Garden tractor lawn sweeper. Best Lawn Sweepers: Push, Tow-Behind, and Large Sweeper Picks

What is the Best Tow Behind Lawn Sweeper of 2023?

Raking is one of those yard tasks we all dread. It’s painfully monotonous, time-consuming, and tough on the body. For many, even leaf blowing is an unpleasant method of eradicating yard debris.

All the while, pull-behind sweepers make big yard cleanup jobs quick and easy. They even eradicate most of the physical labor involved in yard pickup, making them a prime choice for people who aren’t able to manually remove their yard waste.

Are you on the lookout for the best tow behind lawn sweeper? We’ve brought you four of our favorites along with a comprehensive buying guide.

What is a tow behind lawn sweeper?

Tow-behind lawn sweepers are popular lawn tools that are used to remove dead leaves and grass clippings from yards. They attach directly to the back of ride-on mowers, ATVs, and tractors.

Lawn sweepers feature a rotating brush that sweeps up yard debris and distributes them into a rear hopper. Sweepers consist of a durable steel frame and a pair of all-terrain rubber or plastic tires.

Tow-behind lawn sweepers completely eliminate the need to rake leaves or grass. These tools brush the surface of the earth to remove debris in a fast and efficient manner. They can even be used to dust off hard surfaces like patios and driveways.

What are the different types of lawn sweeper?

There are two different types of lawn sweepers. These are tow-behind and push yard sweepers.

Tow-behind lawn sweepers are attached to the back of a ride-on mower or tractor. Push lawn sweepers must be pushed manually.

The two different types of lawn sweepers provide similar results. Needless to say, you need to own or be willing to purchase a ride-on lawn vehicle to use a pull-behind sweeper.

In both models, a cylindrical or wheel-driven brush is spun when the tool moves forward.

Do you need a tow behind lawn sweeper?

While homeowners aren’t restricted to tow behind lawn sweepers, these tools do have their fair share of benefits.

For one, they completely eliminate the need to rake or blow yard debris. If you’ve ever spent time manually raking a yard, you already know how physically taxing and time-consuming this task is.

Tow-behind sweepers remove leaves, grass clippings, and other debris in a fraction of the time it would have taken to rake them. These yard tools are very effective, leaving little to no trace behind.

They do not dig into nor scar grass. As a result, they help to give yards a professionally landscaped look.

Lawn sweepers deliver a lush green path where large masses of leaves and pine needles once lay. Raking is physically strenuous, often wreaking havoc on people’s upper backs and shoulders. Meanwhile, sweepers provide the same surface sans any of the physical labor.

Sweepers also make it easier to redistribute debris into compost or burn piles. The best part is that there is almost no learning curve to this fulfilling yard maintenance technique!

How to choose the best tow behind lawn sweeper

Do all tow-behind lawn sweepers look the same to you? Are you wondering what to scout out when making a purchase of your own?

Read along for details on what to look for when purchasing a tow-behind sweeper.

Width

It’s important to look at the width of a tow-behind lawn sweeper. After all, this is what determines how quickly you can pick up debris. Sweeping widths vary greatly, with models ranging anywhere from around 25 to over 50 inches.

If you have several acres to maintenance, it is best to choose a wide sweeper. This will help you clean up your property in the most efficient manner. Of course, if you have a small yard, a narrow pull-behind or push sweeper may be better suited for the job.

Hopper

A hopper is the large bag-like container that attaches to the back of a tow-behind sweeper. A hopper is a lot like a vacuum cleaner dustbin, as it collects and stores debris as it is gathered.

The capacity of a hopper is measured in cubic feet. This number determines how much yard debris a hopper can hold before needing to be emptied.

Homeowners with large or tree-lined properties should invest in a hopper that is over 25 cubic feet. Anything smaller will require frequent emptying. Hopper size is directly related to a sweeper’s efficiency.

