaks and maple. The tree acorns can be a pain to collect, but this sweeper grabs them up and the little spinners from the maple. It also handles long pine needles.

Handsome man dressed in lawn mowing outfit with a lawn mower

Best Lawn Sweeper for Acorns

The ideal lawn sweeper for you will be determined by the size of your lawn and the number of acorns you have to clear up each year. This professional-grade Ohio Steel 50SWP26 Pro Sweeper will pick up acorns fast and efficiently time after time if you have a large lawn. This Garden Weasel Nut Gatherer is the finest lawn sweeper for acorns in small yards.

Best Lawn Sweeper for Leaves

The Brinly STS-427LXH lawn sweeper is a great way to clean up leaves. It has six high-velocity brushes that can quickly pick up many leaves. This lawn sweeper is also good for picking up pine needles and old grass clippings.

Best Lawn Sweeper for Sticks and Twigs

Before using a lawn sweeper, make sure you pick up heavy branches and pebbles by hand. The Agri-Fab lawn sweeper is good for small sticks and twigs, as well as other lawn debris. One of its best qualities is that it can be folded up without using any equipment for easy storage.

Reasons to Use a Lawn Sweeper

Having a lawn sweeper (leaf sweeper) in your yard care kit will save you a lot of time when it comes to cleanup. Beyond just raking or blowing debris across the grass, it can also provide a high level of detail. A lawn sweeper will help with the following lawn debris:

  • Grass clippings It can be a tremendous nuisance to collect. Even if grass clippings are raked into small mounds all over the lawn, the process of scooping them up and putting them in a bag is inherently messy. A yard sweeper eliminates the need for raking. The clippings will be collected by the sweeper and dumped in the hopper.
  • Acorns It's difficult to collect, and it's easy to injure yourself if you fall on it. A rake will take longer and be more dangerous while dealing with acorns than a lawn sweeper.
  • When pine needles thick blanket on the lawn can harm grass and detract from landscaping as they build up. To keep a pine thatch to a minimum, it may be necessary to drag a lawn sweeper over a blanket of needles multiple times.
  • Pine cones can deface the appearance of a lawn and create tripping hazards. The rakes and leaf blowers have a hard time getting through them, too. Lawn sweepers can assist get rid of these large pieces of heavy debris, but it may take a few passes for them to be completely removed.

Best Lawn Sweepers Buying Guide

A perfectly maintained clean and green garden will definitely enhance the beauty of your home. Although it is a difficult task, you can achieve it with the help of various garden tools. We discuss a lawn sweeper, a helpful hand weapon to easily remove debris like grass clippings, fallen leaves, twigs, pine needles, and other waste without damaging the lawn.

This lawn sweeper works well to save your time, energy, and money when maintaining the yard to look clean, safe, and attractive. But before purchasing this lawn sweeper for your lawn, you have to keep 3 main factors in your mind to grab the best one.

Sweeping Width – The wider the sweeping path of the lawn sweeper, the more area can be covered in one pass. So, choose the sweeper with a wider path.

Size of the Lawn – The size of the lawn will definitely decide the type of sweeper for proper maintenance of your lawn. Push along lawn sweepers are good to use for lawns up to 2000 square feet, whereas the tow behind lawn tractor attachment works well for larger lawn areas.

Hopper Bag Size – Hoppers collect the leaves as they are swept up. You have to empty the grass or debris collecting bag every time the bag fills. So, choose the large bag to lessen the time spent disposing of the debris.

Thinking too much about which one to buy (manual or tow behind), what features they offer, and which one suits your needs or requirements? Stop overthinking; we provide you with a "Buying Guide" (explaining everything about lawn sweepers). Some best products minimize your shopping time choosing to buy the best one.

Best Lawn Sweepers Reviews

1. Agri-Fab 44-in Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper

Agri-Fab 44-in Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper

Agri-top-of-the-line Fab's model swiftly and efficiently cleans up lawns. This sweeper has a brush-to-wheel ratio of 5.6:1, which means the brushes rotate more quickly and have more bristles working on the grass than other versions. In addition, it has a large 25 cubic feet of hopper capacity, which can be emptied by a lever from the tractor seat. Even with the hopper half-full, the 22-horsepower riding lawn mower struggled uphill with damp grass clippings in our tests. On the other hand, the high capacity was ideal for the hefty yet light-dried leaves.

In addition, the trailer tongue may be shifted to alter the sweeper's path. This is a wonderful feature. This option allows you to mow and sweep simultaneously by putting the sweeper off-center. If you're comparing this model to others, keep in mind that its rubber tires aren't as durable because they're either semi pneumatic tires or entirely pneumatic.

