Gutter brooms are an indispensable component of street sweepers, playing a crucial role in effectively cleaning curbs, gutters, and tight spaces along roadsides. As essential as they are, understanding the function, types, and maintenance of gutter brooms is vital for ensuring efficient street sweeping operations. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about gutter brooms, including their role, types, replacement considerations, and maintenance practices.
Here are a few key topics our team at United Rotary Bush will be discussing today:
- Understanding Gutter Brooms
- Types of Gutter Brooms
- Gutter Broom Replacement
- Gutter Broom Maintenance Practices
Understanding Gutter Brooms
Role:
Gutter brooms, also known as side brooms or curb brooms, are cylindrical brushes mounted on the sides of street sweepers. They rotate at high speeds, sweeping debris from curbs, gutters, and tight spaces alongside roads and directing it into the sweeper’s hopper for collection and disposal.
Function:
The primary function of gutter brooms is to effectively sweep debris, including dirt, leaves, litter, and other roadside debris, from areas that are inaccessible to the main broom or vacuum system of the street sweeper. Gutter brooms play a crucial role in maintaining clean and debris-free curbs and gutters, preventing pollutants from entering stormwater systems and waterways.
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Types of Gutter Brooms
Gutter brooms come in various types and configurations, each suited to specific street sweeping applications and road conditions:
Wire Gutter Brooms:
Wire gutter brooms are constructed from steel wire bristles and are known for their durability and effectiveness in sweeping heavy debris, such as gravel and construction debris, from curbs and gutters. They are ideal for demanding sweeping applications but may cause more wear and tear on pavement surfaces compared to softer bristle materials.
Polypropylene Gutter Brooms:
Polypropylene gutter brooms are made from polypropylene bristles and are gentler on pavement surfaces compared to wire brooms. They are effective at sweeping lighter debris, such as leaves and litter, and are less abrasive, reducing the risk of surface damage. Polypropylene gutter brooms are suitable for sweeping in urban areas with sensitive pavement surfaces.
Combination Gutter Brooms:
Combination gutter brooms combines steel wire and polypropylene bristles to provide a balance between durability and gentleness on pavement surfaces. They offer versatility in sweeping various types of debris and are suitable for a wide range of street sweeping applications.
Gutter Broom Replacement
Signs That a Gutter Broom Replacement is Needed:
Knowing when to replace gutter brooms is essential for maintaining effective street sweeping operations. Signs that a gutter broom replacement may be needed include:
Bristle Wear: Bristles that are worn down to half the size of new broom bristles can compromise sweeping effectiveness and require replacement.
Reduced Performance: Decreased sweeping efficiency, such as incomplete debris removal or missed spots along curbs and gutters, may indicate the need for gutter broom replacement.
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Considerations for a Gutter Broom Replacement:
When replacing gutter brooms, several factors should be considered to ensure optimal performance and longevity:
Material: Choose gutter broom material based on the specific sweeping application and pavement surface conditions. Consider factors such as durability and abrasiveness when selecting gutter broom material.
Size and Configuration: Select gutter broom size and configuration that match the sweeper’s specifications and sweeping requirements. Ensure proper alignment and installation to maximize sweeping effectiveness.
Maintenance Practices: Implement regular maintenance practices, such as inspecting gutter brooms, to prolong their lifespan and optimize performance. Be sure to inspect for signs of wear or damage regularly.
Gutter Broom Maintenance Practices
Proper maintenance is essential for maximizing the lifespan and performance of gutter brooms. Here are some maintenance practices to consider:
Regular Inspection: Conduct visual inspections of gutter brooms before and after each use to check for signs of wear, damage, or debris buildup. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage and ensure optimal performance.
Cleaning: Remove debris buildup from gutter brooms using a stiff brush or compressed air to prevent clogging and maintain sweeping efficiency. Clean gutter brooms regularly to remove dirt, dust, and other contaminants that can affect performance.
Alignment: Ensure proper alignment of gutter brooms to the sweeper’s chassis to maximize sweeping coverage and effectiveness. Adjust gutter broom height, angle, and pressure as needed to achieve optimal sweeping results.
Replacement: Replace gutter brooms as needed based on signs of wear, reduced performance, or damage. Follow manufacturer recommendations for replacement intervals and consider environmental factors, such as pavement surface conditions, when selecting replacement gutter brooms.
Gutter brooms are essential components of street sweepers, playing a crucial role in effectively cleaning curbs, gutters, and tight spaces alongside roads. Understanding the function, types, replacement considerations, and maintenance practices of gutter brooms is essential for ensuring efficient street sweeping operations and maintaining clean and debris-free roadways.
By selecting the right gutter broom material, implementing proper maintenance practices, and replacing gutter brooms as needed, road maintenance professionals can optimize sweeping performance and contribute to cleaner and safer urban environments.
United Rotary Brush Corporation has been the nation’s most reliable source for all of the brooms listed in this article and many other items. We supply our clients with important items, such as airport runway brooms, street sweeper brooms, snow plow edges, bucket blades, and spreader chains. It is our mission to help our clients keep their environments clean and clear of trash, debris, and any other object that might get in the way.
For more information about our expansive inventory of gutter brooms, tube brooms, main brooms, strip brooms, wafer brooms, 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, Bobcat, Laymor, Paladin, and many others.
We look forward to assisting you!
