Having a yard is nice, but raking up grass clippings and leaves is backbreaking work without a lawn sweeper.
Using a lawn sweeper can reduce the stress and time it takes to maintain your landscaping without raking or causing damage to your grass.
If you aren’t sure a lawn sweeper is right for you, I put together this guide that not only reviews the top five best lawn sweepers but also details why you need one, what features to watch for, and give answers to frequently asked questions.
So keep reading and get ready to have the nicest yard on the block!
The Best Lawn Sweepers
Earthwise Leaf And Grass Push Lawn Sweeper
Top Features
- Manual Operation
- 21″ brush width
- Adjustable leaf sweeper rake
Our Review
The Earthwise Lawn Sweeper is a great solution to clean leaves and grass clippings from your lawn, patios, and walkways without sweeping or raking.
I like the adjustable height control that allows you to set the brushes at the perfect depth to clear debris from various surfaces. I also appreciate that the large collection bin features a grab bar to make emptying the leaves more comfortable.
On the downside, the plastic wheels don’t roll as nicely as rubber tires, and the sweeper takes multiple passes to clear the lawn. It’s also crucial to keep up a steady pace to pick up debris. Walking too slow or fast decreases effectiveness.
Pros
- Wide brush bar sweeps leaves and grass clippings off the lawn for quick clean up
- Handy collection bag corrals yard debris for easy transport to waste bin or compost pile
- Folds up for easy storage in shed or garage
- Height of brush bar is adjustable for better pickup action on different terrain
- Sturdy construction yet lightweight and easy to manuever
- Price is affordable for most budgets
Cons
- Several passes are needed across the lawn for complete pick up of leaves
- Brushes won’t pick up wet leaves, pinecone, acorns or rocks
- Handlebar height is too short for taller people
Bottom Line
The Earthwise 21-Inch Leaf & Grass Push Lawn Sweeper is on the list for its effective grass and leaf pickup at a budget-friendly price point. This model is best for homeowners with smaller lawns that are relatively flat or even those with artificial grass surfaces.
Brinly Tow Behind Lawn Sweeper
Top Features
- Large 20 cu. ft. hamper and 42″ sweep
- Adjustable
- Able to pickup various debris
Our Review
The Brinly Lawn Sweeper is a serious lawn clearing tool that you tow behind your yard tractor to clear large swaths of leaves, grass clippings, and pine needles quickly.
I like the high-velocity brushes that adjust to the perfect level to catch debris. I appreciate the extra-wide base that sweeps up to 20 cubic feet of debris into the enclosed collection bin. Use the easy-to-grasp pull rope to empty the bin without getting off your tractor for even more convenience.
On the downside, the assembly can be frustrating, and the sweeper won’t fit into tight areas. Even though the collection bin is large, it fills quickly. Expect plenty of stops to empty it if your lawn has lots of leaves.
Pros
- Wide sweeping action requires fewer passes over the lawn so chores get done faster
- Adjustable height of brushes allow for better pick up on different terrain
- Collection bag offers a convenient pull rope to empty debris without getting off the tractor
- Quality construction should hold up to years of regular use
- Does a good job also picking up pine needles and wet leaves
- Folds for upright storage that saves space in your garage or shed
Cons
- Must have a lawn tractor to tow the sweeper
- Price is steep for a one-purpose yard tool
- Assembly is time-consuming and tedious
Bottom Line
I give the Brinly Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper a place in the top five because of the sturdy build, large collection bin, and stress-free tow-behind operation. This model may be the best tow behind lawn sweeper for homeowners with large yards that have different terrains who already own a lawn tractor.
Agri-Fab Lawn Sweeper
Top Features
- Unit is only 95 lbs.
- Dump lever can operate without leaving the tractor seat.
Our Review
The Agri-Fab Lawn Sweeper goes a step above by featuring a unique off-set adjustment so you can mow and sweep your lawn simultaneously, which saves more time.
I like the ability to pull the solid dump lever directly from your tractor to empty the 25-cubic-foot hopper without hassle. The adjustable brush height and nearly four feet wide sweeping action are also impressive.
On the downside, it’s difficult to empty the hopper when the bin is full, and the low clearance of the framing can cause the sweeper to catch on taller objects before the wheels have a chance to roll over them.
