Last Updated on June 9, 2023 by Georgie Smith
To most gardeners, sweeping leaves from a yard is among the hardest tasks mainly when done manually. Moreover, for a long, people have opted to hire professionals for cleanup tasks. That might sound awesome at first glance, but leaves will continue falling, and you will need to hire them regularly, which will add up. For that reason, you might need to purchase one of the best lawn sweepers mentioned in this article.
You can use a lawn sweeper at any time of the year to clean and collect debris from your yard, but they work best when the grass is dry. They comb through grass and collect trash, such as leaves and pinecones, using brushes linked to a rotating shaft. They then transfer the debris into a collection bag or hopper, which you can empty when full.
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Why Use A Sweeper?
A lawn sweeper is a multipurpose tool that will save you money in the long term. Apart from collecting leaves, a lawn sweeper will help you manage pines, sticks, twigs, and other debris in your yard. They save much time, and you will not need to rake up leaves anymore.
Another great benefit of lawn sweepers is that they gather all plant matters in a designated place. After the items are in one particular area, you will have an easier time composting. That reduces most of the gardening hassles.
Top 6 Best Lawn Sweepers for Pine Needles & Grass Clippings:
To select the best lawn sweeper on the market today, you should know the various types and the features you need. The following are the top lawn sweepers in the market.
| Picture | Product Name | Features |
|---|---|---|
 | – 44-Inch – Easy-to-adjust brushes – Tough & durable brushes | – 44-Inch – Easy to adjust brushes – Tough & durable brushes |
 | Brinly STS-427LXH | – Upright Storage – Easy Height Adjustment – Large Capacity Hamper |
 | Ohio Steel 42SWP22 | – 42 inch – Easy to use – Made in USA |
 | Agri-Fab 45-0320 | – Versatile & Durable – Easy to adjust – 3 Year Warranty |
 | Ohio Steel 50SWP26 | – Easy o handle – Made in USA – The offloading process is easy |
John Deere 42 in | – 50 in. W x 53 in. D x 28 in. H – Has a capacious hopper |
Agri-Fab 45-0492 Lawn Sweeper
The Agri-Fab 45-0492 is one of the top tow-behind lawn sweepers that feature an adjustable hitch to allow attachment to lawn tractors. The product features a 25 cubic foot hopper that you can lift and empty from your tractor without getting down. The debris-sweeping machine also boasts a pull button height adjustor for the brush that allows setting the sweeper at the most appropriate height.
Apart from picking up leaves from your lawn, you can also set the machine to cut and clean the yard at the same time. The product comes with strong brushes that collect heavy debris like grass clippings and pinecones. To make mowing and sweeping at the same time possible, the manufacturer fits the machine with a patented offset hitch. The assembly part is easy – it involves only two bolts and nuts.
If you would also want to dethatch, you can include the Agri-Fab de-thatcher, which clears dead organic matters that settle during winter. For better storage, collapse and fold the machine. The product has many benefits over others.
Pros
- Large hopper
- Has a dethatcher option
- It mows and sweeps
- Has an adjustable hitch
- The disposal of debris is effortless
Cons
- The plastic wheels and gear are not the best
- The instructions are poor
Agri-Fab 45-0492 Lawn Sweeper is among the highest-rated products on Amazon. Even though its price is slightly higher, everyone will tell you that quality things are likely to cost you more. It is a good option for individuals with large lawns.
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Brinly STS-42BHDK-A 20 Cubic Feet Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper
The Brinly STS-42BHDK-A showcases adjustable hitches that you can attach to your lawn tractor. The model provides a 42-inch wide sweep and a 20-cubic foot hopper. The features make the product ideal for every type of grass, pine needles, and leaves.
You can empty the hopper into your bin while still on your tractor – you do not need to get off your it for emptying. All you need to do is to pull the product’s t-handle pull rope.
The twist-lock height adjustment feature makes brush adjustment easier. The manufacturer uses durable, long-lasting poly-weave fabric to create the hopper, which is large enough to hold lots of debris. For better storage, the product collapses into an upright position. After purchase, you will benefit from the 2-year warranty.
