Top 10 Best Leaf Picker Uppers Of 2022 (The Buying Guide)
We all love the fall; the sight of the leaves dehydrating, changing colour and eventually falling in the growing cold temperatures is so ethereal. But then there is the other side of the story: cleaning them up!
The fallen leaves create a lovely picture, but it’s not long before we have to engage in the dirty and time-consuming task of clearing them from your garden. Cleaning the fall foliage is something even the most passionate gardening enthusiasts despise.
And the worst part is that we can’t let them be because they can suffocate smaller plants and serve as a breeding and sheltering ground for insects.
Not to mention they destroy the look of even the most gardens, too!
This is why we want to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible, but our hands don’t cooperate much in this regard. So, when it comes to cleaning up dead leaves from the gardens, good cleaning equipment makes a great difference.
Bless the industrial revolution; we now have amazing leaf picker-uppers equipment that makes the task easier and much faster.
Now, here’s my question: are you facing the difficulty of clearing those strewn leaves from your yard? If so, then consider this article as the ultimate guide! This post features the ten best leaf picker uppers to help you select suitable equipment for your leaf picking job.
Also, if you are a first-timer, you might want to check out the buying guide at the end to make sure you are investing in the right tool. Let’s get started!
What Is A Leaf Picker-upper?
Leaf picker-uppers are excellent tools that quickly clean up many leaves. Their extended reach allows you to clean up the mess without bending over, sparing your back.
How To Choose The Right Leaf Picker-uppers?
When you browse through the internet searching for the best leaf picker upper, you will find that various items have different features. Unless you want to purchase three different pieces of equipment for the same leaf picking job, you would want a product that accumulates the most valuable features.
Here is the ultimate buying guide containing a list of things to look for when purchasing the best leaf picker upper:
01. Type
Leaf picker-uppers come in various shapes and sizes. Which one best suits you depends upon your needs. Ideally, here are the leaf picker-upper options that are available in the market for you to choose from:
A. Leaf Scoop
A leaf scoop is a small rake with flat tines with rounded edges fanning outward in the shape of a fan. The name portrays the function pretty well: glide it over the grass and lift many leaves like an ice-cream scoop.
This rake is made to move over grass or turf without digging into it.
B. Leaf Grabber
A leaf grabber is a flexible design that features two scoops to lift the leaf litter. It has powerful teeth and is composed of high-impact plastic.
Leaf grabbers are also very versatile: they allow you to easily pick up big volumes of grass clippings, leaves, garbage, and other yard waste.
C. Leaf Shredder
A leaf shredder is a portable or stand-alone device that collects leaves and shreds them into little pieces. You can easily throw the shredding into the trash or use them as grass mulch or compost.
D. Leaf Sweeper
A leaf sweeper is a mechanical garden tool that sucks dry grass clippings and leaves. These machines can effectively sweep debris, acorns, twigs, pine needles and litter from your garden, effectively replacing standard rakes.
E. Leaf Blower
As the name suggests, a leaf blower pushes leaves out of the way. They feature a nozzle and a gas-powered engine that uses air pressure to force the fallen leaves and debris to a particular area which you can then gather and throw in bins or recycle.
But there is a catch: leaf blowers can be very noisy.
F. Walk-Behind Gas Leaf Vacuum
Walk-behind gas leaf vacuums work and look just like domestic vacuum cleaners. They have a wide suction can attached to the front of the machine. You push the machine forward, and all the fallen leaves, twigs and debris get accumulated in a collection bag included with the machine.
Some walk-behind gas leaf vacuums even shred leaves to create a larger capacity in the collection bag.
G. Tow Behind Gas Leaf Blower
A tow-behind gas leaf vacuum is like a tractor, only it sucks leaf litter instead of cutting grass. You can sit on it or pull it from the front. It collects dead leaves from beneath the mowing deck and funnels them into a collection bag which you can empty into the dustbin.
H. Lawn Mower with Shredding Feature
They are typical lawn mower blades with “teeth” for shredding the leaves. Lawnmowers with shredding features usually come with a bag attachment to collect the leaf mulch.
02. Size
The size of a leaf picker-upper depends upon three things: the length of the sweeper, its width and the height of the hitch.
A. Length of the Sweeper
The lengths of the leaf grabbers differ, with some being longer than others. You should consider purchasing longer leaf grabbers to expand your cleaning reach without bending or leaning.
