Overview
Review Background
* On Publishing Date.
Rating By Owners
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Product Facts
- Model Number: 45-0320-062
- Lawn Type Compatibility: works with all common residential lawns.
- Lawn Tractor/Riding Mower Compatibility: works with machines that have a universal hitch (check with the supplier about your specific towing machine).
- Weight: N/A
- Assembled Product Size (L x W x H): N/A
What Owners Say
What Owners Like
People with small lawns and light debris coverage enjoy how well this lawn sweeper works compared to a rake.
However, there are a lack of comments from highly satisfied owners. In fact, one person reports how picking up grass does not work well with this unit, so they exchanged it for another lawn sweeper brand that turned out to work better.
What Owners Dislike
The bristles on the brush are reported as soft, which reduces their ability to pick up debris.
The Blue Hawk 42″ lawn sweeper does not seem to be sturdy, and there are cases of the brushes falling off after just a few uses. There are several reports of different parts being flimsy and even called “junk”, including the rope for emptying the hopper and wires that support the bag.
The durability of the Blue Hawk beyond one season of use is debatable. There is an alarmingly high number of reports of various parts (especially the brush shaft) failing after just a few times of use.
In order to adjust the height of the lawn sweeper to match a lawn, the machine has a height adjustment knob, which is reported to be very hard to tighten and untighten. Also, the lawn sweeper does not seem to maintain the height level very well.
Thick leaves on your lawn can bunch up in front of the Blue Hawk and cause the wheels to skid. The lawn sweeper will stop picking up debris if the wheels do not turn, as they drive the sweeper brush.
The Blue Hawk 42″ is not good at picking up heavier debris such as sticks.
The rope that is used for emptying the collected debris is not durable.
What The Lawn Sweeper Picks Up Well
- Leaves
- Grass
- Pine cones (smaller ones)
- Gum balls
- Pine straw (requires clearing the brushes frequently)
What The Lawn Sweeper Does Not Pick Up Well
- Sticks
- Apples
- Honeysuckle vines (get jammed up in the brushes and drive shaft)
- Wet leaves
- Pine needles
Reported Lawn Sweeping Time Savings
A person with a 2 acre lawn and about twenty large oak trees (around 85 feet tall) cleaned his whole lawn in 1 hour and 45 minutes using the Blue Hawk 42″ lawn sweeper.
Fun Factor
Lawn sweepers are fun to use. However, as this lawn sweeper has issues with sturdiness, the fun might be dampened by the need for frequent repairs.
Ease Of Assembly (With Approximate Assembly Time)
There are several reports that the assembly is challenging and counter-intuitive. One person even took the lawn sweeper to the store to get help with assembly.
The instruction manual is criticized as being confusing. One person disassembled the machine completely after the first assembly due to problems with the manual.
The assembly is difficult even for people who are otherwise handy with tools.
The build time is around 2 hours.
Ease Of Use
There are issues with setting the lawn sweeper height due to a lever that is difficult to adjust. Also, the rope for dumping collected debris is said to be of poor quality.
Ease Of Storage
There is no indication that the lawn sweeper folds for easier storage.
Fatigue Reduction
Due to the difficulty in adjusting the height, this lawn sweeper might cause frustration-induced fatigue.
Build Quality
The Blue Hawk has plastic gears, which wear out more quickly than metal ones.
The basket has support rods that are reported as weak and easily breakable. As well, the brush shafts have been reported to break and replacements can be pricey.
Packaging Quality
The Blue Hawk 42″ is not currently available for online purchase, and there are no reports about packaging quality.
Emptying Mechanism
The hopper is emptied using a rope, and you do not have to leave the seat of your lawn tractor/riding mower to empty what you have collected.
However, the manufacturer’s rope is reported as being of poor quality and best replaced with your own sturdy rope.
Safety Issues
None reported.
Performance Tips From Owners
- The faster you go, the more debris the lawn sweeper will pick up.
- The dryer the grass, the better the pick-up.
- Make sure to set the brushes to the proper height before you start sweeping your lawn. Otherwise the brushes will catch on the ground and the wheels may drag, resulting in damage.
Additional Details
About The Manufacturer
There is lack of information about the manufacturer, though the product is part of Lowe’s brand of consumer home and garden tools called “Blue Hawk”.
Manufacturing Country
Information not available.
Warranty Coverage
Information not available.
Return Policy
The product is sold at Lowe’s and their return policy allows the product to be returned within 90 days of purchase. However, there are conditions that apply (check the link for more information).
Replacement Part Availability And Cost
Parts for the Blue Hawk 42″ are available from Archway at 1-800-643-0067.
Where To Buy Online (Securely)
The Blue Hawk 42″ can be found at Lowe’s, although they do not seem to carry it for online order at this time. Check below for the latest information:
| Store | Availability | Free Shipping? | Return Policy | Price + Shipping (Pre-Tax) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowe’s | Check Stock | Store Pick-Up Only | 90 days (details) |
$269.00 (store pick-up only) |
Last Updated: September 1, 2015
