Best Lawn Sweepers
Do you need to tidy up your lawn, but you’re tired of back-breaking raking and lifting, or dealing with a heavy, noisy leaf blower?
Lawn sweepers are the perfect solution. They’re quiet, don’t require repetitive lifting, and there are manual options that don’t require fuel or electricity. They may also be safer to operate than leaf blowers. There are options for small lawns, large lawns, and lawns with artificial turf grass.
Read on for some product recommendations and tips!
- Overall: Agri-Fab 45-0492 Lawn Sweeper, 44-Inch
- Budget: Earthwise LSW70021 21-Inch Leaf & Grass Push Lawn Sweeper
- Push: Agri-Fab 45-0218 26-Inch Push Lawn Sweeper
- Tow Behind: Agri-Fab 45-0320 42-Inch Tow Lawn Sweeper
- Heavy Duty: Ohio Steel 50SWP26 Pro Sweeper
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What is a Lawn Sweeper?
A lawn sweeper is a machine with a rapidly rotating brush that picks up debris, such as sticks, acorns, grass clippings, or leaves. They can be used year-round.
Types of Lawn Sweepers
Tow Behind
Tow behind lawn sweepers are commonly pulled by a lawn tractor or a riding mower. They are usually best for large lawns or commercial spaces such as golf courses.
Push Style
Push style lawn sweepers are manually operated. These are often best for smaller lawns because they are operated manually by walking behind and pushing. A push lawn sweeper gathers debris into a bag, that can then be emptied into the compost.
Power
Power lawn sweepers are operated similarly to push style sweepers, but have an electric or gas attachment for ease of work. They are best for quick work on a medium or large lawn, but will cost a bit more than push style sweepers.
Best Lawn Sweepers
Best Overall: Agri-Fab 45-0492 Lawn Sweeper, 44-Inch
- MADE IN USA
- Your purchase includes One Agri-Fab 44-Inch Lawn Sweeper, 45-0492 model
- Set brushes to penetrate the grass to a depth of 1/2 in. (13 mm)
This tow behind lawn sweeper is great for large lawns, due to its 44-inch sweeping width and large hopper capacity. The reviews speak to its ease and effectiveness of use, even picking up pinecones and pine needles with ease. The item also comes with a 3 yr warranty. However, note that some of the reviews mention poor assembly instructions that make the machine difficult to assemble!
Pros:
- Extra-large flow through bag
- Hopper bag handle for easy disposal
- 3 year warranty
Cons:
- Large capacity hopper can get heavy when dumping
- Heavy
- Requires some assembly
Specs:
- Style: Tow behind
- Sweeping Width: 44 inches
- Hopper Capacity: 25 cubic feet
- Weight: 95 pounds
Best Budget-Friendly: Earthwise LSW70021 21-Inch Leaf & Grass Push Lawn Sweeper
- Ultra lightweight and easy to use, 21″ brush width yard sweeper, Leaf Sweeper with spinning rake-like action with 70% pick-up on the first pass; multiple passes required to pick up 100% of the leaves.
- Works best on flat surfaces, short or recently cut grass; good for dry leaves only. Does not collect any other yard debris.
- Do NOT use in wet or windy conditions. For best results: only use in dry non-windy conditions. Wet material is difficult to sweep up and wind increases material blown out before reaching the…
The Earthwise lawn sweeper is a great entry-level or budget solution, particularly for small or medium sized lawns. Due to its small size, it is easily maneuverable and at 13 pounds, it’s also easy to take out and put away without too much trouble. Reviews mention it being easy to put together, taking around 20 minutes for assembly.
Note that according to the manufacturer, this lawn sweeper is not suited for rocks, nuts (such as acorns), or pinecones. It is best for leaves and grass clippings. For tidying a broader variety of debris, I’d recommend a different lawn sweeper, such as the Agri-Fab 45-0492.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Maneuverable
- Affordable
- Hanging storage
Cons:
- Hopper bag can fill up quickly and may require cycles of emptying
- Not meant for picking up acorns
- Requires some assembly
Specs:
- Style: Push
- Sweeping Width: 21 inches
- Hopper Capacity: 2.6 bushel (~3.2 cubic feet)
- Weight: 13 pounds
Best Push Style: Agri-Fab 45-0218 26-Inch Push Lawn Sweeper
- MADE IN USA
- SWEEPER WIDTH: 26-Inch width
- BRUSH HEIGHT: Set brushes to penetrate the grass to a depth of 1/2 in. (13 mm)
This variety comes in a little pricier than the budget pick, but it offers around double the hopper capacity and 5 more inches of sweeping width. With that, it is a bit heavier.
According to reviews, it takes about 30 minutes to put together. It works great at picking up leaves and pine needles, and reviewers report mixed results with acorns.
Pros:
- Collapsible hopper bag
- Easy dump lever
Cons:
- Requires some assembly
Specs:
- Style: Push
- Sweeping Width: 26 inches
- Hopper Capacity: 7 cubic feet
- Weight: 25 pounds
Best Tow Behind: Agri-Fab 45-0320 42-Inch Tow Lawn Sweeper
- MADE IN USA
- SWEEPER WIDTH: 42-Inch width
- BRUSH HEIGHT: Set brushes to penetrate the grass to a depth of 1/2 in. (13 mm)
This option is similar to the Agri-Fab 45-0492 Lawn Sweeper, 44-Inch with a few key differences. For one, the capacity for this model is about half the size. Additionally, the 44-inch option has a greater brush to wheel ratio. Both options come with a 3 year warranty. Some reviewers complain that assembly is a challenge due to poor instructions from the manufacturer.
