Keeping Your Lawn Clean With the Best Lawn Sweepers

Keeping Your Lawn Clean With the Best Lawn Sweepers

There’s something rejuvenating about taking a barefoot stroll through your backyard on a nice sunny day. That is, until you accidentally step on a pine cone. Ouch!

If you’re looking to keep your yard clean with minimal effort, then you might consider using a lawn sweeper to get the job done quickly and easily. But finding the right lawn sweeper for you is going to take a bit of time and careful planning. That’s why we’ve done all the heavy lifting, so you can quickly find the right lawn sweeper for you.

Benefits of a Lawn Sweeper

Keeping your lawn clean is a great way to boost curb appeal and save you from stepping on (or in) something you don’t want to. You can keep your lawn clean with a rake, leaf blower, or mower bagger. But lawn sweepers offer a host of benefits that these other lawn care tools just can’t match.

They Save You Time

If you have trees in your yard, then you know that your lawn can get messy pretty quickly. However, cleaning up your lawn isn’t quite so quick. With a lawn sweeper, you can definitely speed up the process, getting a job that could take days to finish done in a matter of hours.

They’re Perfect if You Have a Bad Back

Another major benefit of lawn sweepers is that it makes cleaning your lawn up effortless. If you have a bad back or your mobility is otherwise limited, a lawn sweeper is the perfect way to keep your lawn clean without hurting yourself.

They’re Cheaper Than Mower-Specific Add-Ons

Lawn tractors have mower-specific add-ons that can clean your lawn as you mow. But depending on your mower’s these can easily run hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Lawn sweepers are a great alternative to mower baggers and other add-ons. And they’re compatible with most lawn tractors and other utility vehicles, so they’re both cheaper and more flexible.

They Offer Quiet Operation

Compared to lawn mower baggers and leaf blowers, lawn sweepers are very quiet. That means you can clear your lawn at any time of the day without disturbing your neighbors or anyone in your household.

Things to Consider When Shopping for a Lawn Sweeper

If you’ve never used or purchased a lawn sweeper before, then it can be difficult to figure out what you should look for in one. Let’s go through and look at some of the important things you should keep in mind while shopping for a lawn sweeper.

Types of Lawn Sweepers

The most important consideration you should make when shopping for a lawn sweeper is a type of sweeper you’ll need. We’ll go into more detail later, but there are two types of sweepers for residential lawns: push-style and tow-behind sweepers.

Size of Your Lawn

Another important thing to consider in a lawn sweeper is the size of your lawn. When factoring in the size of your lawn, there are a couple of important things you should keep in mind. The first is the size of the sweeping path.

Sweeping Path Size

If you have a small lawn, you probably don’t need a huge lawn sweeper. This makes smaller push-style sweepers a great choice, especially if you don’t have a vehicle to tow a larger lawn sweeper.

If you have a tractor, then tow-behind lawn sweepers with a larger sweeping path, like the Agri-Fab Inc 45-0546 52″ Lawn Sweeper, are great for large yards. The bigger the sweeping path is, the faster you can cover ground.

However, a larger sweeping path doesn’t necessarily mean that it has a hopper capacity to match it. Because of this, you should also consider the capacity of the hopper when factoring in your lawn’s size.

Hopper Capacity

Hopper capacity is another important consideration. A larger hopper means less frequent dumping trips. However, sweepers with a larger hopper are usually heavier, more prone to sagging, and harder to dump as the hopper accumulates debris.

Brush-To-Wheel Ratio

Another important consideration to make when choosing a lawn sweeper is the brush-to-wheel ratio. This ratio tells us how many times the sweeper sweeps the ground during a single wheel rotation. The higher the brush-to-wheel ratio is, the faster you can push the sweeper without affecting its ability to pick up debris.

