12 Best Lawn Sweepers 2023 + a Detailed Buyer’s Guide

Keeping your lawn in the best condition is certainly not an easy task but still considered an important one. I know how frustrating it can get trying to clear debris, leaves, and grass clippings. Luckily, the best lawn sweepers can come in handy to help you clear your lawn and restore its beauty.

There are various models on the market today, and your choice depends on the needs at hand and personal preferences. In this article, I have compiled reviews of some top-rated lawn sweepers and a comprehensive buying guide for an easy selection process.

The 12 Best Lawn Sweepers in 2023

Agri-Fab 42-Inch Tow Lawn Sweeper

One of the things you should keep in mind when looking for a lawn sweeper is the overall design. This particular model from Agri-Fab comes in a simple yet functional design. It is super easy to use and works great if you tend to clean up regularly.

One thing I love about the design is the adjustable brush height. If you have various lengths of grass on your lawn, this is a feature to keep in mind. With this, you only need to set it above the ground to your preferred height.

Pros

Cons

Agri-Fab Inc 52-Inch Lawn Sweeper

It is important to note that not all models are compatible with the type of tractor you have when looking for a lawn sweeper. Luckily, this 52-inch model from Agri- Fab is designed to match most tractors for secure attachment and use.

It is quite versatile, and considering the size, it does an excellent job of clearing a vast lawn. What’s more, the lawn sweeper has an infinite height adjustment feature. This ensures it works well for different needs allowing you to customize it for desirable results.

Pros

Cons

Brinly STS-42BHDK Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper

If your sole purpose of getting a lawn sweeper is to clear the lawn after dethatching, I recommend getting this one. It comes with a dethatcher, which cuts the job time in half. It allows you to dethatch your grass and sweep simultaneously, which is great for large lawns.

But, what if you do not need the dethatcher?

Well, you might need to dethatch your grass once in a while, but if that is not a regular need for you, then you can still use this model solely as a sweeper. The good thing is that you can raise the tines using the adjustment handle to use it as a sweeper. You do not have to struggle to remove the dethatcher, and you still keep it handy if you need it at some point.

Pros

Cons

Craftsman 42-inch Tow Lawn Sweeper

Craftsman has some of the best garden tools and equipment. This tow lawn sweeper, in particular, is designed for easy use, ensuring you have better control all through. It is the best lawn sweeper for pine needles, thanks to the reinforced brushes.

Finding a balance in the functionality and quality of lawn sweepers can be quite a challenge. Luckily, this design seems to have it all figured out. The large hopper, stable wheels, and quality brushes all add up to its long-lasting quality.

Pros

Cons

Yard Commander 42-inch Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper

I will admit I was a little skeptical about adding this lawn sweeper to the list. But, it has so much potential and can be the perfect choice for beginners in lawn care. The design is simple, seamless, and easy to figure out. On this note, it is less of a hassle putting up and setting it in place to sweep.

This 42-inch tow-behind lawn sweeper is ideal for clearing twigs, grass clippings, and leaves. It comes with a 12.9 cubic foot nylon hopper that is super easy to empty as you go. If you are worried about the quality, this lawn sweeper will prove you wrong and stand the test of time, thanks to the rust-resistant powder coating on the metal parts.

Pros

Cons

Brinly STS-427LXH Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper

If I were to choose between the different types of lawn sweepers, I would go for the tow-behind design. This, like this model, is easy to use and works well for different sizes of lawns. The Brinly 42-inch is the best lawn sweeper for grass clippings and pine needles. It also works well for old grass after dethatching, leaving your lawn in the best condition.

How about the design?

The sweeper features easy height adjustment allowing you to choose the most appropriate height. Additionally, the twist-lock feature ensures the height remains consistent even when sweeping over uneven terrain. The 20-cubic foot hamper is large enough, and together with the 42-inch sweep, this model is efficient and time-saving.

