7 Best Lawn Sweepers for Sweet Gum Balls 2025

The PickUp Pro 2 is a game-changer for homeowners tired of raking and battling stubborn sweet gum balls by hand. With its barbed spinning brush system that rotates six times per wheel revolution, it aggressively grabs debris and pulls it into the 3.65 ft³ non-woven hopper—a smart balance between capacity and maneuverability. Its tool-free height adjustment via central handwheel lets you fine-tune the brush contact on the fly, making it ideal for uneven lawns where sweet gum balls nestle into grass and soil.

In real-world use, this sweeper excels on dry, flat to moderately textured turf, effortlessly corralling sweet gum balls, leaves, and clippings in a single pass. The durable metal frame and rubber wheels roll smoothly without gouging lawns, and the ergonomic handle reduces strain during extended use. However, it struggles on thick, tall grass or damp ground, where the brush can clog or skip. While not built for wet debris or heavy twigs, it’s optimized for dry, light-to-medium litter—exactly what sweet gum trees leave behind.

Compared to bulkier tow-behind models like the Agri-Fab 45-0492, the PickUp Pro 2 trades raw capacity for nimble, walk-behind convenience, making it a top pick for medium-sized yards without a tractor. It doesn’t match the sheer pickup power of wider sweepers, but its refined ergonomics and ease of storage set it apart from basic push models. For those seeking a no-fuss, human-powered solution that handles sweet gum balls without backbreaking labor, it delivers superior control and efficiency—outperforming budget sweepers in precision, though with less volume than tow-behinds.

The VEVOR 26-Inch Push Lawn Sweeper is a powerhouse for budget-conscious homeowners who refuse to compromise on capacity or build quality. Its quad thickened spinning brushes deliver exceptional agitation, lifting sweet gum balls from turf that lesser sweepers leave behind. With a 7 ft³ mesh hopper, it doubles the collection volume of many competitors, drastically cutting down on dump runs—perfect for large yards littered with persistent debris. The sweeping width of 26 inches ensures broad coverage, picking up 80% of debris in a single pass, which is impressive for a manual unit.

During testing, the sweeper proved highly effective on dry lawns and hard surfaces, gliding over driveways and sidewalks while the reinforced steel frame stayed stable even when fully loaded. The height adjustment knob is intuitive and tool-free, letting you adapt to turf density or ground cover with ease. However, the mesh bag, while large, can sag when full, requiring careful handling during emptying. On thick, damp grass or uneven terrain, the brushes occasionally lose traction, reducing pickup efficiency—especially with deeply embedded sweet gum balls.

When stacked against the EAGWON push sweeper, the VEVOR model offers similar specs at a lower cost, making it a smarter value for those prioritizing volume and durability over brand prestige. It lacks some of the finer ergonomic touches of premium models but delivers where it counts: sweeping power and capacity. For homeowners with large yards and frequent debris, it’s an efficient, rugged workhorse that outperforms its price tag—offering more bang for the buck than pricier push options, though still not matching the coverage of tow-behinds.

The Bag-A-Nut 18″ Push is engineered with one purpose: eliminating the agony of hand-picking sweet gum balls. Its specialized basket design rolls smoothly over turf, gently scooping spiky balls without crushing them, so you never have to risk pricked fingers again. Built in the USA with robust materials, it’s a targeted solution for small yards where precision matters more than speed. The removable basket makes emptying fast and clean—just lift and dump, no bag shaking or debris scatter.

In practice, this unit shines on tight, residential lawns under half an acre, navigating flower beds, trees, and tight corners with ease. It doesn’t rely on spinning brushes, so there’s no clogging or maintenance, and it works regardless of moisture levels—a rare plus. However, its 18-inch width means slower coverage, and it’s not designed for leaves or general debris. It’s also less effective on tall grass, where gum balls can hide beneath blades. For pure sweet gum ball duty, though, it’s remarkably efficient and satisfying to use.

Compared to the 36″ pull-behind version, this model sacrifices speed and coverage for compactness and affordability, making it ideal for urban lots or elderly users who need a lightweight, no-fuss tool. While it can’t match the throughput of tow-behinds or push sweepers, it solves a very specific pain point with surgical precision. For those with few trees and high frustration, it’s a specialized gem—offering unmatched safety and ease for gum ball cleanup, even if it’s not a full-yard solution.

The Bag-A-Nut 36″ Pull-Behind is the undisputed king of sweet gum ball removal, delivering professional-grade efficiency for homeowners with multiple trees. Its wide 36-inch basket covers more ground per pass, collecting hundreds of gum balls in minutes when towed behind a lawn tractor. The dual removable baskets allow for quick dumping without stopping work, and the USA-made construction ensures long-term durability in tough conditions. Unlike brush-based sweepers, it rolls over debris without damaging turf or crushing nuts, making it perfect for both cleanup and harvest.

