Agri-Fab 44" Lawn Sweeper Review AND CUSTOM MODIFICATIONS!

[@yourmumloves]

I know I’m 5 years late but now subbed. Years ago I did something similar for my mother with a 12 volt winch and a depth stop. Worked great until recently when she lent it and they took a stump dead centre. Myself I work in hydraulic repairs and maintenance. I mowed lawns as a relaxing side job. I’ve built my own sweeper driven by hydraulics from a removable power pack that I also us for other things like firewood processor, large garden shredder, leaf vacuum/bale press etc. I had a goose neck draw bar mounted over the axle of my industrial size zero turn. It started with a 1.8 m brush from a skid steer sweeper that picked up small rocks, horse poop, hay. It has now turned into a monster ride on zero turn with folding side booms bringing it to 5.5 m wide sweeping with a 1.5 tonne capacity that I use for football fields and clean up after public events.(one covers 200+ acres with the car parks included). Things got out of hand as people kept asking what it could handle. I would build for others if asked but cost for parts and labour would be over 30K plus for me. My love of mowing lawns has now taken over to include roadside mowing, single machine roadside tree trimming/chipping and other things as well as employees to make life difficult.

[@MarioRivera]

Happier than a midget at a miniskirt convention. Subscribed.

[@HelloNNNewman]

Awesome job on the video and the mods. You really need to sell this as a kit for those who don't have welders and stuff (hint hint) LOL

[@soulmist2163]

I'd buy it!

[@jewricanugent4838]

Me too

[@JohnFabrega]

And me

[@kevinmacsr59]

i would buy it too! and the arm extender so i don't have to get off my exmark to dump it! GREAT JOB!!!!

[@user-pv4qp7jy9q]

Me too

[@boston-strong8887]

OMG! - I WANT ONE! - That's brilliant! - I'm a retired handy-lady. I put together this very Agri-Fab Sweeper, but hubby and I would give anything to attach such a gadget. You are one very clever guy! Excellent video!

[@Dr.Reason]

I just bought one of these and this is exactly what I needed! Brilliant. Thanks a million!

[@FastJohnny80]

You are a genius. I was getting skid marks from the drive wheel when I went over slightly uneven surfaces. New winter project that should leave me pumped for spring clean up.

[@PostIdaho]

I put 1 7/8" ball on the 0-turn and the same receiver on all the yard toys. Super easy!

[@alonsoinn8032]

I purchased this equipment. It’s just right equipment for my lot . I do have a bagger for JD 120 . But this is my A-1 to go to pick my yard . My bagger works will but ! I use on the area where I don’t cut so often , it’s when grass or weeds get about 2-4 inches high . I highly recommend Agri fab to have as part of your lawn mower tools & equipment .

[@erictoytech8392]

Had to show my wife your video, just to prove to her that there are other guys out there just like me. She didn't marry the only nut case with brain and shop! Thanks for the idea.

[@Methodical2]

Quote of the day - "Happier than a midget in a mini skirt convention." Using that one, haha!

[@kyyurtman1416]

Unless your blind and have a cold.

[@dianasprinkle2178]

Just bought same sweeper today. I already have the actuator, so...I'm on it. Thanks a bunch!

[@Trialnerror]

Enjoy it! It's a game changer for cleanup. Saving me so much work each year it's crazy.

[@aaronmorrissette1628]

Food for thought on the height position. 1. Use a section self adhesive tablesaw ruler to adhere to the actuator piston to show current height from zero down position. 2. Engrave or notch piston with reference points. 3. Paint enameled colored hashes, dots, lines, etc. ADD.... an actuator or belt drive gearbox to dump. ADD.. 12v battery & tray/enclosure and remote relays. ( the 12v remote relays are awesome and are very compact and simple to install ). Thanks again.. very inspiring. Great ideas to build on regardless of your current application.

[@TotalMishap]

Adding an actuator like this one would take you forever to dump.

[@marklk8787]

Nice job!! I've been using an older 30" sweeper and it has a slotted bar and a wing nut for the brush height adjustment. I marked the optimum height with a black marker because just a little change makes a big difference in it's performance. That must still be true to some extent going by the number of holes for height adjustment. Even though you now have infinite adjustments, I would think you would want to be able to repeat your optimum settings. I look forward to seeing how you accomplish that.