Pros

Cons

Ohio Steel 42SWP22 Sweeper

This lawn sweeper from Ohio Steel is quite unique from others on the list. But that does not mean it is any challenging or hectic to operate. In fact, it is one of the simplest designs on the market and ultimately one of the best for regular sweeping.

Why?

It features a long 42-inch sweeper, which is excellent for a medium to a large lawn. With this one, you will only need a few rounds to sweep the entire yard. I also love that it comes with a comprehensive guide on how to use it, including a set of assembly instructions. On this note, I recommend it if you are a beginner and looking for a simple option.

Pros

Cons

Ohio Steel 50SWP26 PRO Sweeper

I love to see the different models brands have, just to compare and see the best features of each. This is why I included this model from Ohio Steel. It is a little different from the 42-inch, but the functionality and efficiency are the same.

It looks like an advancement from the 42-inch and comes in a more robust and stable form. It features solid steel for all metal components to ensure it lasts long and works well each time. It features a 26 cubic foot bag, which is larger than most other options. On this note, the sweeper is ideal for large lawns where you need to clear a whole lot of things.

Pros

Cons

Agri Fab 45-0492 Lawn Sweeper

This Agri Fab model had to make it to the list. It is one of the best in terms of quality and a perfect choice for a regular user. The 44-inch lawn sweeper works well for any size of the lawn. It features a 25 cubic foot hopper, which empties pretty quickly as you go.

Additionally, it comes with a height adjustment lever fitted with an easy-to-use indicator. This feature ensures it never slips and provides optimum performance at any height. More to this, the improved dump lever works seamlessly to operate without you leaving the tractor seat.

Pros

Cons

Earthwise LSW70021 Lawn Sweeper

Most lawn sweepers on the market are tow-behind models, but I found this push lawn sweeper. It is the perfect choice for a beginner that does not have a tractor and works well for small lawn maintenance.

How well does it perform, though?

It comes with a 21-inch brush-width which, although smaller from most designs, works well for regular use. It features a spinning rake-like action to sweep clippings and leaves off the lawn surface into a collection bag. The best thing is that the height is adjustable, allowing you to customize it to match your needs.

Pros

Cons

Scotts LSW70026S Push Lawn Sweeper

Another option if you are looking for a push lawn sweeper is this model from Scotts. It is designed for regular use and features a 26-inch sweeping width- a few inches more than the Earthwise model. On this note, it provides the perfect balance of size and effectiveness.

How?

The body is made of lightweight yet high-strength ABS plastic. This material is weather-resistant and suits regular use outdoors. Additionally, it ensures the lawn sweeper is lightweight enough to maneuver and reach every part of your lawn. The model is small but covers quite a distance when sweeping.

Pros

Cons

Ohio Steel 4222V2 Lawn Sweeper

Ohio Steel has quite a number of lawn sweepers. But, this one, in particular, caught my eye. It is simple yet functional to suit different needs as far as lawn sweeping is concerned. On this note, it comes with an 11-inch spiraled polypropylene brush that sweeps efficiently even at low speeds.

One outstanding feature is the solid tension tube. It holds the collection bag in an open position, which saves you the hassle of installing tension rods. Also, the sweeper has numbered brush height settings on the size, making it easy for you to monitor while adjusting the height.

Pros

Cons

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Lawn Sweeper

What is a Lawn Sweeper?

Starting in the gardening world and have no idea what a lawn sweeper is? It is a gardening tool, just like a lawnmower designed to sweep and collect debris, leaves, and grass clipping from the lawn’s surface.

When you trim your grass using either a zero turn lawn mower or a simple slasher, the loose grass chipping, together with leaves and twigs from your garden, need to be removed. This is where a lawn sweeper comes to play.

A lawn sweeper features brushes that are connected to a rotating shaft. In a rotating action, the brushes comb through the lawn to collect debris. The debris, leaves, and other materials are then collected in an attached hopper or collection bag; that you can quickly empty after sweeping.

