Stihl Power Sweep Advice

[Chasbec]

I have a gravel driveway and in the spring, I end with lots of gravel deposited on my lawn from the snowplow. It really raises hell with my lawnmower and looks like ****. I've seen videos of Stihl's Power Sweep doing a great job cleaning up this exact type of mess.

Stihl makes two "multi-task" tool systems that have the Power Sweep attachment available: The Yard Boss has handle bars and I'm sure is more expensive and they also have the "Kombi" System for homeowners or professionals.

Regardless of which one I buy, this IS NOT going to be a cheap purchase. It looks like the entry level price is going to be around $600 so I want to make sure that I'm not throwing my money away.

I've also heard that using this attachment is a ******** physical workout.

I'd really like to hear from anyone who might have had experience with these and hear what you've got to say and any recommendations you might have.

Thanks,
Chuck

 

[cashishift]

Spend the money on the bigger engine.

I have the FS90R which can run most of those attachments - not sure about the power sweep.

But when using the tiller i wish it had some more power. If I use a digging fork before to take up big chunks, this will bust it up and get it all stirred up.

 

[rlitman]

Well, I've got -some- experience that might help.

I've owned two Yard Boss machines over the years, and currently own two Kombi units.
I have the power sweep attachment, but have not used it yet (only got it a couple of months ago).

You can actually buy the power sweep directly on a stick engine, and save a few bucks, but if you use a string trimmer, or any of the other attachments they make for the Kombi, that's the better choice (I own about half the available Kombi attachments, and could give you tips on most of them).

OTOH, if you have a desire for a small sized roto-tiller, the Yard Boss is much better at this than the Kombi. It's all about the balance. The Yard Boss puts the motor's weight on the attachment, while the Kombi puts the weight behind your hands.

If you're doing something that requires down-force on the attachment (roto-tilling especially), the Yard Boss wins hands down. Otherwise, the Kombi has more power options, and more accessories too (such as a pole saw and a blower).

 

[Bondo]

You can actually buy the power sweep directly on a stick engine,

Ayuh,.... We've got one of these machines on the blacktop crew for cleanin' up dribbled blacktop bits off the road at the end of a driveway job,...

So long as the roller ain't gone over the bits, it works Great,...

'n yer Right, it's the Perfect tool for cleanin' stones off yer lawn,....

No complaints at all, 'cept the replacement rubber paddles will set ya back, almost as much as the whole machine,....

We got 4 or 5 years outa the 1st set, 'n I found a set, 'n 1/2 dirt cheap on ebay to replace 'em,...

The little clips that hold 'em on, are just plain ole steel bandin' clips found on any commercial bandin' machine, 3/4",....
I put the new set on, at a job at a lumber yard, 'n used their bandin' clips, 'n crimper to do it,....

 

[finn]

How do they start in cold weather (~5-10 degrees F)?

I'm considering something like the power broom to clear off the daily 4" accumulation of lake effect snow from the deck (~350 SF), but to be practical it would have to be stored on the deck, outside, in the elements, all winter.

If I have to fiddle with it for 20 minutes or keep it in the garage (200' from the house) to get it to start, then it's quicker to shovel.

 

[Askme42]

Pave the driveway?

 

[rlitman]

Ayuh,.... We've got one of these machines on the blacktop crew for cleanin' up dribbled blacktop bits off the road at the end of a driveway job,...

So long as the roller ain't gone over the bits, it works Great,...

'n yer Right, it's the Perfect tool for cleanin' stones off yer lawn,....

No complaints at all, 'cept the replacement rubber paddles will set ya back, almost as much as the whole machine,....

We got 4 or 5 years outa the 1st set, 'n I found a set, 'n 1/2 dirt cheap on ebay to replace 'em,...

The little clips that hold 'em on, are just plain ole steel bandin' clips found on any commercial bandin' machine, 3/4",....
I put the new set on, at a job at a lumber yard, 'n used their bandin' clips, 'n crimper to do it,....

