As a gardener, I'm always looking for new ways to keep my lawn nice and tidy.
However, I'm mostly an old-school thinker, using manual tools rather than the latest machines. So, one summer, while I was raking debris to clear the garden, my back started aching. After a visit to the doctor, he asked me to rest for a week, further suggesting that I don't engage in arduous tasks henceforth.
When I got back on my feet, I realized old age wouldn't let me work like before. So, the only solution was to adapt.
I went on the internet and searched for the latest gardening equipment available out there. Immediately, I was attracted to lawn sweepers as they were easy to use and perfect for cleaning large areas. But I hardly knew how lawn sweepers worked.
Instead of purchasing an unknown tool, I decided to dive deeper and gather more information. Fortunately, my research paid off, and I purchased the perfect machine for my garden.
HI! I'm Stacy Smith, and today I'll answer the question: how does a lawn sweeper work? Take out your notepad, and let's begin.
How Does A Lawn Sweeper Work?
What Is A Lawn Sweeper?
I'll start by explaining what a lawn sweeper is, especially for those who don't know. Like me, if you use a manual rake to remove leaves and debris from the ground, these power tools will provide an efficient alternative.
With a lawn sweeper, you can quickly gather up the debris without expending much energy. That said, there are two types of lawn sweepers: push and pull. You can tie the latter to a tractor and drag it across the lawn, removing impurities quickly.
Lawn Sweeper 101
If you look inside a lawn sweeper, you'll find brushes that rotate at high velocity. These brushes connect to the axle, which is, in turn, linked to rotating wheels. As the lawn sweeper moves across the surface, the wheels and brushes start moving, collecting grass clippings, twigs, branches, and other debris.
The waste goes into the rear hopper, which you can empty at your convenience. All you need to do is remove it, dump its contents into the trash and continue sweeping.
Getting The Best Out Of A Lawn Sweeper
Now, learning how a lawn sweeper works doesn't necessarily mean you'll get the best results. It's essential to know how to use the machine according to your requirements. So, it would help to remember the points mentioned below.
1. Adjusting The Brushes
Ensure that the height of the brushes is the same as the height of the grass. Most modern models feature an adjustment mechanism allowing users to alter the height by moving the handles forward and backward.
You can also look underneath the machine where the adjustment apparatus sits. Simply move it to the correct height until it aligns with the grass.
2. Maneuvering The Lawn Sweeper
As I mentioned previously, you can opt for a pull or push model, but that's just half the story. To clean the lawn to perfection, start pushing the sweeper from one corner and travel forward and back, making sure you're collecting all the debris. In other words, move in opposite directions, such as north to south or east to west.
When you complete one path, turn the machine in the opposite direction, ensuring that it overlaps a portion of the cleared path. Doing this guarantees better coverage.
3. Walking Speed
It may seem insignificant, but the speed at which you walk determines the effectiveness of the lawn sweeper.
For users using a pull sweeper with a tractor, think about the driving speed; but the basic principles remain the same. It would be best to walk at medium speed, similar to pushing a lawn mower.
4. Clearing The Hopper
It's necessary to empty the hopper frequently, ensuring that you can sweep without any hassle. I suggest placing a tarp or plastic bag on the ground, with the mouth facing upwards. Then, dump the contents of the hopper into the bag, close it up and continue sweeping.
But don't let the bag fill up too much, making it difficult to move the unit.
5. Extending The Tow Arm
Another neat trick is to extend the tow arm by two feet. You'll find that most lawn sweepers don't have a large wheelbase, making them slightly challenging to maneuver. Adjusting the tow arm will offer leverage, allowing you to back up without difficulty while reducing the effort needed to move the machine.
6. Drive Straight
It's essential to drive or walk in a straight line for better coverage to prevent the sweeper's wheels from getting stuck. Similarly, avoid making fast turns and don't rush.
7. Clear The Big Stuff
Lawn sweeping should be preceded by mowing and clearing big debris. The latter is the first step towards ensuring that your outdoor space looks tidy after sweeping. So, start by removing the large twigs, sticks, rocks, and vines by hand. This will allow the sweeper to clear the grass clippings rather than getting stuck.
8. Mowing And Mulching
It's essential to mow the grass before using a lawn sweeper. Just remember that mowing will leave behind cut-up grass so you’ll need to clear that before trimming further.
If you can, mulch the debris into smaller, softer bits, reducing the chances of the chute clogging up. What's more, this keeps the brushes fresh, minimizing the chances of wear and tear.
Additionally, once you collect the debris, it will take up less space in the hopper bag, meaning you won't have to make frequent stops.
- The Size of the sweeper is 42 inch
- Easy to use and handle
- This product is manufactured in United States
- Keep Your Lawn Spotless: Unlike most lawn sweepers, our lawn sweeper has thickened and densified four brushes to increase the overall sweeping force and prevent deformation. With a sweeping width of 26"/66 cm, it can pick up 80% of the debris in one pass.
- Adjust to Any Terrain: The lawn sweep is designed with an adjustable spinning brush height–simply adjust the knob 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.
- Heavy-Duty Construction: Our hand-push lawn sweeper is built to last with reinforced steel pipes, providing a stable and sturdy frame that won't tip over even when the hopper bag is full. Plus, we've added a height scale guide next to the knob for easy adjustment before cleaning.
Final Words
I hope you’ve all the information when it comes to using a lawn sweeper.
Whenever in doubt, consult my guide and follow the steps accordingly to get noticeable results. Also, remember to take good care of the machine and conduct regular maintenance, tightening the bolts and parts before you start sweeping.Â
That’s all for now. Take care, bye!