How Does A Tow Behind A Lawn Sweeper Work?

18 minutes read

A tow-behind lawn sweeper is a device used for collecting leaves, grass clippings, and other debris from your lawn. It is designed to be attached behind a riding mower or lawn tractor and dragged along while the machine is in motion.


The main working principle of a tow-behind lawn sweeper involves the use of rotating brushes or brooms that sweep the debris into a collecting hopper or bag. These brushes are usually attached to a cylindrical or semi-circular frame located at the back of the sweeper.


As the sweeper is towed behind the mower, the brushes come into contact with the ground and rotate, creating a sweeping motion. The brushes are made of stiff, durable bristles that effectively collect the debris and push it towards the collection area.


The collected debris is then directed into a hopper or bag at the rear of the sweeper, which serves as a storage container. Most sweepers come with a hopper that can be easily emptied or detached for disposal of the collected material. Some models may also have height adjustment features, allowing you to set the level at which the brushes sweep above the ground.


In order to achieve optimal effectiveness, it is important to adjust the brush height based on the type of debris you intend to collect. For instance, if you are collecting leaves, setting the brushes higher will prevent them from digging into the lawn and instead, gently sweeping leaves off the surface. On the other hand, for grass clippings or heavier debris, a lower brush height will help ensure effective collection.


Additionally, some lawn sweepers may have additional features such as adjustable brush angles or the ability to dump collected debris directly into a truck bed or compost pile. These extra features can provide added convenience and flexibility when using a tow-behind lawn sweeper.


Overall, a tow-behind lawn sweeper streamlines the process of cleaning up your lawn by efficiently collecting debris as you mow. It saves time and effort compared to traditional sweeping methods and helps maintain a clean, debris-free yard.

Best Lawn Sweepers of 2024

1
Agri-Fab 45-0492 Lawn Sweeper, 44-Inch Orange

Rating is 5 out of 5

Agri-Fab 45-0492 Lawn Sweeper, 44-Inch Orange

  • 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)
  • Lawn Sweeper dimensions: 78” L x 55” W x 52” H | Carton Dimensions: 54.1” L x 18” W x 19.5” H | Brush to Wheel ratio: 5.6:1 | Hooper Capacity: 25 Cu. Ft. | Wheel dimensions: 12” x 3” | Wheel type: Semi-pneumatic | Pallet Qty.: 8 | Weight: 95 lbs
  • Height adjustment lever with easy to use indicator will never slip and assures optimum performance
  • Improved dump lever can operate without leaving the tractor seat. Entire sweeper folds up without tools saving on storage space
2
Agri-Fab Inc 45-0546 52" Lawn Sweeper, Black

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

Agri-Fab Inc 45-0546 52" Lawn Sweeper, Black

  • An Agri-Fab lawn sweeper will make your life easier because of its exceptional performance helping you clean up grass clippings in the spring and summer, or cleaning up leaves and small twigs in the fall, Semi-pneumatic wheels & metal pinion gears
  • Set brushes to penetrate the grass to a depth of 1/2 in. (13 mm)
  • Product Size – 70” L x 60” W x 38” H, Hooper – 26 cu. Ft., Sweeper width – 52-Inch, Wheels – 11” x 2.5”, Brush to wheel ratio – 4.25:1, This will work with tractors that range from 8 inch - 13 inch ground clearance
  • Infinite brush height adjustment
  • Versatile, easily and quickly attaches to all brands of tractors
3
VEVOR Tow Behind Lawn Sweeper 42.5 Inch, 25 cu. ft Large Capacity Heavy Duty Leaf Collector with Adjustable Sweeping Height, Dumping Rope Design for Picking Up Debris and Grass, 44", Black

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

VEVOR Tow Behind Lawn Sweeper 42.5 Inch, 25 cu. ft Large Capacity Heavy Duty Leaf Collector with Adjustable Sweeping Height, Dumping Rope Design for Picking Up Debris and Grass, 44", Black

