When it comes to maintaining our roads and keeping them safe for travel, one piece of equipment plays a crucial role – road brooms. These unsung heroes of road maintenance are responsible for sweeping away debris, dirt, and other hazards from our streets, highways, and parking lots. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about road brooms, including their types, applications, and the key player in this industry, the United Rotary Brush Corporation.
The Importance of Road Brooms
Road brooms, also known as street sweepers or road sweepers, are specialized machines designed for the purpose of keeping roads and paved surfaces clean and safe. Their significance cannot be overstated, as they play a pivotal role in maintaining road safety, aesthetics, and environmental health. Here are some reasons why road brooms are essential:
Road Safety
Debris and litter on roadways can be dangerous for motorists and pedestrians alike. Road brooms help remove hazards such as loose gravel, broken glass, and trash, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Environmental Benefits
Sweeping roads and parking lots with road brooms prevents pollutants, such as oil, chemicals, and debris, from entering stormwater drains and ultimately contaminating natural water bodies. This helps protect the environment and aquatic ecosystems.
Aesthetic Appeal
Clean roads and well-maintained parking lots contribute to the overall appearance and aesthetics of a community. Road brooms help keep public spaces looking tidy and welcoming. When brooms are no longer making the roads look clean, it’s probably time for a road broom replacement.
Extended Pavement Life
Regular sweeping with road brooms can extend the lifespan of paved surfaces by reducing the abrasive effects of sand, gravel, and other debris.
Types of Road Brooms
Road brooms come in various types, each designed for specific applications and conditions. Understanding these types is essential to choose the right equipment for your road maintenance needs. Here are the primary types of road brooms:
Mechanical Brooms
Mechanical brooms are commonly used for heavy-duty road sweeping tasks. They are attached to trucks and operate using a combination of rotating brushes and airflow. Mechanical brooms are ideal for removing large debris and dirt from roads. Be sure to monitor the quality and performance of your mechanical brooms – then schedule a road broom replacement when necessary.
Regenerative Air Sweepers
Regenerative air sweepers utilize a powerful fan system to create a cyclone effect within the hopper, allowing for better collection of fine particles like dust and smaller debris. These sweepers are efficient and environmentally friendly.
Vacuum Sweepers
Vacuum sweepers, as the name suggests, use a suction system to collect debris and dirt. They are excellent for areas where minimal dust and noise pollution are crucial, such as urban streets and residential neighborhoods.
Walk-Behind Sweepers
Smaller in size and designed for pedestrian use, walk-behind sweepers are perfect for cleaning sidewalks, parking lots, and other confined spaces. They are easy to maneuver and operate.
Rider Sweepers
Rider sweepers are larger than walk-behind models and are typically used for industrial or commercial applications. They are equipped with comfortable seating for the operator and offer greater cleaning capacity.
Road Brooms from United Rotary Brush Corporation
When it comes to road brooms, one name stands out in the industry – the United Rotary Brush Corporation (URBC). With a rich history dating back over 80 years, United Rotary Brush has been a leading manufacturer and supplier of industrial brushes and brooms, including those used in road maintenance.
Quality and Durability
URBC is known for its commitment to quality and durability. Their road brooms are built to withstand the toughest conditions and provide reliable performance year after year. This commitment to quality has given us a stellar reputation in the industry.
Wide Range of Products
URBC offers a wide range of road broom products to meet the diverse needs of their customers. Whether you need a mechanical broom for heavy-duty highway sweeping, a compact walk-behind sweeper for a parking lot, or a road broom replacement, URBC has you covered.
Custom Solutions
In addition to our standard product offerings, URBC also provides custom solutions for customers with unique requirements. Our experienced team can work with you to design and manufacture road brooms tailored to your specific needs.
Environmental Responsibility
URBC is also dedicated to environmental responsibility. Our road brooms are designed to minimize dust and reduce environmental impact. By choosing URBC products, you’re not only investing in quality but also in sustainability.
Road Broom Applications
Road brooms have a wide range of applications across various industries and settings. Here are some of the most common uses:
Street Sweeping
Municipalities and government agencies use road brooms to keep city streets clean and safe for residents and commuters. Mechanical and regenerative air sweepers are commonly employed for this purpose.
Highway Maintenance
Maintaining highways is crucial for road safety. Road brooms, especially mechanical and vacuum sweepers, are used to remove debris, trash, and hazardous materials from highways.
Parking Lot Cleaning
Commercial and residential parking lots can accumulate dirt, leaves, and litter. Walk-behind and rider sweepers are ideal for keeping parking lots clean and well-maintained.
Airport Runway Cleaning
Airports require pristine runways for the safe takeoff and landing of aircraft. Specialized runway sweepers are used to keep runways free from foreign objects and debris.
Construction Site Cleanup
Construction sites generate a significant amount of dust and debris. Road brooms are used to maintain a clean and safe working environment.
Maintenance Tips for Road Brooms
Proper maintenance of road brooms is essential to ensure their longevity and optimal performance. Here are some tips for maintaining road brooms. By following these rules, it will be a long time before you need a road broom replacement.
Regular Inspections
Perform routine inspections to check for worn or damaged components, such as brushes, belts, and hoses. Replace any parts that show signs of wear.
Clean the Hopper
Empty the hopper regularly to prevent debris from accumulating and causing blockages. Clean the hopper thoroughly to avoid contamination.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Lubricate moving parts to reduce friction and extend the life of bearings, belts, and other components. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for lubrication intervals.
Keep Filters Clean
If your road broom has an air filtration system, clean or replace the filters as needed to maintain proper airflow and performance.
Store Properly
Store your road broom in a clean, dry, and sheltered location when not in use. Protect it from extreme weather conditions that can cause damage.
Road brooms are essential tools for maintaining safe and clean roadways, parking lots, and public spaces. Understanding the different types of road brooms and their applications is crucial for effective road maintenance. When it comes to road brooms, the United Rotary Brush Corporation is a trusted name known for quality, durability, and environmental responsibility.
Whether you’re a municipal agency looking to keep your city streets clean or a construction company in need of a reliable sweeper for your site, choosing the right road broom is essential. With the right equipment and proper maintenance, you can ensure the safety and cleanliness of your roads and paved surfaces, benefiting both the community and the environment.
United Rotary Brush Corporation has been one the nation’s most reliable sources for all of the brooms listed in this article and many other items. We supply our clients with important items, such as airport runway brushes, street sweeper brooms, snow plow edges, spreader chains, and more. 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 from 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!