B. Width of the Sweeper
The width of your lawn sweeper will impact how quickly you can collect leaf litter. Leaf pitcher uppers have various widths; you can find 38, 42, 44, 48 and 50-inch wide sweepers depending upon the size of your garden.
C. Height of the Hitch
The hitch allows you to attach extensions to your tow-behind lawn vacuum at the right angle for easy pulling. The ideal height is 17-inches, but you can demand a different height from the shopkeeper.
03. Durable
Unless you want to invest in a new leaf picker-upper every season, you need a durable tool. As a result, you should buy high-quality construction materials like sturdy plastic or rust-resistant steel.
04. Quality of Leaf Picker
One of the most unignorable features of a leaf picker-upper is its quality. You get a choice between two construction materials, plastic and steel. Both are of equally good quality, so you will have to decide which one best suits your needs:
A. Plastic
If you want a lightweight leaf picker upper, plastic is the material to go with. They are usually oversized, so they clean large areas quickly. However, plastic leaf picker-uppers aren’t designed for heavy-duty cleanups.
B. Steel
Most steel leaf picker-uppers are powder-coated, making them more durable and weather-resistant. Moreover, steel is an excellent choice for heavy-duty cleanups.
05. Oversized Leaf Claws
If you purchase leaf scoops, you should go for oversized leaf claws. They allow you to grab a larger pile of leaves that your hands, alone, could do.
06. Collection Bag Capacity
Unless you want to empty the collection bag in the bin constantly, you want a design that offers a large capacity. A 12-cubic-foot hopper is sufficient for a small lawn; most leaf vacuums come with a 26-cubic-foot hopper capacity.
However, if you have a large property, you may want a leaf picker-upper that can contain up to 78 cubic feet of leaves and trash.
07. Ease of Use
The last you want is to invest in a leaf picker-upper and not be able to use it. You should make sure that the machine is easy to use, or you could always go with manual, non-technical leaf picker-uppers like leaf grabbers or leaf scoops.
Our Top 10 Best Leaf Picker Uppers Review
Now, there isn’t a shortage of leaf picker-uppers in the market. But you cannot buy all of them, can you? So, you need to limit your options to invest in the best one.
I have included a detailed review of the ten best leaf picker uppers so that you can free your garden from the leafy avalanche:
01. GARDEASE ReLeaf Leaf Scoops
Why it Stands Out to Us
The GARDEASE ReLeaf Leaf Scoops are versatile, ergonomically designed grabbers shaped like giant hands. These glove-style grabbers can hold a large amount of leaf litter in a single scoop, considerably cutting down cleanup time.
Our Experience with It
The first thing we noticed about the GARDEASE ReLeaf Leaf Scoop was the sturdiness. This meticulously designed leaf picker upper has no moving parts; there is no risk of screws or nuts loosening or jamming.
It felt like our hands had quadrupled in size when we gripped the catcher’s mitt-style ReLeaf Scoops. They’re great for collecting leaves, acorns, plant clippings, trash, and other plant debris.
Moreover, the leaf grabbers also protect your hands from stinging nettles and pine needles when cleaning the yard. We effortlessly cleared the rubbish around the thorny rose plants without risking injury.
What We Didn’t Like
The one-size-fits-all plastic pockets weren’t adjustable and caused stress on the wrists.
Who is This Great for
The GARDEASE ReLeaf Leaf Scoops are ideal for those who want a high-quality design backed by a lifetime warranty.
What Could be Improved
The designers could introduce different sizes for added comfort.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Oversized leaf claws that minimize spills and allow fast clearing of wet and dry lawn debris
- Offers a barrier to keep your hands protected
- Easy to handle
- Convenient to store in your garage
- Can be reused as storage when picking fruits
- Lightweight making it highly portable and easy to use
- Doesn’t have any moving parts so your children can use it safely
- One size fits all design
Pros
- Easy to store
- Oversized claws
- Easy to store
Cons
- Hand grips should be more ergonomic
02. Easterns Large Leaf Scoops and Hand Rake Claw
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Eastern Large Leaf Scoop features an innovative, ergonomic, and high-quality design that makes it the best leaf picker upper. This pair is designed to help you with gardening and yard cleanup so that you don’t end up with a cluttered garden or yard.
Our Experience with It
The Eastern Large Leaf Scoops did not disappoint us! They feature plastic bracing that offers a great grip. They have a flat bottom edge that allows you to hold one scoop like a dustpan and pick up little fragments with a broom.