So for instance, if you have a large lawn and you want to get it done quickly, you might consider the Craftsman CMXGZBF7124266 42-Inch Hi-Speed Tow Lawn Sweeper, with its impressive 8.5 to 1 brush-to-wheel ratio. But smaller push-style sweepers, like the Earthwise LSW70021 21-Inch Leaf & Grass Push Lawn Sweeper, work well at walking speed. That means they don’t necessarily need a high brush-to-wheel ratio.

Wheel Type

The type of wheels that are on your lawn sweeper will help determine how easy they are to push, and how long they last. We cover this a bit more later, but your options are either plastic or rubber wheels.

Now, let’s take a look at the best lawn sweepers we’ve found.

Top 8 Best Lawn Sweepers 2023

1. Best Overall Lawn Sweeper: Agri-Fab 45-0492 Lawn Sweeper

Agri-Fab 45-0492 Lawn Sweeper

Why we like it: It folds up compact for storage, uses a dumping lever instead of rope, and has a large hopper.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

  • Type: Tow-behind
  • Lawn size: Large
  • Path size: 44 inches
  • Hopper capacity: 25 cu. ft.
  • Brush/wheel ratio: 5.1:1
  • Wheel type: Semi-pneumatic
  • Warranty: 3 years
  • Manufacturer Tutorial

The Agri-Fab 45-0492 Lawn Sweeper is the quintessential lawn sweeper. It perfectly balances easy assembly, size, hopper capacity, and compactness for storage.

This lawn sweeper has a large sweeping path and hopper capacity, making it great for large lawns. However, it’s large size doesn’t mean that you’ll need a large space to store it in. Folding down to 30% of its size without any tools, it’s easy to store when you’re not using it.

But its size and compactness aren’t the only thing that makes it great. While many other lawn sweepers feature a rope for quick and easy dumping, this one features a dump lever, making dumping even easier. The handle may be a little short for some tractors, such as zero-turn mowers, but it offers more leverage than a rope when the hopper is full.

It also features a non-slip height adjustment lever that means that you’ll never have to worry about rough terrain knocking it loose. Finally, it’s backed by Agri-Fab’s 3-year manufacturer warranty, so you’ll have plenty of time to break it in without worry.

Pros

  • Easy to assemble
  • Folds down to 30% of its size
  • Uses a dump lever instead of a rope
  • Non-slip height adjustment lever

Cons

  • Handle may be too short for some tractors

2. Best Premium Lawn Sweeper: Agri-Fab 45-0320 42-Inch Tow Lawn Sweeper

Agri-Fab 45-0320 42-Inch Tow Lawn Sweeper

Why we like it: Another stellar sweeper from Agri-Fab, it's built to last and handles damp debris like a champ.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

  • Type: Tow-behind
  • Lawn size: Medium
  • Path size: 42 inches
  • Hopper capacity: 12 cu. ft.
  • Brush/wheel ratio: 4.5:1
  • Wheel type: Semi-pneumatic
  • Warranty: 3 years
  • Manufacturer Tutorial

Another home run from Agri-Fab, the Agri-Fab 45-0320 42-Inch Tow Lawn Sweeper is a great lawn sweeper for medium size lawns. It’s made with a durable steel construction, and comes with Agri-Fab’s stellar 3-year manufacturer warranty.

You’ll generally want to sweep your lawn when it’s dry, but this sweeper works especially well with damp lawn debris. That means that if you’re in a rainy climate, you’ll still be able to sweep your lawn, even if you can’t catch a break from the wet weather.

It also works well on bare dirt and pavement. This makes it a great choice if you have a large driveway or other bare areas you want to sweep. Just remember to exercise caution when using a lawn sweeper on pavement.

One major drawback to note about this sweeper is that it doesn’t fold up for storage. With its smaller hopper capacity, it won’t take up too much room. But you will need to set aside accessible space for it in your garage or shed to keep it out of the elements.

