What are the most common issues with 71-24140?
The most common issues we see with the Craftsman 71-24140 lawn sweeper involve poor sweeping pickup, the brushes not spinning consistently, and hopper problems (bag sagging, frame misalignment, or dump rope issues). These problems usually trace back to brush height/adjustment, worn drive components, or loose hardware.
- Leaves and thatch left behind: brush height set too high, brushes worn, or debris packed in the brush area.
- Brushes stop turning or skip: worn/loose drive parts, a sheared pin, or a binding wheel hub/bearing.
- Hopper won’t stay open or sags: bent support rod, loose frame fasteners, or a stretched bag.
- Dumping is hard or doesn’t release: rope routing issue, knot/slip at the handle end, or bag/frame misalignment.
- Noisy operation: dry/binding bearing points, loose nuts/bolts, or a damaged gear/drive interface.
- Park on level ground; disconnect from the tractor before inspecting.
- Clear packed debris from the brush and hopper throat.
- Verify brush height and tow speed settings using the 71-24140 owner’s manual.
- Spin the wheels by hand; the brush should rotate smoothly without binding.
- Check for missing/loose fasteners and worn wear points.
If the sweeper is skipping, not driving the brush, or the hopper is acting up, these model-matched parts are frequent fixes:
| Symptom | Likely wear area | Example part on this model |
|---|---|---|
| Brushes not turning | Drive connection | Lawn sweeper drive pin 47046 |
| Rough/noisy rotation | Wheel/axle support | Lawn & garden equipment bearing 44232 |
| Hopper sags or won’t hold shape | Bag/frame support | Hopper support rod 43938 |
| Hopper won’t dump easily | Release line | Hopper rope 43737 |
| Bag torn or stretched | Collection bag | Hopper bag 41445 |
A lawn sweeper depends on correct brush height and a solid wheel-to-brush drive. When the drive pin, bearing surfaces, or hopper supports wear, pickup drops fast and the sweeper can start binding, which accelerates wear on gears, hubs, and hardware.
Last updated: March 2026
What is a Craftsman lawn sweeper?
A Craftsman lawn sweeper (like model 71-24140) is a tow-behind yard tool that uses rotating brushes and a drive system to pick up leaves, grass clippings, and light debris, then collects it in a rear hopper bag for easy dumping. For setup and operating details, use the 71-24140 owner's manual.
A lawn sweeper is designed for routine yard cleanup, not heavy-duty debris removal.
- Picks up dry to lightly damp leaves, grass clippings, and small twigs
- Helps reduce raking time by collecting debris as you tow it
- Dumps collected material from the hopper when it fills
- Does not replace a dethatcher or aerator
- Does not handle rocks, large sticks, or wet, matted piles well
Most Craftsman tow-behind sweepers use wheel-driven gears to spin a brush axle. As you pull the sweeper, the brushes flick debris up and back into the hopper.
| Component | What it does | Example part for 71-24140 |
|---|---|---|
| Brush hardware | Holds brush sections in position so they sweep consistently | Lawn sweeper brush retainer 23580 |
| Drive hardware | Transfers wheel motion into brush rotation | Lawn sweeper drive pin 47046 |
| Collection system | Holds debris until you dump it | Hopper bag 41445 |
Using the right tool for the job protects your lawn and your equipment. A properly adjusted sweeper collects more debris per pass, reduces clogging, and prevents premature wear on the brush and drive parts.
- Sweep when the lawn is dry; wet debris clumps and can clog the hopper
- Overlap passes slightly so you do not leave windrows behind
- Keep towing speed moderate; too fast can scatter debris
- Empty the hopper before it gets overpacked
- Inspect brush and drive parts periodically for bending, wear, or missing hardware
Last updated: February 2026
Where can I buy Craftsman replacement parts?
You can buy replacement parts for your Craftsman lawn sweeper model 71-24140 from the parts list for this model on Sears PartsDirect. For the best fit, match parts by your exact model number and confirm the part callout in the 71-24140 owner's manual.
Use your model number 71-24140 first, then match the part name and part number/part ID.
- Sears PartsDirect: model-based diagrams and verified part listings for 71-24140
- Use the diagram callout number to identify the correct part location
- Match the listing by part ID/part number (not just a similar-looking photo)
- For hardware, match thread size, length, and finish
- If multiple versions exist, match by measurements (length, diameter) before ordering
These are examples of parts that are commonly replaced on lawn sweepers due to wear, loss, or damage.
| What you need | What it does | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Brush hardware | Holds brush components in place | Lawn sweeper brush retainer 23580 |
| Drive hardware | Transfers wheel motion to brushes | Drive pin, gears, bearings (varies by wear point) |
| Hopper components | Collects debris and supports the bag | Hopper bag, support rod, rope |
Lawn sweeper parts can look interchangeable, but small differences in brush retainers, bearings, and hopper hardware affect brush rotation and debris pickup. Matching by model number and diagram callout prevents poor sweeping performance and premature wear.
Last updated: March 2026