Brush

There’s only one moving mechanism on a lawn sweeper, so you’d better bet that it’s important. A lawn sweeper’s brush is attached to its single axle and moves forward as the cart is towed.

Brushes are typically made from strong bristles that are designed to sweep up leaves, lawn clipping, and foliage that is on and below the surface of the grass. Brushes have a set sweeping diameter that is typically around 10 inches.

Pay close attention to a sweeper’s brush to wheel ratio. This number determines how many rotations the brush makes during one wheel rotation. A higher brush to wheel ratio translates to more contact with the ground.

A sweeper that makes five brush rotations per one wheel rotation is going to dramatically outperform a sweeper with a one-to-one ratio.

Tires

It’s imperative that a tow-behind sweeper have all-terrain wheels that don’t lock up. High-quality sweepers tend to have puncture-proof pneumatic tires. These tires are made from wear-resistant hard plastic or rubber. They can traverse over uneven terrain and small obstacles without issue.

Keep in mind that sweeper tires should also have a thick tread that can traverse over loose dirt or slippery leaf piles without losing its grip.

Hitch

Don’t make the mistake of purchasing a lawn sweeper that doesn’t line up with your tow vehicle. Hitches come in a variety of heights. Some are even adjustable.

If you’re unsure of what size hitch to purchase, opt for one with a universal pin hitch. A universal pin hitch has an assortment of spacers that enable you to align it with tow vehicles of varying heights.

Price

Pull-behind lawn sweepers come in a variety of prices. expensive commercial options have large-capacity hoppers and vacuum attachments. Most of these machines are easy to maintain and may be repaired for a low price.

Precautions when using a tow behind lawn sweeper

Tow-behind lawn sweepers are incredibly straightforward and easy to use. Still, there are a few safety precautions you need to take before hitching these tools on the tractor of your choice.

Never use the hopper to transport people or items other than small debris. This is almost guaranteed to result in bodily harm or damage to the device.

Always inspect your sweeper for broken parts or large debris. Blockages can prevent the sweeper’s wheels from turning and/or damage the brush.

While sweepers are designed to do the heavy lifting, they shouldn’t be purposely neglected or abused. Avoid traveling at high speeds, going over bumps, and hitting obstacles.

How to use a tow behind lawn sweeper

Sweepers with universal pin hitches can be attached to the back of any ride-on lawn mower or tractor. There’s no need for special tools or aftermarket accessories. Meanwhile, a sweeper’s attachment rope is tied to the towing vehicle with a simple knot.

After that, all that is left to do is turn on the mower or tractor. Sweepers automatically pick up debris when they are propelled forward. All you need to do is empty the hopper when it fills to capacity.

Maintaining your tow behind lawn sweeper

A solid sweeper starts with a smooth assembly. If you’re taking your sweeper out for the first time this season, ensure that the brush, hopper, and wheels are attached properly.

Brushes and tires wear out over time. Lookout for missing bristles or worn treads. Order replacement parts when necessary.

If everything looks good and there are no missing pins or screws, apply a little grease to the axle.

Attach your sweeper to your lawn mower or tractor with its hitch. Use the spacers, pins, or other available accessories to properly fit and secure your sweeper.

Turn your tow vehicle on. Drive it over a patch of lawn debris. Ensure that all the debris is lifted into the chute and then carried to the hopper. There should be nothing blocking the chute, brush, or tires.

When the hopper is full, use the sweeper’s release system to empty it. Be sure to remove all the debris. Whenever possible, use a garden hose to spray off the stuck-on dirt and debris before putting your sweeper into storage.

Reviews

Last update on 2023-07-19 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

The Agri-Fab 44-inch Lawn Sweeper comes with a 25-cubic-foot hopper. It takes two tools and approximately 30 minutes to fully assemble the hopper.

The tool has an eight-setting height adjustment feature that enables users to set the brush according to the length of their grass.

The tool even lets you adjust the position of the sweeper brush so that you can cut and sweep your grass at the same time.

