Lawn Sweepers
One of the easiest ways to clear your lawn of debris like sticks, grass clippings and leaves is with a lawn sweeper. Available in two versions, they can make quick work of tidying up your yard.
Tow-Behind Sweepers
Raking leaves or grass clippings is not the most fun way to spend the afternoon. Thankfully, there is a way to take a lot of the physical work out of this chore. Using a lawn sweeper can make quick work of keeping your lawn looking its best.
Tow-behind or pull-behind lawn sweepers have a deck that is mounted on two wheels. When the unit is pulled along the grass, durable sweep brushes located between the wheels rotate to pick up lawn debris and deposit it into the hopper.
If you are thinking about a lawn sweeper, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get the best model for your lawn needs.
- Brush-to-Wheel Ratio: This measurement refers to the number of brush passes per wheel rotation. A high brush-to-wheel ration means there are more brush sweeps each time the wheels turn. A higher ratio also means a better sweep per pass. Lesser ratios mean you may have less sweeping power to clean your yard.
- Adjustable Brush Height: Having the ability to adjust the sweeper height to the material you are wanting to collect can help make the sweep more efficient. Dry leaves may take a higher sweep height than trying to collect wet grass clippings.
- Bag Size: Tow-behind lawn sweepers will have a larger capacity than a push version so it can pick up more material in fewer passes. This added capacity will also make these a little bit more difficult to maneuver and store when not in use.
- Ease of assembly: Most all lawn sweepers will require some type of assembly to get started. It is important to think about this when considering a purchase as to the level of comfort you have with assembly. After sweeping, you will need to empty the hopper when it gets full. Having an easy-to-empty hopper can be helpful, especially when dealing with heavy debris. Also consider how the machine will collapse for storage when not in use in the off season.
Push Sweepers
If you have a smaller lawn and still want to avoid the tedium of raking up leaves, then a smaller push sweeper may be the ticket. Offering the same method of cleaning as the tow behinds but in a smaller, more manageable version, these sweepers are handy to help clear up your lawn. The same considerations of a tow behind are also applicable here; brush-to-wheel ratio, brush adjustments, bag size and assembly. Many of these push sweepers are easy to maneuver, making them easy for almost anyone in the home to use.
Lawn Vacuums
If you have a larger yard of an acre or more, you may use a lawn tractor to mow your grass. Luckily, there are lawn vacuums that can attach to your tractor to make keeping your grass tidy simple. These units have a capacity of 23 bushels or more and can easily pick up leaves, twigs, acorns, pine needles and grass trimmings. Most have a large 5-HP motor that can produce up to 80-MPH of suction to be able to clear areas quickly. You can also choose between soft-sided or hard-top containers. All tow-behind lawn vacuums have a universal hitch and can attach to many different deck designs.
If you have a smaller yard but still want the convenience of a power lawn vacuum for leaves and other debris, look at a smaller version that you either push or is self-propelled. These operate much like a lawn mower does, with the same maneuverability. You can either use the suction from passing the machine over your grass and pavement or use the detachable hose to get into tighter areas.