  • 【Adjust to Any Terrain】 The lawn sweeper is designed with an adjustable spinning brush height–simply adjust the lever by hand to move brushes up and down without the need for any special tools. You can use it on any terrain, whether it's a sidewalk, driveway, yard, or garden.
  • 【Keep Your Lawn Spotless】Unlike most lawn sweepers, our tow-behind lawn sweeper has widened the interface between the metal and brush to increase the overall sweeping force and prevent deformation. With a sweeping width of 42.5"/108 cm, it can pick up 80% of the debris in one pass.
  • 【Collect More Debris】Our lawn sweep has a high-quality non-woven hopper bag with a large capacity of 25 ft³, allowing you to collect more grass, leaves, and debris at once without frequent dumping. It's easy to empty from the tractor with a dumping rope when cleaning is complete.
  • 【Store with Ease】Our tow lawn sweeper has an advanced folding design, making it easy to store. Once the yard work is complete, it can be stored in a shed or hung on a garage wall. You don't have to worry about limited space anymore.
  • 【Cleaning without Effort】Just connect your yard sweeper to a lawn tractor and watch the powerful spinning brushes scoop up everything in their path! It quickly picks up leaves, small twigs, grass clippings, and other dry debris, cleaning your entire lawn with fantastic speed.
4
Agri-Fab 45-0218 26-Inch Push Lawn Sweeper, 26 Inches, Black

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

Agri-Fab 45-0218 26-Inch Push Lawn Sweeper, 26 Inches, Black

  • 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
  • Push lawn sweeper with adjustable height settings
  • Easy way to pick up lawn clippings and leaves off lawn
  • Durable, lightweight poly construction
  • Includes 1 sweeper and bag
  • 25 pounds; 7-cubic-foot capacity; 26 inches wide; 3-year warranty
5
Agri-Fab 45-0320 42-Inch Tow Lawn Sweeper,Black

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

Agri-Fab 45-0320 42-Inch Tow Lawn Sweeper,Black

  • 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
  • WARRANTY: 3-Year Limited Warranty
  • Tow-style lawn sweeper
  • Hold up to 12-cubic-feet of debris; trail behind tractor
  • Durable, lightweight poly construction
  • Includes sweeper and trailer-hitch pin
  • 42-inch sweeping swath; 50-3/4 by 22 by 15 inches; 77 pounds
6
Brinly STS-427LXH-A2 42" USA-Made Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper with Universal Hitch

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

Brinly STS-427LXH-A2 42" USA-Made Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper with Universal Hitch

  • Made in the USA: Trusted Since 1839, Brinly-Hardy Company has been dedicated to providing quality, durable, and innovative Lawn & Garden Products.
  • Easy Yard Clean-Up: Never rake again! Use your Brinly Sweeper to quickly take care of lawn debris, all from the seat of your tractor. Pick up leaves, grass clippings, sticks, twigs, pine needles, and more. Includes removable mesh windscreen.
  • Large Capacity: 20 cu. ft. hamper capacity and 42″ sweep width provides maximum efficiency for fewer passes through the yard and less emptying. Full-swing hamper with pull cord and T-handle makes for easy emptying.
  • High-Velocity Brushes: Six high-velocity brushes with indexed brush height adjustment provide continuous material pickup, even during tractor turns. The 5:1 gear ratio results in higher tip velocity, generating more force to lift leaves and debris up off the ground
  • Easy Height Adjustment: The Twist-Lock Height Adjustment secures the brush height setting in place, even when traveling over uneven terrain. Height adjusts for use on pavement to high leaves.
  • Minimize Storage Footprint: Designed with NEW collapsible hamper braces for easier assembly, and convenient upright storage when not in use.
  • Unmatched durability: Features 1" thick 16 ga. all-steel tubes, all-welded steel brush housing, and reinforced poly hamper with UV and moisture-resistant inhibitors for longer life
  • Universal Hitch: Designed with a multiple-position clevis for a universal fit, a single, heavy-duty universal Hitch Pin is included to easily attach to any rider or tractor and most any ZTR or ATV.
  • For warranty, service parts, or for help at any time, reach out to the Brinly Customer Service team by calling our toll-free number (877-728-8224) or by emailing customerservice@brinly.com. Replacement parts can also be ordered online at Brinly's website.
7
YARD COMMANDER - 48-Inch Tow Behind Lawn Sweeper - 20 Cubic-Feet Capacity with 48-Inch Clearing Width - 10-Inch Nylon Brushes - Never Flat Tire Design - Universal Hitch for Easy Attachment

Rating is 4.4 out of 5

YARD COMMANDER - 48-Inch Tow Behind Lawn Sweeper - 20 Cubic-Feet Capacity with 48-Inch Clearing Width - 10-Inch Nylon Brushes - Never Flat Tire Design - Universal Hitch for Easy Attachment