The extra-large leaf scoops are light and convenient to use, and they are also capable of performing heavy lifting.
These leaf scoops’ enormous shape combined with the claws’ exceptionally gripping rubber materials make an efficient grabber that grabs most of the leaf litter without requiring you to bend over completely.
What We Didn’t Like
The plastic bent towards in towards our wrists when carrying large loads.
Who Is This Great for
It is perfect for people who want a comfortable scoop to pick every last bit of the leaf litter.
What Could be Improved
The designers could add more padding to make the scoops more ergonomic.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Extra large size to hold many types of yard debris
- Grabber claws design that is easy and safe to use
- All around tool for different pick-up jobs
- Made with UV and crack-resistant plastic
- Easily stacks together and has a wall peg hole for easy storage
- Easy to clean
- Features a longer design to avoid bending and straining the back
- Spacious grip space to allow good grip and comfort
Pros
- Excellent grip
- Large scooping capacity
- Lightweight
- Easy storage
Cons
- Insufficient padding
- Some customers complained about receiving only one scoop.
SEE More: Top 10 Best Backpack Leaf Blowers (Buying Guide)
03. Premium Quality Leaf Claw Pick-Up Scoops
Why It Stands Out to Us
Premium Quality Leaf Claw Pick-Up Scoops are like an enlarged extension of your hands. Bearing the appearance of Wolverine’s claws, this tool makes yard labour easier and more enjoyable.
Our Experience with It
The Premium Quality Leaf Claw Pick-Up Scoops are made of high-quality materials, making them extremely durable.
It was so much easier to pick up the dead leaves without bending over. These 18-inch long leaf scoops offer the most extended reach.
Also, the ability to place one claw down and use the other to scoop up what’s left while cleaning acorn and fallen leaves made these tall leaf picker upper for lawn mower worthy of the price tag.
Another incentive to use these leaf grabbers is that they have one of the best handles available. The handles offer a three-point grip for superior ergonomics and traction.
What We Didn’t Like
The area where you place your arms is insufficient, especially if you are wearing a jacket or coat.
Who Is This Great for
These leaf picker-uppers are ideal for those who want an extensive lawn cleanup without breaking their backs.
What Could be Improved
The manufacturers could modify the design to make it more comfortable.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Designed with a long handgrip that measures about 18 inches from the ground to prevent back pains from bending
- Features large claws that measure 210 square inches to contain large debris
- Leverage grip that allows user to have power and grip control without any wrist pain
- Easy to clean and store
- Lightweight for maximum portability and handling
Pros
- Study design
- Powerful grip
- Large leaf collection volume
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some people complained that the product is flimsy
- It might take some time to get used to
04. Earthwise 50002 Gator Grabber Leaf Cleanup Tool
Why It Stands Out to Us
The Earthwise 50002 Gator Grabber is heavy-duty gear that you can rely on to keep your yard tidy. The leaf grabbers are made out of tough steel heads that grasp all of the waste in your yard.
Our Experience with It
Look-wise, the Earthwise 50002 Gator Grabber is an elegant design. It is extremely low-maintenance; a thorough clean after every use and your leaf picker-upper is sure to maintain its quality for years.
It features innovative poly-fibre jaws that excellently grip leaf litter and yard waste. Moreover, it doesn’t dig into the grass or destroy the turf.
The best thing about the Earthwise 50002 Gator Grabber is that it features telescopic handles, offering the most comfortable length for users.
What We Didn’t Like
The tool is heavy to lift; it was a struggle to pick it up and empty it in the bin.
Who Is This Great for
It is ideal for people who want a thorough garden cleanup while maintaining an erect posture.
What Could be Improved
Not much can be done about the weight. However, the manufacturers can make the assembly more effortless.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Features poly-fiber jaws with teeth that can tightly contain the leaves and other lawn debris
- Telescoping handles allow the user to adjust the length of the grabber tool according to their comfort.
- Made of durable and powder-coated steel shafts
- Easy to clean and doesn’t require much maintenance
- Convenient to use
Pros
- Durable design
- Wide poly-fibre jaws
- Adjustable handles
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Heavy
- Difficult to assemble
05. Amazing Rake Back-Saving Garden Rake
Why It Stands Out to Us
The Amazing Rake Back-Saving Garden Rake is the best leaf picker upper that offers amazing features. This multipurpose instrument is perfect for picking up grass, twigs, acorns and pine needles.
