10 Best Lawn Sweepers | Push, Tow, Pull Behind Leaf Collectors

If you’re frustrated by windswept leaves, acorns, or twigs strewed across your pristine lawn I feel your pain…raking, brushing, or handpicking is not a feasible option if you have anything other than a tiny backyard.

That’s why I decided to get myself a push lawn sweeper to see just how effective they were. But in the process of buying one, I found a whole range of products that I never knew existed.

So let me share with you what I discovered as I searched for the best lawn sweepers for clearing up the garden.

Choosing The Best Lawn Sweeper

Choosing a good lawn sweeper depends on several factors, some of which are unique to your needs. When choosing a lawn sweeper, you will want to consider your budget, as well as the size and type of lawn sweeper. 

Best Lawn Sweeper For The Money: Troy-Bilt 42 inch Lawn Sweeper

The Troy-Bilt 42-in lawn sweeper is a budget-friendly option that still provides maximum performance. With a specially-patented rotating brush for more efficient sweeping and a large chute to reduce the risk of clogs, this model is a high-quality lawn sweeper. It is also designed to reduce wear on components, extending its own life. All these offerings combined with the lower price tag make it the best lawn sweeper for the money.

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

The Agri-Fab 45-0218 push lawn sweeper is a manual model, meaning that it is pushed in front of you instead of pulled behind a riding mower. These are significantly more affordable than many pull-behind lawn sweepers and still, work very efficiently. The Agri-Fab model uses four brushes and a wide sweep reach to effectively sweep your lawn. 

Best Pull Behind Lawn Sweeper: Ohio Steel 50SWP26 Pro Sweeper, 50″

The Ohio Steel 50SWP26 is one of the toughest and most durable lawn sweepers you can find. With a 50-in sweep reach, it is also one of the most efficient and can drastically reduce your work time. It has a five-position hitch that lets you attach it to almost any model of riding mower, making it a great choice for anyone who has a large yard or a lot of debris on their property. 

Best Lawn Sweeper For Zero-Turn: AllFitHD Lawn Sweeper 50 inch, Zero-Turn Capable

The AllFitHD Lawn Sweeper is a tow-behind lawn sweeper that attaches to your tractor via a hitch. This special hitch, combined with the semi-pneumatic wheels, makes the AllFitHD capable of performing zero turns along with your tractor. This can significantly reduce your work time and make the process much smoother and more efficient. 

What Is A Lawn Sweeper?

A lawn sweeper is a device on wheels, that uses a rotating brush to pick up debris from a yard, driveway, or path. To use it, you push or pull it across the ground in the area that you want to tidy, allowing it to “sweep” up the debris.

There’s an extensive range of options including sweepers that are made to hitch onto a tractor or riding mower so that you can combine mowing and sweeping simultaneously. 

What Will A Lawn Sweeper Pick Up?

An effective lawn sweeper will pick up almost any debris in your yard. They are usually used to clean up items like leaves, pine needles, sticks and deadwood, excess grass, acorns or other nuts, and pine cones. However, they can also be used to clean up litter or other items. 

How Effective Are Lawn Sweepers?

A good-quality lawn sweeper is very effective at picking up debris in your yard. They significantly are more effective than garden rakes and cut the work time of cleaning up your yard into a fraction.

Some models, of course, are more effective than others, and that’s what we will uncover to save you a boatload of guesswork.

How Do Lawn Sweepers Work?

Lawn sweepers can either be operated manually or attached to a riding mower or tractor. When the wheels are turned, they cause brushes fitted under the machine to sweep lawn debris into a collection bag attached to the sweeper.

When the bag is full or you are done with your work, you simply empty the bag into a compost pile or other green waste bin. 

Push Lawn Sweeper

Pull-Behind Lawn Sweeper

Pull-behind lawn sweepers are a good choice for people who have larger yards or a lot of lawn clean-up. To use them, you need to have a riding lawn mower or tractor, or ATV.

What Size Lawn Sweeper Do You Need?

There’s a wide range of different-sized lawn sweepers to choose from. But bigger is generally better with these products. A bigger sweeping path, huge bag, and high brush-to-wheel ratio will help your lawn sweeper work more effectively and cut your work time down to a fraction. So let’s explain what a few of these terms mean.

Sweeping Path

The sweeping path refers to the length that the sweeper brush extends as it sweeps. The larger the sweeping path, the shorter your work time is, since it covers more ground at a time. Sweeping paths are usually between 40 and 55 inches.

The size you choose will depend on the size of your yard and the amount of debris you may need to clean. Obviously the bigger you go the more expensive these machines will be.

Sweeper Bag

The size of the sweeper bag is another important consideration since it will affect how often you need to stop to empty it.