[@relmdrifter]

Yes. Exactly. Just bought a Lawn Sweep and the first thing I thought is: Can I automate the height adjustment? I like the cut of your jib So, as the years have past, has there been any build up on the actuator shaft? I was thinking it may need shielding.

[@jamessurber853]

I'm sure glad I found this video! I had the same idea, but I was stumped on the mounting bracket. Thank you so much for giving me the directions! BTW: the first thing I did was to get a much softer hairpin for that stupid little pin. Very soon I won't need either! Thanks again!

[@Trialnerror]

Glad it was helpful! Knowing my videos help others is a very rewarding thing for me so thank you for taking the time to let me know it helped!

[@americanazheck]

I tied a rope to the handle and hooked the rope to the armrest of my jd zero..I pull the rope which brings the lever close enough to grab..Nice set up

[@mickkelly22]

Installed one on my Agri-Fab with a dash mounted switch. It works great. Thank You

[@Trialnerror]

Man, I'm so glad to hear that. Thank you for letting me know and have fun!

[@andyjones6361]

Great build. Wish I had a friend like you to brainstorm with on several builds I want to do!

[@jeffreyboarman4032]

Cool you got your own swamp in your yard

[@1tufgt]

Can you show how you did the monetary switch wiring? Do you always wire your attachments to the same wires of the 4 pin connector?

[@budslife]

Very nice job, I think I should do this to my sweeper!

[@tomgoul]

Excellent video. I have the same sweeper and hate the adjustment you need to make as you showed here. Definitely food for thought on a solution.

[@johnceglarski9460]

You are a backyard bad ass. I need to put one of those on my sweeper!

[@JohnMerryman]

Nice job, low cost and effective!

[@kristophercarter0527]

Fantastic mod! Any plans for a depth brush depth gauge you could see from the tractor seat?

[@nileshalinger]

1st year with the 44" A-F = like it a lot!

[@douglasdotterer859]

Would you consider putting a Indicator stick on it to help show the depth? All I got to say is you did an awesome job 👍 keep it up!

[@Trialnerror]

Great suggestion!

[@tompaul2591]

Nice and professional fab job. My only comment is you may want to mention this nownnegates the option that has of being towed offset ro sweep as you mow.

[@johnkusturin3604]

Sir just happened upon a video looking at a farm and home ad about the sweeper I've only known a handful of people in my years that have God-given talents and just with one video you are one of them James 1:17 17 Every good and true thing is given to us from heaven, coming from the Father of lights, with whom there is no change or any shade made by turning. Have a blessed day thanks for the video

[@Trialnerror]

Wow! Thank you so much John. I really appreciate you taking the time out of your day to make my day! Wishing you the same blessed day and tank you for watching my shenanigans!

[@tompaj6961]

would be nice to see what is in the front and what is left behind after each pass...

[@raysmith4796]

Need help with making tires have more traction. They slid and do not spin the brushes all the time. Pine straw wraps around ends of brushes and stops them from spinning is also a problem we have.

[@dmsentra]

Good idea. now put an indicator out front with a scale so you can see what height it is from the seat.

[@pdub8501]

Great mod !!

[@bellalovesmusic88]

I’m not sure why mine is set to pick up grass clippings and when I go cross over my driveway ... I got off too check clearance and my brushes isn’t even touching the driveway .. I was worried about the brushes like you said .. but after buying mines and putting it together I have no problem on concrete

[@billalbion]

Will rain affect the linear actuator, and I'm a little concerned about the plastic drive gears, although being able to adjust when moving will help relieve overloading. Thank you for very interesting post.

[@michellemeas251]

Do you have a video with the instructions for the wiring harness?

[@adamkendrick6184]

Please!!!!!!!

[@Katana622]

my sweeper like yours doesnt dump well. It gets stuck and i have to get off and pull it out. It works if I fill it maybe 1/4th the rated capacity. Any tips? Any bag upgrades or work arounds? I've got 7 acres and would almost like a huge tarp or something behind lol.

[@bradylarson3532]

Great video! Definitely a mod I need to do to mine.

[@timtremblay8601]

American Ingenuity Rocks Baby~!!! KEEP AMERICA GREAT~!

