Earthwise Power Tools by ALM LSW70021 Lawn Sweeper Review: The Rake-Replacing Secret Weapon for Your Yard

There’s a certain romance to autumn—the crisp air, the vibrant colors. And then there’s the reality: a relentless carpet of leaves that seems to multiply overnight. For years, my fall weekends were a repeating cycle of blisters and backaches. I’d rake mountains of leaves into piles, only to have a gust of wind scatter my progress. I graduated to a leaf blower, which was great at moving the problem from one side of the yard to the other, but I still had the laborious task of bagging everything. It felt like I was fighting a losing battle, spending more time cleaning the yard than enjoying it. This annual struggle is a familiar story for anyone with a decent-sized lawn and a few mature trees. It’s not just about aesthetics; a thick layer of leaves can smother your grass, and the sheer volume of debris can feel overwhelming. I knew there had to be a better, smarter way to work.

What to Consider Before Buying a Walk-Behind Lawn Cleanup Tool

A walk-behind yard tool, whether it’s a mower or a sweeper, is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your time and energy. These devices are designed to turn hours of manual labor into a manageable, even pleasant, stroll around your property. The main benefit is efficiency. Instead of the repetitive, physically taxing motions of raking or the noisy, dusty affair of blowing, you get a streamlined process that gathers debris as you walk. This not only saves your back but also drastically cuts down the time required to achieve a clean, healthy lawn. For those of us battling seasonal onslaughts of leaves, pine needles, or post-mowing grass clippings, a tool like the Earthwise Power Tools by ALM LSW70021 Lawn Sweeper offers a quiet, eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered machines.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing large-scale, light-debris cleanup on relatively flat terrain. Think homeowners with medium-to-large lawns, numerous deciduous or pine trees, who are tired of the rake-and-bag routine. It’s for the person who wants a simple, mechanical solution without the noise, fumes, and maintenance of a motor. However, it might not be suitable for those with very small, postage-stamp yards where a simple rake is sufficient, or for individuals dealing with extremely uneven, hilly, or root-filled terrain. Likewise, if your primary yard waste consists of heavy items like wet leaves, large branches, nuts, or acorns, a manual sweeper will struggle. In those cases, a heavy-duty yard vacuum or a traditional rake might still be necessary.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Consider both the sweeping width and the overall storage footprint. A wider sweep path, like the 21-inch width on this Earthwise model, means fewer passes to cover your lawn, saving time. However, a larger machine also requires more space in your garage or shed. Ensure you have adequate room for storage, especially during the off-season.
• Capacity/Performance: The collection bag, or hopper, capacity is paramount. A larger bag means fewer trips to the compost pile, but also adds weight and bulk. The Earthwise LSW70021 comes with a 2.6 Bushel bag, which is a trade-off between maneuverability and capacity. Also, understand the performance limitations—this model is designed for dry, light debris and works best with a brisk walking pace to effectively throw material into the hopper.
• Materials & Durability: Examine the build quality. Many modern manual tools use a combination of metal and heavy-duty plastic to keep weight down. The handle should be sturdy metal, while the housing might be polymer. As some users noted, the brackets and plastic components can be points of weakness over time, so consider the overall construction in relation to the price point and your expected usage frequency.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A manual tool should be simple. Key factors include weight, push-force required, and the ease of height adjustment. At just 14 pounds, the Earthwise is exceptionally lightweight. Maintenance should be minimal—primarily consisting of keeping the brushes free of tangled debris and checking for loose hardware. The assembly process can also be a factor, with user experiences ranging from a quick 15-minute job to a more challenging puzzle.

Understanding these factors will help you determine if a manual push sweeper is the right weapon for your yard-work arsenal.

While the Earthwise Power Tools by ALM LSW70021 Lawn Sweeper is an excellent choice for its specific purpose, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition in the broader lawn care market. For a wider look at all the top models for maintaining your turf, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Deceptively Simple, Surprisingly Effective

When the box for the Earthwise Power Tools by ALM LSW70021 Lawn Sweeper arrived, my initial reaction was one of slight skepticism. The box was relatively small and surprisingly light. Unpacking the components, I was met with a collection of metal handle tubes, a plastic main housing, two wheels, a fabric hopper, and a bag of hardware. As one user aptly put it, it “felt like a toddler toy” at first glance. The plastic parts felt functional but not overly robust, and I wondered how it would hold up to the rigors of a yard filled with oak leaves and pine straw.

