Clearing your yard by hand can take forever. That’s where lawn sweepers come in. But with so many on the market, it can be hard to know where to start.
I’ve put together a list of seven of the best lawn sweepers so you can find the best fit for your yard. This list is based on hours of research into genuine customer reviews, expert advice, and dozens of products.
Whether you want a lawn sweeper you can tow behind you or something extra versatile, I’ve got seven impressive recommendations to share.
- Spiraled polypropylene brushes
- Extra wide 9-inch chute
- Large but compact hopper
- Easy dump handle
- Pneumatic tires for smooth travel
- Cut and sweep simultaneously
- Handy in all seasons
- 20 cubic feet capacity
- Universal attachment
- Handy transport mode
- Quick cleaning with high velocity brush
- Durable steel tines
- Smooth maneuvering
- Adjustable brush height
- Lift to dump debris
- Adjustable sweeping height
- Easy transport and storage
- 70 percent pick up on first pass
- Five height options
- Plumps and softens grass
- Easy and quick to use
Product Reviews
To create this list of the seven best lawn sweepers on the market, I spent hours researching genuine customer reviews, expert advice, and the specifications of each product. This includes the design, material, sweeping width, bag size, weight, and more important details.
Rest assured that these top seven choices will assist you in clearing your yard — with less stress.
Ohio Steel Pro Sweeper
Most Durable
When you invest a lot of money in a lawn sweeper, you want it to last. Shopping for a durable option, like the Ohio Steel Pro Sweeper, can help you get the most out of your money.
Plus, a high-quality option like this won’t break down on you.
This tow-behind sweeper is made in America using high-quality materials. Moreover, it comes with a three-year warranty for your peace of mind.
What We Like
Spiraled Polypropylene Brushes
The 11-inch patented spiral brushes are an important feature to focus on. This allows for the sweeper to pick up debris more efficiently than other sweepers, all without the stress on the gears. In turn, this prolongs the life of the machine.
Extra Wide 9-Inch Chute
The chute is extra wide at nine inches. This means it’s less likely to clog up, which is super handy, especially when you’re cleaning up damp or wet debris.
Large but Compact Hopper
At 26 cubic feet, the hopper bag is super spacious and won’t need to be emptied too often. But when you do finish with the sweeper, the hopper bag easily collapses, making it a breeze to store, even in small spaces.
50-Inch Sweeping Width
At 50 inches wide, this is a generous sweeping width. This allows you to pick up more debris per sweep, saving you time and stress in the yard.
What We Don't Like
Doesn’t Work Too Close To the Ground
This struggles to pick up leaves and other debris very close to the ground. You might have to go back over and pick up the last few pieces by hand.
Assembly Could Be Easier
A few customers reported that assembly wasn’t the easiest. So remember, when this unit arrives, you might have to spend some time figuring out how to put it together properly.
Product Specs
| Type | Tow-behind |
| Material | Alloy steel |
| Sweeping Width | 50 inches |
| Bag Size | 26 cubic feet |
| Weight | 102 pounds |
Our Ratings
Agri-Fab 45-0492 Lawn Sweeper
Easiest To Use
When selecting a lawn sweeper, choosing a product that is easy to use is essential. That’s why I recommend the Agri-Fab lawn sweeper as an easy-to-use option.
First of all, assembly is a total breeze. Customers love it!
Secondly, it’s a tow-behind option that takes the strain off. That way, you can concentrate on driving around while the sweeper does the hard work.
Lastly, it has a handy height adjustment lever with an indicator. It’s easy to set and will never slip to allow maximum performance.
What We Like
Easy Dump Handle
Without leaving your tractor, you can easily dump the contents with the pull of a handle. This is a huge bonus since you can stay seated throughout your yard work.
Pneumatic Tires for Smooth Travel
This drives on two semi-pneumatic tires, allowing smooth transportation around your yard. Customers love the feature of pneumatic tires because it means fewer bumps, topples, and dragging of the machine.
Cut and Sweep Simultaneously
This sweeper does what many others don’t: cuts and sweeps at the same time. The offset design allows for this, so you can get a nice trim of your grass as you clean up.
