It’s Saturday morning, and the weather is fine. The sun’s starting to heat up, lighting up your yard. It’s the middle of the fall, and there are leaves all over your lawn, creating a red and gold blanket that’s beautiful in the morning light.
However, you’re going to have to pick up all that mess eventually. Pull the rake out of the garage, and you’ll finish the job in an hour or two – what a great way to start the weekend. If you want to make your sweeping chores easier around the yard, you need to get your hands on a lawn sweeper.
Think of a lawn sweeper like an automated rake. It’s a yard tool that looks sort of like a lawnmower. However, instead of cutting your grass, it collects debris off your lawn. There’s no more need for a rake or a broom around your yard. With a lawn sweeper, you get the ultimate clean-up tool for grass, the patio, walkways around the house, and driveway.
The lawn sweeper is a handy tool to have around, and it can save you hours of back-breaking labor sweeping your yard each week. Why go to the hassle of sweeping and raking your lawn when you can get a tool that helps you with the task?
In this post, we’ll review the best lawn sweeper models, and give you our advice on the best lawn sweeper for your yard.
Our Top Picks
If you want to get started in the garden as soon as possible and don’t have the time to read through the entire review, we made things easy for you. Here are our top three picks for the best lawn sweeper. Each of these models has a unique point that makes it suitable for the size of your yard and your budget.
Last update on 2023-08-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- The Best Overall Lawn Sweeper – Sun Joe AJ801E
Sun Joe makes some of the best home maintenance products available. This lawn sweeper model is a great option and the winner of the best overall lawn sweeper in this review. If you want a reliable machine that leaves your lawn clean, this model is our top choice.
The 12-amp motor has plenty of power, a 13-inch sweeping deck, and adjustable 5-position height control. There are a detachable thatching bag and a scarifying function for dethatching your lawn. - The Best Premium Lawn Sweeper – Agri-Fab 45-0320
If you’re a professional landscaper or estate manager, this model offers you the best tow-hitch lawn sweeper. This model suits the largest lawns, clearing them in a fraction of the time it takes to sweep or rake a large property.
This model attaches to the tow hitch on your tractor or ATV, giving you a 12-cubic-foot hopper, with plenty of capacity. It comes with an easy dump release so you can empty it without dismounting your vehicle. This model is the best choice for regular maintenance on large lawns. - The Best Budget Lawn Sweeper – Scotts LSW70026S
If you’re looking for the best budget buy in this review, then we recommend the Scotts model. This lawn sweeper has plenty of functionality at an affordable price. The Scotts lawn sweeper features a spinning, rake-like action, brushing the debris from your lawn into the collection bag.
The impressive 26-inch sweeping deck is height adjustable and user-friendly. This lawn sweeper offers the best value in this review.
Lawn Sweeper Reviews
Sun Joe AJ801E – The Best Overall Lawn Sweeper
The Sun Joe wins our award for the best overall lawn sweeper in this review. With this model, you get a 12-amp motor powering your sweeper, with a 12.6-inch sweeping width and 5-hight adjustment settings.
With the Sun Joe, you get dual-functionality from your sweeper, with the built-in scarifying bar. This part of the machine features tines that maximize thatch collection, featuring spring steel construction for extra durability and long service life.
- [POWERFUL]: 12-amp motor rakes a 13" wide path to get your job done faster.No Load Speed (rpm) : 2990, Length of Cord (ft.) : 1, Terrain : Flat.
- [ADJUSTABLE DECK]: Tailor raking depth with 5-position depth control
- [SCARIFIED]: Use the Scarified function to cut grass roots for thicker growth, healthier lawns
- [AIR BOOST TECHNOLOGY]: Spring steel tines for maximum thatch pickup
- [INCLUDED]: Detachable thatch collection bag for easy disposal
Last update on 2023-08-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You also get an instant start function, allowing you to start the sweeper at the touch of the button. There are no cords to pull-start or carburetor to flood, trying to turn over the motor. This model is easy to move around, and an excellent choice for small to medium-size gardens, you get a sweeping width that makes it easy to get into tight areas in the yard, without damaging flowerbeds.