Assembly was a mixed experience, mirroring the feedback from many users. The included instructions are basic, and at times, a bit vague. I can see why some users turned to online videos for clarification. While one person reported assembly in “15 to 20 minutes,” others found it a “disaster.” My own experience fell somewhere in the middle, taking about 30 minutes to ensure everything was correctly aligned and tightened. A few users reported receiving incorrect parts, such as two identical handle pieces, requiring a bit of DIY ingenuity or a call to customer service. Once assembled, however, the unit felt more cohesive and sturdier than its individual parts suggested. The metal handle provides a solid connection point, and the 14-pound weight makes it incredibly easy to maneuver. The real test, of course, would be on the lawn itself.

Deep Dive: Putting the Earthwise Sweeper to the Test

A tool’s true worth is only revealed through action. We didn’t just look at the specs; we put the Earthwise Power Tools by ALM LSW70021 Lawn Sweeper through a series of real-world trials, from light grass clippings to a thick blanket of stubborn pine needles. What we discovered was a machine with specific strengths and clear limitations, a specialized tool that, for the right job, is nothing short of revolutionary.

Sweeping Performance: The Magic is in the Motion

The core function of this sweeper is its ability to collect debris, and its effectiveness is directly tied to two things: the type of debris and the speed you push it. The manufacturer claims a 70% pick-up rate on the first pass, and in our testing, this felt accurate, with some users reporting even higher efficiency. One person noted, “One swipe picked up 86% of a heavy coat of leafs.” For light, dry leaves and grass clippings on a flat lawn, the performance is fantastic. It transforms a tedious chore into a simple walk. The spinning brushes have a rake-like action that lifts and flings the debris back into the hopper.

The key, as we and many users discovered, is momentum. A slow, tentative push will not work. As one user advised, “The faster you push it the better it throws the grass into the bag.” A brisk walking pace is ideal. This generates enough rotational speed on the brushes to effectively capture and propel the leaves. Where the Earthwise Power Tools by ALM LSW70021 Lawn Sweeper truly shocked us was with more challenging materials. We tested it on a yard plagued by long-leaf pine needles, the bane of any rake-wielder. It handled them beautifully. Users corroborated this, with one exclaiming, “Dad said there’s no way it will work [on pine needles] but it did.” Another noted it “works great for picking up pine needles on my synthetic turf.” It even managed to pick up small, dry pine cones, with one reviewer humorously describing the sound as being “like popcorn in a popper.” Its most impressive feat, however, might be on thatch. After de-thatching a lawn, the cleanup is often the most grueling part. This sweeper proved to be a champion, with one user stating what would have been an 8-hour raking job was completed in 3 hours. For this task alone, the sweeper proves its value. You can see its surprising versatility in user-submitted photos and videos online.

Adjustability and Navigating Your Terrain

Not all surfaces are created equal, and the single most important factor for success with this sweeper is mastering the height adjustment. A simple dial allows you to raise or lower the brushes relative to the ground. This feature is not just a gimmick; it’s critical to the machine’s function. We found that there is a definite “sweet spot” you have to find for your specific lawn conditions. As one user explained, “If I went too high it did not pick up many leaves. If I went too low it wouldn’t move.” This was our exact experience. Set too high, the brushes skim uselessly over the debris. Set too low, they dig into the thatch and turf, bringing the lightweight machine to a grinding halt.

The process involves a bit of trial and error, but once you find the right height, the sweeper glides along with minimal effort. This adjustability allows it to be used not just on grass, but also on hard, flat surfaces like patios, driveways, and sidewalks, making it a versatile cleanup tool. However, its design is optimized for flatness. User feedback and our own tests confirm that it struggles on bumpy, uneven, or sloped ground. The small wheels can get bogged down in divots, and the fixed rear support bar, as one user astutely pointed out, can drag. They suggested adding wheels to the back to tilt the unit forward, a valid design critique. For homeowners with smooth, level lawns, this is a non-issue, but if your yard resembles a rolling hill, this might not be the tool for you. You can explore the adjustable height settings and features in more detail on its product page.

The Hopper Dilemma: Lightweight Design vs. Constant Emptying

If there is one universal point of contention with the Earthwise Power Tools by ALM LSW70021 Lawn Sweeper, it is the 2.6 Bushel collection bag. On one hand, its modest size is integral to the machine’s design philosophy. It keeps the overall weight down to that feather-light 14 pounds, ensuring anyone can push it without strain. The bag is also simple to detach, carry, and empty. On the other hand, it fills up with astonishing speed. One user summed it up perfectly: “If there was one true flaw with this tool, it was the size of the catch bag.” Another called the frequent dumping “disruptive.”

