? lawn sweeper??????

   / ? lawn sweeper?????? #11  
A less expensive solution is to get a tined thatcher - $100-200 range - every spring I tow one around the yard and it collects the twigs and thatches at the same time. This would also break up the dog poo if you double pass allowing it to break down naturally.

Then after thatching I use the trac vac to lift up the thatch and remaining leaves. Yes, you will get dog poo in the tires but you will with any machine/solution.

Of course if you have bucks to spend and mind set on a sweeper arrangement go for it. Just trying to be realistic and "kis" keep it simple" approach.

Carl
 
   / ? lawn sweeper??????
  • Thread Starter
#12  
Problem is that I don't own a vacuum. They're not cheap either. I have used my sweeper for a few years now and love the way it makes the lawn look. I'm just surprised a scaled up version is so hard to find.
 
   / ? lawn sweeper?????? #13  
Looks like you want a unicorn.

Looks like it comes down to modding you existing sweeper. Personally I would look into turning it with a hydraulic motor instead of PTO if you have the hydraulics. If you are lucky you might not need a gearbox. One of these 190 RMP units from Northen Tool might mount right to the shaft. At worse 2 sprockets and a chain for speed adjustment.

I expect that has way more torque then you needs. Should be able to find a less powerful one for less money.

EDIT: here is one for $130 880RPM.
 
   / ? lawn sweeper?????? #14  
   / ? lawn sweeper??????
  • Thread Starter
#15  
Thought of that also. I think modifying mine would require hydraulics. Putting a gear box and shaft on that size of unit would destroy it. If I can't find one at a reasonable price I believe I can build one. What I'm looking for is fairly simple and low tech. I have put together ideas in my head. The only thing I'm having problems with is what to use for the broom.
 
   / ? lawn sweeper?????? #17  
Looks like you want a unicorn.

Looks like it comes down to modding you existing sweeper. Personally I would look into turning it with a hydraulic motor instead of PTO if you have the hydraulics. If you are lucky you might not need a gearbox. One of these 190 RMP units from Northen Tool might mount right to the shaft. At worse 2 sprockets and a chain for speed adjustment.

I expect that has way more torque then you needs. Should be able to find a less powerful one for less money.

EDIT: here is one for $130 880RPM.

It may be cheaper to try a use a small 12vdc motor to drive the sweepers.
 
   / ? lawn sweeper??????
  • Thread Starter
#18  
Here is a pic of the brushes on the one I have. Very simple 1/2" rod with 4 brushes mounted to it.

ForumRunner_20130411_151638.png
 
   / ? lawn sweeper?????? #19  
Back a few years ago when I lived in FL my neighbor was having the same problem as the OP in that the drive wheels just didn't do a good enough job driving the brushes, especially when the lawn was damp. He bought a cheap 12v winch, removed the cable and cable housing and attached it to the side of the unit and used that to drive the brushes. As I recall, I believe he mounted it directly to the brush shaft with something similar to a LoveJoy coupler. I remember he used it so much the cheap plastic tire treads were just about worn out but the winch kept the brushes going with no problems. BTW... that brush material is available in various lengths and bristle thicknesses from McMaster-Carr.
 
   / ? lawn sweeper?????? #20  
Strictly depending on the weight of the frame and hood of the sweeper you can use a 3 horse reduction geared unit to power the sweeper using the existing brooms.

You may find it simpler to build a frame and attach it to the hitch/build a new hitch and bolt the motor and roller chain or belt drive to the hitch.

In order to do this you need to disconnect the gearing from the wheels.

IF the gears are plastic you will not be able tlo run a chain drive from a reduction geared motor as they will most likely be stripped by the gear reduction unit.

It will take a bit if modifying but it can be done by placing the engine/gearbox on the hitch and a V pulley in the center of the sweeper.

You need to remove the brushes and the shaft to get the exact center to position the pulley and cut a small bit of the brooms away to refit it in the sides. Then you can build a base to mount on the tow hitch or build a new hitch entirely for it.


Do you have a very large yard that would take too long a time to police with pooper scooper and a plastic bag?
 
 
 
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