[@chrisodle007]

I have this sweeper and am looking for solution for it skidding all the time ? I’ve tried different height settings but still skids like crazy . Could it be weight ? Any suggestions or links welcome

[@roser58381]

Me too. Did you find the answer?

[@chrisodle007]

@@roser58381 nope I was tired of it ripping up my yard so gave it to my dad in exchange for a power washer lol. He drilled screws in the tires for extra grip but he doesn’t need to turn much or drive on asphalt so seems to work for him . He has a huge yard.

[@rjsway78]

LMBO, awesome idea!!

[@jjjohn5914]

Excellent. Did you do a mod to lift one side off the ground on turns? The outside wheel of the sweeper skids on lawn when turning since the wheels are basically locked together by having a single axle with wheel gears at each end.

[@dianasimon2060]

Oh, I s your etc etc. center lever. I move mine with a 4” stroke

[@yourcarpenter1164]

Brilliant

[@wiredodger60]

Great idea. Wondering about wheel slide on these type collectors. Is it heavy enough to keep those brushes spinning? Thoughts? Best.

[@jkeithrankin2705]

Can you share dimensions of bracket. Width and height? Looking forward to this mod

[@tylerengland3965]

Man you're awesome I just subscribed...genius trick!!!

[@karolleszczynski1275]

Hey Great idea and video. Any chance you can give more details on wiring ?

[@sixfootwhiterabbit]

I recently purchased an agra fab lawn sweep like the one in your video I seem to be having a problem with it leaving a trail of grass when I’m sweeping the lawn the trail is on the right side

[@dbriggs1689]

Very nicely done. Subscribed

[@davidthacker2159]

Why do you want 2 switches on all your equipment? Power constant on and one polarity reversing?

[@johnfogerty9055]

I clicked on the link for the linear actuator it was a totally different model, this one is not for outside use. I also was wondering it is 12vdc 5amp the mower batterty is 16amp? will it burn it out.Im going to find another one that will work for outsde use. Cant wait to get it running-great idea!!!

[@Trialnerror]

Thanks for the head's up on the amazon link. I just updated the link with the right one. Amazon changes the products and doesn't let us know. FYI, a 5amp load is only at full load on the actuator and only for a split second at the initial start. It will not cause any issues with the mower battery.

[@terrypope7790]

Been using my 45-05211 for about three years. I need some help. I have a beach on the Pensacola bay side of my home. The wheels slide in the soft sand. I've tried several things, but I've come down to the wheels weren't made for sand. Short of saying,"use different wheels" where can I buy them or what other solutions?

[@luigierodriguez88]

Great job

[@garyholtfreter5076]

I found out with AGRI-FAB sweepers is when the bag wears out you had better have a spare because when a new revised sweeper comes out the bags are not inner changeable. I spent the money to get a Stihl backpack blower and it beats any blower on the market. Just my experience.

[@Trialnerror]

Yea, my original is still going strong but when it wears out I plan to just repair it and replace the panels as needed. I have the same backpack blower and it's good for most things but nothing covers ground as fast as these sweepers IMO.

[@adamkendrick6184]

So I’m lost after the 4 pin harness connection. Could you help a fella out by telling me what to do after? No clue where to get the switches from or which wire would go to where on mower power and switch to make this a finished product?

[@scottschultz9572]

I like your modification, but if you just tilt up the bagger out of the way the device will sweep up the leaves and spit them out the back on the ground where they were. That way you can run the sweeper over areas where you don't want to collect the leaves and you don't have to continually make any height adjustments to the unit.

[@billydarley6925]

that could work to lift and lower the front of my atv snow plow and its cheaper than a winch.

[@dwightmitchell1464]

Great sweeper, but I've got my 3rd set of wheels on the way... The pinion on the brushes get so hot they melt the plastic drive gear on the wheels. I'm thinking about fabing some steel gears...

[@russellpeterson6517]

I have had mine for 5 years never had that problem, I lubricate them two times a a year seems to work

[@dwightmitchell1464]

@@russellpeterson6517 what do you lubricate the plastic gear with?

[@trugreenguy]

Nice mods. Your wheels were skidding, I'm sure you probably know by now but if your wheels are skidding you should raise the brush a tad. Great video though and nice job on the mods!!

[@Trialnerror]

I actually just drilled ice screws onto the tires so I can really dig down deep with the brushes without slipping. Thanks for watching!