Pros
- Has adjustable hitches
- Offers a wider sweep
- Boasts a larger hopper
- For storage, you will require minimal space
- Has higher velocity brushes
- The unloading part is easy
Cons
- The use instructions are not clear
Most products are likely to fail from time to time, but the Brinly STS-42BHDK-A 20 Cubic Foot Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper always provides excellent results. If you are undecided on the sweeper to purchase, you might need to consider this product.
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Ohio Steel 42SWP22 Sweeper Spiral Brush
Ohio Steel has been producing lawn maintenance equipment for a period exceeding 50 years. If you have a large lawn to maintain, the Ohio Steel 42SWP22 is a reasonable consideration. Ohio Steel 42SWP22 is a professional-grade sweeper that features a sizeable heavy-duty hopper. With the 22 cubic feet capacity and 42-inch sweeping width, you will cover a vast area within a short time.
The sweeper features a patented polypropylene spiral brush that is more efficient at lifting and removing debris from the lawn. With the tow-behind sweeper, you will empty the hopper while still on your seat from a lawn tractor.
The machine has a 5-position hitch attachment that you can connect to any vehicle. It also sports a sealed roller bearing on the brush axle and for storage; you need to collapse it. Its height adjustment lever does not vibrate after locking into place.
Pros
- Features a large hopper
- Its height is adjustable
- The offloading task is easy
- Has sealed ball bearings
- Offers 42-inch wide sweep
- Easier to store
Cons
- The assembly part is complicated
If you have been thinking about which product to consider and the ones to leave, you may want to consider this product. The Ohio Steel 42SWP22 is easier to assemble and comes with proper use guidelines. It is also the best-rated.
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Agri-Fab 45-0320 42-Inch Tow Lawn Sweeper
You will need a tractor or vehicle to operate the Agri-Fab 45-030 Lawn Sweeper. The model comes with a 12 cubic foot hopper that you can empty out from your tractor without having to get out. The brush height is also adjustable. When the brush is worn-out, you can easily replace it.
The product is suitable for gardeners with large lawns – it picks up much debris with a single sweep. With the 42-inch width, the sweep is vast. The product also comes with semi-pneumonic tires that can ride over various terrains. The provided windscreen helps keep the debris and leaves in the hopper during windy conditions.
The manufacturer offers a hitch pin that you can hook onto any vehicle. The brush works in forwarding motion, and you will like the three years limited warranty.
Pros
- Has a 12-foot hopper
- Offers a 42-inch wide sweep
- The sweeping brush is adjustable
- The manufacturer provides pneumonic tires
- Has windscreen protection feature
Cons
- The product is bulky to store
The Agri-Fab 45-0218 offers many desirable features as a tow lawn sweeper. It is easier to clean, use and most importantly it comes at a lower price. Therefore, if you are one of the classy gardeners, it is the right machine to go for in 2019. (pdf file)
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Ohio Steel 50SWP26 Pro Sweeper
Within the years it has been in existence, Ohio Steel has released many quality lawn-care products. The Ohio Steel 50SWP26 is among the tow behind sweepers the company has produced. To use the product, you need to attach it to your lawn tractor. It is a professional model that will help you pick up debris from your large lawn.
The Ohio Steel 50SWP26 has a 26 cubic feet collecting bag, which you can empty by pulling a rope while still seated on your tractor. The extra wide chute does not clog up with moist grass cuttings.
With the 50-inch wide sweeps, you will clean your yard fast and efficiently. Moreover, the patented polypropylene spiral brush that the machine uses is adjustable – it features a 3-position non-slip height-adjusting lever that locks into place. You can remove the hopper at any time and dismantle the entire unit for better storage.