Height Adjustment Lever
When you want to adjust the height of this machine (as low as 13mm off the ground), it’s easy. This has a user-friendly lever with an indicator. Once you set it, it won’t slip up or down, ensuring you go around your yard at the desired height.
What We Don't Like
Poor Instructions
Prepare to be frustrated when putting this sweeper together. The instructions are unclear, and assembly is very difficult.
Wheels Jam Up
On wet ground, the wheels can jam up. Wet debris gets clogged in the wheels, and it can be challenging to drive smoothly.
Product Specs
| Type | Tow-behind |
| Material | Steel |
| Sweeping Width | 44 inches |
| Bag Size | 25 cubic feet |
| Weight | 95 pounds |
Our Ratings
Yard Commander 48-Inch Tow Behind Lawn Sweeper
Best Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper
This is a fantastic option if you want something you can attach to your vehicle and tow behind you.
Its wide cleaning path means you can quickly clean up without hassle. This works for various elements across different seasons. Clean up in summer and winter with this sweeper.
The versatile design makes it a good option for small yards, large yards, and public areas. So no matter where you need to sweep, this can be your sidekick.
What We Like
Handy in All Seasons
This has been designed with all four seasons in mind. In spring, sweep up your lawn and apply fertilizer.
In summer, apply grub control and haul mulch. In the fall, detach and clean up debris. In winter, apply ice melt.
Plus, there’s much more you can do with this throughout the seasons.
20 Cubic Feet Capacity
The large capacity means you can pick up tons of yard debris between emptying. Combined with a four-foot clearing width, you can get your jobs done quickly and effectively.
Universal Attachment
You can attach this sweeper to any garden tractor, ATV or UTV. The universal design makes it easy to install it on the back of your vehicle and get to work ASAP.
Adjust Your Settings for More Pickup
You can easily adjust the height of this unit with a handy lever. You can add or take away brush engagement, so you can pick up different types of debris more easily. Also, this includes four nylon brushes with a 10-inch diameter, so you can pick up anything from pine needles to larger sticks.
What We Don't Like
Hard Assembly and Poor Instructions
Customers aren’t happy with the lack of good instructions upon arrival. Plus, it’s hard to assemble this product. If you want a more straightforward construction process, you may want to skip this option.
Flimsy and Impractical Design
This isn’t the most durable and sturdy sweeper on the market. For the high price, you might expect a little more.
Product Specs
| Type | Tow-behind |
| Material | Not specified |
| Sweeping Width | 48 inches |
| Bag Size | 20 cubic feet |
| Weight | 86 pounds |
Our Ratings
Brinly Lawn Sweeper with Dethatcher
Most Versatile Lawn Sweeper
This lawn sweeper from Brinly can do more than just collect debris. It can also detach and transport materials.
The versatile design means you can simultaneously sweep, detach, and transport.
Otherwise, you can use the adjustment handle to raise the dethatching tines. No need to remove the pieces when switching modes.
What We Like
Handy Transport Mode
When you want to transport debris, you can just turn the tines to face the back. No need to remove the tines, even if there are heavy leaves. You can then lock the tines in position so they don’t get in the way while you move.
Quick Cleaning With High-Velocity Brush
Get jobs done quickly with the high-velocity six-brush design that works at a 5:1 brush-to-ground ratio. This provides maximum pick-up so you can clear your yard in no time.
Durable Steel Tines
The tines are made of durable steel. This consists of two rows of twelve flexible rust-resistant tines. The rust resistance helps with the best thatch extraction in your yard.
Sweep and Dethatch Simultaneously
This unit is versatile. It’s not just a sweeper. It’s also a dethatcher!
Now you can sweep and dethatch your lawn at the same time, saving you valuable time as you do yard work. The coolest thing is that you can raise the dethatcher tines up and away with an accessible handle when you simply want to sweep the yard.
What We Don't Like
Unclear Instructions
The instructions aren’t well written or clear, making assembly very difficult. Keep this in mind, as putting this together may be frustrating.
Some Parts Not Durable
Customers reported that some parts of this unit weren’t the most durable. Small pieces would break or dent, including the dethatcher handle and the bag.