Pros

  • Durable steel construction
  • Handles damp debris well
  • Works great on bare dirt and pavement

Cons

  • The sweeper does not fold up for storage

3. Best Budget Lawn Sweeper: Earthwise LSW70021 21-Inch Lawn Sweeper

Earthwise LSW70021 21-Inch Lawn Sweeper

Why we like it: This budget-friendly push-style lawn sweeper is lightweight, easy to put together, and perfect for anyone with limited mobility.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

  • Type: Push-style
  • Lawn size: Small
  • Path size: 21 inches
  • Hopper capacity: 3.23 cu. ft.
  • Wheel type: Plastic
  • Warranty: N/A
  • Manufacturer Tutorial: N/A

Many of the best lawn sweepers are tow-behind sweepers that require a tractor. The Earthwise LSW70021 21-Inch Leaf & Grass Push Lawn Sweeper is an exception, making it a great solution if you have a small yard and don’t have a tractor.

The Earthwise lawn sweeper is budget-friendly, and is extremely lightweight and easy to assemble. This makes it great for anyone with limited mobility who might otherwise struggle with using a rake or leaf blower. It’s also easy to use, with a user-friendly adjustment knob that makes adjusting the height quick and simple.

It also works really well on artificial turf, so you won’t have to worry about this thing tearing up your lawn. With that said, you should keep in mind that it’s not ideal for tackling thick layers of leaves and heavier debris like rocks and nuts.

If your trees tend to wreak havoc on your otherwise pristine yard and you need a push-style lawn sweeper, you might consider using the Agri-Fab 45-0218 26-Inch Push Lawn Sweeper. It’s not quite as affordable as this sweeper, but it does handle larger debris and thicker layers of leaves much better than this one.

Pros

  • Extremely lightweight and easy to assemble
  • Very affordable
  • User-friendly adjustment knob
  • Works great on artificial turf

Cons

  • Not ideal for thick layers of leaves and heavy debris like rocks and nuts

4. Best Lawn Sweeper for Large Lawns: Agri-Fab Inc 45-0546 52" Lawn Sweeper

Agri-Fab Inc 45-0546 52" Lawn Sweeper

Why we like it: It's sturdy, folds up for storage, and with its large sweeping path and hopper capacity, it's great for large lawns.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

  • Type: Tow-behind
  • Lawn size: Large
  • Path size: 52 inches
  • Hopper capacity: 26 cu. ft.
  • Brush/wheel ratio: 4.25:1
  • Wheel type: Semi-pneumatic
  • Warranty: 3 years
  • Manufacturer Tutorial

If you have a large yard, then having a large lawn sweeper will help you get the job quicker. Enter the Agri-Fab Inc 45-0546 52″ Lawn Sweeper.

This powerhouse sweeper has a large sweeping path, making it perfect for even the biggest yards. It handles sloping terrain well, so it works great if your yard isn’t totally flat, and it folds up for storage.

It also has the largest hopper capacity of all the lawn sweepers we’ve found. That means that it can hold more per load, making for fewer dumping trips. However the large size does come at a bit of a cost.

Because it’s so large, it can be hard to dump with the rope. The hopper bag also lacks support to prevent sagging when it gets full. While this is common among lawn sweepers, given its larger size, it could really benefit from having support under the hopper to prevent sagging.

Nevertheless, it comes with Agri-Fab’s excellent 3-year warranty. Combined with its solid construction and large size, it’s great for anyone looking to tackle a large job.

Pros

  • Large sweeping path and hopper
  • Handles hills well
  • Folds up for storage

Cons

  • Bag lacks support to prevent sagging when full
  • Hard to dump with the rope due to larger size

5. Best Lawn Sweeper for Small Lawns: Agri-Fab 45-0218 26-Inch Push Lawn Sweeper

Agri-Fab 45-0218 26-Inch Push Lawn Sweeper

Why we like it: It's a superb push-style lawn sweeper that's great for small lawns, and handles larger debris like nuts and pine cones well.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

  • Type: Push-style
  • Lawn size: Small
  • Path size: 26 inches
  • Hopper capacity: 7 cu. ft.
  • Brush/wheel ratio: 4.5:1
  • Wheel type: Plastic
  • Warranty: 3 years
  • Manufacturer Tutorial

If you’re looking for a small push-style lawn sweeper and budget isn’t a big concern, then you can’t go wrong with the Agri-Fab 45-0218 26-Inch Push Lawn Sweeper.