[@imanoleonardo6902]

Nice mod, I’m wondering if the top bracket could use some bracing along with a larger base plate, it would appear there could be a-lot of stress on the sheet metal since it no longer locks on the side (extended leverage/movement of fulcrum point, in any event I loved the video, keep up the good work!

[@chopped27]

Very cool

[@crazycoyote1738]

Great job bro!!

[@Trialnerror]

Appreciate it! Thanks for watching too!

[@jb2zero0six5]

Have you thought about adding spring loaded tines with the brushes?

[@dianasimon2060]

Mount one one on the hitch and the other end on the lever.

[@friendlyhonda3187]

This is very very very cool.

[@joshfisch9076]

What about dumping? Looks like the bracket would affect emptying it out completely.

[@boston-strong8887]

PS - I'm now wondering if some type of auto-gadget - just for fun - could be attached to tilt-dump the sweeper contents. I am obviously very impressed.

[@Trialnerror]

I think a small ATV winch would do the trick. I've been thinking about doing that myself lol.

[@boston-strong8887]

@@Trialnerror I await your video! LOL.

[@KenDebono]

How has the axle held up? Any recommendations on speed and turn radius. (My Yard Commander axle keeps breaking.)

[@Trialnerror]

No problems with the drive system at all. My only critic would be it would have been nice if the front lip was made of more than stamped steel because I bent it up like a pretzel. A nice heavy steel bar there would have helped there.

[@gadsonwoodall8981]

I need these modifications

[@tonyp9609]

Nice job on the mod. Might be safer if you turn the motor to the inside before it scrapes against something. Was wondering how you can determine the height from the seat of the mower? Thank You

[@Trialnerror]

Not sure why I didn't think of that but I didn't at the time lol. Thanks for watching and the idea!

[@MrCheaterpipe]

Cool mod I was just wondering why you chose to weld to the height adjustment lever when a simple hole would've worked fine to run a bolt through

[@Trialnerror]

Because it's easier to weld metal than to drill IMO..

[@kkshea3894]

Any mod for keeping the moss from spinning over to the wheels and locking them up?

[@michaelperugini4199]

could you have put some kind of dial indicator on the end so you could translate that dial indicator to hole position?

[@hdman97]

Very nice you sir are quite the fabricator

[@jamesbesch7951]

Great , now add a second actuator with separate switch to dump from the seat !

[@Trialnerror]

For real! That really is needed because when I let the hopper fill up with wet leaves it becomes super heavy. I was thinking about using a little ATV winch. Either way, great minds think alike. Thanks for commenting/watching!

[@eighties8]

Thanks for the video. I may do this myself. Couple questions: (1) What is the welder you are using or can you recommend a small, capable welder for the weekend handyman? (2) What is the metal cutter at 6:40?

[@debbieklapmeier2505]

Awesome! I just finished putting mine together today. I have a new John Deere Z730 zero turn lawnmower and am concerned about the arm. How do you recommend finding someone to fabricate the arm for me? Thanks! Great job :)

[@keithhowell5432]

Would a 7” actuator work better using original hole in adjustment bar? Thanks for posting this video!

[@Trialnerror]

I suppose it would! You just want to make sure the actuator doesn't have more throw than the sweeper will allow. These actuators have some serious power so it will bend your sweeper before it runs out of horse power. I set mine to reach the microswitch shutoff built into the actuator before we had any metal to metal contact.

[@tomwilson8679]

Needs a visual indicator for set height but otherwise awesome job.

[@robplotts9412]

Hahaha I'm an AvE fan too really gets me laughing sometimes

[@robplotts9412]

@@Trialnerror you got that right

[@karuza82]

Focus ya fack!

[@chuckcurtin]

Do you think a rope would work instead of the dump lever for a zero-turn?

[@joemilitello8472]

BRILLIANT! Wow...so impressed. What did you use to make your dump handle?

[@rediornot811]

my pine straw wraps around the shaft if I do not mulch it with a mower before I pick it up, same model as yours

[@CrystalSprings777]

The only thing i have not liked about this leaf rake is that the wheels get locked up from the brushes. And makes it hard to know what depth to run it to get the leafs up effectively

[@simplyme8753]

I dig your shoes...