My understanding is that the brush head is more designed for the task of cleaning pavement, as it has a longer wear life in that use.

The rubber paddle head is exactly designed for the OP's need to clean a lawn. Used in that way, it should last a LONG time.

I was planning on trying mine out for snow removal, but haven't had an opportunity yet.

 

[Treeman]

Hello Chasbec,

At my workplace, I have a smaller, older FS 85 trimmer. I have the "gearhead" type rubber power sweep that requires a wrench to remove the entire weed trimmer gear head, and install the power sweep gear head and drums.

The gearhead is geared incredibly low and does NOT require much power/engine size to operate. The weight of pushed stones would stop you before lack of power from the engine.

From my experience using this single straight shaft model, I think the 2 handle model would be difficult to use. But, I have never used the 2 handle model. The sweep head is quite heavy and impossible to get a balance between it and engine. Being end heavy and somewhat clunky, it DOES seem to strain the lower back muscles. Not because of weight, but because of the angles involved and other push/pull factors (hard to describe). I'm 60 and reasonably fit. I occassionally operate it upside down so that it is pulling towards you vs. pulling away (think I got that right) to change positions and relieve muscle tension.

For clearing stones out of the lawn it is AWESOME!!! I only use it for this purpose every spring and it reduces work time by 75%. I usually have enough stones that I windrow them, get out my tractor front end bucket and "sweep" the stones into tractor bucket.

It helps to have 2 people, then we trade off. It's not physically demanding in an aerobic way. Its just kind of awkward and it places stress on your muscles differently than normal.

I highly recommend it, but just be aware that you have to develop a bit of technique to avoid exhausting yourself.

The very best advise I have is to go to a dealer and try them out!


o.k., an edit here. Didn't realize the 2 handle version has wheels......definitely less strainful:

Here's an example of my type. Look at how he is bent at the waist. That is what causes the lower back strain. Not excessive, but it requires technique and occasional rests:

 

[Chasbec]

Thanks to everyone for chiming in. As much as I would really like to, paving is not an option at the moment.

I'm 60 too, but age is catching up with me and I have some mobility problems so I'm thinking that the Yard Boss (with the wheels) is the right way to go. I like the idea of sweeping into piles (and I learned a new word - windrow) then into my loader for distribution where it's most needed.

I live on a steep hill and lots of my gravel ends up washed away to the bottom and out into the street. With this tool, I think I'll be able to recover a lot of that gravel too. It will probably work well for snow removal on my porches and stairs too. Now I've just gotta bite the bullet and shell out for another seriously expensive tool.

Chuck

 

[06 DIESEL]

I have the Kombi system, the largest motor available, and really like it. Bought it to do leaves this past fall, with the blower attachment it was like having a backpack blower. I also have the string trimmer and the pole saw attachment.

I had not thought about using the sweeper for the stone in the yard after plowing, but I will probably pick one up now after hearing the reviews about using it for that.

 

[Chasbec]

I picked up a power sweep yesterday. I got the yard boss with a wheel kit. Got it home and started using it right away. Those who said it is a vigorous workout are correct. It takes awhile to learn how to work with it and once you do, it gets easier to use. It reminded me of using a floor buffer. Once you first try it, it seems impossible to control, but after you figure it out, you get the machine to do the work for you instead of having to fight with it.

I would definitely recommend the wheel kit; I can't imagine how you would use this machine without it.

It does an excellent job of cleaning gravel off grass - the main reason I bought it. It did tear up the grass a bit before I got a better feel for it but then it worked as advertised.

Here's the machine:
View media item 57848
A part of my problem area (before):
View media item 57849
...and after
View media item 57850
something cool I found in the grass using this machine (thank god not with the lawn mower):
View media item 57851
and the machine in its storage position:
View media item 57852
All in all, it was a pretty pricey purchase but it really fills a need that is not going to go away any time soon.