Product Specs

Sweeper type: Tow-behind
Brush size: 44 inches
Hopper size: 25 cubic feet

Pros

Straight or offset attachment

Steel dump rod and brush height pin

Large hopper capacity

High-speed brush

Cons

Assembly instructions are not clear

Full weight may be too heavy

Tight hopper bag, difficult to attach

2. Agri-Fab 45-0218 26-Inch Push Lawn Sweeper

Agri-Fab 45-0218 26-Inch Push Lawn Sweeper

Agri-larger Fab's tow-behind lawn sweepers are distilled into a compact, lightweight push model with all the cleaning power. The adjustable-height brush makes it simple to stay within the grass's top half-inch. All kinds of organic material, including pine cones, may be picked up thanks to a brush-to-wheel ratio of 4.5:1. There's ample room in the 7-cubic-foot hopper to efficiently gather up either shredded or unshredded leaves. We found that when the sweeper is half-full of wet grass clippings, it becomes too heavy to comfortably push uphill. Stores flat and is light enough to mount on the wall with its handle.

The hopper may be easily emptied by just tipping it over. Still, customers who intend to bag their yard detritus may be annoyed by the cumbersome operation. Getting from hopper to bag is difficult. Hand-loading leaves into the waste bag is required after the hopper is empty. Aside from the fact that this machine is quieter than blowing and easier to use than raking, it is the same for filling bags with all three methods of collecting debris:

Product Specs

Sweeper Type: Push
Brush size: 26 inches
Hopper size: 7 cubic feet

Pros

It is only 25 pounds in weight!

Brushes and wheels have the same ratio in towed models.

Hanging and flat storage options are available.

Cons

Pushing a hefty object can become difficult.

Transferring waste from the hopper to the disposal bag is a pain.

The hopper cover has a fragile feel to it.

3. Ohio Steel 50 in. Lawn Sweeper

Ohio Steel 50 in. Lawn Sweeper

Suppose you want a high-quality sweeper with plenty of functions and adjustments. In that case, the Ohio Steel 50-inch sweeper is a great option. This device can efficiently remove dirt and debris using a unique spiral brush. Because of the sweeper's robust brush-to-wheel ratio of 4.5:1 and its 11-inch brushes, the 26-cubic-foot hopper doesn't become clogged up as easily.

This sweeper performed well when sweeping acorns, pine cones, and other heavy and dense trash. Its intricate hitch assembly was also the most difficult device to put together. It was a top performer in the field, with a lot of cleaning power and room for storage.

Brush height can be easily adjusted thanks to the brush's rubber tires, which allow it to keep its grip and pace. The user can lower the deck to remove pine needles and light grass clippings. To prevent the machine from becoming clogged and jammed, raise the deck with thick leaf heaps and long grass clippings. Customers should be aware that installing the tension rods that keep the hopper open can be dangerous, so proceed with caution and be patient.

Product Specs

Sweeper type: Tow-behind
Brush size: 50 inches
Hopper size: 26 cubic feet

Pros

The spiral brush design is efficient.

The design of a bagger makes it easy to maneuver.

Volume and route are the most expansive.

Cons

The construction of the hitch can be a bit tricky.

Large hoppers are more difficult to transport because of their weight.

The hitch cannot be used to independently modify the height of the wheels.

4. Agri-Fab 45-0320 42-Inch Tow Lawn Sweeper

Agri-Fab 45-0320 42-Inch Tow Lawn Sweeper

Agri-42-inch Fab's lawn sweeper is a good option for anyone seeking a low-cost addition to their lawn care equipment. When it comes to cleaning smaller homes, its sweep path makes light work. The Agri-brush-to-wheel Fab'sFab ratio is 4.5:1, allowing it to easily pick up grass debris. This sweeper left behind more acorns and heavier debris than any of the others we tested. However, the total amount was still lower than before the sweep.

Those who have trouble backing up a trailer can use the dumping line to empty the hopper without getting off the tractor seat. However, the hopper is still small enough to be maneuvered by hand. After dumping the 12-cubic-foot hopper at least a few times, the majority of consumers will have to restart the process. Even with a heavy load of wet grass clippings, our 22-horsepower riding mower didn't have a problem handling it. In addition, this unit made it easier to maneuver through tighter plantings than the larger ones.

Product Specs

Sweeper type: Tow-behind
Brush size: 42 inches
Hopper size: 12 cubic feet

Pros

Unlikely to become overweight

Lightweight materials, easy to tow

Volume and route are the most expansive.

Narrow-body for easier access

Cons

Increasing the number of excursions to the garbage

The hopper is emptied using a thin rope.