Product Specs
| Type | Tow-behind |
| Material | Steel |
| Sweeping Width | 42 inches |
| Bag Size | 20 cubic feet |
| Weight | 94.8 pounds |
Our Ratings
Agri-Fab Push Lawn Sweeper
Best Affordable Lawn Sweeper
We all know that lawn sweepers can break the bank a little bit. But if you’re on a budget, the Agri-Fab push lawn sweeper may be right for you.
As well as its attractive price, it’s also easy to store. It has a collapsible seven cubic foot hopper bag that you can easily store when you’re finished using it.
Another loved feature is the video instruction guide that will help you assemble the sweeper when it arrives.
What We Like
Smooth Maneuvering
This machine has two plastic tires that allow you to maneuver smoothly over the area. This prevents frustration over getting stuck or jammed as you push the sweeper.
Adjustable Brush Height
The brush height can easily be adjusted via a lever. This allows you to change terrains and get better results depending on the thickness of the debris you’re picking up.
Lift To Dump Debris
Emptying this is very easy. Just take it where you want to dump the debris and gently lift it forward. This will empty the debris onto the ground in seconds.
Easy To Store
The hopper bag on this unit collapses, making the unit easier to store than other options.
What We Don't Like
Flimsy and Not Durable
A few customers have described the sweeper as flimsy. Some said it lasted a few months; others said it was on its last legs after a year or so. Keep in mind that it is a budget-friendly option for that reason.
Difficult Assembly
Assembling this thing is difficult and awkward. Customers recommend getting somebody to help you set it up, as it’s not easy with just one person.
Product Specs
| Type | Push |
| Material | Plastic |
| Sweeping Width | 26 inches |
| Bag Size | Seven cubic feet |
| Weight | 25 pounds |
Our Ratings
Earthwise Leaf & Grass Push Lawn Sweeper
Best Push Lawn Sweeper
This lightweight push sweeper — weighing only 14 pounds — is a great option if you want something you can easily push around your yard to clean up.
It has a 21-inch wide brush head and a sweeper to catch grass leaves and other light debris.
Customers love using this alongside a leaf rake to clean up quickly and efficiently.
What We Like
Adjustable Sweeping Height
This push sweeper has an adjustable height, so you can easily use it on various surfaces. Efficiently clean patios, sidewalks, driveways, as well as your yard.
Easy Transport and Storage
Easily maneuver this around your yard, pushing it wherever you need it to go. When you’re finished, it’s easy to store by hanging it on a wall so it doesn’t take up floor space.
70 Percent Pick Up on First Pass
This is a very convenient and effective push lawn sweeper. It collects 70 percent of debris on the first pass, so you can quickly go over the whole yard without repeating areas too much. This also limits the fatigue and pain that you may experience from other push sweepers.
Easy To Empty the Bag
This includes a 2.6-bushel leaf collection bag that has a decent capacity and is easy to empty. So if you need to transfer leaves for mulching or composting, it’s easy to do so.
What We Don't Like
Small Capacity of Two Bushels
With a capacity of 2.6 bushels, this is a small machine. The bag fills up very quickly, so you need to empty it often, which can slow you down. It is best for small yards.
Not Good on Artificial Grass
If you have artificial grass, customers say this doesn’t have a good grip, nor does it clean up well. It tends to slide along the grass without picking much up.
Collect Leaves Only
This product isn’t meant for picking up pinecones, acorns, rocks, or other debris. These items can clog the machine. Make sure to remove these items from the ground first before collecting your leaves.
Product Specs
| Type | Push |
| Material | Not specified |
| Sweeping Width | 21 inches |
| Bag Size | 3.2 cubic feet |
| Weight | 14 pounds |
Our Ratings
RGS Living GreenSweep
Best for Artificial Grass
If you have artificial grass, you probably can’t use a regular lawn sweeper, as many only work on natural grass. But then along came GreenSweep, a unit that removes debris from your artificial yard to ensure it looks as good as new.
Being super easy to use, all you need to do is turn it on, and it will self-propel itself across your yard. It will pick up stones, dirt, sticks, and leaves, all without damaging your expensive grass.
What We Like
Five Height Options
One lever allows you to adjust the height from -6mm up to 12mm. So no matter the height of your grass or the depth of the debris, this unit will collect dirt.
