Yard Sweeper - Page 2

ole 147 · #11 08-31-2009, 10:37 PM

What do they run in price for a new sweeper?

ole 147

ACecil · #12 08-31-2009, 10:46 PM

ole 147,

I think, that I paid $269 for my sweeper four years ago. I never regret the purchase either. :biggrin2.gif:

Roblynn · #13 09-01-2009, 10:51 AM

One of the big box stores (if your a Jimmy Johnson fan you'll know which one) lists an Agri-fab 42" lawn sweeper for $269. How about that...not much markup in 4 years, huh?

ACecil · #14 09-01-2009, 12:46 PM

Roblynn,

I got mine, while Sears was having a sale.

MrChic · #15 09-05-2009, 08:08 PM

Yep they work great. I have used mine, a Sears unit to bick up twigs, pine needles, cones and dead grass. I can't wait to pick up leaves in the fall.

Mountain Heritage · #16 09-06-2009, 08:22 AM

Sweepers...they are great! BUT..... here in Canada, I guess we get the shaft on the quality stuff? I bought my old man a White name brand a couple years ago for fathers day (White is made by MTD, they also have a lawn tractor line too). Spent almost $450.00 Canadian on it, 38" model. Its great except for one design flaw in the gears on it. The main gear in the collection of 3 is plastic, and you know what happens to plastic over the years through wear and tear, not even the abuse it takes because the lawn is rough. Anyway, to replace the plastic gear, $98.00 plust tax! You have to replace the entire wheel assembly - DUH! Who the hell invents something like this unless they just want to sell parts afterwards to make money off of too? He priced it out the other day, he then asked what a new sweeper was worth....$350.00.....Hmmmmmm..lets do the math together! So needless to say, he said thank you very much and went on his merry way. He went down the road to John Deere, checked out their design, it was better, replacement gear was WAY cheaper if it needed replacing and it wasn't attached to the drive wheel either. So needless to say he now has a Kubota running around the yard now with the competition chasing him....the ol' John Deere green!
The plan is now, since the White ended up in my back shed....I want to modify it to have a direct drive off the ground. Thought I would remove the wheels, put a 5 or 6 tooth sprocket on both ends of the shaft with the brushes on it. Then install a new shaft in front with a new set drive wheels and a pair of 16 tooth sprockets with #40 chain running back to drive the brushes. I still need to figure out if the number of teeth on the sprockets will work out right, want to keep the brushes spinning fast as I can. Figured this way I will have the brushed constantly turning even in uneven ground and there is very little chance of stripping the sprocket teeth off if its all steel. I think the biggest challenge will be to get the new brackets slotted so I can still raise and lower the brushes, the old bracket has a slight arc to it for raising and lowering brushes....Oh well looks like a winter project now. The bagger on the tractor will have to do for now.

RPalmer · #17 09-06-2009, 10:09 AM

Mountain Heritage,
Spent almost $450.00 Canadian on it

Gee today that must be about $900.00 USD:biggrin2.gif:

ole 147 · #18 09-06-2009, 01:41 PM

You should have made a trip south to get a better price.

I purchased one at TSC they were the only ones that had any in stock.
They only had 2 -42" sweepers and they were Ohio Steel cost $249.00.
I spent 2 hrs. putting it together.
It did a good job so far.

ole 147

Mountain Heritage · #19 09-06-2009, 07:54 PM

Yes, I know....since I bought it.....I have seen MANY examples that I got screwed! Ahhhh...isn't it nice! Nothing like taking in the back side over a stupid peice of yard equipment....just another reason for the wife to complain! Well, I'm not done yet, I plan on lick'n this sucker yet....will let you know how I make out with the new wheels and drive idea when I get to it.

punkid · #20 09-13-2009, 01:35 PM

Ok, I made my Purchase. It is as old or maybe older then the Cub WOOOT!!!

Its a Parker, and in my reseach i found out that these guys patented the Sweeper hahaha.

And beleive it or not It matches the Cub. WOW!

Sorry for the dark photo.

Some interesting points. Cast Iron Hubs, Bronze gears (what I have read anyways). 36" sweep, Fully adjustable height, Dump from tractor with rope, And something in the gears allows it to backup without spinning the sweeper. Seriously all this from something probably well over 30 years old.

I used it today a little. It actually worked very well for having rained the last day and half, and the grass was a little long. I plan on mowing tuesday and then running the sweeper around afterwards. So far the only thing it struggles with is my hickory (I think) nuts. I can see it tossing them in front of the sweeper but it rarely gets them in the bin.