The Different Types of Lawn Sweepers

Lawn sweepers come in various types, and if you are buying one for the first time, the different styles can be confusing. Here are the types available.

Tow-Behind Lawn Sweepers

Tow behind lawn sweepers are the most common ones on the market. They are convenient to use, and you only need to hook to a riding lawn mower, ATV, or a side-to-side. Additionally, this type is designed to suit different needs with the large capacity of the collection bag.

This design makes them suitable for large lawns where you do not have to empty the bag after each stroll. Talking of emptying, some models of tow-behind lawn sweepers come with unique features for easy emptying.

Most models have a lever or handle that you lift to empty the contents of the bag. After emptying, you only need to return the handle to the original position and continue sweeping.

This type of lawn sweeper is excellent for more extensive lawns. However, they might not work well if a section of the yard tends to hold water. In such a case, the sweeper can easily clog with mud, needing a lot of work to clean.

Push Lawn Sweepers

This type is relatively common, but there are not that many models on the market. Push-style sweepers are great for small properties where cleaning is not extensive.

If you have a lawn with few or no trees, a push lawn sweeper would be the best choice. It works well to collect grass clippings and leaves but requires a bit more effort than tow-behind models.

It is important to note that push models do not hold as much material as tow-behind ones. On this note, they require frequent emptying, especially if your lawn is large. Also, they need pushing as the name suggests, which, although a good workout, can be time-consuming.

Power Sweepers

These are designed for large properties where cleaning needs to be completed in a short time. The sweepers come in push style and tow-behind style that you can hook to a tractor. If you have a sizeable hilly lawn, attaching a power sweeper to your lawnmower can be convenient, less stressful, and quick.

Speaking of lawnmowers and hills, here are great lawnmowers for hills, if you have that type of terrain.

Power sweepers are different from the other two types in that they run on gasoline engines. Like the push and tow-behind models, they have brushes that comb the surface of the lawn to sweep. However, the brushes spin faster, which means they clear a small patch of grass thoroughly in a short time.

Factors to Consider when Buying a Sweeping Lawn Sweeper

A lawn sweeper can save you valuable time and clean up your property thoroughly. But, you need to find one that works great for your needs to ensure quality results all through. Regardless of how much money you spend on a model, understanding the features ensures you get the best value for your money. Here are the factors to consider.

Sweeping Path

The sweeping path width varies from one model to another. This number refers to the amount of ground the brushes can cover in one pass. For example, most push-style lawn sweepers have sweeping paths between 21 and 26 inches. This is why they take longer to clean a large lawn as they cover a small distance in one pass.

Tow-behind sweepers, on the other hand, have much wider paths going as wide as 50 inches. This means they take fewer passes and complete the job quicker than push ones. Ultimately, you will not need to empty the bag as often.

Lawn Size

How much space do you intend to sweep? If you have a small lawn with a tiny patch of grass, then a push-style lawn sweeper can work well. If you have an extensive yard, entirely covered in grass, then you might want to consider a tow-behind or a power sweeper. You might have to invest more, but the convenience of cleaning your lawn in less time will not compare to the price.

Capacity of the Hopper

The capacity of the hopper depends on the size of the lawn sweepers. As much as it is different for different models, it is still an essential factor to keep in mind. If you do not want to keep emptying it every few feet, finding a sweeper with a large-capacity hopper will save you the hassle.

Large-capacity hoppers measure up to 25 cubic feet. Keep in mind, though; 25 cubic feet of grass clipping can weigh quite a lot, so you should consider sweepers with a dump feature. This will save your back and arms from the strain of tipping the hopper.

Brush to Wheel Ratio

Lawn sweepers come with cylindrical brushes that sweep clippings, grass, and debris from the lawn into the hopper. The wheels of the sweeper drive the brushes to spin faster than the wheels turn.