  • 48-INCH CLEARING WIDTH: Quickly and easily adjust your clearing height to add or reduce brush engagement depending on the type of debris.
  • 10-INCH BRUSH DIAMETER: 4 durable nylon brushes move at high velocity. Capable of picking up Leaves, Pine Needles, Sticks, Grass Clippings, and More.
  • 20 CUBIC FEET HOPPER CAPACITY: Large hopper allows users to pickup more debris in less time. Operators can quickly and easily empty the hopper with the pull of a string.
  • 10.5-INCH NEVER FLAT WHEELS: Start the spring clean up without the worry and hassle of flat tires.
  • UNIVERSAL HITCH: Attaches quickly and easily to most lawn tractors and ATVs in the market.
8
GreenSweep Artificial Grass Sweeper Rake Vacuum 45L Collection Bag ,5 Adjustable Heights (GreenSweep V2)

Rating is 4.3 out of 5

GreenSweep Artificial Grass Sweeper Rake Vacuum 45L Collection Bag ,5 Adjustable Heights (GreenSweep V2)

  • EFFORTLESS: GreenSweep quickly removes debris, such as leaves, twigs, stones and dirt to leave your artificial lawn looking lawn looking pristine. Simply plug in the power cord and with a flick of a switch, the self-propelled device is doing the hard work for you.
  • PLUMPED UP: The 35,000RPM spinning brush roller, plumps up flattened and matted lawn fibres to restore volume and fullness. This not only looks great, but also feels incredible underfoot
  • PURPOSEFULLY POWERFUL: With a 1800W motor, the GreenSweep is capable of clearing large areas quickly and efficiently. The spinning brush propels the GreenSweep forward to make light work of your lawn care.
  • GARDEN GOALS: Create professional looking stripes in your lawn for enviable grass you and neighbours will love. Select from 5 adjustable height positions to suit your lawn with one simple lever.
  • LARGE CAPACITY: The GreenSweep is equipped with a large 45L collection bag that can hold a significant amount of debris, reducing the need for frequent emptying.


What is the recommended speed for towing a lawn sweeper?

The recommended speed for towing a lawn sweeper may vary depending on the specific model and manufacturer. However, as a general guideline, it is typically recommended to tow a lawn sweeper at a speed of around 3-5 miles per hour (5-8 kilometers per hour). This speed allows the lawn sweeper to effectively collect debris without causing any damage or excessive wear to the equipment. It is important to refer to the user manual or consult the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific lawn sweeper being used to ensure the optimal towing speed.


How to safely store a tow behind lawn sweeper?

To safely store a tow-behind lawn sweeper, follow these steps:

  1. Clean the lawn sweeper: Before storing, make sure to clean the sweeper thoroughly. Remove any debris, grass clippings, or dirt that may have accumulated during use. This will help prevent rust and keep the sweeper in good condition.
  2. Check for damages: Inspect the sweeper for any damages or wear and tear. Look for any loose or broken parts that may need to be repaired or replaced before storing.
  3. Fold or disassemble if possible: If your lawn sweeper is designed to be folded or disassembled, follow the manufacturer's instructions to do so. This will help save space and make storage easier.
  4. Store in a dry area: Find a dry, sheltered area to store the lawn sweeper. Moisture can cause rust and damage the machinery, so it's important to keep it in a dry environment. If possible, store it indoors in a garage or shed. If storing outside, use a waterproof cover to protect it from rain and other elements.
  5. Securely fasten any loose parts: If there are any detachable or loose parts, such as brushes or hoppers, secure them properly to prevent them from getting lost or damaged during storage.
  6. Store in an upright position: If your lawn sweeper does not need to be disassembled, store it in an upright position. This will help save space and minimize the chance of any damages occurring.
  7. Store away from children and pets: Make sure to store the lawn sweeper in a location that is inaccessible to children and pets. It contains moving parts and may pose a safety risk.
  8. Follow specific manufacturer instructions: Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for proper storage. Each model may have specific recommendations that should be followed to maintain the longevity of the lawn sweeper.


By following these steps, you can safely store your tow-behind lawn sweeper, ensuring it remains in good condition and ready to use for the next season.


What is the purpose of a tow behind a lawn sweeper?

The purpose of a tow-behind lawn sweeper is to effectively and efficiently remove leaves, grass clippings, and other debris from the lawn surface. It is especially useful during fall when leaves tend to cover the lawn, but can also be beneficial throughout the year. The sweeper consists of rotating brushes that collect the debris into a hopper or bag attached to it. By attaching the sweeper to a riding mower or a garden tractor, it can be towed across the lawn to sweep up and collect the unwanted debris, keeping the lawn clean and well-maintained.

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