On pull-behind lawn sweepers, there is usually a level or rope pulley that lets you empty the sweeper bag without getting down from the tractor. Instead, you can simply back the tractor up to your dumping ground and empty the bag from your seat. 

This can be a good alternative for people who have limited mobility, especially back problems since it reduces the amount that you need to bend down. Or if you just want to make things efficient!

Brush-to-Wheel Ratio

The brush-to-wheel ratio on a lawn sweeper refers to how many brush rotations occur in relation to the turn of the wheels.

A higher ratio is ideal since this means that the brushes are rotating more quickly and making as much contact with the ground as possible. This ensures that the brushes are sweeping as effectively as possible. 

So, for example, a 4.5-to-1 wheel ratio means that there are 4.5 brush rotations to one rotation of the wheels.

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Best Lawn Sweeper Reviews

To help you decide which lawn sweeper is best for your needs, I’ve compiled a list of 10 models that I have inspected, tested, or…now own.

These products vary in type, size, price, and other criteria as I was not really sure what I wanted so I looked into a wide selection and shortlisted these. My criteria included build quality, performance, efficiency, and value for money. 

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1. Ohio Steel 50SWP26 Pro Sweeper, 50″

Best Pull Behind Lawn Sweeper

The Ohio Steel 50SWP26 Pro Sweeper has a unique five-position hitch that lets you attach it to almost any type of tractor. It is lightweight and easy to set up, making it a breeze to tote to and from your worksite. 

This lawn sweeper is fitted with several stiff brushes that efficiently sweep small to moderately-sized debris into the bag. It also has wider brushes and a wider sweep reach than most other lawn sweepers, which lets you finish the job in a fraction of the time. Click here for Ohio Steel 50SWP26 Pro Sweeper.

It also has semi-pneumatic tires that keep the lawn sweeper rolling on uneven terrain or over obstacles. If you need to empty the bag, there is no need to climb down off the tractor — just pull the rope attachment from your seat.

Pros      

• Semi-pneumatic tires make it easy to roll over uneven ground
• Rope attachment empties bag from the tractor seat
• Wider sweep arm than most models 
• Height adjustment with lock ensures there won’t be slippage 

Cons

• Some reviews indicate the bag is too thin
• May not work well on wet ground

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2. Cub Cadet Lawn Sweeper 44”

The Cub Cadet 44-in lawn sweeper attaches to your mower so you can pull it behind you as you drive. This lets you combine two tasks into one — mowing and sweeping! 

It has an offset hitch so that you can do both things at once without the tools colliding. This also lets you essentially clean upright as you mow. The Cub Cadet lawn sweeper has a flow-through bag, which has a larger holding capacity. There is also an adjustable brush, which you can readjust for attaching to your mower at the proper height. 

With no tools required for assembly, you can start your yard work in no time. All you have to do is attach the lawn sweeper and go. 

Pros      

• Adjustable height settings
• Large holding capacity 
• Offset hitch lets you mow and sweep at the same time

Cons

• More expensive than many models
• May be difficult to assemble the first time
• Attachment bolts are not protected, which means they may be prone to rust

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2. Agri-Fab 45-0492 Lawn Sweeper, 44-Inch

The Agri-Fab 45-0492 44-inch lawn sweeper is one of the smoothest sweepers you can find. It is fitted with semi-pneumatic tires that keep it moving forward and make it easy to transfer to your work site. 

It also has an adjustable level that you can operate without ever leaving your seat. Simply adjust it from the mower. You can even dump the contents from the tractor seat, making it quick and easy to clean. Find Agri-Fab 45-0492 44-inch lawn sweeper here at Amazon.com

The sweeper is fitted with four brushes for optimal performance. These direct debris into a flow-through bag with two to three times more holding capacity than most lawn sweepers. 

The tow-behind lawn sweeper has an offset design so you can mow and sweep at the same time. It is also easy to store, with a collapsible storage setting that reduces it to 30 percent of its size. 

Pros      

• Semi-pneumatic tires make work and transport smooth
• Large capacity holding bag 
• Collapsible storage setting 
• Four brushes
• Handle lets you empty the bag without getting down from the tractor

Cons

• Drive pin may jam the ratchet gear
• More expensive than some models

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

The Agri-Fab 45-0320 is a tow-behind lawn sweeper. With a 12 cubic ft. hopper capacity, this is a larger-than-average lawn sweeper that lets you work longer without stopping to dump debris. 

It also features a handy rope so that you can empty the bag without dismounting it from your mower. 

This lawn sweeper is intended to be lightweight and portable to make it easy to haul to and from your worksite. With a 42-in. sweep reach, the Agri-Fab cuts back on work time by clearing more ground with less effort. View details for Agri-Fab 45-0320 here.