Missed out on picking up acorns.

Focus on a young woman who lays on the lawn and enjoys a good bo

The Advantages of Owning a Lawn Sweeper

Having a lawn sweeper is a great way to speed up yard maintenance and give your grass a clean appearance that you can be proud of. In some cases, removing yard waste and keeping the grass trimmed are beneficial.

When mowed infrequently, grass clippings can be a good source of fertilizer, but larger clippings can smother the lawn. A lawn sweeper can quickly remove clippings from the ground so that the grass beneath can receive the necessary air and light. The same holds true for falling leaves, which can destroy the grass if they pile up on top of it.

The cost of hiring a professional to clean up after a storm is high. If you have a lawn sweeper of your own, you can clean up your yard whenever it suits you, and you can even do multiple minor sweeps throughout the fall to stay on top of the leaves.

  • Leaf and trimmings might suffocate the grass.
  • You'll save money by not hiring a professional.
  • When the leaves start to fall, breaking the cleanup into smaller tasks is easier.

Tips on Using a Lawn Sweeper

Here are some helpful hints for getting the most out of your lawn sweeper:

  • Wait for the lawn to dry. Grass, pine needles, and other small debris will be much easier for a lawn sweeper to gather up if they are dried out first.
  • Find the best speed. The sweeper's performance will be affected if the tow vehicle's speed changes. Sweepers have driving wheels, but running too fast or too slow won't improve their efficiency. Try several speeds until you find what works best for your lawn.
  • Sweep the lawn regularly. Simple to use, lawn sweepers should be used as soon as grass clippings and other lawn trash accumulate. Debris management will be easier if you use the machine after every mowing or every week in the fall,
Playful man jumping while cutting grass with gasoline lawn mower, enjoying gardening process on the backyard

Lawn Sweeper Maintenance Checklist

Even a low-cost lawn sweeper is a long-term investment, so it's important to take good care of it. This checklist can be of assistance.

  • Empty the bag after every use. Mold can grow in the hopper if the grass clippings are left in there for too long. Remove any grass clumps from the metal components after you've dumped them.
  • Lubricate the drive wheel and sweeper. A buildup of dust, filth, and grime in the sweeper's drive wheel and other parts can lead to corrosion and rust. Spray lubricant like WD-40 can help keep those parts operating freely and smoothly. Spraying once a season should suffice, but if the unit begins to squeak or feel rough, it should be sprayed immediately.
  • Check the chute for debris. Pine sap and other sticky substances can cause trash to build up in the chute. Rust, obstruction of flow, and other problems can result from debris collecting moisture. To keep it as smooth as possible, wash and wax the chute after making sure it's clean and free of debris.

How We Tested the Best Lawn Sweeper

The sweepers were ordered online and assembled using the manufacturer's instructions to begin testing. We let a portion of the lawn grow out a little longer than usual to test each unit's capacity.

Before mowing, we removed larger sticks and foreign objects from the lawn and tidied up after our dogs as usual. The test was given an unanticipated real-life twist when the clippings were soaked after mowing in a rain shower. Next, our sweepers picked up the wet lawn clippings and other late-summer detritus, including some patches of fallen leaves, pine cones, and acorns.

This included brush heights (all models advise the operator to keep brush tips within half an inch of grass). Sweeping speeds, agility around tight corners and up and down hills, as well as dumping abilities.

Man pushing lawn mower. Lawn care background, place for text

Benefits of Using a Lawn Sweeper

Here is a summary of the reasons why you should use a lawn sweeper instead of a rake or lawn mower bagger to clean your grass.

  • It saves time and energy by cleaning the bigger lawn rather than using a mower bagger or rake.
  • It effectively deals with various debris throughout the year by simply picking up all kinds of debris (like grass clippings, twigs, pine cones, fallen leaves, pine needles) more easily than a mower bagger or rake.
  • Although the standard blades of the grass bagger or rake may damage the grass, the soft brushes of the lawn sweeper. Don't negatively affect the grass (removes debris without damaging the lawn grass).
  • It performs better than a mower bagger or leaf blower in collecting the debris in your garden and performs its operation relatively quiet compared with them.
  • In case there is a strong need to clean wet grass. Also, prefer using a lawn sweeper (deals with wet grass) rather than a bagger because the bagger tends to get clogged easily.
  • The piles of rotting leaves and debris on the lawn will make home to various bacteria, viruses, and other nasty stuff. And they may affect your kids or pets playing around the lawn. A lawn sweeper will keep the diseases at bay by effectively cleaning and polishing the lawn.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lawn Sweeper