Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

If you are a person that deals with a lot of leaves in the autumn, the Yardwise Lawn Sweeper doesn't replace the rake but it complements it nicely. Based on the other reviews I read of this tool, I was ready to be underwhelmed when it arrived. However, after using it two seasons in the yard, I am very impressed. Here's why: -- Cost. This doesn't cost much, all things considered, especially if you can buy it somewhere and not pay shipping charges. -- Construction. I read poor reviews of the handle and bag and disagree with both. The handle is metal, not plastic, and the plastic bag seems OK to me. It may turn hard, freeze or crack when exposed to freezing winter temperatures so better to put it away for the winter indoors. The part that collects the leaves is also plastic but that seems more solid. -- Putting it together. This is easy compared to other home gadgets I've had to put together. It took me about 45 minutes on a Sunday afternoon in my living room while I watched NFL Red Zone on TV simultaneously. You need to follow the instructions but not read them; just consult the pictures in the instructions and on the box to ensure you put it together properly. -- Utility. This works under the same principle as a push mower with an attached bag. You push it along the lawn and it sweeps up leaves into a plastic bag. The capacity of the bag is not great; it filled up in 2-3 lengths of my backyard but still it is adequate. All things considered, it is about as easy to use as anything I've ever used to collect leaves. -- Features. It has a height adjustor that allows you to set the height of the rakes. If it's too low, they won't go round very well. If it's too high you won't pick up enough. But it's easy to adjust and get right for your particular circumstances. The bag fits loosely in the carriage, isn't bolted in or otherwise permanently fitted. This may seem odd but it helps a lot when it comes time to empty it. -- Weight. This thing is light, no more than 10 pounds maximum, and easy to push around and pick up to empty dry leaves. Wet leaves are a little more of a challenge but any 97 pound weakling still can easily pick up this thing when full, tip it over, and empty the whole thing. Again, the bag unseats, helping you empty it. -- Earth friendly. Unlike blowers, gas or electric rakes and other tools to pick up and push around leaves, this one leaves absolutely no carbon footprint. It requires no fossil fuel and no electricity, meaning it contributes nothing to global warming, pollution and/or tinnitus. I'm sure it created some carbon when it was built in a factory somewhere but you won't create any environmental hazard using it. My one or two nitpicks aren't great. I'd have liked a longer handle but this one is OK. The whole thing could have been made from more metal which would have made everything more firm. However, that would have added a lot of cost and weight. If you are in the market for a leaf collector and want to spend less than $100, I'd call this a good buy and would definitely recommend it.