This lawn sweeper comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
- Electric operation with a powerful 12-amp motor
- Adjustable sweeping deck height
- Scarifying function for dethatching
- Air-boost technology
- 13-inch cutting deck
- Scarifying option adds to the cost of the machine
Agri-Fab 45-0320 – The Best Premium Lawn Sweeper
If you’re a contractor looking for the best premium model tow-behind lawn sweeper, we recommend the Agri-Fab 45-0320. This model features a 12-cubic foot hopper capacity, allowing for large collections. It hooks up to the tow bar of your ATV or tractor, with quick and easy assembly.
- SWEEPER WIDTH: 42-Inch width
- BRUSH HEIGHT: Set brushes to penetrate the grass to a depth of 1/2 in. (13 mm)
- HOPPER SIZE: 12 cu. Ft. Capacity
- WHEELS: 11" x 2.5" semi pneumatic wheels
- DUMPING: empty hopper from the tractor by pulling the release rope
Last update on 2023-08-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You get large, 11-inch air-filled tires, and adjustable height settings for the sweeping deck. The 42-inch sweeping deck is ideal for large estates and properties. The four brushes offer efficient operation, with a dumping rope to help you offload without getting up from your seat.
- Tow-behind action
- Large hopper capacity
- Rubber tires with plenty of traction
- Suitable for the largest estates
- Universal tow hitch
- Easy dumping
- 3-year warranty
- More expensive than push versions
Scotts LSW70026S – The Best Budget Lawn Sweeper
The Scotts lawn sweeper is one of our favorites in this review. If you’re a homeowner looking for an affordable and functional machine, we recommend the Scotts lawn sweeper. This model features a wide 26-inch sweeping deck, making it suitable for clearing medium-sized to large gardens.
The Scotts lawn sweeper features a spinning rake-like action, with a lightweight plastic body and wheels. You get a large collection bag, and this model collects 80% of lawn debris in a single pass.
- Scotts Lawn Sweeper with 26” Sweeping Width. Light weight and easy to use
- Scotts Lawn Sweeper recommended for level ground only. The push sweeper has a spinning rake like brush action to clean your lawn, patio, yard, sidewalk, and driveway
- Height of brushes must be adjusted to your lawn. Set brushes ¼” Deep into your grass
- Scotts Lawn Sweeper only works on dry leaves and debris, sweeps up 80% on first pass
- Lawn Sweeper does not work for collecting rocks, nuts, pinecones, or any wet material
Last update on 2023-08-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The adjustable handle gives you customization to your height to reduce fatigue, and the large collection bag ensures you don’t have to keep going to the compost heap to offload. This model comes with height adjustment for the sweeping deck.
This model offers an excellent balance of performance and affordability, making it the best budget model in this review.
- Suitable for medium to large lawns
- Push operation with large wheels for easy movement
- Large collection bag
- Adjustable sweeping deck height
- 80% pickup rate on the first pass
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Affordable price
- The manual operation could be easier with electric fitting
Agri-Fab 45-0218
The 26-inch sweeping deck on this model makes it a solid competitor to the Scotts lawn sweeper. You get a 4.5:1 push ratio for the tines, making for easy collection with an 80% collection rate on the first pass.
- SWEEPER WIDTH: 26-Inch width
- BRUSH HEIGHT: Set brushes to penetrate the grass to a depth of 1/2 in. (13 mm)
- HOPPER SIZE: 7 Cu. Ft. Capacity
- WHEELS: 9. 75" x 2. 25" plastic wheels
- To learn more about the 45-0218 please watch the Operation & Maintenance video on this landing page
Last update on 2023-08-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You get a 7-cubic foot hopper bag included, and five adjustable height settings for the sweeping deck. The Agri-fab comes with an easy dump lever for the hopper, and you get four sweeping brushes for efficient operation.
- Suitable for the largest backyards
- 7-cubic-foot hopper bag
- Large 9.75-inch plastic wheels with tread
- 4.5:1 brush to wheel ratio
- Adjustable height cutting deck
- Large collection bag
- Manual operation
Earthwise LSW70021
The Earthwise lawn sweeper is a great choice for medium-sized gardens. This model Has a 21-inch sweeping deck, with spinning rake-like action. The lightweight body is easy to move, and the sweeper folds up for easy hanging storage that’s out of the way.
- 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 collection bin.
- Adjustable leaf sweeper rake height for easy and efficient collection of debris. Height adjustments needs to be set just below your grass height for the sweeper to sweep up your leaves
- Not ideal for collecting rocks, nuts, pinecones, or any other material besides dry leaves. Does not work well in wet or windy conditions.