With a brush-to-wheel ratio of 5.6-to-1, the Agri-Fab eliminates the need for double takes. What’ more, this tow-behind sweeper even has a dump lever that may be engaged from the driver’s seat.

The 44-inch Agri-Fab sweeper has 12-inch semi-pneumatic wheels.

When you’re finished sweeping your yard, you can collapse the Agri-Fab into a space-saving bundle.

The Agri-Fab sweeper is made from durable powder-coated steel. On top of that, it has high-quality puncture-proof pneumatic wheels. It is even backed by a noteworthy 3-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.

• (6) high-velocity brushes with indexed brush height adjustment provides maximum pick up of debris
• Large 20 cubic foot hamper and 42 inch sweep for fewer passes over the yard and less emptying
• Patented storage design provides simple and convenient storage with minimal space required

Last update on 2023-07-19 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

The 42-inch Brinley lawn sweeper houses six high-velocity brushes for maximum debris removal. The brushes can even be adjusted to accommodate grass of varying heights.

The twist-lock height adjustment is extremely easy to use. It even features a soft-coated handle for more comfortable adjustments.

The Brinley sweeper also has a spacious 20-cubic-foot hopper with an overhanging wind guard. The hopper’s unique design keeps debris from flying away. What’s more, it minimizes emptying sessions.

Not to mention, the sweeper’s clean black aesthetic pairs well with tractors and lawn mowers from a variety of brands.

The Brinley has a 5-to-1 brush-to-wheel ratio. As such, it typically only takes one pass to completely clean a patch of lawn.

The Brinley lawn sweeper is made in the U.S.A. What’s more, it is backed by a generous 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.

• The Size of the sweeper is 42 inch
• Easy to use and handle
• This product is manufactured in United States

Last update on 2023-07-19 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

Yet another powerful tow-behind sweeper, the Ohio Steel 42SWP22 Sweeper Spiral Brush features a 42-inch sweeping path and an 18-cubic-foot hopper.

This sweeper has a proprietary spiral brush with a 4.5-to-1 brush-to-wheel ratio. There’s no doubt that it is extremely thorough and efficient.

The sweeper even has a unique drawbar that may be offset for once-over sweep and mow sessions. The drawbar collapses along with the hopper for easy storage and transportation.

The sweeper also boasts high-quality pneumatic wheels. These help the sweeper to grip moist or loose earth.

The sweeper attaches to a ride-on mower with a universal hitch pin. There’s no need to purchase extra tools or accessories to get this sweeper up and running.

It even has a no-slip positive lock height adjustment feature. As such, the mechanism stays put even after being adjusted.

On top of that, it boasts a spacious 9-inch chute. With that said, most customers claim that this sweeper does not jam easily.

When it comes time to empty the hopper, users can use the pull rope to get the job done without ever leaving the driver’s seat.

The Ohio Steel 42SWP22 Spiral Brush Sweeper is backed by a 3-year warranty. What’s more, this impressive lawn tool was manufactured in the U.S.A.

Precision Products SW38PRE Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper

The Precision Products SW38PRE 38-Inch Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper is an affordable and efficient tow-behind lawn sweeper. It boasts a 38-inch brush path and a 15-cubic-foot hopper. As such, it is well-suited for large yards and even commercial properties.

The brush is mounted on a solid steel axle and frame. It even boasts puncture-proof aluminum wheels. There’s no doubt that this yard tool is built to stand the tests of time.

The Precision Product’s brush has a 5-to-1 gear ratio. It has no trouble picking up large amounts of debris in a single sweep.

The sweeper is easy to mount and even easier to operate. You just need a pair of pliers and a couple wrenches to get the tool up and running.

The sweeper is even backed by a 90-day limited warranty.

Our recommendation

You don’t need to wait till retirement to invest in a reliable yard debris removal tool.

The best tow behind lawn sweeper enables you to remove dead leaves, grass clippings, and more with swift, effortless movements. All you need is a ride-on lawnmower or small tractor to pull your lawn sweeper along. These affordable, low-maintenance tools offer unmatched convenience and quick results.