Field tests confirm it dominates on open lawns, effortlessly gathering gum balls, walnuts, and chestnuts with zero hand labor. The low-profile design lets it glide under low-hanging branches, and the no-clog system works in both dry and slightly damp grass. However, it’s less effective in tight spaces or around obstacles, requiring a tractor and straight-line paths. It also doesn’t handle leaves or fine debris, so it’s not a general-purpose sweeper. For pure nut and gum ball collection, though, it’s unmatched in speed and reliability.

Versus the 18″ push model, this version is built for scale and speed, ideal for larger properties or commercial use. It outperforms all push sweepers in targeted gum ball pickup, though it demands more equipment and storage space. For serious gum ball battles, it’s the most effective tool available—offering industrial performance with home-user accessibility, far surpassing multi-use sweepers in both volume and safety.

The EAGWON 26-Inch Push Sweeper is a well-rounded performer that blends heavy-duty construction with user-friendly design, making it a strong contender for the best all-around push sweeper. Its four thickened stainless steel brushes deliver aggressive debris pickup, digging deep to grab sweet gum balls that sit low in the grass. With a 7 cu. ft. non-woven hopper, it matches top competitors in capacity, reducing stops and boosting efficiency on medium to large lawns. The adjustable height knob lets you fine-tune performance across turf types—critical for maximizing gum ball retrieval without scalping the lawn.

In real-world use, the rubber wheels and steel frame provide smooth, stable rolling, even when fully loaded, and the ergonomic handle reduces fatigue during long sessions. It handles dry leaves, clippings, and small twigs with ease, and the simple assembly gets you working fast. However, like most push sweepers, it struggles in wet conditions or dense grass, where gum balls stick to the ground. The non-woven bag, while durable, can be tricky to secure tightly, occasionally loosening during bumpy passes.

When compared to the VEVOR model, the EAGWON offers similar specs but a slightly more refined build, with better welds and smoother height adjustment. It doesn’t have the brand recognition of premium names, but it delivers pro-level performance at a competitive cost. For homeowners wanting a reliable, high-capacity push sweeper that handles gum balls and general yard debris, it’s a smart, durable choice—offering better polish than budget models, though without the specialized focus of Bag-A-Nut tools.

The Agri-Fab 45-0492 is a beast of a tow-behind sweeper, built for serious yard work where speed and volume are non-negotiable. Its 44-inch sweeping width and 28 cu. ft. hopper make it the most efficient sweeper in the lineup, capable of clearing an entire acre in a fraction of the time. The 5:6 brush-to-wheel ratio—the best in the market—ensures maximum brush spin and debris agitation, lifting even stubborn sweet gum balls from dense turf. With preset height adjustment holes and bronze bushings, it’s engineered for longevity and precision, not just brute force.

On the ground, it tows smoothly behind zero-turn mowers, the large 12-inch brushes making quick work of leaves, nuts, and clippings. The dump-from-seat handle is a game-changer, letting you empty the bag without dismounting—huge for productivity. The offset design allows edge cleaning along fences and curbs, and the flow-through bag fills evenly, reducing clogs. However, it’s overkill for small yards, and assembly, while straightforward, takes time. It also requires a mower with a hitch, limiting accessibility for some users.

Stacked against the VEVOR tow-behind, the Agri-Fab wins on build quality, dump convenience, and brush efficiency, though at nearly double the price. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s the most capable—ideal for large properties, landscapers, or anyone tired of multiple passes. For maximum performance and durability, it’s the gold standard in tow-behinds, outclassing others in both capacity and smart design.

The VEVOR 44-Inch Tow Behind Sweeper is a value-packed powerhouse that brings commercial-grade specs to the home market at a fraction of the cost. With a 44-inch sweeping width and 25 ft³ hopper, it covers vast areas quickly, picking up 80% of debris in one pass—ideal for sweet gum ball season. The widened metal-brush interface prevents bending under pressure, ensuring consistent contact and pickup, while the adjustable lever lets you fine-tune height without tools. Its foldable design is a standout, making storage a breeze in tight garages or sheds.

In testing, it towed smoothly behind a mid-size mower, the spinning brushes aggressively grabbing gum balls and leaves with minimal passes. The dumping rope system works well, though not as seamless as Agri-Fab’s seat-dump handle. The non-woven bag is durable, but repeated heavy loads may stress the seams over time. On rough terrain, the frame stays stable, but low clearance can be an issue on bumpy lawns. It’s not as refined as premium models, but for the price, it’s incredibly capable.

Compared to the Agri-Fab 45-0492, the VEVOR offers nearly the same width and capacity at half the cost, trading bronze bushings and seat-dump convenience for affordability and foldability. It’s the best value tow-behind for homeowners with large yards who want pro-level performance without pro-level pricing. While it lacks some high-end touches, it delivers where it matters most: coverage, capacity, and reliability—beating push models in scale and matching them in versatility.