Pros
- It is large and durable
- Comes with a patented spiral brush
- Has a non-slip height-adjusting lever
- The offloading process is easy
- You can dismantle it for more accessible storage
Cons
- The rubber around its wheels is unstable
The 26 feet long product is made of steel. It is also among the most popular products that Ohio Steel has produced. Even more, most users reacted positively to the product on their reviews. The outcome is likely to solve most of your problems when it comes to leaves and other debris collection.
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John Deere 42 inch 24 cubic Ft. Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper
You will need a tractor or a vehicle to operate the John Deere 42-inch 24 cubic Ft. Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper. The product features a 6-adjustable brush design and offers a 42-inch wide sweep that makes pick up of all types of debris from your yard very efficient. You can empty the 24 cubic foot capacity hopper into a compost heap or bin with the pull cord while still seated on your tractor.
Even more, the product comes with a patented self-storing feature that allows the user to store the unit upright or hanging. The brush-to-ground contact prevents the sweeper from skipping debris and for maximum lifting and impact of waste, which ends up in the hopper. With the product, there will be no need of going through your lawn twice. You can buy a de-thatcher kit separately.
Pros
- Features a six-setting adjustable brush
- Offers 42 inches wide sweep
- Has a capacious hopper
- The process of dumping debris is easy
- You can store it upright after the day’s work
- Comes with one year warranty
Cons
- The packaging is not the best
The John Deere 42” Tow Behind Lawn Sweeper is among the products on Amazon with a higher user satisfaction rating. The sweeper can handle various lawn debris, including grass, leaves, and heavy materials like pine cones and sticks. It is suitable for individuals with larger lawns and lesser trees. It is foldable, a feature that makes storage easier.
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How to Choose the Right One?
A lawn sweeper will make your job easier. However, to get the best sweeper for your lawn, you should understand the features to help you decide. The sweeper’s width is the first thing to check. In fact, a broader sweeper will be more efficient and will help you complete your job in lesser time.
The other feature to consider is the product’s hitch. The hitch connects a sweeper to a tractor. Go for a model that allows height adjustments. The size you select will highly depend on the size of your yard or lawn. A lawn sweeper will save you money and precious time in the long term.
Types of Lawn Sweepers
Now, here are the various types of sweepers. By understanding the available models, you will quickly find the one that matches your needs.
Power sweepers
Power sweepers, also known as grass sweepers, are either gas or electric-powered and are suitable for individuals looking for an easier way to clean up their lawns. They mostly feature a shredding device, which reduces the volume of the debris and makes sweeping easier.
The models are easier to operate because they push themselves of your lawn at a speed that matches your walking. The manufacturers motorize their brushes and they, therefore, collect more debris than the common push sweepers. On the downside, the sweepers have a considerable weight that makes it hard to maneuver. They also emit vibrations, dust, and noise.
Push sweepers
Push sweepers are more like rotary mowers; they are light and easier to use. They do not produce any noise or noxious fumes because they do not feature engines. Even more, without an engine, you should not expect any problems. They are a good option for people who would like to complete small lots, once a week.
To maintain a push sweeper in the right shape, you just need to lubricate it regularly. Moreover, because manufacturers fit them with small baskets, they are suitable for small debris. For better results, avoid wet and heavy material clumps.
Tow-behind sweepers
Tow-behind sweepers are an excellent choice for people in need of a large capacity to hold leaves and debris and those who need to make their sweeping tasks more efficient. Because they are not hand-operated, the sweepers have a more significant capacity. Therefore, you will sweep large yards more efficiently and faster.
Push vs. Tow-behind Lawn Sweeper
| Push Lawn Sweeper | Tow-behind Lawn Sweeper |
|---|---|
| Manually operated | Do not require physical effort |
| Suitable for lighter debris and leaves coverage | Works well on inclines |
| Quiet and environmentally friendly | Works perfectly on tall grass |
| Cheaper to operate | Are not cheap |
How to Use a Lawn Sweeper
Before you start using your lawn sweeper, you have to ensure that the lawn is completely dry. That is because the machines pick up debris more efficiently on dry grasslands. You might be tempted to clean up your yard immediately after a storm, but that is not a good idea. Wait until the leaves and grass have dried completely. To spend the least time possible, you have to clean the yard regularly.