Our Experience with It
The product features telescopic handles that you can adjust according to your height. The cleaning heads are extra-large to clean large yards in a short amount of time.
The rust-resistant, long-lasting Polypropylene rake head is another commendable feature of the Amazing Rake Back-Saving Garden Rake. Thanks to their highly sturdy construction, these leaf grabbers will withstand the test of time.
What We Didn’t Like
While we liked most of the features the product had to offer, the plastic hinges were dislocated, and the product broke.
Who Is This Great for
The Amazing Rake Back-Saving Garden Rake is the best leaf picker upper for people looking for back-friendly leaf grabbers.
What Could be Improved
The manufacturers should improve the quality of the product.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- 3-in-1 tool that can rake, scoop, and pick up lawn debris
- Designed with a 60-inch telescoping handle to adjust the length and avoid bending
- Shortens cleaning time
- Made with rust-resistant copolymer polypropylene materials
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Durable wishbone construction
- Strong rake head that can hold different lawn debris
- Twist lock feature on the slide grip that locks the rake head
Pros
- Telescopic handles
- Heavy-duty steel handle
- Non-slip handles
- Large waste cleaning capacity
Cons
- They break easily
06. Garden GrabX Pro
Why It Stands Out to Us
The Garden GrabX Pro is the most versatile leaf picker-upper in the market. These are amazing back-saving grabbers that have a long reach, so you won’t have to bend over all the time.
Our Experience with It
Garden GrabX PRO is heavy-duty gear that you can rely on to keep your yard tidy. The leaf grabbers are made out of tough steel heads that efficiently grab all the waste in our garden.
Because it contains no fragile plastic parts, the overall functionality of this leaf grabber is exceptional. That means you won’t have to worry about your leaf grabber breaking when doing heavy-duty yard work.
The handles are ergonomically designed, and the handles are slip-resistant for improved grip, enhancing overall performance.
What We Didn’t Like
The leaf grabbing head isn’t very sturdy; it broke when we tried to lift wet leaves.
Who Is This Great for
If you’re searching for leaf grabbers that outperform competitor equipment in terms of durability and performance, these leaf grabbers are worth checking into.
What Could be Improved
The designers could improve the durability of the steel heads.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Convenient to use
- Features powder-coated steel heads that easily contain different garden debris
- Dependable aluminum handles
- Long-lasting and heavy-duty build so you get more value for your money
- Back-saving design to avoid bending and hurting the back
- Head fits into standard leaf bags making it more convenient to transfer the debris
- Freestanding structure for easy storage and picking up
Pros
- Durable construction
- Rust-resistant powder coating
- Back-saving design
Cons
- The heads aren’t sturdy
CHECK More:Top 7 Best Mulches (ULTIMATE BUYING GUIDE)
07. Agri-Fab 45-0218 Push Lawn Sweeper
Why It Stands Out to Us
The Agri-Fab is a beautifully constructed piece of equipment that feels solid and will provide you with years of service. It is specifically designed to make your leaf cleaning chore simpler and effortless.
Our Experience with It
This is a fantastic turn-of-the-century gadget that makes yard maintenance a breeze. We were able to sweep up all of the leaves in less than 2 hours, covering about 1/3 of an acre.
Furthermore, the Agri-Fab 45-0218 Push Lawn Sweeper features an adjustable brush. If you don’t want the bristles to damage your grass or turf, you can alter the brush height.
The machine is so easy to use that it cleared our garden of all the leaf litter in less time than it took us to assemble it!
What We Didn’t Like
The Agri-Fab does have a few design flaws. The handles are too thin to grip properly, and the sides of the plastic brush enclosure are flimsy.
Who Is This Great for
It is an effective option for seniors or anyone suffering from joint pain because it is simple and easy to use.
What Could Be Improved
The machine should be remodelled, eliminating the design flaws.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Comes with a 7 cu ft. hopper bag that can contain a large amount of debris
- Collapsible design for easy storage
- 9.75″ x 2.25″ plastic wheels that allow efficient usage
- Minimal assembly required with video instruction
- Convenient to use
- Allows brush height adjustments
- Attaches to all brands of lawnmower
- Requires less effort and time compared to conventional pick-up tools
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Adjustable
- Versatile
Cons
- Manufacturing flaws
08. Earthwise LSW70021Push Lawn Sweeper
Why It Stands Out to Us
The Earthwise LSW70021 Push Lawn Sweeper is designed to capture many leaves in each round to make cleaning up your garden easier.