Last update on 2023-08-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You get a steel handle with adjustable length and adjustable sweeping deck height. The Earthwise is affordable and great value for money.
- Affordable price point
- Large collection bag
- Large 21-inch sweeping width
- Spinning rake action
- Large collection bag
- Adjustable sweeping deck height
- 80% pickup rate on the first pass
- Manual operation
Karcher Sweeper Cleaner
If you’re looking for the best sweeper for your driveway or paths around the home, we recommend this model by Karcher. Karcher makes some of the best pressure washers, and the brand’s reputation delivers with this sweeper.
This sweeper operates at speeds up to 5X faster than sweeping with a traditional broom. You push it along effortlessly, and it cleans up the debris from your driveway, porch, or walkways.
Last update on 2023-08-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The 4.2-gallon onboard waste container is easy to remove and empty for fast disposal of debris like leaves, twigs, and pebbles.
- A good choice for driveways, porches, and paths around the home.
- Karcher is a top brand for home DIY equipment
- Cleans up 5X faster than using a broom (19,000-sq-ft per hour)
- Easy push with a collapsible handle
- 4.2-gallon onboard waste container
- Easy disposal
- Not the best choice for sweeping grass
Lawn Sweeper Buyer’s Guide
Now that you have an idea of the best lawn sweepers available, it’s time to help you choose the model that’s right for your yard.
In this section, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about lawn sweepers. Read through the information and check out the FAQ section that flows this guide. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know which model suits your yard.
A Multi-Purpose Tool that Saves You Money
The lawn sweeper belongs in every garage or tool shed. If you don’t have a lawn sweeper, you’re making your gardening chores harder than they need to be. Why add the extra effort to your weekly tasks?
With a lawn sweeper, you get your yard work done early on a Saturday morning, leaving you with an extra hour free during the day. We bet that time is what you value most in life. With all the time a lawn sweeper saves you on maintaining your yard, think about where you could apply that energy and effort elsewhere in your life.
No-one likes doing yard work. Sure, the first ten minutes or so of sweeping or raking up your leaves is somewhat therapeutic. After you start to build up a sweat and your heart rate kicks up a notch, suddenly, the chore doesn’t seem like fun anymore.
Why go to the hassle of doing things manually., when you can pick up a lawn sweeper for less than $100, and never worry about sweeping or raking again. A lawn sweeper saves you time, and its almost 5-times quicker at picking up your leaves that doing it manually.
Lawn sweepers are versatile machines. With a lawn sweeper, you can collect clippings, broken branches, berries, and pebbles. Most models give you a 70% to 80% collection rate on a single pass, meaning you spend less time cleaning up.
The sweeper collects all the debris in the hopper ort collection bag attached to the machine. You get easy emptying into your compost heap or green-waste dump. With a lawn sweeper, you can start to build your compost pile, making nutrition for your garden from your sweeping debris.
What is the Difference Between a Residential or Commercial Lawn Sweeper?
When selecting your lawn sweeper, you need to decide on a model that offers you the best operation for your yard. Choosing an undersized model will end up defeating the purpose of buying the machine. If you’re a contractor or estate manager, you need a sweeper that’s up to the task.
A commercial-grade lawn sweeper comes with a tow-hitch and large wheels, with a high-capacity hopper. A residential model will have a manual or electric operation, with electric models costing more. Residential lawn sweepers have a lower capacity than commercial machines, but it’s sufficient for clearing your lawn quickly.
Lawn sweepers are suitable for clearing lawn debris, and some models also offer functionality for clearing driveways, walkways, and your porch. Look for the right model to suit your lawn’s size and your needs for electric or manual operation.
How Does a Lawn Sweeper Operate?
Lawn sweepers come with different configurations, but they all offer the same function – clearing your yard of debris. The sweeper can feature electric or manual operation, and it can come with additional features, such as dethatching.
Select the model that suits your budget and your yard duties.
The Types of Lawn Sweepers
As mentioned, there are several lawn sweepers to choose from when selecting your ideal lawn sweeper. Here are the types of lawn sweepers you’ll find online, and the benefits of each model for your garden work.
Gas-Power Lawn Sweeper
A gas-powered lawn sweeper is a commercial-grade machine meant for clearing large public parks, golf courses, and football fields. If you have a large area to clear, then the gas-powered model is your best option.
These models hook up to tractors or ATVs using a tow-hitch. The sweeping deck can be as wide as 6 to 12-feet, depending on the model. We left these sweepers out of this review, as we imagine you’re most likely a homeowner or a landscaper looking for models that clear small to large gardens, or estate properties.