With two semi-pneumatic tires, the Agri-Fab makes it easy to transport it wherever you need to go and even work over uneven ground. It can handle moderately-sized debris from grass clippings to twigs and dead branches. 

It also features a universal hitch to ensure that it fits smoothly and easily onto your tractor or mower. The hopper is collapsible so that you can fit it into your storage space without a struggle.

Pros      

• Large brush sweep cuts work time 
• Universal hitch
• Extra-large hopper holding capacity 
• Collapsible for storage

Cons

• Dumping rope may get tangled
• Some reviews mention difficult assembly

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5. Brinly STS-42BHDK Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper with Dethatcher

The Brinly STS-42BHDK Tow-Behind lawn sweeper is a high-quality two-in-one tool. It is not just a lawn sweeper — it is also a dethatcher. 

Dethatching is the process of removing the top layer of thick, wet plant matter from the ground. This not only improves the look of your yard but also the health of your grass and plants. It can also improve the drainage of your yard, which improves moisture issues in and around your home. 

The Brinly STS-42BHDK can be used to sweep and dethatch at the same time or to do one task at a time. All you have to do is adjust the settings with a simple pull of the adjustment handle. Click here for Brinly Lawn Sweeper from Amazon.com

This high-powered model uses six brushes with a 42-in sweep reach to make sweeping your lawn faster than ever before. It also has an extra-large 20 cubic ft hamper, which means you can work longer without the need to empty it. 

Pros      

• Two-in-one tool lets you clean your yard two ways 
• Extra-efficient six-brush sweeping mechanism
• Large sweep reach
• Extra-large holding capacity

Cons

• More expensive than many lawn sweepers
• It requires assembly before first use

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6. John Deere 42 in. 24 cu. ft. Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper

The John Deere 42-in Tow-Behind lawn sweeper is one of the largest, most heavy-duty lawn sweepers you can find. With a 42-in sweeping path and 24 cubic ft hamper, this sweeper is made to get the job done in one pass. 

This model is equipped with six sweeper brushes to maximize sweeping efficiency. These brushes are designed to maintain consistent contact with the ground, which lets them clean more efficiently while avoiding annoying skipping or shaking of the unit. They also are made to sweep with more force than most models, which helps them propel debris more effectively into the hamper. 

The John Deere model also has a windscreen to keep debris in the hamper rather than being propelled over the side and back into the grass. Meanwhile, the convenient handle lets you empty the bin without leaving your seat, reducing the amount you need to bend.

Check the latest John Deere price here at Home Depot

Pros      

• Forceful, consistent six-part brush propulsion works more effectively than other four-brush models
• Wide sweeping path and large holding capacity
• Folds up for convenient storage 

Cons

• Pricier than some comparable models

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7. Troy-Bilt 42 inch Lawn Sweeper

Best Lawn Sweeper For The Money

The Troy-Bilt 42-in lawn sweeper is fitted with a patented brush for extra-efficient sweeping of debris in your yard. Not only does the lawn sweeper have a large 22 cubic ft collecting bag capacity, but it also has a 42-in sweep path so that you can get your work done with much less time and effort. 

The Troy-Bilt uses a special spiral brush to sweep more efficiently. Meanwhile, the smooth sweeping motion causes less stress on the components so that you can continue using the sweeper for many years to come. 

The sweeper attaches to your mower with a secure lock that will stay in position and adjust to the height you need. It also has a three-position hitch so that you can change it to fit your tractor model. 

The most unique thing about this model is its wide chute, which reduces the risk of clogs. This lets you sweep even damp debris such as leaves or grass clippings, which is a struggle for many other lawn sweeper models. 

Check the latest Troy-Bilt price here online

Pros      

• Unique spiral brush sweeps more efficiently 
• Reduced risk of clogs thanks to the large chute
• Can be adjusted to stand upright with a folded bag for storage 
• Ideal for zero-turn mowers due to rear hitch pin receiver

Cons

• Fewer brushes than some models
• May be difficult to assemble and attach

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8. AllFitHD Lawn Sweeper 50 inch, Zero-Turn Capable

Best Lawn Sweeper For Zero-Turn

The AllFitHD lawn sweeper has one of the largest sweeping paths you can find among lawn sweepers! It also features an extra-large 26 cubic-foot hamper bag. 

With a 4.5-to-1 wheel-to-brush ratio, the AllFitHD is equipped for all kinds of terrain. It is also capable of hitching to zero-turn mowers, making it even easier to clean your yard the way you want to! 

The brushes are incredibly efficient, moving in a spiral motion instead of traditional sweeps. The super-large chute reduces the risk of clogs and even makes it possible to sweep up wet material like leaf mold and grass clippings. 