Our top lawn sweep of 2019 is the Agri-Fab 45-0492 Lawn Sweeper. It has a spacious hopper, wide brush path, and universal hatch.

Of course, the Precision Products SW38PRE Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper is a great pick for homeowners with small properties and tight budget. It’s easy to set up yet extremely effective.

Best Lawn Sweepers: Push, Tow-Behind, and Large Sweeper Picks

Lawn sweeping can feel like a daunting chore, especially if it’s done manually. Some people even hire professional teams or individuals to clean up their yards, which sounds great at first glance.

Leaves continue to fall and you will have to keep hiring professionals again and again, which will add up. For this reason, having your own lawn sweeper (also called a leaf sweeper) is a must.

A Money-saving, Multi-Purpose Tool

Lawn sweepers are great because, in addition to collecting leaves, they will help with managing sticks, pines, twigs, and other debris.

All of this gets collected and put into the yard sweeper’s hopper. Some believe that a push lawn sweeper is more of a luxury item, but it’s a matter of practicality, too. They save so much time that would’ve been spent tediously raking up leaves.

Another great benefit of these machines is that they gather all of the plant matter into a designated place. Having it all in one spot will make it easier to compost when you’re done sweeping, reducing hassle for you.

To help you choose the best lawn sweeper, we’re digging into how to buy one, what to look for, and the best sweepers in each category. Below is a quick list of the best ones on the market, but we’ll also cover them in more depth later on in the article.

Our Top Picks On Amazon:

• Best Push Lawn Sweeper: Agri-Fab 45-0218, 26″
• Best Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper: Agri-Fab 45-0492, 44″
• Best Large Lawn Sweeper: Ohio Steel 50SWP26 Pro, 50″/26 cu. ft.

Other Good Options On Amazon:

What is a Lawn Sweeper?

There are many different reasons why a tow behind lawn sweeper is a great investment. In addition to clearing up your lawn, it can be used to clear out dust and dirt from your patio, sidewalk, or driveway.

A clear lawn means your lawnmower has to do less work. A lawnmower that has to do less work will last longer and require less maintenance. Giving your lawn a good sweep every now and again also lengthens your lawn mower’s life by reducing debris for the blade to get tangled up with.

To see how that works, and to learn more about extending the life of your lawn mower, check out this article.

How Does a Lawn Sweeper Work?

Lawn sweepers function by using brushes connected to a rotating shaft to comb through your lawn and collect debris. This debris is then placed into the machine’s hopper or collection bag, which can be emptied as needed.

If you’re new to this concept, it can seem confusing. What’s the different between a pull behind lawn rake, pushable leaf sweeper, or pull behind grass catcher, for instance? We will cover all of that, and then instruct you on finding the best of the best sweepers.

Types of Lawn Sweepers

Let’s look at the different types of pull behind grass catchers and pull behind lawn rakes, so you can find the best sweeper available for your needs.

Power Sweepers

Also called grass sweepers, power sweepers are either electric or gas powered and help make it easier to clean out large areas outside. They often come with a shredding device, reducing debris volume and making it easier to get rid of.

• Easy to Operate: These models are self-propelled, pushing themselves over your lawn at a speed that is comfortable to walk at. The brushes are motorized, picking up larger amounts of debris than push sweepers.
• Heavier Machines: Although some of these models do propel themselves, their weight makes them more difficult to maneuver than other options. In addition, they emit more dust, vibrations, and noise, making your hard work less of a relaxing experience.

Push Sweepers

Push sweepers are similar to a rotary mower and meant to be light and easy to use. They are nice to use and quiet since there isn’t any noise from an engine or noxious fumes. Plus, without a motor or engine, there isn’t much that could go wrong with a push sweeper.