This push-style lawn sweeper offers the same superior performance the Agri-Fab is known for. That means that it’s capable of picking up nuts, pine cones, and other common heavy lawn debris.

It features plastic wheels which means no flat tire, and the hopper bag is very easy to empty. And because it’s an Agri-Fab product, it comes with a great 3-year warranty.

Because this push-style sweeper is made for small lawn, it doesn’t have a very big hopper. That means that the hopper fills up pretty quickly so you’ll have to make frequent trips to your dumping pile. The hopper is larger than the hopper on the, but it does come at a higher cost.

Unfortunately, the hopper bag is thin and flimsy, so you may want to reinforce the bottom of it, in case you find the bottom of the bag dragging on the ground.

However, as far as push-style lawn sweepers go, this one is your best choice if you have to deal with a lot of leaves in your small yard. It also works great for other debris from trees, like pine cones and acorns.

Pros

  • Hopper bag is easy to empty
  • Plastic wheels mean no flat tires
  • Capable of picking up nuts and other debris
  • Comes with a 3-year warranty

Cons

  • Small hopper means it fills up quickly
  • The hopper bag is thin and flimsy

6. Best High-Speed Lawn Sweeper: Craftsman CMXGZBF7124266 42-Inch Lawn Sweeper

Craftsman CMXGZBF7124266 42-Inch Lawn Sweeper

Why we like it: This lawn sweeper works great at high speeds and has a large hopper, making it perfect for large lawns.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

  • Type: Tow-behind
  • Lawn size: Large
  • Path size: 42 inches
  • Hopper capacity: 22 cu. ft.
  • Brush/wheel ratio: 8.5:1
  • Warranty: 3 years
  • Manufacturer Tutorial

If you’re looking for a tow-behind lawn sweeper that will get the job done quickly, then look no further than the Craftsman CMXGZBF7124266 42-Inch Hi-Speed Tow Lawn Sweeper.

This lawn sweeper works great at any speed, and handles high speeds better than any other sweeper we’ve found. It’s also tied with the Ohio Steel 42SWP22 Sweeper for having the largest hopper of all the sweepers in its size class.

It’s also sturdy, with its heavy-duty steel-stamped housing. Unfortunately, the gears are made of plastic, meaning they won’t stand up to long-term wear and tear as well as the frame. It also requires a lot of storage space, despite the fact that it does fold up.

An interesting note about this sweeper – it’s sold under the craftsman name, but it’s actually manufactured by Agri-Fab. That means it comes backed by Agri-Fab’s excellent 3-year warranty, and also means if you need to reach support, you’ll be talking to Agri-Fab.

If you’re looking to tackle a large yard as quickly as possibly, you can’t go wrong with this sweeper.

Pros

  • Works well at any speed
  • Heavy-duty steel stamped housing
  • Large hopper for a sweeper of its size

Cons

  • Gears are made of plastic
  • Requires a lot of space for storage, even when folded

7. Best Heavy-Duty Lawn Sweeper: Yard Commander 42" Tow Behind Lawn Sweeper

Yard Commander 42" Tow Behind Lawn Sweeper

Why we like it: It's made with heavy-duty steel and is treated with a rust-resistant finish, making it exceptionally rugged.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

  • Type: Tow-behind
  • Lawn size: Medium
  • Path size: 42 inches
  • Hopper capacity: 12.9 cu. ft.
  • Wheel type: Semi-pneumatic
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Manufacturer Tutorial: N/A

Many of the lawn sweepers that we found are sturdy and solid. But you’d be hard-pressed to find a more heavy-duty lawn sweeper than the Yard Commander 42″ Tow Behind Lawn Sweeper.