When using a lawn sweeper, avoid using very high speed. Lawn sweepers have various speed settings. The purpose of those settings is to assist you with handling several types of debris. Experiment with the product to get the speed that will work in your yard.
Although high speeds are essential at times, you should only use them on even grounds. To avoid damaging your machine and to increase its overall life, use it at lower speeds always.
Do Lawn Sweepers Pick up Pine Needles/Pine Cones/Sweet Gum Balls/Acorns/Walnuts?
Yes. Lawn sweepers can collect pine needles, grass, leaves, acorns, small sticks, and gumballs. Even though not every model can pick all the above items, you will have to check the manufacturer’s specifications to know whether the product you intend to buy will work in your yard.
As a rule of thumb, tow-behind sweepers collect a wider variety of debris than the available push sweepers. That is because they are heavy.
Leaves… to Sweep or Not to Sweep?
Similar to grass mowing, you should do lawn sweeping when the grass is dry – not when wet. Brushes are likely to get a better grip on the dry debris than the wet, slippery or soggy ones. When the grass is short, the sweeper’s brushes pick the leaves easily, because they do not fight against long grasses.
Short grass means that the debris will stick out more and the machine will sweep them away in a better way. In other words, you should mow your lawn regularly if your goal is to collect the maximum amount of debris.
Lawn Sweeper for sale Near me
FAQs:
Q: Will a lawn sweeper save me time in the yard?
A: Yes. Most users report that they spend lesser time in their yard when working with a sweeper. If you have been spending one hour in your yard, you should expect to spend 10 minutes when working with a sweeper. Lawn sweepers are more beneficial than rakes.
Q: How much do I need to buy a lawn sweeper?
A: Generally, the price of push lawn sweepers ranges from $50 to $150. On the other hand, the cost of tow-behind sweepers ranges from $200 to $500. The cost highly depends on the brand, size, and retailer.
Q: Are lawn sweepers good for my back?
A: Yes. With a push or a tow-behind lawn sweeper, you will not need to bend when gathering debris or leaves on your lawn. The product will take lots of pressure from your back.
Q: Do I need a lawn tractor to operate a sweeper?
A: After buying a push lawn sweeper, you will not need any pulling vehicle or tractor. The machines are manually operated. However, the push version is not suitable for people who want to maintain large lawns in the right shape.
To use a tow-behind lawn sweeper, you will need a tractor or vehicle to pull the sweeper with you. Most people go for lawn tractors or ride lawnmowers. Therefore, if you do not have any, budget for one.
Q: Will a tow-behind lawn sweeper work with any tractor or riding lawn mower?
A: Even though tow-behind lawn sweepers feature hitches mounting pieces that can fit on any tractor or riding lawnmower, you should call the manufacturer. That way, you will be sure that the product you intend to buy will fit your riding lawn mower or tractor. Most manufacturers recommend the use of lawnmowers or tractors solely. An ATV might move faster and damage the sweeper’s gearbox.
Q: Which are the common lawn sweeper sizes on the market?
A: The width, the sweeping swath, is the primary measurement of categorizing sweeper models. The common sizes for push lawn sweepers include 21 inches, 26 inches, and 31 inches. The most standard sizes for tow-behind lawn sweepers include 38 inches, 42 inches, 44 inches, 48 inches, and 50 inches.
Q: What do I need to do to keep my lawn sweeper in the right shape?
A: To ensure that your lawn sweeper lasts for the longest time possible, you have to lubricate the wheel bearings regularly. Lubricate the brush shaft at least twice a year. Clean the wheels and oil them after every two years. Finally, you have to tighten the bolts and nuts during cold seasons.
Final thoughts
There are many reasons why a lawn sweeper is a significant investment. Apart from using it to clear up your lawn, you can use it to pick up debris from your sidewalk, patio or driveway. With a clear lawn, your lawnmower will do lesser work and as a result last, for many years. The guide should help you buy the best sweeper.
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