Pros:
- Large hopper capacity
- Easy dumping mechanism from seat
- Picks up acorns, sticks, leaves
- 3 year warranty
Cons:
- Requires some assembly
- Expensive
Specs:
- Style: Tow behind
- Sweeping Width: 42 inches
- Hopper Capacity: 12 cubic feet
- Weight: 77 pounds
Best Heavy Duty: Ohio Steel 50SWP26 Pro Sweeper
- 50” Sweeping Width; 26 cu. ft. capacity hopper
- 11″ spiraled polypropylene brushes – an Ohio Steel patented exclusive feature!
- 4.5 to 1 brush to wheel turning ratio
If you’re looking for something solid that will last, and you’re in a position to spend a little more, look no further than the Ohio Steel lawn sweeper. This variety is made to last. It comes with an exclusive patented spiral brush. According to the manufacturer, it sweeps more efficiently than standard sweepers for a longer life.
It’s also the widest sweeper on this list, and a great option for the largest lawns. With the sturdier build quality, it does come in heaviest out of the options on this list, so note that if that is a consideration for you.
According to reviews, it takes about an hour to assemble.
Pros:
- Extra wide chute to prevent clogging
- Sturdy, high-quality
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Requires some assembly
Specs:
- Style: Tow behind
- Sweeping Width: 50 inches
- Hopper Capacity: 26 cubic feet
- Weight: 102 pounds
Advantages of a Lawn Sweeper
Collects Debris Other Tools Might Miss
Lawn sweepers can collect debris that other tools might miss, and with less effort. It might also let you ditch a variety of tools for a single tool that gets it all! Note that in general, tow behind lawn sweepers may be better suited than push style for a wider variety of debris, such as pine cones or acorns.
- Acorns
- Pine needles
- Pine cones
Keeps Turf Healthy
Lawn sweepers make efficient work of clearing leaves off your lawn. While leaves in your garden beds are fine to leave, leaves must be removed from your lawn to prevent grass from becoming smothered and killed by decaying leaves.
Considerations Before Purchasing a Push Lawn Sweeper
Lawn Size
First, think about what size lawn you have. The larger your lawn, the more likely you may want a powered option. Smaller lawns can be easily maintained with a push style sweeper.
Sweeping Path
The sweeping path or sweeping deck width varies across lawn sweeping models. It’s important to select an appropriate width for your needs. Here’s a good rule of thumb: For small to medium-sized yards, look for deck widths between 12 to 16 inches. For larger gardens, look for 26 inches in width. For the largest spaces, including commercial spaces, look for deck widths of around 42 inches and wider.
Remember, there will be a tradeoff. Wider deck widths will get the job done faster by covering more surface area but will be less maneuverable around garden beds or narrow areas of the lawn. Before purchasing, consider the path your sweeper will take.
Hopper Capacity
Hopper capacity, or how much debris the lawn sweeper can hold in a single go, is another consideration. A very large hopper capacity will allow you to cover a lot of area without having to stop to empty, but there’s a tradeoff: a larger capacity will be heavier.
Conversely, a smaller hopper capacity may require more frequent emptying but will not get the chance to get as heavy as a large hopper.
Brush to Wheel Ratio
Brush to wheel ratio is another key consideration. The ratio tells you how efficient your machine will be. The higher the ratio, the more times the brushes rotate during one turn of the wheel. In general, look for a ratio of 5:1 or higher.
Lawn Sweeper Usage Tips
- Wait for lawn to dry
- Sweep regularly
- Empty bag after every use
- Check the chute for debris (sticky pine sap can cause debris to build up inside the chute)
- Lubricate the drive wheel and sweeper (minimize buildup and rust)
Lawn Sweeper Comparison Chart
FAQs
What does a lawn sweeper do?
A lawn sweeper is operated similarly to a vacuum (minus the suction!) to pick up debris off your lawn. It has high-velocity spinning brushes that consolidate debris into a hopper or bag for disposal.
Do lawn sweepers work on grass clippings?
Yes. Lawn sweepers work on grass clippings on the lawn or sidewalk, just wait for the freshly cut clippings to dry first. Wet grass clippings may clump and clog your sweeper.
Do lawn sweepers work on a wet lawn?
No. A wet lawn will have wet debris, and wet leaves, clippings, etc., will clump when picked up and can potentially clog your lawn sweeper. It’s best to wait for your lawn to dry before pulling out your lawn sweeper. You’ll have better, more efficient results with dry conditions, too!
Do lawn sweepers work on fake grass?
Yes. Lawn sweepers are a great option for fake, or artificial grass. Make sure the turf is dry when you use your lawn sweeper (same rule for real or fake grass). Using your lawn sweeper on wet debris can cause your sweeper to clog.
For other tips and tricks on how to keep artificial turf clean and tidy, check out my article how to clean artificial grass.
How much does a lawn sweeper cost?
Lawn sweepers cost between $100 and $400 dollars brand new. For a more cost-effective and sustainable option, consider searching your local swap or buy nothing page. They may also be available to rent at your local hardware store.
Do lawn sweepers work on asphalt or concrete surfaces?
Yes. They can work on hard surfaces such as asphalt or concrete. To do so, you’d need to set the adjustable brush settings lower than you might when you use the sweeper on your lawn.
For quick clean ups, you can also use a push broom, which works great to clear sidewalks and driveways of grass clippings and other debris. They can also work well if multiple people in your household are doing yard work together!
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