The Best Lawn Sweeper: How to Be a Perfect Gardener

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You probably get fed up with lawn sweeping, especially when autumn comes. You can have a professional do this job, but you know, it is not cost-effective at all. That’s why having the best lawn sweeper to keep your garden clean and tidy is a great idea.

To help you quickly make the right decision, we have listed our top 10 best lawn sweepers below.

But before we dive into to know what they are, let’s take a look at the full benefits of a lawn sweeper.

Are lawn sweepers effective?

First, we would say a big YES. They act as a helpful assistant in making leaves and weeds disappear from your garden. And based on your cleaning job, some probably deliver a better performance than others.

Sweepers, for instance, are more effective when you want to clean loose and bigger lawn debris, just like grass and leaves on the lawn.

Otherwise, if you get sticky things like wet grass or ground-sticking lawn debris, you should make some passes to clean the garden thoroughly.

In case you wonder whether the best lawn sweepers are able to pick apple or pine needles from the lawn, don’t worry. They can do that quite well.

Good things you can get out of a lawn sweeper

1. Effective removal

This is the main purpose why push lawn sweepers are even made – to remove all of the lawn debris in your lawn. These push lawn sweepers work very effective in doing that because of their design.

It does the collection process in a very seamless and productive way which makes it a must-have for people who have lawns.

2. Pollution-free

best lawn sweeper for acorns

What’s great about these lawn sweepers is that they run on zero emissions.

This means that it doesn’t produce any smoke or other pollutants that can cause a hazard to the environment and yourself.

3. Silent

Its cleaning process is what makes it a standout among other tools. Why? It’s because it collects the debris in a very silent way.

It’s a very quiet tool to clean up your lawn at whichever time of the day you want. You won’t be disturbing anyone.

4. Prevent entanglement issues

Another cool thing about these tow-behind sweepers is that the likelihood of having debris get entangled is minimum or even none at all.

This means that it’s also less likely for your sweeper’s blades to get dull.

5. Fast debris gathering

Using a lawn sweeper is perhaps the fastest way to collect and gather debris from your lawn. This is because it collects debris and places them all in one place – the collection bag.

This reduces the time to spend cleaning your lawn, giving you more time to spend it on more important things.

Top 10 best lawn sweeper reviews

Agri Fab Lawn Sweeper 45-0492 – The Agri-Fab 45 0492 a highly efficient and easy-to-use option with adjustable brushes and a large hopper bag, but some users have noted that it can be difficult to assemble and may have durability issues over time

Brinly 42″ Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper – Praised for its durable construction, adjustable brush width yard sweeper, and efficient collection capabilities, but some users found it challenging to maneuver.

Karcher 1.766-303.0 S650 Cleaner – A lightweight and easy-to-store lawn sweeper with a simple design, but some users found the hopper bag to be smaller than expected.

Ohio Steel 50SWP26 Pro Sweeper – A heavy-duty option that can handle larger yards and tough debris, but its price point may be too high for some users.

Sun Joe Electric Scarifier + Lawn Dethatcher – A versatile tool that can not only sweep up debris, but also aerate and dethatch your lawn, though it may not be as effective on larger lawns.

CRAFTSMAN CMXGZBF7124266 Lawn Sweeper – A budget-friendly option with a decent-sized hopper and adjustable brushes, but some users reported difficulty with assembly and durability issues.

Earthwise LSW70021 Lawn Sweeper – A lightweight and easy-to-use option that is great for smaller yards, but may struggle with larger yard debris or thicker grass.

Scotts LSW70026S Push Lawn Sweeper – The Scotts lawn sweeper is compact and easy-to-store option that is praised for its efficient collection and comfortable grip, but may not be suitable for larger yards.

Yard Commander Lawn Sweeper – A solid mid-range option with a large hopper, adjustable brush height, and durable construction, but some users reported difficulty with assembly.

Agri-Fab 42-Inch Tow Lawn Sweeper – Popular choice among tow behind sweepers with its large hopper, durable construction, and adjustable brushes, but some users found it challenging to assemble and maneuver.

#1. Agri Fab Lawn Sweeper 45-0492 – Best overall

We consider the Agri-Fab 45-0492 as the best lawn sweeper for various reasons.

First, this 44-inch sweeper features a hooper size of 25 cubic feet. This helps deliver the optimal cleaning result in every pass, and you will not have to empty it regularly with a high-capacity hopper.

So if you have to deal with a medium, or large-sized lawn quickly, this product is a great choice. It, by which we are really impressed, is very versatile and easy to use.

