The Agri-Fab 45-0492 Lawn Sweeper is the best tow behind lawn sweeper you can buy for the value it provides.
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.
| Product | Rating | Price |
| Agri-Fab 45-0492 Lawn Sweeper | 1 | |
| Brinly STS-427LXH Tow Behind Lawn Sweeper | 2 | |
| Ohio Steel 42SWP22 Tow Behind Lawn Sweeper | 3 | |
| Precision Products SW38PRE Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper | 4 |
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. More 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
- MADE IN USA
- Your purchase includes One Agri-Fab 44-Inch Lawn Sweeper, 45-0492 model
- Set brushes to penetrate the grass to a depth of 1/2 in. (13 mm)
Last update on 2024-04-18 // 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.
| Pros | Cons |
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- (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 2024-04-18 // 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.
| Pros | Cons |
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- The Size of the sweeper is 42 inch
- Easy to use and handle
- This product is manufactured in United States
Last update on 2024-04-18 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZnrE6t3QsI
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.
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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.
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Our recommendation
Put down the rake!
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.
Fact Checked, Written, and Published by Kevin Rodrigues
Kevin is the founder of Gardening Mentor, a website that aims to teach people to grow their own food in a limited space. As a self-taught gardener, Kevin has spent several years growing plants and creating gardening content on the website. He is certified in Home Horticulture and Organic Gardening from Oregon State University. He has a Post Graduate Diploma in Horticulture and Landscape Gardening from Mumbai University.
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