How Do I Choose the Best Lawn Sweeper?

A lawn sweeper is a piece of equipment used to clear a lawn of debris such as grass clippings, small twigs, and leaves. Two general types of lawn sweeper models exist: tow-behind and push models. A tow-behind sweeper needs to be used in conjunction with a lawn tractor or an ATV, while a push sweeper can be used by hand, meaning you will have to push the unit across the lawn to sweep up debris. If you do not have a tractor or ATV, the push sweeper is the obvious choice, though if you own a tractor, the tow-behind model is more convenient and quicker.

When choosing a tow-behind lawn sweeper, be sure to consider the size of the unit as well as any additional features included. Some sweepers, for example, will feature a hopper that can be tilted and dumped without the need for you to leave your seat on the tractor or ATV. Others may need to be unloaded by hand. The models that need to be unloaded by hand are likely to be less expensive, so if you are on a tight budget, this may be your best option. If you have a bigger budget, consider a lawn sweeper with the automatic dumping feature.

Push sweepers tend to be somewhat smaller and lighter weight, though they may still be able to handle the same capacity as the tow-behind models. Think carefully about how much debris you are likely to move at any given time, as this will usually dictate which size of lawn sweeper you will need. Larger yards with more trees or sources of debris will require a larger unit, while smaller yards or large yards without many trees or sources of debris may not require a large unit. The width of the lawn sweeper will determine how much debris can be collected at one time, and the size of the hopper will dictate how much debris can be stored before it needs to be emptied.

Choose a lawn sweeper made with high-quality, durable materials. Avoid cheap plastics if possible and instead look for models with metal bodies that will stand up to some abuse. Metal will add weight to the unit, but plastic is more prone to cracking, which means it is not necessarily an ideal material for lawn care. It is also a good idea to look for a sweeper that features a foldable handle for easier storage.