Accordingly, you only need to use the lever for adjusting the height to adjust its brush level. Up next, as the adjuster features a non-slip design, you can rest assured that it can keep an optimal cleaning height for the best results.

We also highly evaluate its front semi-pneumatic tires, which can move smoothly on every surface yet not damage the underlying grass.

When it comes to cleaning, the Agri-Fab 45-0492 sweeper comes with four brushes put under it. They can do heavy-duty cleaning lifting quite effectively.

On top of that, an extra-big hopper can contain from two to three times more dirt than conventional bags.

Last, its multi-task hitch design lets you align it to many brands of lawnmowers. The breakthrough offset tongue is able to mow and sweep in every pass with fewer passes.

Nevertheless, this Agri-Fab 45-0492 lawn sweeper does not appear to be perfect. It does have some minus points. For instance, you can find it a bit challenging to get assembly instructions.

Besides, if you only need to do the cleaning in a small area, you should consider another option. It is not an ideal choice for this size of cleaning.

Pros
  • Great for medium and big-sized gardens
  • Value for money
  • Adjustable height settings
  • Works well on tight corners
  • Great for long grass clippings
  • High-capacity collection bag
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Hard-to-understand assembly instructions
  • Not for small areas

#2. Brinly 42″ Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper – Best tow behind lawn sweeper

The Brinly 42″ tow behind lawn sweeper is an exceptional tool for lawn maintenance, and it offers a wide range of advantages that make it a must-have for any homeowner who wants to cut their job time in half.

One of the most significant benefits of this product is its ability to dethatch and sweep the lawn simultaneously, thanks to its high-performance 2-in-1 sweeper/dethatcher feature.

One of the standout benefits of the Brinly 42″ tow-behind lawn sweeper is its adaptability. The tines can be raised via an adjustment handle when not in use, so there is no need to remove the dethatcher, even when you are only sweeping.

Additionally, the tines can be locked in transport position facing to the rear, so there’s no need to remove the dethatcher, even in heavy leaves.

The high-velocity 6-brush design and 5:1 brush-to-ground ratio make it the perfect tool for fast pick-up. It ensures maximum pick-up of thatch and wet debris such as leaves, pine needles, sticks, wet grass clippings, and more.

This exceptional tool has a durable and long-lasting design, featuring an all-steel frame and an industrial-grade brush that guarantees swift and efficient task completion.

Despite the many advantages of the Brinly 42″ tow behind lawn sweeper, a few disadvantages can occur over time.

One of the drawbacks is the size and weight of the tool, which can make it challenging to maneuver and transport, particularly if you don’t have the right equipment. Fortunately, the transport mode comes in handy during such situations.

Pros
  • 2-in-1 sweeper/dethatcher
  • High-velocity 6-brush design
  • 5:1 brush to ground ratio
  • Works well on wet lawns and wet material in general
  • All steel frame & industrial-grade brush
  • Adjustable height settings
Cons
  • Heavyweight and size can make it challenging to maneuver

#3. Karcher 1.766-303.0 S650 Cleaner – Best lawn sweeper for big areas

The Karcher 1.766-303.0 S650 sweeper made its way to be another best tow behind lawn sweepers for its ability to cover a large area within a short period.

We are really impressed when knowing it can clean 5x faster than a regular broom. Even its sweeping speed can reach up to 19,000 square feet each hour.

Another plus point of these tow behind lawn sweepers is that you can push it effortlessly as their weight is just 22 pounds, unlike gas-powered lawn sweeper, which is significantly heavier.

The lawn sweeper also features a two-stage height adjuster, just like the above options. And you can easily store it in the corner of your house as its handle can fold down.

Up next, it also stands out for a removable waste container of 16 liters that you can quickly empty. All you need to do is to hold, lift, and then throw the dirt inside wholly.

Last but not least, it notably features a dual-spinning brush with long bristles and high flexibility. Thanks to that, you can feel peace of mind as it can wholly clean the area’s edges.

Nevertheless, what we don’t expect much is its small collection bag. You will need to empty it regularly during your cleaning process.

Besides, as it does not require electricity, it demands human power to push it around which is why this is the right lawn sweeper if you prefer a classic tow behind model.

Pros
  • 5x faster-cleaning speed than a conventional broom
  • Easy to use
  • Great for cleaning edges
  • Easy-to-empty waste container
Cons
  • Small sweeper bag
  • Human power needed

#4. Ohio Steel 50SWP26 Pro Sweeper – Best sweeper for Acorns

The fourth position goes to the Ohio Steel Lawn Push Sweeper. We consider it a heavy-duty lawn push sweeper, which is ideal for those with a large yard. Its extra-big capacity allows you to clean a large lawn before you have to empty its bag.