In this case, you’ll need a lighter, more user-friendly model for your clearing tasks. A gas-powered or “power-sweeper” is too much machine for the job.
The Electric Lawn Sweeper
We recommend going with an electric model if you’re looking to clear your lawn as fast as possible, with the least effort. An electric model features design and construction with an electric motor, with an output between 8-Amps to 12-Amps, depending on the model.
We recommend looking for models with a high-power output. The stronger the motor, the better the operation, and the fewer passes needed to clear the lawn. Electric lawn sweepers come with cable operation. We couldn’t find any models with battery packs.
The cable can get in the way when sweeping, and you’ll have to continually direct and control it to prevent the machine from running over it while operating.
However, the electric operation makes it easy to clear your lawn fast. Some models come with the ride-along operation included in the package. This function allows for the smooth movement of the machine; the sweeper comes with a gearbox that drives the wheels.
Electric models are the best option if you have a larger yard, and they make your yard work so much easier. However, they do cost more. You can expect to pay 20% to 30% more for an electric model over a manual version.
Push Lawn Sweeper
The push lawn sweeper offers manual operation. There’s no motor powering the sweeper, so you might find it’s a little less efficient at clearing than an electric model. However, most manual versions collect about 80% of the debris in its path on the first pass.
Manual push sweepers are an excellent choice for small to medium-sized yards. They have a more affordable price tag than electric models, and they’re a great choice for cluster homes or townhouse gardens. With a manual push sweeper, you don’t have to worry about electrics.
Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper
The last model is the tow-behind sweeper. With this machine, you attach the hitch to the tow bar on your ATV or tractor and drag the tool behind you. The wheels attach to a manual gearbox that drives the sweeper blades to collect the debris from your lawn.
These tow-behind models have the same type of operation as push sweepers, but they drag instead of push. Tow-behind models are the best choice for large lawns and estates. If you’re a contractor looking for a lawn sweeper, then a tow-behind is your best option.
What to Look for in a Lawn Sweeper for your Yard?
Now that you understand the different types of lawn sweepers let’s unpack what you need to look for in a good-quality machine.
Sweeping Deck Width
The sweeping deck width on your lawn sweeper determines how much surface area you can cover while pushing. For small to medium-size yards, we recommend looking for deck widths between 12-inches to 16-inches. If you have a large garden, you’ll find sweeping decks up to 26-inches in width.
Tow-behind sweepers can have cutting decks up to 48-inches in width. The wider the deck, the more debris it collects with each pass. However, larger sweeping decks make the machine harder to handle. Wide sweeping decks make it challenging to get into tight corners.
If you have a small garden, and a large deck will make it challenging to manage all the nooks and crannies around flowerbeds and pot plants. However, if you have a large garden and the cutting deck width is less than 20-inches, it’s going to take you a lot longer to finish the task than with a 26-inch model.
Adjustable Sweeping Height
Look for a lawn sweeper that offers an adjustable height sweeping deck. By adjusting the height, you can customize the sweeper to suit the length of your lawn and lawn conditions. By lifting the deck, you don’t damage longer grass when sweeping.
The adjustment is also handy for models with built-in scarifying functions, allowing you to dig deep into the thatching layers to remove the dead grass.
Collapsible Handles
Your lawn sweeper should come with adjustable handles. Look for telescopic or hand-adjustment handles that customize the length to suit your height, reducing operator fatigue in use.
Large Wheels
Tow-sweepers will feature large 8-inch to 10-inch air-filled tires, allowing you to tow the machine with ease. Residential push or electric sweepers come with rubber tires or plastic wheels. Whichever you choose, make sure the wheels or tires have plenty of tread for traction.
Dethatcher and Scarifying Attachments
If you want a dual-tool functionality from your machine, look for lawn sweepers that offer dethatching functionality and sweeping. The dethatcher scarifies your lawn, removing the dead thatching. As a result, you get more air to the roots of your grass, increasing your lawn’s health and growth rate.
Hopper Size or Collection Bag
The size of your hopper or collection bag is essential. The bigger it is, the less often you have to empty.
Good Warranty and Minimal Maintenance
Make sure you’re buying a machine that comes with some form of the manufacturer’s warranty. The best models feature a three to five-year guarantee against any manufacturing defects. However, you need to understand that the warranty won’t cover the normal wear and tear of parts in the sweeper.
