Lawn sweeper hookup conversion

[jeffinsgf]

I've got a similar Craftsman sweeper, and like it a lot. I'm still using it in tow-behind mode, because backing a trailer has (for some odd reason) never presented a challenge to me. That said, this design has some other benefits. Most notably, crossing areas you don't want swept. I can't cross my gravel drive with my sweeper without getting my clippings (which I compost) full of gravel. I also have to hold the basket up when going from the barn to the yard to keep from filling the basket with gravel and debris from the paths and accesses around the barn.

The wheels are turning....thanks, I think I have a fab project in my immediate future.

 

[kenjroy1]

Go for it. I know just what you mean about the gravel, etc. I've got another idea about sweepers that I would share, but the cost would be higher and involve making one almost from scratch. I don't have all necessory tools and money, though. My dad always told me that it's not a dishonor being poor, but can be unhandy.

 

[kenjroy1]

No problem I know of. These types of sweepers have the hopper hanging from two side arms mounted to the end plates of the body. The weight of the full hopper remains the same, whether you pull it or lift it. As the photo shows, my anchor points (3pt) are at each end, close to the wheels. Even the third link pull is distributed closer to the wheels. I've only used the Craftsman once to test it, but in 5 years of using the old one, I've hit bumps, etc. in the yard that have caused the sweeper to be jolted around a lot, and it continues to hold up. Keep in mind that my BX1500 has a single action rear lift, not double. So there's no danger of pushing down on the sweeper with the 3pt.

 

[Temp97]

You are a genius

 

[kenjroy1]

Thanks, but am far from being that.

 

[dillo99]

Very nice. I had the same idea this fall and rigged mine up temporarily. I don't have pictures but I basically connected the tow point to my 3pt drawbar and then I used a chain to link to the sides of the sweeper. Raising the 3 pt hitch raised the sweeper. I tried the temporary set up to make sure it would work and I was quite pleased. It easily allows for the load to be driven to wherever you want it for dumping.

So this summer I will rig up a permanent approach similar to yours. Thanks again for sharing.

 

[kenjroy1]

You're right. It works quite well. In fact, I used mine yesterday to pick up leaves. Thanks for responding.

 

[actionaj]

Good job. I am thinking of doing something similar with a AgriFab pull behind aerator.

 

[kenjroy1]

That'll work. Like your tractor. Must be brand new or you just waxed it.