Pros
- Wide sweeping base so you can cover more lawn in fewer passes
- Off-set position is an option when you want to mow and sweep at the same time
- Mesh material at the back of the hopper allows for airflow so more leaves collect in the bag
- Adjustable sweeper height allows customization to fit your terrain
- Hopper has an easy-to-reach pull bar so you can empty the bin from the tractor
- Assembles faster than other similar products and compacts down for storage
Cons
- Framing protrudes in front of wheels, which can cause clearance issues
- The large collection bin empties better when half full, which defeats the purpose
- Wheels can jam up in heavy leaf litter
Bottom Line
I make the Agri-Fab Lawn Sweeper a top choice because it provides even more coverage and collection capability than similar tow-behind sweepers. This model, with its universal hitch, is ideal for homeowners with a large property that already mow grass with a lawn tractor.
Karcher Cleaner
Top Features
- Cleans up to 5X quicker than a conventional broom
- 4.2 Gallon (16L) onboard waste container
- Dual spinning brushes
Our Review
The Karcher Cleaner is the sweeper to reach for when you need to clear grass clippings or other small debris from your driveway, garage floor, sidewalks, patios, and pathways quickly.
I like that this model requires zero power outside of pushing. Push the unit behind and watch the two circular sweeping brushes clean and collect dirt and debris into the handy collection bin. When the job is over, pop off the container and dump the contents into the trash.
On the downside, this sweeper is not meant for leaf or grass clean up on lawns. The unit will also clog if you try to run it over twigs or large leaves.
Pros
- Wide circular brushes are off-set, which makes it a breeze to clean edges and corners
- Durable construction with a no-fuss, easy to empty and replace collection bin
- Affordable way to clean an area up to five times faster than sweeping with a broom
- Environmentally-friendly. Requires no gas, electricity, or battery
- Handle height is adjustable so both tall and short people can use it comfortably
Cons
- Made for flat surfaces and not for use over grass
- The unit can jam with heavy leaf litter or big sticks
Bottom Line
The Karcher Cleaner makes my top picks because it does an excellent job picking up grass clippings and other fine yard debris. This model may be the best push lawn sweeper for homeowners with more patio or cement work than yard, who want to keep dirt and debris under control.
Ohio Steel Pro Sweeper
Top Features
- 42″ Sweeper
- 5-position hitch adjustment
- Made in the USA
Our Review
The Ohio Steel Pro Sweeper collects leaf litter and grass clippings through a 42-inch-wide sweeper base that uses a multi-position hitch so it can attach to all brands of a lawn tractor.
I like that the sweeper not only assembles quickly but picks up more large or heavy debris like pinecones and acorns that other brands miss, which saves time and frustration. I also like that the unit is well-built, making it worth the investment long term.
On the downside, the bottom of the cloth collection bag can tear if you aren’t careful to keep it clear of rough objects or pavement. Thick layers of leaves will require several passes to get the lawn clear.
Pros
- Powerful sweeping action picks up even heavier yard debris like nuts and pinecones
- Variable hitch adjustment allows for a perfect fit on all types of lawn tractors
- Adjustable sweeper height allows you to custom set it for your terrain
- Assembles quickly with fewer parts and better instructions so you can get to work fast
- The extra flap on the hopper helps keep leaves from blowing out
Cons
- Collection bag can rip if not careful where you pull the unit
- Not made to be backed up, which can make emptying out the bin difficult
Bottom Line
The Ohio Steel Pro Sweeper is best for tractor-owning homeowners with expanses of grass and trees that drop annoying pinecones or nuts.
Do You Really Need A Lawn Sweeper?
An unkempt yard impresses no one and can lower home value, but keeping up with tiresome yard chores like raking can be difficult.
Dealing quickly with leaves and grass clippings is the sole purpose of a lawn sweeper, so many people find this tool invaluable for:
- Fast removal of large quantities of leaves
- Getting hard-to-rake grass clippings off the lawn
- Picking up larger items like acorns, pine straw, or pinecones, a mulching mower misses
- Clearing off walkways and driveways
- Removing yard debris without damaging the grass
- Collects leaves easier than using a leaf blower
While you don’t necessarily need a lawn sweeper, I can attest that I find it a beneficial tool to keep in the garage, especially when you want to tidy up your yard quickly.
Before you get too excited, don’t think a lawn sweeper will replace your rake. There are some areas, like along the edge of buildings or planters, that the sweeper can’t reach.
Things To Watch Out For
Let’s look at the things you need to consider before making a final decision on which model lawn sweeper best suits your needs.
Style
There are two styles of lawn sweeper, one that attaches to a tractor and one that you push. Which one you select depends on the size of your yard, and the amount of debris collection that is necessary.
