The same game every year: The trees (whether in your own garden or on the adjacent street) shed their leaves and you have to laboriously collect and dispose of them. However, you can make this task easier with a so-called leaf collector. In this guide we will tell you what kind of device it is and what you should pay attention to when buying it.
There's a lot of barrel to pick up in the fall
Our recommendations
our recommendation
Gardena Leaf and Lawn Collector: Sweeper for the garden, with removable collection bag, rotating brush system, ergonomic handle, low-noise (3565-20), black, turquoise, orange, grey
119.99 EUR To the product| functionality | without motor |
|---|---|
| working width | 49 centimeters |
| catch basket | 90 liters |
| material | plastic |
| wheels | 2 large plastic wheels |
The Gardena leaf and lawn collector works without a motor and is therefore very quiet. Inside there are high-quality plastic brushes that run automatically when pushed and collect leaves, lawn clippings and other items from the lawn - without you having to bend down. The device, also known as a lawn sweeper, can also be infinitely adjusted in its working height to the ground and your height. The ergonomically shaped, long handles allow you to work comfortably in an upright position. As soon as the 90 liter collecting basket is full, you can remove it for emptying.
our recommendation
vidaXL sweeper lawn sweeper leaf sweeper sweeper lawn sweeper 103 L
89.17 EUR To the product| functionality | without motor |
|---|---|
| working width | 55 centimeters |
| catch basket | 103 liters |
| material | Steel body, plastic |
| wheels | 2 large plastic wheels |
The vidaXL lawn sweeper, on the other hand, is a bit larger, with a collection bag that holds 103 liters of leaves, small branches and other collected material, and whose working width is even 55 centimeters. This device also works manually and without a motor, which should please both your neighbors and the environment. In addition, the height can be adjusted to the desired level, with the manufacturer providing several levels. The collection bag can be easily removed for emptying and cleaning. At Amazon, the majority of customers are satisfied, but note that thorough cleaning of the lawn requires repeated driving.
our recommendation
Güde 94387 GFLS 1600 3IN1 leaf vacuum (suction, blowing and shredding function, 45l collection bag, 270km/h blowing speed)
89.99 EUR To the product| functionality | with electric motor |
|---|---|
| working width | 39 centimeters |
| catch basket | 45 liters |
| material | steel and plastic |
| wheels | 4 large wheels |
This handy, mobile leaf collector from the manufacturer Güde works with motor power, which enables functions such as vacuuming and blowing leaves. In addition, the device has a shredding function, with which you can, for example, shred larger leaves to save space. The leaf blower is easy to push thanks to its four large wheels and 102 centimeter long handles, and the suction and blowing nozzles can be adjusted in four different heights. In their reviews, many customers describe the device as working well, but complain that the nozzle clogs too quickly and has to be cleared of collected material. We therefore recommend this device for smaller lawns.
Purchase Criteria
drive
manual operation: Manually operated leaf collectors look like a lawnmower at first glance, but are only used to collect leaves and grass clippings. When the device is pushed, the sweeping device moves and transports the collected material into the collection bag. These sweepers require a certain amount of effort, especially when it comes to larger models or the ground is difficult.
engine operation: Motorized leaf collectors usually work with electric or battery motors, although there are also petrol-powered models. They are usually equipped with suction, blowing and chopping functions and are therefore more versatile than the hand-operated versions - but also much more expensive.
fan: There are also special leaf collection trailers for ride-on lawnmowers that you simply have to attach. They are very suitable for large areas, but are also often very heavy and expensive. our recommendation
Lawn sweeper for ride-on mowers with a working width of 95 cm and 254 x 44.5 mm rubber tires
192.81 EUR To the productworking width
When buying a leaf collector, one is quickly tempted to purchase a device with the widest possible working width in the hope of making work easier. However, this is a fallacy, at least in the case of hand-operated devices, because the wider the device, the more difficult it is to move. When buying a trailer, on the other hand, you should make sure that its working width is larger than the cutting width of the lawn tractor - otherwise the clippings will fly next to the collection basket instead of into it.
collection bag and volume
Choose the capacity (in volume) of the collection bag as large as possible so that you don't have to constantly interrupt your work and empty it. The collection bag should also be removable from the device so that it can be emptied more easily. Some leaf collectors also have a cable pull that you can use to conveniently empty the container from the lawnmower seat. In addition, the collection bag should be easy to clean and fold up when not in use.
height and settings
The working height of the leaf collector is also an important purchase criterion. It should be possible to adjust it as steplessly as possible so that you can use the device on different surfaces or adjust it to your individual height. Basically, lower settings are suitable for smooth and dry surfaces, medium ones for wet, rough or uneven surfaces and higher ones for transporting the device to the place of use or back again.
wheels
The wheels should be as large and smooth-running as possible and made of stable material, after all they have to be able to withstand uneven ground and strong forces. Stiff wheels are difficult to push, so collecting leaves on the lawn becomes a strenuous effort. Whether you choose a leaf collector with two or four wheels is irrelevant to how it works.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What is a leaf collector?
A leaf collector is a manual or motorized device for collecting autumn leaves. It looks similar to a lawn mower, as it is often a height-adjustable device with push handles and a grass catcher. However, mowing the lawn or scarifying is not possible with it, instead you simply push the leaf collector over the lawn (or another surface) to collect leaves.
Are leaf collectors and lawn sweepers the same thing?
In principle, both terms can be used synonymously, provided that the device described is meant. However, the term "leaf collector" is sometimes used to mean other tools for collecting leaves. These are also known as leaf grabs or leaf claws. Leaf vacuums also fall under the generic term "leaf collector".
What else can you use a leaf collector for?
Even if it is called that: You can not only use a leaf collector to collect leaves, but also grass clippings, small twigs and (depending on the device) pine needles, acorns and other small things. However, not all device models are suitable for this, which is why you should take a closer look at the item description and customer reviews before buying.
What advantages does a leaf collector offer over other devices?
First of all, a leaf collector is designed to make the tedious job of collecting leaves and lawn clippings easier by eliminating the need to do it by hand and bend down all the time. Instead, you simply push the sweeper over the area to be cleaned, with the bristles propelled by the forward movement to sweep the collected material into the collection bag.
Why should you collect leaves?
There are several reasons for this: On the one hand, in many municipalities, as a property owner, you are obliged to clear the adjacent sidewalks of leaves. If a passer-by falls through wet leaves, you can be prosecuted if you fail to do so. Leaves should also not be left on lawns, as they prevent the lawn from breathing and can also acidify the soil.
Which manufacturers offer high-quality leaf collectors?
You can get high-quality leaf collectors primarily from well-known brand manufacturers such as Gardena, Husquarna, Wolf-Garten or Kärcher. But also rather unknown producers like VidaXL, Dema, Earthwise or Agri-fab offer good models at a reasonable price.
How much does a leaf collector cost?
How much you have to spend on the leaf collector depends on the model you prefer: the price range is very wide and starts at around EUR 70 for the inexpensive hand-operated devices. Motorized leaf collectors with various functions and trailers for the ride-on lawn mower cost more than a hundred euros - and can easily cost several hundred euros.
equipment
leaf brush
our recommendation
Gardena combisystem Plastic Fan Rake XXL vario: The extra-wide garden rake for sweeping up leaves and garden waste, working width 77 cm, suitable for all cs handles (3107-20)
23.00 EUR To the productIf you want to remove the leaves particularly thoroughly and gently for the subsoil - especially for sensitive lawns - it is best to use a so-called lawn rake or fan broom. With the help of one of these, you can sweep up leaves and other small objects carefully without leaving wheel tracks or other imprints in the grass.