During our test on a lawn with heavy leaf cover, we were emptying the hopper every 50-60 feet. When used to collect fluffy thatch after a power raking, it filled even faster. This constant starting and stopping can break your workflow rhythm. We also experienced the design flaw mentioned by a reviewer where debris can get caught on the “lip” of the bag where it meets the brush housing, creating a clog that blocks more material from entering. This requires you to stop and manually push the collected grass or leaves deeper into the bag. While annoying, it’s a quick fix. Ultimately, you have to weigh the pros and cons. The small bag is the price you pay for a machine that is supremely lightweight and maneuverable. For those with smaller cleanup jobs or who don’t mind the frequent trips to the compost bin, it’s a manageable issue. For those clearing multiple acres, the stop-and-go nature might become frustrating.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, user feedback for the Earthwise Power Tools by ALM LSW70021 Lawn Sweeper paints a picture of a product that delights and occasionally frustrates, but ultimately delivers for the right application. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive from those who understood its purpose. Many, like one user who was initially “a little skeptical,” were won over by its performance, calling it a tool that “can make a HUGE difference in your yard work routine.” Another satisfied customer with nine huge oak trees simply declared, “all I can say is ‘BRING IT’ !!” The time-saving aspect is a constant theme, with one person noting it “saves me so much time compared to raking leaves.”

However, the critiques are just as consistent and provide valuable context. The most common complaint is the assembly process, with one user titling their review “A Disaster to Assemble,” citing unclear instructions and ill-fitting parts. This contrasts sharply with others who found it “very easy to assemble,” suggesting some inconsistency in manufacturing or documentation. The small hopper size is the second major drawback, with many wishing it were larger to reduce the number of interruptions. Finally, a few users commented on the design, with one stating, “the design of this is quite dumb,” specifically pointing to the dragging rear support bar and suggesting wheels would be a major improvement for smoother operation.

Competitors and Alternatives to the Earthwise Lawn Sweeper

The Earthwise Power Tools by ALM LSW70021 Lawn Sweeper is a specialized cleanup tool. If your primary need is not just sweeping, but cutting grass, a traditional walk-behind mower is what you need. These mowers integrate cutting and bagging into one process, offering a different kind of efficiency. Here’s how the Earthwise sweeper’s purpose contrasts with some popular powered lawn mowers.

1. Greenworks 24V 13″ Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower

The Greenworks 24V mower is a compact, battery-powered solution for small to medium-sized lawns. Unlike the manual Earthwise sweeper, which only collects existing debris, the Greenworks mower cuts and bags grass simultaneously. Someone would prefer this Greenworks model if their main task is mowing and they have a smaller yard where the 13-inch cutting deck is sufficient. It offers the convenience of a cordless electric motor, eliminating the physical effort of spinning brushes, but it focuses on grass cutting, not the specialized debris pickup (like pine needles and thatch) where the Earthwise sweeper excels.

2. EGO Power+ LM2200SP Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

The EGO Power+ represents a significant step up in power and features. It’s a self-propelled model with a large 22-inch deck, designed for homeowners with larger lawns who want to minimize physical effort. The key difference is the self-propulsion and powerful electric motor. A user would choose the EGO mower if they need to both cut large areas of grass and want the machine to do the pushing for them. While it bags clippings effectively, it’s a much heavier, more complex, and more expensive machine than the simple, manual Earthwise sweeper, which is a dedicated cleanup specialist.

3. Greenworks 60V 21” Cordless Push Lawn Mower 5.0Ah

This 60V Greenworks mower offers a balance of power and size, with a 21-inch deck comparable to the Earthwise’s sweep width. It’s a powerful battery-operated push mower designed for efficiently cutting medium to large lawns. A homeowner would opt for this model if their priority is a high-quality cut with the convenience of cordless power, and they need a machine that can handle thicker grass conditions. It serves the primary function of lawn maintenance (cutting), whereas the Earthwise sweeper serves the secondary function of cleanup after mowing or during seasonal leaf fall. The two tools are complementary rather than direct competitors.

The Final Verdict: Is the Earthwise LSW70021 Right for You?

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the Earthwise Power Tools by ALM LSW70021 Lawn Sweeper is overwhelmingly positive, with a few important caveats. This is not a one-size-fits-all yard tool. It will not replace your rake for getting into tight corners, nor will it handle a pile of wet, heavy leaves. However, for its intended purpose—clearing dry leaves, grass clippings, thatch, and pine needles from a relatively flat surface—it is an absolute game-changer. Its incredibly lightweight design makes it accessible to nearly anyone, and its simple, manual operation is a quiet, eco-friendly joy to use.

The trade-offs are a sometimes-finicky assembly and a small collection bag that demands frequent emptying. If you can look past these flaws and your yard fits the criteria, this sweeper will save you hours of back-breaking labor. It’s for the homeowner who values efficiency and wants to turn the drudgery of raking into a satisfying walk across the lawn. It punches well above its weight, especially with difficult debris like pine straw. If you’re ready to hang up your rake and reclaim your weekends, we wholeheartedly recommend you check the latest price and add this ingenious tool to your collection.