Our Experience with It
The best feature of the Earthwise LSW70021 is the height adjustment knob. It is simple and allows sweeping in deeper grass or through heaps of leaves more efficiently.
Moreover, the basket in which the leaves are placed is composed of a strong, solid material that appears to be quite durable.
Lastly, the sweeper performs admirably and effortlessly sweeps leaves into the basket. You may pick up leaves more easily than with a standard rake if you adjust the height and retain your speed.
What We Didn’t Like
The bag isn’t spacious and emptying it is a chore on its own.
Who Is This Great for
This machine is great for those who want a decent push sweeper to make the cleanup process faster and easier.
What Could be Improved
The manufacturers could increase the collection bag capacity.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Suitable to use in different seasons
- Features dial-in height adjustments to fit every user’s height
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Equipped with super grabbing brushes
- Easy to remove 26-gallon high capacity storage bag
- Hangs on the wall for easy storage
- Features a spinning rake-like action to effectively collect garden debris
- Clears about 80% of the debris on the first pass
Pros
- Sturdy and lightweight design
- Adjustable sweeper rake
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not versatile
READ Also:Top 7 Best Bagged Compost Reviews (BUYING GUIDE)
09. Scotts Outdoor Power Tools LSW70026S Push Sweeper
Why It Stands Out to Us
The Scotts Outdoor Power Tools LSW70026S is the perfect walk-behind leaf picker-upper. Durable handle, scratch-resistant coating, sweeper height adjustment and manoeuvrability are a few of the features it offers.
Our Experience with It
This sweeper is made to be simple to operate. All you have to do is turn a dial to adjust the sweeper’s height and start cleaning up! The hopper detaches with a simple pull, and you can invert the bag to empty it.
Moreover, the bright green Scotts push sweeper features a steel handle cushioned with foam for enhanced comfort.
What We Didn’t Like
Assembling the Scotts Power Tools LSW70026S is a hectic task; the instructions manual is blurry, and the process takes time.
Who Is This Great for
This product is good for those looking for a multi-functional sweeper with year-round applications.
What Could be Improved
The product could be delivered partially assembled.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- 26″ sweeping width
- Designed with a spinning rake-like action that could clean multiple surfaces including driveway, yard, and patio.
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to use and control
- Made with durable and scratch-resistant steel handle
- Collection bag made with durable fabric
- Height adjustment dial to easily adjust the height according to comfort
- Clears 80% of debris on the first pass
Pros
- Durable design
- Ease of use
- Versatile
Cons
- Difficult to assemble
10. Agri-Fab 45-0492 Lawn Sweeper
Why It Stands Out to Us
The Agri-Fab 45-0492 is the best leaf picker upper you will find in the market. This heavy-duty piece of equipment is very well built and will clean your yard in no time.
Our Experience with It
The Agri-Fab Lawn sweeper allows you to mow your lawn and capture the grass clippings all at once. So, you can effortlessly keep a large yard neat.
The hopper features 25 cubic feet of yard trash and features a 44-inch sweep. The mesh rear of the collection bag allows air to flow through, allowing the bag to fill to its full capacity.
You can adjust the brush height with a pull button on the sweeper. To empty the hopper, you pull a lever from the tractor seat.
Lastly, the unit folds and stands vertically for easy storage.
What We Didn’t Like
Disposing of the leaf litter was a tiresome task. Many leaf clippings are retained in the bag, eventually rubbing and damaging the fabric.
Who Is This Great for
It is ideal for people who don’t mind spending more on a durable, high-quality leaf picker-upper.
What Could be Improved
The collection bag’s design could be made more ergonomic.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Features a height adjustment lever to change the height easily and quickly
- Convenient dump lever that allows users to empty the collection bag from the tractor seat
- Foldable design for easy storage
- Equipped with 4 brushes that effectively pick up yard debris
- High capacity hopper bag
- Sports a universal fit hitch
- Suitable to use in any seasons
Pros
- Large collection bag capacity
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Difficult to dispose of the leaf litter from the bag
Last Words
Many people like me associate the fall season with the sight of an unappealing pile of leaves. We prefer leaving the” garden gold” in our gardens because, well, manually gathering leaves is a time-consuming and exhausting chore.
But not anymore! With a leaf picker-upper, you can tidy your yard without bending over for hours. So, what are you waiting for? Check out these 10 best leaf picker uppers and choose one that best satisfies your needs!