Plump Up Your Grass
Over time, artificial grass can become matted down, which looks poor and doesn’t feel as comfortable. Thanks to the 35,000 RPM motor, which spins and voluminizes your artificial grass, this unit will plump it up again. It will look as good as new and feel super soft under your feet.
Easy and Quick To Use
With an 1800-watt motor, this unit works super quickly. It self-propels across yards, making easy work of large and small areas.
Picks Up All Kinds of Debris
Just because you have artificial grass doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t have other elements of Mother Nature in your yard. If you have trees and bushes, you’ll have debris. And this unit can take care of leaves, sticks, stones, acorns, and more, leaving your lawn spotless.
What We Don't Like
1.5 Cubic Feet Collection Bag
The collection bag on this is much smaller than other units. You may not have as much debris in artificial grass, but being only 1.5 cubic feet, keep in mind you may need to empty this quite often.
Wear Ear Protection
Customers were surprised by how loud this unit was. Make sure you wear ear protection! And perhaps let your neighbors know about your new power tool.
Product Specs
| Type | Power |
| Material | N/A |
| Sweeping Width | 14 inches |
| Bag Size | 1.58 cubic feet |
| Weight | 29.3 pounds |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Type | Material | Sweeping Width | Bag Size | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio Steel Pro Sweeper | Durable | Tow-behind | Alloy steel | 50″ | 26 cubic feet | 102 lbs |
| Agri-Fab 45-0492 Lawn Sweeper | Easiest To Use | Tow-behind | Steel | 44″ | 25 cubic feet | 95 lbs |
| Yard Commander Lawn Sweeper | Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper | Tow-behind | Not specified | 48″ | 20 cubic feet | 86 lbs |
| Brinly Lawn Sweeper with Dethatcher | Versatile Lawn Sweeper | Tow-behind | Steel | 42″ | 20 cubic feet | 94.8 lbs |
| Agri-Fab Push Lawn Sweeper | Affordable Lawn Sweeper | Push | Plastic | 26″ | 7 cubic feet | 25 lbs |
| Earthwise Leaf & Grass Push Lawn Sweeper | Push Lawn Sweeper | Push | Not specified | 21″ | 3.2 cubic feet | 14 lbs |
| RGS Living GreenSweep | For Artificial Grass | Power | Not specified | 14″ | 1.58 cubic feet | 29.3 lbs |
Types of Lawn Sweepers
As a starting point, it’s helpful to know the different types of sweepers.
Push
Push lawn sweepers are best for smaller yards without tons of trees. They’re better for leaves and grass clippings than larger debris. Keep in mind that they don’t hold as much debris as tow-behind sweepers, so they’re harder to operate and require more frequent emptying.
Pros
- More budget-friendly options available.
- Slightly smaller, so easier to store.
- Suitable for smaller yards.
- Good for leaves and grass clippings.
Cons
- Requires pushing, which can be exhausting for users.
- Takes longer to clean up and doesn’t hold as much debris.
Tow-Behind
Tow-behind sweepers hook onto a lawn motor or ATV. You can also use them on a side-by-side vehicle. This design makes them convenient to use, but it can also carry a lot more debris since there’s no strain on the user.
The dumping feature is straightforward to use, too. The hopper empties the debris after simply lifting the handle or pulling the rope. Simply attach the handle again and get back to cleaning.
Pros
- Best for large yards and debris build-up.
- They don’t cause any strain on the user.
- Easy-to-use dumping feature.
Cons
- They get stuck in muddy grounds or ruts.
- Slightly more expensive than push sweepers from about $50-150.
Large Sweeper / Power Sweeper
Power sweepers run on gas or electric engines, so they have more power behind them than manual ones. If you’re aiming to get through yard cleanup quickly — then this is the right kind of sweeper for you. You can find them in both push styles or tow-behind.
Pros
- The brushes help to clean up at a quicker rate.
- More thorough than push and tow-behind sweepers.
- Helps users get through yard work super quickly.
Cons
- There are few options on the market, making it hard to find.
- They can be around double the price than tow-behind sweepers.
Buying Guide
Consider these important details when shopping to help you find the best lawn sweeper for you.
Quality
Aim for a high-quality lawn sweeper, even if this means spending a little extra. You don’t want something made of cheap materials that will bend, break, or jam under heavy use. Look at the materials used. Metal, like steel, is preferable over any plastic materials used.