While sweepers like the Craftsman CMXGZBF7124266 42-Inch Hi-Speed Tow Lawn Sweeper also feature a heavy-duty steel construction, and a larger hopper capacity, this one is treated with a rust-resistant powder coat finish. This means it will stand up well to the elements.

But you won’t have to worry about keeping it exposed to the elements. Given its smaller hopper size and the ability to fold it up for storage, you can condense it down to a suitable size for any shed or garage.

Now you should keep in mind that the sweeper is pretty difficult to assemble. There’s no video instructions online, and many parts require using two wrenches to get the bolts tightened. Given its large size, this can make tightening those bolts difficult for one person.

If you have a second person to help you assemble it, or you don’t mind putting in a little extra work for a very solid sweeper, then this is definitely an excellent choice.

Pros

  • Treated with rust-resistant powder coat finish
  • Heavy-duty steel construction
  • Compact for storage

Cons

  • Difficult for one person to assemble
  • Small hopper for the path size

8. Most Universal Tow Behind Lawn Sweeper: Ohio Steel 42SWP22 Sweeper

Ohio Steel 42SWP22 Sweeper

Why we like it: It has a unique sweeping brush for a cleaner sweep, and the 5-position hitch adjustment makes it suitable for any lawn tractor.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

  • Type: Tow-behind
  • Lawn size: Large
  • Path size: 42 inches
  • Hopper capacity: 22 cu. ft.
  • Brush/wheel ratio: 4.5:1
  • Wheel type: Plastic
  • Warranty: N/A
  • Manufacturer Tutorial

At first glance, it looks like any ordinary lawn sweeper. However take a look under the hood and you’ll notice that this one is quite unique.

Rather than having multiple brushes placed across the sweeper axle, it features one long spiral brush. The design of the brush means it’s more effective than standard sweeper brushes, so it doesn’t need a high brush-to-wheel ratio. It also features a unique 5-position hitch adjustment that makes it compatible with nearly any tractor or UTV on the market.

Another unique feature of the sweeper is that the hopper bag quickly separates from the front of the sweeper. This makes folding it up for storage quicker and easier, and it reduces its overall size.

Like other sweepers we found, it’s not without its flaws. The instructions that come with the sweeper are quite confusing. However, the manufacturer does offer video instructions online. The wheel gears and wheels are also plastic, which is sort of strange for a tow-behind sweeper of its size.

Nevertheless, its a unique and highly effective lawn sweeper. It’s definitely worth considering if you’ve got a big yard and want a sweeper that plays well with almost any tractor or UTV.

Pros

  • Spiral brush is more effective than standard sweeper brushes
  • 5-position hitch adjustment for universal compatibility
  • Hopper bag quickly separates from front of the sweeper

Cons

  • The wheel gears and wheels are plastic
  • Included instructions are confusing

Everything You Need to Know About Lawn Sweepers

lawn sweeper towed by tractor

We’ve gone over some of the basic things you should consider when shopping for a lawn sweeper, and some of the best lawn sweepers we’ve found. Now, let’s get into the weeds and look a little more closely at the types of lawn sweepers available.

Taking a Closer Look at the Different Types of Lawn Sweepers

We briefly mentioned that there are a couple different types of lawn sweepers for you to choose from. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of lawn sweepers available.

Push-Style Sweepers

Push-style lawn sweepers, like the Agri-Fab 45-0218 26-Inch Push Lawn Sweeper, are sweepers that you push through your yard manually, much like a push mower.

These are generally smaller and lighter than other types of lawn sweepers. That means they don’t require any large equipment to operate. Since they don’t require any machinery to operate, these things are super quiet.

However, since they’re smaller and require you to push them by hand, they also require the most work to operate. This makes them most suitable for smaller yards or areas where a tow-behind sweeper can’t easily reach.