This happens through a transmission that multiplies the times the brushes run in relation to the wheels. How is this important to note? The higher the ratio, the more times the brushes will spin per the times the wheels rotate.

Overall Quality

This is a no-brainer but certainly one of the most important factors to keep in mind. Like any other tool, you should consider the quality in terms of materials, features, and overall functionality. You want to get the best value for your money by checking how each element adds to the sweeper’s functionality.

You do not need a top-rated industrial model, but you might need to spend quite a bit for quality that will last. High-end models often withstand regular use and are easy to use in the long run.

When it comes to quality, consider the type of material used. Plastic ones work well, but they might not hold up well if you use the sweeper regularly. Instead, go for those with heavy-duty steel components that can withstand the impact.

Also, like lawnmower blades, a little mishap in the quality of brushes can damage your lawn. Consider the quality and evaluate what other users have to say about the effectiveness of the brushes. Also, I recommend finding lawn sweepers with adjustable height to allow customization while in use.

FAQs

Should I leave grass clippings on the lawn?

Well, this is a question of what your end goal is? Removing grass clippings from the lawn will bring about your lawn’s aesthetic look and keep it tidy. Leaving the clippings on the lawn will give them a chance to decompose and release nutrients back to the soil. The process will take quite some time, so if you do not mind an unkempt lawn for a few days, then this is an option.

Which is better; lawn sweeper or bagger?

The choice between a lawn sweeper and bagger depends on the size and condition of your lawn. If you have a large yard, a sweeper would be the best bet for the job, thanks to the capacity and efficiency.

If the grass is wet, a lawn bagger might not be the best option. Although sweepers also have difficulties on wet grass, they do a much better job than baggers. Baggers are great at cleaning dry leaves, pine needles, and dry grass but not suitable for cones.

Can you use a lawn sweeper while mowing?

Yes. But, this is only possible if you have a tow-behind lawn sweeper and a riding lawnmower. On this note, you can hook the sweeper onto the mower and collect the clippings as you go. For other types of sweepers, you will have to finish clipping first then sweep later.

Will a lawn sweeper pick up apples?

Lawn sweepers are designed to collect loose materials on the surface of the lawn. If it comes across a heavier item such as a branch, stone, or in this case an apple, it will most likely push it forward or tip it backward.

Will a lawn sweeper pick up thatch?

A lawn sweeper can pick up thatch after dethatching. They are designed to pick up any loose material on the surface, hence ideal for sweeping thatch. Some models come with a dethatching kit that pulls thatch while the sweeper collects it.

How long should you let the grass grow before cutting?

Ideally, the grass should attain a minimum height of about 3.5 inches from the ground before cutting it for the first time. This can take anywhere between 8 t0 10 weeks, depending on the conditions. When you are ready to cut, be sure to follow proper cutting techniques to preserve the grass’s quality.

A good idea is to get blade sharpeners for your lawnmower blades and ensure they are in the best state for a clean cut.

How should I maintain a lawn sweeper?

While using the sweeper, ensure you empty the hopper as often as possible. Ideally, you should empty the contents before it fills up to the top to prevent weighing it down. Also, ensure you clean up the hopper after use to avoid mold and mildew buildup.

Before using the sweeper, chop, or mulch, cut the debris in your yard. This will reduce the amount of work it has to do, adding to its quality in the long run. It will also save you much valuable time and will prevent clogging on the brushes.

Summary

It is no doubt that a lawn sweeper is essential for regular lawn maintenance. It not only saves you valuable time but also ensures your lawn is clean and tidy. The options above are a great starting point if you are looking for a lawn sweeper.

My favorite turns out to be the Agri Fab 42-inch Tow Lawn Sweeper. It is sturdy, easy to assemble, and effective. It provides excellent value for money, and although the instructions seem quite inadequate, the design is pretty simple to figure out. Find your favorite, and enjoy the convenience while keeping your lawn in order.