Blog

Nov 29

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SWEEPER FOR THE JOB

The best path to choosing the right sweeper is to determine your prevailing needs in terms of debris removal, maneuverability, transport speed and off-loading requirements.

1. Year-round street sweeping—Mechanical sweepers and waterless dust control sweepers.

In cold climates with freezing temperatures, contractors need to sweep sand, gravel, silt, traction sand, salt residue, cinder and other materials year-round. This type of sweeping can’t be done with water for dust suppression, given the possibility of freezing both to the street and the sweeper components. Mechanical sweepers are often the best choice for this application. In areas where dust is a problem, or where there is a concern that dried sand and salt may result in dust when sweeping, waterless sweepers with dust control are an excellent option.

2. Spring clean-up and heavy-duty sweeping—Mechanical sweepers.

Sand, gravel, silt, salt and traction sand often accumulate in northern climates after a winter of reduced sweeping. This heavy, compacted material requires a powerful broom and conveyance action. Mechanical sweepers are best suited for conveying large quantities of heavy material.

3. Leaf removal and pine cone sweeping—Mechanical sweepers and regenerative air sweepers.

In the fall, street gutters fill with leaves, pine cones and pine needles that can be difficult for many sweepers because the material tends to climb over brooms when extremely heavy, making loading difficult. The wide pick-up head, large diameter suction hose and ability to raise/lower the head hydraulically makes regenerative air sweepers and mechanical sweepers great choices for this application.

4. Catch basin cleaning—Regenerative air sweepers and pure vacuum sweepers.

Street sweeping and catch basin cleaning require the ability to lift leaves, silt, sand, gravel and litter out of the catch basin. Cleaning catch basins regularly prevents streets from flooding and keeps the rain runoff flowing as desired. Regenerative air sweepers and pure vacuum sweepers are perfect for combination sweeper and catch basin cleaning, if equipped with a boom-style hose or catch basin cleaning hose feature. The boom-style hose options are easy to operate and maneuver over a catch basin. Pure vacuum sweepers have more vacuum capability than a regenerative sweeper, so customers should take this into consideration when sizing up their catch basin applications. Combination sweeper catch basin cleaners are excellent alternatives to a hand-held hose or litter hose.

5. Porous pavement cleaning and maintenance—Regenerative air sweepers and pure vacuum sweepers

Porous surfaces have been growing at a double-digit rate the last several years as a best management practice (BMP) to deal with storm water runoff. These surfaces effectively reduce the amount of untreated water and accompanying pollutants directed into our waterways. Both regenerative air sweepers and high power vacuum sweepers can be used as a practical maintenance program for porous pavement. A high-power vacuum sweeper is also recommended for porous pavement restoration projects. Performing routine, bi-annual cleaning with a regenerative air sweeper or high-power vacuum sweeper helps to properly maintain a permeable surface.