My new sweeper....

[Greg]

I got a Craftsman High Speed sweeper yesterday, put it together and used it for the first time today. I was hesitant to do so, cause it rained last night, and the grass/driveway was wet even before then. But we all know, ya get a new toy, ya gotta play with it!

So here it is, finally put together.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/kgregc/Old%20MTF/IMG_0022.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/kgregc/Old%20MTF/IMG_0023.jpg

Here's what I had to deal with...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/kgregc/Landscape/IMG_0024.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/kgregc/Landscape/IMG_0025.jpg

[Greg]

The sweeper is my first, so I don't yet know all the tricks and tips, and the adjustments, for it. It did work pretty well, considering my inexperience and the wet leaves and pine needles.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/kgregc/Landscape/IMG_0035.jpg

I can't believe I didn't take a "before" pic of this drive, but it was just as choked with leaves and pine needles.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/kgregc/Landscape/IMG_0033.jpg

This is usually covered with blown leaves too.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/kgregc/Landscape/IMG_0030.jpg

[rwairforce]

OK????? did you try it? How did it do? Should I get a credit and leave it at the store? I don't pick it up until Tuesday.

[rwairforce]

Ahahahaha!!!! Now that's a quick reply...
Looks great! Didn't even work up a sweat did ya?

[Greg]

The unit worked well also behind the tractor with the mulching plug in it to mow and pick up grass/leaves at the same.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/kgregc/Landscape/IMG_0042.jpg

And, yes, it stripes.....in a way. ROF

I need to concentrate on my lawn, reseeding, fert, weed/moss control, and learning the proper adjustments on the sweeper. My lawn is going to be my focus next year, with toning down the garden a bit.

Uncle Greg

[Greg]

rwairforce,

Yep, it was pretty easy, and fun. I think you'll enjoy yours too.

Uncle Greg

[rwairforce]

Thanks Greg, that's looks super. I got to head for the bed!!
12:10am over here in Ohio.

[Mark / Ohio]

Ahh the things you can get away doing in the house when the wifey steps out for a bit. ROF


Wet leaves are the hardest to pickup. A dry day with calm winds is best. The wind tends to blow them out over the edges of the bag if it is too windy. The height setting is something you have to play with. Too low and it will drag the brushes and wheels on uneven ground. Ofcourse too high and it will miss more leaves. Also speed is something to learn. You have to go fast enough to throw them to the back of the bag but not too fast for the brushes to handle the load. I suspect the your high speed unit will work better then mine for going slower and turning around trees. My trees have roots on the surface so I have to slow it down and make several circles around them.

[Greg]

One other thing I did learn...ya still need a blower! The sweeper is great for the open areas, but you just have to blow some of them out from under/between things and on uneven/narrow places...:fing20:

The ability to dump from the seat is super. Makes things much easier and quick. I shred my leaves, so I can dump in several places and make small bags, or just spread in flower beds, close by.

Uncle Greg

[ducati996]

You know at first glance I tought you were trying it out on the carpet - one never knows do they ? ROF

[simple_john]

great job on the driveway greg...
how many passes?



Heres my detatcher added to the sweeper..

[Greg]

Two passes on the drive, SJ. First one got the leaves and most of the needles. Second one got the majority of the rest of the needles. With the rain, they were pretty glued to the asphalt. I'm pretty sure when it's dry, once will do the job.

That de-thatcher looks good, but only one bolt to hold it on the hitch pipes? The tines are pointed back more, like a rake, than the one I'm looking at. The Craftsman ones are more vertical.

Uncle Greg

[Ingersoll444]

great job on the driveway greg...
how many passes?



Heres my detatcher added to the sweeper..

I like that adjustment system John. My Chrasfman just has a slot in the rod, and a big wingnut that is always frozen. Its the one thing I dont like about mine.

[bontai Joe]

I'm glad to see that I'm not the only guy to put things together in the living room. I'm the proud owner of 2 ancient Parker sweepers and they doo work well on a paved driveway. I was kinda wondering how you got the sweeper basket out the fron door? ROF