As fall approaches, so do the falling leaves. They can provide a beautiful outdoor scene, but if we’re not careful, the falling leaves can quickly accumulate and become a nuisance. So, when the leaves start to fall, many of us diligently rake them up, bag them, and remove them from the property to ensure a neat and orderly landscape.
But what if there were an easier way to rid ourselves of the endless piles of leaves? There is! Believe it or not, one of the most efficient and economical ways to tackle the leaves is to use your lawnmower. That’s right, with the right implement and a few accessories, you can use your lawnmower to pickup leaves. Here’s everything you need to know about using your lawnmower to pickup leaves.
What You’ll Need
In order to use your lawnmower to pickup leaves, there are a few key pieces of equipment you’ll need. The first, and most important, is an attachment for the mower like a lawn sweeper or leaf vac. A lawn sweeper is a self-propelled cart-like accessory that’s attached to the back of the lawnmower. It has brushes that sweep the ground and move the leaves into a large bin. The bin can then be emptied out after you’ve finished the job.
If you have a riding mower or a tractor, then you might consider getting a leaf vac or a mower-mounted leaf vac. Leaf vacs are powered vacuum type attachments that use suction to suck up the leaves and other yard debris. The leaf vac is connected to the mower and hoovered up the leaves as you mow, depositing the leaves and debris into a detachable bag.
In addition to the attachment, you’ll also need an extra mulching blade for the mower. The blade will help break down the leaves into smaller pieces, reducing the size of the leaves and helping to make it easier for the attachment to scoop them up.
How To Use Your Lawnmower To Pickup Leaves
Once you’ve gotten all the necessary equipment, it’s time to get going. First and foremost, always remember to make safety a priority. Make sure your lawnmower is in good working condition, wear protective gear and follow all safety instructions for your lawnmower.
Mulching Leaves with a Mulching Blade
The first step is to mow over the leaves with a mulching blade. This will help to break down the leaves into smaller pieces and will make it much easier for the lawn sweeper or leaf vac to scoop up the leaves. Start off by mowing in a circular pattern around the area. As you mow the leaves, the mulching blade will help to shred the leaves into smaller pieces so the leaf vac or sweeper can suck them up.
Using a Lawn Sweeper
Once you’ve mulched the leaves, you can use the sweeper attachment to collect them. Make sure the sweeper is in good working condition and is firmly attached to the mower before beginning. Then, near the back of the sweeper, you’ll see a toggling handle or lever. Push the lever forward to engage the bristles and release it when you’re done. As you mow the lawn, the sweeper will efficiently pick up the leaves and debris and store it in the bin.
Using a Leaf Vac
If you’ve opted for the leaf vac, you’ll want to attach it to the mower. Move the mower back and forth, allowing the leaf vac to skim across the lawn. The vacuum effect of the leaf vac will create a powerful suction that will effortlessly pull in the leaves and store them traditional methods. And, with the latest vac technology, many lawnmowers can even handle wet leaves and sticky pine needles.
Finally, it’s also the most economical way to pick up the leaves. The attachments are relatively inexpensive and require minimal maintenance. Plus, using your lawnmower drastically reduces the amount of time and effort you need to spend.
Bottom Line
Using your lawnmower to pick up leaves is one of the most efficient and economical ways to do so. By attaching a sweeper or leaf vac, you can easily and quickly get rid of the leaves without breaking a sweat. So, the next time you’re trying to get rid of the leaves, consider using your lawnmower to make the job a breeze.