Street sweeping never stops. There’s spring cleanup. Then summer roadwork. Next comes fall leaf removal. And don’t forget about winter debris.
We depend on durable brooms to get the job done. But not all conditions are equal. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years, it’s that seasonal changes directly affect how well your main brooms perform.
Our streets face different challenges every few months. That’s why operators and fleet managers need to think ahead when it comes to main broom replacement. Waiting until performance drops or damage occurs can cost more time and money than you’d expect.
Let’s walk through how the seasons can wear down your broom faster than you realize, and what you can do about it.
Spring Sweeping: The Season of Sand, Salt, and Surprises
After months of winter storms, spring cleanup puts our main brooms to the test. Sand, leftover salt, and packed debris are tough on bristles. Many areas see pothole repairs, fresh chip seal, and more gravel than usual. That kind of gritty material speeds up wearing fast.
This is one of the busiest seasons for main broom replacement, especially in colder regions where roads take a beating over winter. Operators often notice uneven sweeping, worn bristles, or reduced contact after just a few weeks of heavy spring use.
We recommend starting spring with a full broom inspection. If the bristles are short, frayed, or inconsistent, it’s time to swap in a fresh broom and avoid early downtime.
Summer Brings Heat and Heavy Debris
Summer may seem like a break, but it has its own challenges. Road construction kicks into high gear. Traffic debris increases. Asphalt can soften under high temperatures, which makes sticky tar harder to clean and more likely to gum up bristles.
Fall: When Leaves Clog Everything
Autumn is one of the trickiest seasons for sweepers. Wet leaves, pine needles, and acorns may seem harmless, but they clump together fast. If your broom can’t slice through and carry them, you’ll leave more behind than you sweep.
We often hear about main broom replacement during this time, especially from cities dealing with large park systems or tree-lined roads. Leaves trap moisture, which adds weight and increases friction. Overworked brooms will wear out faster, and belts or mounts can take extra strain.
If you’re sweeping in areas where fall cleanup is a priority, don’t overlook the impact of damp debris. Bristle condition makes all the difference when trying to move wet material efficiently.
Winter: Cold, Ice, and Salt Buildup
Winter is when your main brooms face their harshest conditions. Ice, snowpack, and deicing materials are abrasive. And it’s not just the road surface. They also cause buildup inside the broom housing and under the machine.
Cold weather affects more than the street. It also makes bristles more brittle. Repeated exposure to freezing temperatures can cause breakage, especially on older or worn brooms. If you’re already near the end of a broom’s lifespan, winter will expose it quickly.
Salt and brine are another concern. These materials stick to the broom and corrode metal parts. That’s why many operators schedule main broom replacement before winter even begins. Going into the season with a fresh main broom replacement helps reduce failures when things are already difficult.
Tube Brooms and Their Role in Seasonal Sweeping
Sweepers use tube brooms and strip brooms. These cylindrical brushes are great for full-surface contact and are often used for heavy-duty or high-speed sweeping.
Tube broom replacement is seasonal. Hot summers and cold winters can change how bristles react. If you rely on tube brooms for year-round service, keep an eye on bristle curl, wear lines, and brush balance.
Choose a Manufacturer That Understands Demands
When choosing a main broom manufacturer, find one that builds with every season in mind.
We’ve designed and tested our brooms in real condition. From freezing Midwest roads to hot Southwest highways, we understand what happens out there. Our brooms are made to last. And they’re made to work when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
We’re also a trusted tube broom manufacturer. This gives us a broader perspective on how different broom types behave. Particularly in different climates.
Conclusion
Every season brings its own sweeping challenges. Whether it’s spring grit, summer heat, fall leaves, or winter slush, your main brooms need to be ready. That means knowing when to replace, how to inspect, and what kind of broom fits the job.
As your trusted main broom manufacturer, we’re here to help. We understand the job because we’ve supported it in every season, coast to coast.
Contact United Rotary Brush today for high-quality street sweeping and runway sweeping solutions! Our team is here to help you stay ahead of winter with the best in brooms, brushes, and spreader chains.
At United Rotary Brush, keeping sweepers sweeping shouldn’t be complicated. You don’t need confusing specs or slow turnaround times. We’ve been innovating rotary brooms for over 80 years, and we know what works. Need tube brooms, gutter brooms, strip brooms, or airport runway wafers that hold up under pressure? We’ve got you covered. No clutter. No guesswork. Just reliable parts built to last.
Ready to get your machines rolling again? Call us at 800‑851‑5108 or send a message via our Contact Us page. We’ll handle the rest.