Top Tip
Look for something with an adjustable height so you can choose the intensity of how the sweeper runs.
Ease of Use
The tow-behind models are the easiest to use since they don’t require much effort from the user at all. Push lawn sweepers require quite a bit of strenuous exercise since you’re on your feet the whole time.
If you want something that’s particularly easy, you can go for a powered tow-behind. This is more thorough but still doesn’t require manual labor from your end.
Also, look out for some important features that make the tool easier to use. This could be an adjustable brush width for different areas of your yard, a dump lever for easy emptying, easy assembly, and more.
Sweeping Width
Consider the sweeping width, as this will determine how quickly you’ll be able to do your yard work. This ranges from about 21 inches all the way to 60 inches, depending on the model you choose. The wider this is, the more debris it will collect per sweep.
Lawn Size
At the very least, consider your lawn size. If it’s particularly big, with lots of trees, a tow-behind is necessary for efficient work.
If you have a smaller yard, then a push sweeper will be totally fine. You can make that easier by getting a powered option.
Budget
Lawn sweepers range from about $150 all the way to $700. The push sweepers are more affordable, whereas power sweepers tend to be the most expensive. Tow-behind sweepers fall from about $250 to $400 — not much more expensive than the average push sweeper.
If you have the budget for it and a vehicle to attach it to, a tow sweeper is a significant investment.
Hopper Bag Size
The hopper bag is where the debris collects, so the capacity is important. If it’s too small, you’ll need to stop frequently to empty the bag. The bags range from 2.5 cubic feet capacity all the way to 25. The higher this number, the more the bag can hold.
Do keep in mind that the bigger bags can become really heavy. If that’s the case, I recommend choosing one that has a good dumping feature to take the strain off of you.
Lawn Sweeper FAQs
How Do Lawn Sweepers Work?
A lawn sweeper uses brushes to comb through your yard or over your hard surfaces to pick up debris such as leaves, grass clippings, pine needles, and more. These get pushed to the hopper bag. When this is full, you dump out the debris and keep going!
Are Lawn Sweepers Worth It?
Not everybody needs a lawn sweeper, but here are some reasons why they might be right for you:
- Debris everywhere: You have debris in your yard all year round — these can easily be used in place of a rake. They’re also very versatile.
- Collects grass clippings: If you have lots of grass clippings left over in the winter, the sweeper can quickly pick them up.
- Get it done quickly: These are good for big yards where a rake doesn’t do quite enough. You can also get through a job much quicker with a lawn sweeper.
- Attach to a tractor: If you have a tractor, a lawn sweeper is a great tool to fasten to the back for quick yard cleanup.
Which Is Better: Lawn Sweeper or Bagger?
A lawn bagger is an accessory that you put on your lawnmower. It collects the debris as you mow. If you already have a lawnmower, a bagger is probably preferable over a sweeper since you just need to buy the accessory rather than a whole new tool.
Some drawbacks are that they aren’t as good in wet grass, but they can also clog more easily.
However, they do have some important benefits. There are tons of different varieties on the market in a vast range of sizes.
They’re also easy to store since you just need to fold them up and put them in your shed or garage. Lastly, they don’t require a ton of maintenance.
Ultimately, baggers and sweepers do a similar job, but one requires a lawnmower, and one doesn’t.
Do Lawn Sweepers Work on Wet Grass?
Some do, and some don’t. It depends on the model. Read reviews to determine whether the one you’re considering is good on wet grass.
Will a Lawn Sweeper Pick Up Dog Poop?
Some sweepers can pick up dog poop, but you should wait until it’s hard. Even then, it could lead to a nasty mess if the sweeper doesn’t swiftly pick it up.
Here are some things you can pick up with a lawn sweeper:
- Grass clippings.
- Leaves.
- Pine needles.
- Twigs.
- General yard debris.
- Fruit.
- Nuts.
- Gravel.
In terms of things they shouldn’t pick up, there’s no specific list. Instead, look at the individual model you’re buying and see what the user guide suggests.
Do Lawn Sweepers Work on Uneven Ground?
Generally, lawn sweepers work on uneven ground because they are designed to follow the contours of the lawn. They loosen debris and dislodge otherwise hard-to-shift items.
