September 5, 2008
Save Your Back; Give Leaves a Clean Sweep
Q. Some years ago, I had this piece of lawn equipment that gathered leaves. It was hand-powered, so when you walked behind it, a big wheeled brush rotated to sweep the leaves into a plastic container. Instead of raking, this machine - I call it a leaf catcher - would do most of the work. I can't seem to find them anywhere. Do they still make them? If so, where can I get one? I am a senior citizen with back problems, and this machine would help me gather leaves. And I have a lot of them.
- C.C., Smithtown
A. My aunt had one of these machines when I was a kid, and they were great. With more commercial types of gas- and electric-powered landscaping equipment available to the public, including power vacuums and lawn sweepers, demand for this machine, commonly called a push lawn sweeper, apparently has dropped.
I found two companies that still make lawn sweepers: Lambert Products Inc., in Ansonia, Ohio, and Agri-Fab Inc., in Sullivan, Ill.
Lambert makes at least two styles, beginning at about $100. The Lambert 26-inch model includes a 6.8 cubic-feet hamper that collects the leaves and lifts out for quick dumping. It also has a one-touch brush height and adjustment system. Visit the company's Web site (www.lambertmfg.com) or call 937-337-3641.
Agri-Fab also makes a 26-inch machine similar to the Lambert sweeper. It runs about $150 and is available at most Lowe's Stores. Visit the Agri-Fab Web site (www.agri-fab.com) or call the company at 217-728-8388.
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