Efficient Operation
If you’re buying a push sweeper, look for models that offer smooth movement with efficient operation.
Sweeper Accessories and Attachments
Look for the following options included with your lawn sweeper. The accessories can add multi-function use to your machine, allowing you to get more value out of your purchase.
Lawn Aerator – An aerator either punches thin holes into your lawn or pulls out thin plugs. This operation allows air to enter the soil around the roots of the grass, improving airflow. As a result, your lawn experiences a rapid jump in growth rate. The aeration allows it to absorb more water and air to the roots, and you’ll notice a considerable difference in the color and health of your lawn after aerating.
The Load Dump – If you’re buying a tow-behind model, look for a load dump feature that allows you to dump the debris without getting out of your seat on the tractor or ATV.
Tips for Using Your Lawn Sweeper
Follow these tips to get the most out of your lawn sweeper.
Preferably Sweep Dry Lawn
While you can use the sweeper to pick up the grass after mowing, we recommend you wait until it has some time to dry in the sun. Cut the lawn in the morning, and leave them to dry through the day, use the sweeper to collect the lawn trimmings later in the afternoon after the heat of the day starts to subside.
If you try to collect the fresh trimmings after mowing, the wet grass sticks to the sweeper blades or tines, clogging the sweeper. As a result, you’ll have to keep clearing the clogged sweeper, and that will get frustrating.
Empty the Sweeper Hopper Often
When using the sweeper, the trimmings and debris collect in the hopper of the collection bag. Make sure you don’t wait until the bag is bursting at the seams before dumping the trimmings. Clean the bag out after each use. If you leave grass and debris in the bag, it could cause mold growth.
Mulch Your Garden Waste
Start a compost site in your garden if you have space. Use the debris and trimmings you collect to create nutritious compost for your garden.
Safety First
When using your lawn sweeper, make sure you’re wearing some form of eye protection. Whether its sunglasses or safety goggles – keep your eyes protected from flying debris that could blind you.
Lawn Sweeper FAQs
Which lawn sweeper Brand is the right choice for me?
All the brands in this review are solid choices. We took the time to research dozens of models to make our list of the best lawn sweepers.
What’s better – a lawn sweeper or a bagger?
Baggers tend to clog easily, and they don’t work with fresh-cut grass. Sweepers are the best option. This machine has a purpose-built design, making it easy to collect grass trimmings, broken branches, fallen berries, and other lawn debris types.
Should I leave my lawn clippings on the lawn?
Sure, you can leave your grass clippings on your lawn if they aren’t too long. Leaving the trimmings on the garden provides a layer of mulch that leaves the nutrients in the soil as it dries. However, we don’t recommend leaving long grass clippings on your lawn as it can attract pests.
Can I use my lawn sweeper when mowing?
If your mower doesn’t have a collection bag, then the sweeper can collect the clippings for you after you finish mowing. However, most gardeners use the sweeper before they mow to collect the debris on the lawn.
Running your lawnmower over pebbles could cause ricochets that break windows. Mowing over broken branches and fallen berries can damage the blades on your mower.
How long can your grass get before it needs cutting?
We recommend you start mowing your lawn in the early spring and make your first cut when the grass gets 2-inches long. After that, let the grass grow to a max height of 3 to 3.5-inches before cutting again.
Lawn Sweepers – The Verdict
By now, you should have a good idea of the right lawn sweeper to suit your needs. We hope the information in the buyer’s guide and FAQ helps you make an informed purchase decision on your new sweeper.
However, if you’re still on the fence, trying to decide which sweeper is best for you, why not go with one of our top picks?
- The Sun Joe AJ801E wins our award for the best overall lawn sweeper in this review. It has everything you need to maintain small to medium-sized lawns. This model comes with an adjustable height sweeping deck, and a dethatching option, with cuttings bag included.
- The Agri-Fab 45-0320 is our top choice for the best premium model in this review. This lawn sweeper is suitable for the largest estate lawns. If you’re a professional landscaper or estate manager, this model is your top choice. Its universal tow hitch allows mounting to tractors and ATVs, allowing easy sweeping of the lawn.
- Homeowners looking for the best budget buy in this review can benefit from purchasing the Scotts LSW70026S. This model comes with everything you need to sweep the largest lawns. You get a wide cutting deck, collection bag included, and adjustable sweeping heights.