What we like the most is its collection bag of 26 cubic feet made of durable fabric. Not to mention, it cannot get worn out after being used for heavy tasks. Additionally, the 5-position hitch lets you attach it easily behind the tractor.

And the Ohio Steel lawn sweeper also provides a smooth operation as its plastic wheels can move on all kinds of surfaces without obstacles.

Besides, the machine comes with 11-inch spiraled sweeper brushes, which can work rotating fast. That’s why the push sweeper can sweep up leaves, pine needles, pine cones, twigs, grass clippings, and others, like eating a piece of cake.

Adding to its features are a 50-inch sweeping path and a 9-inch chute. The tow-behind Ohio Steel Sweeper is a good lawn sweeper for beginners and pro landscapers.

However, you can find it hard to carry around since it is absolutely heavy. Its weight is up to 102 pounds. Aside from that, its price is quite higher than average models. So if you are looking for a budget-friendly option, skip this sweeper.

Pros
  • Heavy-duty leaf sweeper
  • Ideal for big areas
  • Big, durable bag
  • Smooth operation during the cleaning process
Cons
  • Heavy to carry around
  • Expensive

#5. Sun Joe Electric Scarifier + Lawn Dethatcher – Best sweeper for small yard

In contrast with the Ohio Steel 50SWP26 Pro, this Sun Joe AJ801E is the one for those who have small- and medium-sized lawn rejuvenation.

The first highlight of this product we would like to mention is that it features an electric scarifier, along with a lawn detacher. Thanks to that, your garden can be kept in top shape.

Up next, the machine is backed by a powerful motor of 12 amps that can sweep your garden for hours. We are also impressed with its ranking ability as it is enhanced via a breakthrough Airboost tech.

We find out that this tech can maximize waste pickup. It also depends on steel tines, which are designed to remain sharp for more extended use. Also, you can use a 5-position depth control knob to set up the raking depth from -0.4 inches to 0.4 inches.

Especially if you are a beginner, you will love this product as it is definitely easy to maneuver. You can turn on the machine instantly with a push of the power button and work well on the yawn without significant effort.

It is safe to say with this Sun Joe AJ801E, keeping the lawn growing green and healthy becomes much more comfortable.

However, the machine seems to have difficulty in operating smoothly. Sometimes, it suddenly stops working for no reason. Furthermore, it creates much noise, which undermines its overall performance.

Pros
  • Ideal for small- and medium-sized lawn rejuvenation
  • Keeping grass grow green and healthy
  • Easy to use
  • Generous sweeping path
  • Air boost-tech raking
Cons
  • Noisy
  • Do not operate smoothly

#6. CRAFTSMAN CMXGZBF7124266 Lawn Sweeper – Best lawn sweeper for fast speed

The Craftsman sweeper is the next option we would like to list in our reviews. This product wins our hearts for its waste container, ease of emptying, and adjustable brush height.

In particular, the sweeper comes with a hopper capacity of up to 22 cubic feet. That means you do not need to empty it regularly.

Also, it features big plastic wheels with diamond treads for optimal traction when towing. Not to mention this feature also helps to curb slippage and avoid missing any cleaning areas.

Up next, thanks to its 8.5:1 gear ratio, the machine can sweep at a fast speed. More conveniently, you can even empty its hopper from the tractor seat.

Another notable feature is its sweeping path of up to 42 inches. This results in the maximum coverage area per pass as well as a reduction in the cleaning duration.

On top of that, the machine comes with heavy-duty steel-stamped housing for high durability.

One more thing, the sweeper is also equipped with a brush height adjuster and a universal fit hitch to attach behind the tractor.

But this product doesn’t seem to be perfect. It still has some cons that need to be improved. For instance, beginners can find it challenging to assemble this sweeper. It can take hours to complete the installation fully.

In addition, the machine does not pick up well leaves on uneven surfaces, such as areas around tree roots.

Pros
  • Big hopper capacity
  • Sweep at fast speed
  • Works best on dry lawn
  • Easy to empty
Cons
  • Hard to assemble
  • Not work well on even surfaces

#7. Earthwise LSW70021 Lawn Sweeper – Best lightweight sweeper

Earthwise LSW70021 is a trustworthy and high-quality lawn sweeper which provides you with a consistent cleaning performance for any kind of lawn landscaping.