The lawn sweeper also has an adjustable hitch with three settings, so you can affix it to your tractor at the proper height. Its special no-slip lock ensures that it will stay in place while reducing wear and tear on hitch components. 

Check AllFitHD latest price at Home Depot online

Pros      

• Rugged wheel construction to handle uneven ground and other tough terrains
• Zero-turn capabilities 
• Extra-large chute and hamper bag
• Features rope pull to empty bag without leaving your seat

Cons

• Some reviews say it is difficult to back up to dump the bag
• May be tricky to assemble

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9. Agri-Fab 26-Inch Push Lawn Sweeper, 26 Inches

Best Push Lawn Sweeper

The Agri-Fab 45-0218 26-in push lawn sweeper is an excellent manual model. With a 4.5-to-1 brush-to-wheel ratio, it ensures consistent brush rotation and contact with the ground for the most efficient sweeping. 

It also features a 7 cubic ft storage bag, which lets you work for longer without stopping to dump the bag contents. The bag is collapsible so that you can store the sweeper in a closet or garage with ease. Click here for Agri-Fab 26-in push lawn sweeper from Amazon.com

The Agri-Fab 45-0218 has a variety of height settings so you can adjust it for your yard. It has two poly tires to make transport as smooth and easy as possible and is fitted with four brushes for maximum efficiency. 

At 25 pounds, the model is lightweight, making it easy to push without getting tired. 

Pros      

• Adjustable height settings to customize it for your yard
• Large storage bag
• Lightweight and easy to use
• High brush-to-wheel setting for maximum efficiency

Cons

• Requires more physical labor

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10. Scotts 26-Inch Push Lawn Sweeper, with Rear Collection Bag

Scotts 26-in push lawn sweeper is one of the most affordable lawn sweepers you can buy. This lightweight model uses a series of spinning brushes with a 26-in sweep reach to effectively clear the ground. 

This sweeper is easy to maneuver and lets you pick up as much as 80 percent of ground debris in one pass. Meanwhile, the large collection bag lets you work for longer without stopping to empty it. 

The Scotts push lawn sweeper is made of a durable material designed to last for a long time so that you can use it as often as you need without replacing the unit or components. View Scotts 26-in push lawn sweeper from Amazon.com here.

Pros      

• Much more affordable than many other lawn sweeper models
• Made of durable materials 
• Lightweight and easy to maneuver

Cons

• Less effective sweeping than some models
• Shorter sweep reach
• Not effective at picking up rocks or wet debris

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How To Use A Lawn Sweeper

Using a lawn sweeper depends on the model and design but there is some basic principle that applies to all lawn sweepers. 

• Mow your lawn prior to sweeping. Short grass will sweep easier than long grass
• Use your lawn sweeper on the dry lawn for the best results
• Experiment with sweeping speed. Some sweepers perform fast others when pulled slowly
• If you have variable brush height, test the setting to find the most effective one
• Flat surfaces will sweep better than uneven surfaces
• Sweep regularly and avoid debris build-up
• Move the lawn sweeper in straight lines for the most effective sweep

How To Adjust a Lawn Sweeper

The way to adjust a lawn sweeper depends on the model you use. Most lawn sweepers come with a set of instructions so that you can customize them for your needs. Adjustments are made to fix the height of the lawn sweeper to be flush with the ground. Pull-behind lawn sweepers may also need to be adjusted to the proper height to hitch onto the back of your riding mower. 

How To Empty a Lawn Sweeper

Most pull-behind models have levers or pulley ropes that let you empty the sweeper without leaving your seat. To empty the bag, simply put your tractor in reverse and back up to your compost pile or dumping ground. Then pull the lever to empty the bag. 

Manual push models require you to bend down to empty the bag. However, many of these also have a pulley to engage the dump mechanism. 

Best Lawn Sweepers Final Thoughts

The best lawn sweeper will depend on your needs and goals for your property. Both push and pull-behind lawn sweepers can work very effectively. However, if you have a large yard or a lot of debris to clean up, a pull-behind lawn sweeper may be a better option for you. Bear in mind, however, that these are made to be used with riding mowers exclusively! 

For the best all-round lawn sweeper, my top recommendation is the Ohio Steel Pro Sweeper, 50″ offering the best bang for your buck out of the pull-behind sweepers.

However, if you prefer a push sweeper then the best option is Agri-Fab 26-Inch Push Lawn Sweeper, 26 Inches agile enough to make clearing small to medium lawns easy work.

No matter your budget, yard size, or needs, these excellent lawn sweepers will get your yard looking pristine. 

FAQs – Best Lawn Sweepers And Leaf Collectors