• Minimal Maintenance:Push sweepers only need maintenance about once a year. Just lubricate the bearings and the device will last years. They are perfect for small amounts of debris but may not be as suitable for wet, heavy clumps of material.
• A Smaller Hopper: In exchange for a more minimal design with less maintenance, the collection bag (hopper) on this device is a lot smaller, meaning that you have to do most of the work. They aren’t very practical for large properties or steep terrain.

Essentially, a simple, small push sweeper is great for smaller lots that need maintenance once a week. In addition, certain neighborhoods have rules against power equipment noise, so in some cases, non-electric sweepers are the best option.

Tow-Behind Sweepers

Tow-behind lawn sweepers are for those who need larger capacity to hold debris and want a more efficient sweeping process. For large yards, it makes sense to go with a tow-behind because of the incredible time savings you’ll enjoy.

• Incredibly Efficient: These attach to tractors or ride-on mowers, making them Hyper-efficient for your yard. You can also interchange them with other attachments to get a variety of yard work done in one fell swoop.
• Huge Hoppers: Because these aren’t operated by hand, they often have large hopper capacity (anywhere from 20-25 cu. ft.). This makes them efficient sweepers if you have a large yard or are a commercial lawn maintenance company.

Sweeper Attachments

If you are hoping to get more out of your mower, selecting attachments, in addition to your lawn sweeper, should be your next task. When you’re using good tools, your product should be capable of multiple tasks, including plowing, raking, hauling, and spreading. Let’s look at a few different attachments you can use.

• Lawn Sweeper: The subject of our article, the lawn sweeper is the most commonly used attachment for a mower. To make the most use of these implements, make sure you know about proper lawn sweeper maintenance. To learn about fixing your lawn sweeper in case of any issues, check out this video.
• Aerators:The best lawn aerators will help you make sure the fertilizer is reaching down to the grass roots. It does this by punching holes in the surface, letting your lawn soak up the water and nutrients it needs.
• Pull-behind Spreader:A quality fertilizer spreader will spread fertilizer or seed over your lawn evenly to help it maintain its beauty all year.
• Dump Cart: If you have a bigger yard or garden, a good dump cart is necessary for simplifying your projects. These carts are built to transport yard work tools and other necessities, cutting down on the number of trips you need to take.

Lawn Sweeper Usage Tips

Only Sweep a Dry Lawn

Before you use your lawn sweeper, you need to make sure it’s completely dry. This is because the machine will have an easier time picking up leaves and debris on a dry lawn.

Although it may be tempting to sweep your lawn right after a storm, try to hold off until the debris dries a bit. In addition, your yard should be cleaned regularly to make the job easier for your lawn sweeper. This will help keep debris from getting out of hand.

Avoid Using High Speed

Each lawn sweeper comes with a different speed. These varying tractor speeds are meant to help you handle all different types of debris. It’s best to experiment and check out different speeds before deciding what will work best for you.

Although it’s sometimes okay to use a lawn sweeper at higher speeds, this should only be done on even ground. To be completely safe, use the sweeper at low speeds to reduce risks of product damage and to extend the product’s overall life.

Lawn Sweeper Maintenance Checklist

Empty Hopper Frequently

As you use your lawn sweeper, its bag (hopper) will fill up with plant matter. Instead of waiting for the hopper to fill up completely, which will weigh it down, make sure you empty it out each time you use it.

The longer the plant debris sits in the hopper without being cleaned, the more prone it is to mold and mildew. It will stay clean and fresh for much longer if you empty it out on a regular basis.

In order to get the best sweeper experience, there is some pre-preemptive maintenance you should take care of.

Before you use your sweeper, do some chopping, mulching, cutting, or shredding of the debris in your yard. This will lower the risk of your sweeper getting clogged, saving time and making your job much easier.

In order to have the best pull behind mower or best push lawn sweeper experience, these simple tips are crucial.

The Best Lawn Sweepers

Best Push Lawn Sweeper

Agri-Fab 45-0482

Tow Behind Lawn Sweepers 101

Tow behind lawn sweepers require attachment to a powered machine, such as a riding lawn mower or lawn tractor.