The reason for its excellent performance lies in a quick spinning, raking-like action. The machine can sweep grass and leaves with ease and take them to the bag.

This sweeper is ideal for small- and medium-sized lawns as it features 21-inch brush width. And it is comfortable for you to push it thanks to its lightweight design. It can be considered the best push lawn sweeper.

On top of that, its handle is made of scratch-proof steel and comes with a sleek powder-coating finish. You will be into it for its smooth operation without less hand fatigue during the cleaning process.

Moreover, the Earthwise push lawn sweeper also features an adjustable brush height via a knob put in the front, which provides a more efficient yard sweeping.

More conveniently, you can easily hang it on the wall when you do not need it. This is the right one for those whose garage is not big.

Last but not least, the bag of this push lawn sweeper can be removed quite comfortably, as well as ideal for yard waste piles or composting.

But there are two things that we expect its successors could get improvements in.

First, the build quality is not high. You can feel a little rickety with some loose tolerances throughout the overall assembling.

Also, like the Craftsman Hi-speed lawn sweeper, it seems not to work well on uneven surfaces as it can miss picking up leaves in these areas.

Pros
  • Easy to sweep
  • Lightweight design
  • Smooth operation
Cons
  • Low build quality
  • Not work well on uneven surfaces

#8. Scotts LSW70026S Push Lawn Sweeper – Best lawn sweeper for beginners

Scotts Push Lawn Sweeper is the right for those who are seeking a simple and fast machine. This is a manual push lawn sweeper that can work efficiently in small- and medium-sized yards.

With this sweeper, you can turn a messy lawn into a good-looking yard that anybody can say Wow when seeing it.

Regarding its features, the Scotts Lawn Sweeper comes with a sweeping width of 26 inches, coupled with a hopper capacity of 4.5 cubic feet. That means you can avoid emptying the bag frequently.

Up next, in case you want to adjust the brush height, you only need to turn the knob set in the front. On top of that, what we are impressed with this option is its durable and efficient rotating brushes. They can spin at a fast rate to take the leaves and waste in the yard into the bag. You can rake apples or pine needles as well.

This option is also a solution to saving space. It can be stored in small places as it can be folded and hung via a hook.

Any cons? Well, yes. We will evaluate more highly if this sweeper can improve its ability to pick up leaves. Sometimes, it misses a lot, even on flat surfaces.

Moreover, its construction appears to be quite cheap and poor. Admittedly, we feel a bit disappointed about its low-quality build.

Pros
  • Simple and fast
  • Ideal for small- and medium-sized lawn
  • Great for small spaces
Cons
  • Not pick up leaves well
  • Low-quality build

#9. Yard Commander Lawn Sweeper – Best sweeper for grass clippings

The next position goes to a lawn sweeper from Yard Commander. This machine is great for sweeping leaves, twigs, clippings, and so on.

You will love this option as it can assist you in keeping your big lawn a good look. This is thanks to a nylon hopper of 12.9 cubic feet, a 10-inch brush cleaning area, and 42-inch sweeping width.

Featuring a convenient design, the Yard Commander will never let you down in sweeping off debris smoothly, helping you save effort and time.

Up next, the sweeper can be hooked up to any tractor easily. Besides, the tow behind the sweeper comes with a cross-brush design. That’s why it can work with a collapsible bag to ensure storage space and handles any surfaces with its big wheels.

It also stands out for universal hitches for easy attachments. Furthermore, the sweeper is equipped with a rust-proof powder-coated finish, which can enhance its durability for prolonged use.

Similar to other models, this sweeper does have some cons that need improving. We find that it is not easy to assemble it. You may have to spend a while just setting it up completely. Also, it is quite heavy, so moving it around is a bit challenging job.

Pros
  • Great for big lawns
  • High durability
  • Multiple hitches
  • Cleaning debris with ease
Cons
  • Difficult to assemble
  • Heavy

#10. Agri-Fab 42-Inch Tow Lawn Sweeper – Best lawn sweeper for big hopper

Our last pick is the Agri-Fab Tow Behind Sweeper. This model is great for you to cover more debris for a long time as it comes with a large hopper capacity.

Also, it can provide smooth operation, even in uneven terrain, thanks to its pneumatic tires. Therefore, you can feel peace of mind when clearing your whole garden with no worry.

Interestingly, not only can you use this sweeper to clear the yawn, but you can also take advantage of it to feed the garden. Accordingly, you are able to spread seeds over the bare land in the spring and summer to make the yard better.

And as it comes with a steel-rod closure that can be opened easily during the cleaning process, you can control what’s happening quite well.