Tow-Behind Sweepers

Tow-behind lawn sweepers, like the Agri-Fab 45-0492 Lawn Sweeper, are lawn sweepers that you tow with a tractor or other utility vehicle. These are much bigger than their push-style counterparts, with larger sweeping paths and hopper capacities than push-style sweepers. This makes them great for large yards.

Just remember that if your tractor or UTV breaks down, it’s back to cleaning your lawn manually while your vehicle is out of commission. Also, while tow-behind sweepers are quiet, you’ll still have to deal with the noise of the vehicle towing it.

Power Sweepers

Power lawn sweepers are electric or gas-powered lawn sweepers that make quick work of any yard, no matter their size. However, these are usually used for commercial lawn maintenance. If you’re serious about sweeping your lawn quickly, you can still find them, but expect to pay a lot more than consumer-grade lawn sweepers.

What’s the Deal With Lawn Sweeper Wheels?

As we mentioned earlier, lawn sweepers come with a couple different types of wheels. Let’s quickly delve a little deeper into the differences between plastic and rubber wheels.

Plastic

Solid plastic wheels are usually found on smaller push-style lawn sweepers. These wheels offer the advantage of being more durable against sharp sticks and other objects that can puncture rubber tires. That means that you’ll never have to worry about dealing with flat tires.

Of course, they’re also less adept at handling rough terrain than rubber tires. Also, because they’re made out of plastic, they can become brittle over time, and are more prone to break if you hit a hard spot while the hopper is full.

Rubber

Rubber tires are better at handling all different types of terrain, and are common on tow-behind lawn sweepers. Many sweepers have semi-pneumatic tires, meaning the air inside the tires isn’t pressurized.

While you won’t have to worry about airing up your tires on semi-pneumatic wheels, they’re still susceptible tubing popped. That means that if you accidentally puncture a tire, you’ll need to patch it or find a new one.

Getting the Most out of Your Lawn Sweeper

Lawn sweepers are great, but they aren’t exactly cheap. In order to help you get the most bang for your buck, you should check out these great tips to help you get the most out of your lawn sweeper.

Lubricate the Gears and Bearings As You Assemble Your Sweeper

Part of proper lawn sweeper maintenance is keeping the gears and wheel bearings properly cleaned and lubricated. This can keep them from seizing or grinding.

Remember to properly lubricate the gears and bearings as you put your lawn sweeper together. This can help premature failure and save you from the hassle of fixing it later on.

Experiment With the Height and Speed

The trickiest part of using a lawn sweeper is finding the optimal height and speed for your sweeper. Adjust the sweeper too high and you won’t pick up as much as you’d like. Put it too low and the sweeper won’t turn.

Finding the right speed is also important. Obviously going too fast means that you’ll brush right past a lot of debris, but it also can damage the sweeper. Going too slow means that the brushes might not have enough inertia to effectively sweep the debris off of your lawn into the hopper.

The optimal height and speed depend on the sweeper that you choose, how level your lawn is, and the type of debris you’re trying to pick up. For instance, sweeping up pine needles requires a lower height and speed than something like grass clippings on a freshly cut lawn.

And speaking of a freshly-cut lawn…

Allow Your Lawn Debris to Dry Before Sweeping

Whether you’re dealing with freshly-mowed grass, or a blanket of thawing leaves from last fall, it’s tempting to make quick work of the debris with your sweeper. However, many lawn sweepers struggle with damp lawn debris.

Therefore, you’ll want to let the debris dry out a little bit before you go sweep it up. It makes for a more efficient sweep, and means you’ll make fewer passes over your lawn to pick it all up.

If you live in a wet climate, you might consider the Agri-Fab 45-0320 42-Inch Tow Lawn Sweeper, which handles wet lawn debris exceptionally well.

Make Smaller Trips for Damp Debris

While you should sweep your lawn when the debris is dry, it’s not always feasible. If you’re sweeping up damp debris, it’s important to remember that you should make smaller trips.

