At United Rotary Brush, we know how vital it is to maintain safe airport runways. Clean surfaces help ensure planes land and take off without issue. That’s why airport runway brooms must stay in peak condition. When they begin to lose effectiveness, performance drops—and risk increases.
Knowing when your airport brooms need attention can help prevent downtime and safety hazards. Here are a few signs to watch for.
Decreased Surface Contact
One of the first signs of wear is poor surface contact. Over time, broom bristles shorten. When that happens, the broom no longer sweeps evenly. You might notice streaks of debris left behind after each pass.
This means the broom isn’t cleaning as thoroughly as it should. Uneven wear can cause gaps in coverage. If you’re seeing missed patches, it’s likely time for an airport runway broom replacement.
We recommend inspecting broom contact regularly to stay ahead of performance loss.
Longer Run Times for the Same Job
Have you noticed your sweeper making more passes than usual? When airport runway brooms become ineffective, it takes more effort to achieve the same results. This leads to longer clean-up times and increased fuel consumption.
More wear and tear also means more maintenance. This often results in higher costs. A new broom with fresh bristles sweeps clean in fewer passes. This saves time and reduces expenses.
We always tell our customers, “A reliable broom is faster and costs less in the long run.”
Uneven Debris Patterns
If your runway or taxiway shows an uneven debris pattern, it could be due to failing broom sections. Inconsistent sweeping may result from worn airport runway wafers, especially if some areas still perform while others are worn down.
You may see streaks or piles of debris after sweeping. These are signs that your broom’s structure is no longer balanced or intact. When airport runway wafer replacement is overdue, the entire broom suffers.
Routine inspections can catch this issue early before cleaning quality declines too far.
Loss of Control or Broom Vibration
A properly functioning broom runs smoothly. But when airport brooms become unbalanced or worn, you may notice shaking or resistance during operation.
Vibration puts added stress on the sweeper, increasing wear on mechanical parts. The more you delay replacing the broom, the more damage your equipment could face.
We see this happen more in winter when runways demand heavier use. That’s why it’s essential to monitor broom performance before the season shifts.

Reduced Snow or Ice Clearing
Airport runway brooms play a significant role in removing snow, slush, and ice. If your broom no longer clears these effectively, it’s time for a closer look. Winter prep depends on reliable sweeping tools.
Old brooms can leave behind thin layers of snow or ice, which make runways slippery. Pilots depend on fully cleared surfaces for safe landings and takeoffs. If your broom isn’t delivering a clean sweep, safety is at risk.
Don’t let an ineffective broom compromise your operation. A quick airport runway broom replacement can restore performance quickly.
Knowing When It’s Time
There’s no single rule for broom replacement. Usage, surface type, and broom quality all play a role. However, if you’re seeing one or more of these signs, it’s best to replace them now rather than later.
As a long-trusted airport runway broom manufacturer, we supply durable products that perform consistently. Still, no broom lasts forever. Regular monitoring helps avoid surprises and keeps your operation safe and efficient.
Our Commitment to Performance
At United Rotary Brush, we manufacture brooms that airport crews rely on. We focus on reliability, strength, and performance. That’s why professionals across the country trust our brooms for daily runway maintenance.
We offer a full selection of airport broom cassettes and airport runway wafers designed to meet demanding needs. Our team is here to help identify the right solution for your fleet.
Conclusion
Recognizing the warning signs of worn-out airport runway brooms is essential. Whether it’s uneven cleaning, or increased vibration, small problems grow quickly. Replacing brooms on time ensures safety, efficiency, and cleaner runways.
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, cutting edges, and spreader chains.

United Rotary Brush Corporation has been the nation’s most reliable source for supplying clients with important items, such as airport brooms, street sweeper brooms, snow plow edges, bucket blades, spreader chains, and more. Our mission is to help our clients keep their environment clean and clear of trash, debris, ice, snow, and any other objects that might get in the way.
For more information about our expansive inventory of gutter brooms, tube brooms, main brooms, strip brooms, wafer brooms, runway cassettes, plow blades, and more – contact us today at (800) 851-5108. You can also go online to see our full assortment of products for highly acclaimed brands like Global, Elgin, Schwarze, XBroom, SB Manufacturing, TYMCO, Bucher/Johnston, Virnig, Laymor, Paladin, and many others.
With more than 80 years of manufacturing experience in the rotary broom business, our team at United Rotary Brush has clearly established ourselves as a reputable source for all your brush and broom needs. Our full line of rotary broom products will be sure to include what you need.
We look forward to assisting you!