They cannot be operated manually. They are larger than push sweepers and can handle a higher volume of lawn debris.

Push sweepers are not necessarily complete solutions for lawn sweeping (rakes, leaf blowers and wheelbarrows may still be needed), whereas tow behind types are more complete due to their power.

On this page we will look mostly FOCUS on advantages of tow behind vs push lawn sweepers.

Advantage #1: Save Time

The main advantage with a tow behind lawn sweeper is that it will sweep up more in a shorter period of time, due to being towed by a powered vehicle and thus going faster.

Riding a tractor or lawn mower while towing a lawn sweeper results in covering more of your lawn, in a shorter period of time, than you would on foot.

A tow behind also picks up more debris because the sweeping action works faster and the collection hopper is larger, therefore not requiring constant emptying.

Advantage #2: Pick Up Lawn Debris

The sweeping mechanism of the tow behind lawn sweeper is more powerful than that of the push lawn sweeper. It can handle a larger variety of debris, including difficult items such as sticks and sometimes even rocks.

This sweeping mechanism is built on stronger and more powerful brushes that toss the debris into the hopper.

Advantage #3: Requires No Physical Effort

Because tow behind lawn sweepers are pulled by machinery (such as riding mowers and lawn tractors), there is no need to exert physical effort when operating them.

All you have to do is sit back on your tractor seat and enjoy riding around, while the lawn sweeper picks up the leaves, grass clippings, and other material from your lawn.

On most tow behind sweepers, even emptying the hopper can be done by just pulling on a rope without leaving your tractor seat.

Advantage #4: Easier To Operate On Inclines

Push lawn sweepers are hard to operate on hills or lawns with dips and corners to manoeuvre, because they require a lot of muscle effort. Tow behind sweepers do not have this problem, as they are pulled by machine power.

If you have a large hilly lawn (without abrupt shifts in incline angle), a tow behind sweeper is better for you. See our tow behind lawn sweeper reviews to explore the options on the market.

Advantage #5: Better For Taller Grass

Tow behind sweepers roll easily over taller grass compared to push sweepers, which can get stuck due to the manual effort required to move them.

When NOT To Purchase A Tow Behind Lawn Sweeper

If your lawn is hilly with a lot of curves and abrupt angle changes, a larger lawn sweeper will not work well because the sweeper width will be too large to stay snug to the ground.

Also, if your lawn is really small and you can never imagine needing a riding lawn mower or tractor, then a tow behind lawn sweeper would be overkill. You would be better off with a push lawn sweeper (see our push lawn sweeper reviews).

Price Range

Tow behind lawn sweepers typically cost in the 200-400 range. They are more expensive than push lawn sweepers but cheaper than lawn vacuums.

Assembly

The assembly of tow behind lawn sweepers can take hours and confuse people without DIY experience.

One option to solve the assembly obstacle is to order the product online and request assembly at the store. This is available with some large home and garden retailers such as Home Depot.

If you are OK assembling it yourself, you can order shipment directly to your address.

See the Best Lawn Sweepers

Yard Commander 42″ Tow Behind Lawn Sweeper

Ideal for lawn clippings, leaves, twigs and more, our 42 inch Tow Behind Lawn Sweeper deals easily with most lawn debris, leaving your lawn clean and clear. Featuring a 12.9 cubic foot nylon hopper, ten inch brush diameter and a 42 inch clearing width, our lawn sweepers are treated with rust-resistant powder coat finish and can tackle variable terrain with ten and a half inch rubber wheels. Attaching quickly to any ATV, UTV or garden tractor with a muti-hitch connection, Yard Commander’s clever industrial design allows for easy dumping of debris, saving you time and energy while leaving your yard looking stellar. The attractive cross brush design and collapsible hopper bag tucks away for easy storage. The 42” sweeper has a 9 position height adjustment, and comes with a blister card hardware pack, and foldable tongue with multi-hitch for easy attachment.

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