[@Trialnerror]

Are you goofing on my shop sneakers lol.

[@simplyme8753]

@@Trialnerror got the same pair

[@hamag1973]

Great mod👍

[@MiniDigging]

Awesome job, love your channel, keep it up

[@daveshangar6820]

Wow! I love it. You have your shop in order to make fabrications too. I just bought the same sweeper today and I have a zero turn mower. This presented me with a challenge of being able to dump the leaves and then drive away in order to get the basket back down. I simply made a cord with a handle. But I would still have to come to a stop and then place the handle somewhere where it wouldn't go underneath the sweeper. I could do it but I was afraid my wife might have trouble with the coordination. I will definitely have to make a fabrication myself. What kind of stock am I looking for in order to fabricate the handle as you did? Where do you find such stock? Thanks for the video!

[@Trialnerror]

Some 16 gauge steel pipe will do it. You may even be able to get away with using 3/4" electrical conduit available at any home store. Good luck and thanks for watching.

[@daveshangar6820]

@@Trialnerror Thank-you

[@qfdforme]

Ingenious. Which Flux welder are you using?

[@Jackdelfranco68]

Very clever, thanks for sharing!

[@4skinz80]

What did you use to extend the handle if you don’t mind me asking? Definitely need to do both mods.

[@HillOrStream]

Love this sort of project! You snowblow with a ZTR too?

[@Dylanbeam2]

How do you hook it up with spacer welded in place?

[@Trialnerror]

The spacer just takes up the majority of the gap. There's still a slot open to side it in.

[@smartassist9700]

How has your agri-fab held up? How has your modification held up? 4 yrs, Still use it? If not….. what do you have now? I am disabled, iftoolis long lasting (I NEED YOUR MODIFICATION TO ALLOW ME TO WORKTHE SWEEPER WITH THAT ACTUATOR YOU ADDED. OTHERWISE,I CANNOT PHYSICALLY DO IT.). PLEASE RESPOND QUICKLY AS I NEED TO PURCHASE IN ABOUT 2DAYS.

[@Trialnerror]

Still solid 4 years later. The front lip of the housing has taken a beating. They should have reinforced that lip but it doesn't effect performance. I'd buy another one for sure. Saved me a ton of physical labor over the years.

[@joepetch7728]

I’ve read a lot of reviews of the nylon gears wearing out quickly in these. Any issues with yours so far?

[@Trialnerror]

I read the same but so far mine has been great. I've put a LOT of hours on it too. Not sure if I'm just lucky or if they may have upgraded some of the components but I'm not complaining.

[@novawins9301]

The gears on mine stripped out on my second use.

[@mxgirl1812]

@@novawins9301 3 reasons this happens 1- brush set too low. Do not go lower than a 3 2-unit pivoting- when you turn take a wider turn bc one wheel stay in place and the other completes the turn causing the pinion gear to tear up the wheel. 3-speed-do not go faster than 6 miles per hour. units are made for belly mowers zero turns and 4-wheelers have bigger wheels causing the unit to try to keep up with speed making the ration of turning faster causing the pinion gear to tear the wheel.

[@matthulvey8615]

Do you think this will do well to pick up dead grass after dethatching? I just dethatched 2 acres and would like an efficient way to clean it up.

[@Trialnerror]

I use it for that every year and it's awesome! So easy/works so well.

[@Trialnerror]

@@matthulvey8615 Glad to hear it! Enjoy

[@coffeebotography]

Tip: when collecting wet leaves limit your haul to 1/3 capacity

[@Trialnerror]

So true. I've let it get packed before and it was damn near impossible to flip.

[@Jack-ml2ux]

as my mother-in-law used to say: " you're handier than a pocket on a shirt"

[@Trialnerror]

--------LINK TO THE AGRIFAB SWEEPER AND LINEAR ACTUATOR: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B7E75VU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00B7E75VU&linkCode=as2&tag=trialnerror-20&linkId=db42f7065a23b9c23e29d4e24af08e49 --------LINEAR ACTUATOR: amzn.to/3TYKAMa

[@seemooreb.9724]

I use mine to sweep my driveway

[@FishNDoogie]

Do you make and sell the tilt arm setup?

[@Trialnerror]

I probably could but I don't. I'm flattered that you would ask though!