Lawn sweeper for riding mowers

[Bush]

How well do the lawn sweepers work? I have an older Montgomery Wards rider that runs like a champ, but im tired of raking the yard (almost an acre). I found this thing on craigslist,

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/grd/1729816964.html

does something like that work? I know nothing about them and just want to see if its a viable option or if I should sell my mower and get one with a bag setup.

 

[nate379]

They work ok, haven't ever tried it for spring yard cleanup though, so not sure.

My Dad got one of these after us kids left (yeah... go figure right?)

They have about 4 acres between 2 properties. I don't think he rakes the whole yard (no reason to) but does where he plowed the snow and the front yards.

 

[ron50]

Mine is a Sears sweeper, cost about $250, and have had it for about 8 years. It keeps on going with minimal maintenance and has never broken. It gets pulled with a Craftsman GT garden tractor with a 22 hp Kohler over about half an acre.

Sweeps up mown grass, leaves and everything else, including deer poop. Might want to watch where you steer if you have dogs.

After you've had it for a while, you'll never go back to raking leaves. Actually, the only real problem will be trying to find a place to dump all those leaves you just picked up in the sweeper.

Noticed the guy wants $90 for a sweeper that looks like it has seen some use. Try offering him $50 or so and see if he bites.

 

[sprint7]

I bought one from sears a few years ago for about $250. I have not touched a rake since. Worth every penny.

I do agree with Ron50. That one looks a little rough and I would offer $50 tops.

 

[Bush]

Ok. Like i said, i looked for 2 minutes for a link so that i made sure we were on the same page. I wasnt meaning that was the lawn rake of my dreams lol. Im taking the family to the beach for the day, if that thing is still for sale when i get back i'll offer a couple 20's for it, and if he doesnt bite i'll start watching for one that has had a bit more love in its life.

 

[boro_boy70]

I also have a Sears model. What I do is put the mulching cover on the mower, and tow the sweeper behind me as I mow. The sweeper holds more than the bagger, and you can make your lawn "striped" by alternating directions each pass.

 

[Scout Driver]

Have had a lawn sweeper for quite a few years. Works great. It is nice to have a hydrostatic drive mower to fine-tune your speed when running the sweeper. A gear-driven mower or yard tractor sometimes is a little fast or slow as far as maintaining an optimal speed for the sweeper to operate.

If you shop at a FleetFarm or similar store, I believe that new, heavy duty sweepers are around $200.

Scott

 

[Jeeper]

I haven't used a sweeper, but they seem to have a lot of mixed reviews. I purchased a bagger system for my zero turn mower and it works really well.

 

[nate379]

I just wait for it to get windy and then usually all blow off into the woods

After you've had it for a while, you'll never go back to raking leaves. Actually, the only real problem will be trying to find a place to dump all those leaves you just picked up in the sweeper.