Cleaning sidewalks after winter - which sweeper to buy and at what price?
Cleaning sidewalks after winter - which sweeper to buy and at what price?
Sweeping sidewalks doesn't have to be difficult or tiring. A petrol-powered sweeper will help you quickly and efficiently deal with the sand left over from winter. Which model should you look for and how much should you budget?
Winter is a pleasant time when you don't have to clean the sidewalk, but when the frost subsides, you'll learn that "what goes around comes around." Dried clumps of mud, sand from the snow-covered sidewalk, and leaves left over from last fall—all of this adds up to a very unpleasant surprise when the spring thaws. However, you can save yourself a lot of effort. All you need to do is have a sweeper ready in your garage or tool shed.
Which sweeper is the best?
Devices of this type are divided into several types. Sweepers Hand-held sweepers are relatively small models that, at first glance, might be mistaken for a lawnmower. They feature small brushes and a collection basket for collecting debris. This is an excellent device for homeowners with relatively small driveways or paved garden paths. Instead of fumbling with a broom, brush, and dustpan, simply walk along the sidewalk to remove any crunchy debris. However, be careful what you buy. A good hand-held sweeper will have a brush attachment that allows you to clean even tight spaces, such as those areas where the sidewalk meets the wall.
For larger areas, a petrol-powered sweeper with a drive is ideal – such as the popular NAC sweepers. This is a cylindrical sweeper with a large brush at the front, which can also be fitted with a dust container or a blade for clearing snow. This device is equipped with a drive, so you don't have to push it like with a manual sweeper, but can be easily and effortlessly guided along the sidewalk. This type of sweeper is perfect for sweeping larger areas, for example, when you want to clean the surrounding road in addition to the sidewalk on and near your property. However, before your first spring sweep, remember to check the fuel and oil levels, among other things.
Is it worth buying a sweeper?
Many people aren't sure whether a sweeper is worth the price tag. It seems like a device that will be used a few times in the first few weeks of spring and will sit idle in the garage for the rest of the year. However, this isn't true. Sweepers aren't just useful in winter – they're also worth using in autumn, when leaves are piled high, and on hot summer days, when the wind blows dry earth and sand onto the path.