That’s because the added moisture will add to the overall weight up the debris. This added weight can cause the hopper to sag and drag on the ground, and it’ll make dumping the hopper more difficult.

Be Careful When Using Your Lawn Sweeper on Pavement

Lawn sweepers have rigid plastic bristles that sweep debris into the hopper. Since they’re designed for lawn care, they aren’t built to withstand prolonged use on cement.

A quick pass from one side of the driveway to the other shouldn’t harm your lawn sweeper. But if you’re looking to use your sweeper to clear acorns from a chronically covered sidewalk near your favorite oak tree, make sure you set the height of the sweeper so the brushes aren’t brushing against the ground any more than necessary.

Tie the Dump Rope to Your Tractor

Many tow-behind lawn sweepers have a dump rope for convenience. They make it so you can dump the hopper right from your track tractor seat.

However, remember to tie the rope to your tractor to prevent the rope from dragging on the ground. This will help keep the rope from being sucked up into the sweeper, which can cause damage and leave you with a nasty tangled mess to deal with.

Reinforce the Bottom of the Hopper

Lawn sweepers sit low to the ground so the brushes can effectively sweep up debris. However, sitting so low to the ground leaves them susceptible to a common issue – the hopper bag dragging as the hopper fills up.

Since the hopper bag is usually made of nylon or plastic, this can lead to the bottom of the bag wearing out quickly. To combat this, you should consider reinforcing the bottom of the hopper.

One way to do this is to use a sheet of aluminum across the underside of the hopper to support the weight. While you can technically use any thin flat material, aluminum is easy to work with. It’s also light enough to avoid adding enough weight to impede the function of the sweeper.

However, if you don’t have the right tools for the job, then cutting and fitting a sheet of aluminum under the hopper isn’t a viable option. If that’s the case, then you could also consider using duct tape.

Duct tape is cheap and easy to work with, so you can quickly line the underside of the hopper with little hassle. By lining the underside of the hopper bag with duct tape, you’ll add a layer of reinforcement to the hopper. This will prevent the hopper bag from rubbing against the ground and wearing out. It can also help alert you to potential problems if the hopper does start dragging, so you can plan accordingly for future use.

Also, since you’re lining the underside of the hopper, it won’t be clearly visible from afar. That means that you won’t have to worry about your expensive new lawn sweeper looking grungy, while still keeping it safe from wear and tear.

Lawn Sweeper Maintenance

Like any tool, performing routine maintenance on your lawn sweeper is important in keeping it operational. Let’s quickly cover some basic lawn sweeper maintenance.

Check for Damage Before Each Use

Lawn sweepers can take a beating, especially if they’re being pulled around by a tractor. Because of this, it’s important to check for any noticeable damage, especially around the brushes, wheels, and gears before each use.

Many manufacturers offer lengthy warranties and cheap replacement parts. Because of this, staying alert to minor issues can help prolong the life of your lawn sweeper and save you money.

Lubricate Wheel Bearings Each Season

Most manufacturers recommend that you lubricate wheel bearings each season. That will help keep the wheels turning smoothly, can prevent damage, and helps your lawn sweeper continue to work at its best.

Clean and Lubricate Gears Every Two Years

No matter how clean you keep your lawn your lawn sweeper will get dirty. That’s why it’s important to clean and lubricate the gears every two years. Like wheel bearings, keeping your gears clean and lubricated will help prevent any long-term damage.

If your lawn sweeper has plastic gears, then you want to make sure you use a plastic-safe lubricant.

A Clean Sweep

Having a clean lawn can make your home look nicer and give you peace of mind. Sure, you could break out the rake and clear your yard with a little old-fashioned manual labor. Or you could use a lawn sweeper to make the job much quicker and easier.

Once you know what to look for in a lawn sweeper, it’s easy to find the perfect sweeper for your lawn. Now get out there and give your dirty lawn a clean sweep. Also, if you’re looking to maintain your lawn, we recommend checking out some companion tools like fertilizers.