Another plus point of this sweeper is its ease of use. You know, it is just a tow-behind, so it does not demand much effort to get the yard in good shape.

However, you can feel a bit annoyed when using this Agri-Fab Tow lawn sweeper as its wheels sometimes can get stuck. Moreover, its build seems to be low-quality, and the bag is also flimsy too.

Pros
  • Big hopper capacity
  • Easy to use
  • Do not require many efforts to clean the lawn
Cons
  • Wheels can get stuck
  • Low-quality build
  • Flimsy bag

What are the different kinds of lawn sweepers?

We have gone through our best lawn sweeper reviews. But before you make the buying decision, take a look at the following questions to know what a great lawn sweeper is.

Based on the specifications and functionality, lawn sweepers are divided into various groups. However, it’s safe to say there are two main types of lawn sweepers as follows:

– Push forward lawn sweeper: This option is for those whose lawn is small and can be cleaned manually. You can operate it by pushing it like a lawnmower and then passing it over the debris and leaf.

– Tow behind lawn sweeper: These are portable and effective lawn sweeper models to use. A tow-behind sweeper or a pull-behind lawn sweeper can be attached to another pulling device, normally a tractor. Opposite to most lawn sweepers with a tow behinddesing, this tow-behind lawn sweeper is ideal for medium- and large-sized yards.

You can choose the best push lawn sweeper based on your preferences and your lawn size.

A detailed guide for picking the best lawn sweepers

Now, it’s time for our detailed buying guide. Below are some essential features that you need to consider in a lawn sweeper to make the right decision.

1. Build quality

A great lawn sweeper should come with an excellent build-quality brush and hopper. You might not know this, but when your lawn sweeper has a robust brush, you can get better cleaning per swipe.

In addition, a big hopper with good materials can increase the volume of trash it can carry.

2. Size

best lawn sweeper reviews

Lawn sweepers are available in various sizes. So you should purchase a machine that can efficiently pass through the tightest place in your lawn.

On the other hand, you can have to clean leftover areas manually.

3. Brush adjuster

Another critical factor is brush adjustments, as this can allow you to be more flexible in cleaning leaves, debris, lawn clippings, and grass. Lawn sweepers work effectively in creating a debris-free lawn!

This feature protects your lawn from getting damaged as well as offers more efficient cleaning per swipe.

4. Price

Obviously, when you buy anything, the budget is the thing you consider most.

Our advice is that if you only rarely use the machine in a year, you should go for an economical option. It would not be a wise choice when you go for an expensive lawn sweeper in this case.

Otherwise, if you need to do a cleaning lawn frequently, consider a higher-end option for better capacity and build quality.

FAQs

Do yard sweepers work?

Yes, yard sweepers are effective at picking up debris such as leaves, twigs, and small branches from your lawn or driveway.

Can you use a lawn sweeper for leaves?

Yes, lawn sweepers are designed for collecting leaves and other debris from your lawn.

Is a lawn sweeper better than a bagger?

It depends. If your yard has different debris, such as clipping, twigs, leaves, and pine needles, you should go for a lawn sweeper.

Otherwise, a bagger is a better choice.

Can lawn sweepers collect grass clippings?

best lawn sweeper for twigs

We would say YES. Most types of lawn sweepers today can collect grass clippings.

Can you use a lawn sweeper while mowing?

Yes, many lawn sweepers can be used while mowing to collect grass clippings and other debris.

Can I pull a lawn sweeper with a zero turn?

Yes, many lawn sweepers are designed to be pulled by a variety of lawn tractors and zero turn mowers.

What size lawn sweeper do I need?

Well, it depends on your yard size. The bigger your garden is, the bigger size a lawn sweeper should have.

Who makes John Deere lawn sweepers?

John Deere manufactures its own line of lawn sweepers, designed to be compatible with their range of lawn tractors and mowers.

Conclusion 

We have shared with our best lawn sweepers, along with some helpful information. So do you intend to buy any product?

If not, you can consider our top pick – the Agri-Fab Tow Behind Lawn Sweeper 45-0492 for its value for money, ease of use, and high-quality hopper.

Nevertheless, it’s just our recommendation. You still need to think about your preference and your lawn size. Last, do not forget to share your ideas with us in the comment section below.

Thank you for reading.

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Ben Bareja

Ben Bareja, the owner-founder-webmaster of CropsReview.com. This website was conceptualized primarily to serve as an e-library for reference purposes on the principles and practices in crop science, including basic botany. Read more here

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