Tow-behind lawn sweepers are ideal for more significant properties that have variation in the level of terrain. Towable sweepers cost more than manual models and require the use of a tractor for operation.
Push-behind lawn sweepers are best for small, relatively flat yards and require no power other than your muscles, which also makes them quiet to operate and better for the environment.
Size Of Sweeper Base And Collection Bin
If you have a large yard, you’ll most likely want a lawn sweeper with a broad base that can pick up more leaves with each pass.
Both towable and manual-push lawn sweepers come in an array of widths, so look carefully for actual dimensions before making a decision. Some sweeper brush housings may appear wide but hide the fact that the brush underneath only spans partially across the area, reducing actual leaf pickup.
Effectiveness Of Pickup
Most lawn sweepers should pick up grass clippings and average-size dry leaves. The issues arise when you have a lawn full of pine straw or nuts or even twigs along with the leaves.
Check reviews and read manufacturers’ data on what material each model of lawn sweeper can lift and collect. Some have a design that can pick up larger twigs, pinecones, or wet leaves and grass, while others strain with oversize leaves or uneven surfaces.
Brush Height Adjustability
The more height adjustability a lawn sweeper has, the more effective it will be on your lawn and patio areas.
The bristles of a sweeper need to reach down into the grass blades to work. They also need to hit the surface of cement or patio blocks to clean away debris.
Having only two or three height settings may not be enough if you have various levels of terrain on your property.
Ease Of Use
Lawn sweepers work by using the wheel axles to rotate the brushes.
This design means you need to be able to easily pull the sweeper with your tractor without the wheels skipping over low areas or jamming up with leaves.
Manual models not only require a bit of muscle to move the wheels across dense grass but also to keep the sweeper moving fast enough to pick up and deposit the leaves in the collection bag.
Many towable sweepers are a real pain to push in reverse, which means they could jackknife or get damaged if you go backward on the tractor to empty the bin.
Test out different models, if possible, to see how hard they are to operate as intended.
Storage Needs
Who needs yet another space-hogging piece of yard equipment in their garage or shed? Nobody, that who.
Look for models that you can collapse or fold into a smaller profile without the need for tools. Units that fold up or you can hang from hooks save space when you are storing the sweeper.
Lawn Sweeper FAQs
What Is A Lawn Sweeper?
A lawn sweeper is a wheeled implement that uses a rotating bar covered with bristles to clear away grass clippings, leaves, and other common types of yard debris from your lawn.
Most lawn sweepers also work to clean patios, driveways, and walkways by adjusting the brushes to a lower setting.
How Does A Lawn Sweeper Work?
Think of a lawn sweeper as a vacuum for your yard. While the tool does not lift leaves and other yard debris by suction, it does use brushes to lift and toss the material into a collection bin.
The mechanical design of a lawn sweeper eliminates the need for the actual tool needing a power source to run. It relies on being towed behind a tractor or pushed by a human to spin the wheels that rotate the brushes that pick up the yard waste.
Do Lawn Sweepers Work?
Lawn sweepers do work, but they are not magic. Most models claim they pick up a “percentage” of leaves on the first pass, typically anywhere from 60 to 80 percent.
Expect to pass the sweeper over an area two or three times before you are satisfied with the look. Luckily, using the sweeper is much faster than raking, so going over an area more than once only takes a couple of stress-free minutes.
Do Lawn Sweepers Pick Up Grass?
Lawn sweepers should easily pick up grass clippings and even fling out some thatch if the bristles penetrate the grass blades deep enough. The tool also does a good job cleaning off grass bits that land on patios and other flat surfaces after mowing, so your whole home looks inviting.
Not all sweepers do a good job picking up wet grass, so give your freshly cut lawn clippings a chance to dry out a bit before using the tool for best results.
In Summary
One experience using a lawn sweeper may change your life, as it did mine. Being able to eliminate hours of daunting lawn clean up is worth every penny and muscle you don’t have to strain by raking.
If you’re on the fence about which lawn sweeper to purchase, I suggest the Ohio Steel Pro Sweeper. While it costs about the same as other towable sweepers, it delivers a more robust and more reliable pick up of even bigger objects that litter your yard.
If you don’t own a tractor or are on a more limited budget, I recommend going with the Earthwise Push Lawn Sweeper for its effective grass and leaf pickup at an affordable price.
I hope this guide enlightens you to the delight and convenience of using a lawn sweeper. Owning any of the models in this review will help keep your home’s landscaping looking beautiful with less hassle, so give it a try!
