The Key Components of a Street Sweeper

Street sweepers are essential pieces of equipment used to keep city streets, highways, parking lots, and other paved areas clean and free of debris. Whether it’s dirt, litter, leaves, or dust, street sweepers play a critical role in maintaining the cleanliness and safety of our urban environments. But how exactly do these machines work, and what are the key components that allow them to function effectively?

In this blog, we will explore the key components of a street sweeper, the role each part plays, and why maintaining these components—such as sweeper brooms—is essential to the efficiency and longevity of the machine. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to street sweeping, understanding the importance of these components will help you get the best performance out of your equipment.

 

The Main Sweeper Brooms

At the heart of every mechanical street sweeper is its main brooms. These cylindrical brooms are the primary tool used to sweep up debris from the surface. Positioned at the rear of the street sweeper, the main broom spins at high speeds, sweeping dirt, leaves, and other debris into the hopper or collection bin.

The main broom must be durable and able to withstand continuous use on rough surfaces like asphalt or concrete. All main brooms are made of poly bristles, which are tough enough to endure harsh conditions. Some brooms also feature a mix of wire and poly bristles for even better performance on compacted debris found in areas such as construction sites or industrial areas.

 

Importance of Regular Maintenance

Because the main broom is the primary component responsible for sweeping, it’s critical to regularly inspect it for wear and tear. A worn broom reduces efficiency and may leave debris behind. Regularly replacing the main broom ensures consistent performance and a cleaner, more effective sweeping process.

 

 

Gutter Brooms

While the main broom handles the bulk of sweeping, gutter brooms are responsible for cleaning the edges of streets, especially curbs, corners, and gutters. These smaller, side-mounted brooms are typically circular and angled to sweep debris from hard-to-reach areas, moving it into the path of the main broom.

Gutter brooms often come with stiffer bristles, and are made of wire, to ensure they can dislodge compacted debris or sweep away heavier materials like gravel or wet leaves. These brooms are crucial for keeping curbs and gutters clean, preventing clogged storm drains and flooding.

 

Keeping Gutter Brooms in Good Shape

Like main brooms, gutter brooms are subject to wear and should be inspected regularly. If the bristles become too short or damaged, the broom will lose its ability to sweep effectively, especially along the edges of streets. Regular replacement or maintenance of gutter brooms will ensure that all parts of the street are being cleaned thoroughly.

 

Hopper or Collection Bin

The hopper or collection bin is the part of the street sweeper where the swept-up debris is stored until the sweeper is emptied. As the main broom and gutter brooms sweep up debris, the material is transported via a conveyor system or vacuum into the hopper.

The size of the hopper is important because it determines how long the sweeper can operate before needing to be emptied. In areas with heavy debris, such as busy urban streets or construction sites, a larger hopper can improve efficiency by reducing the number of times the sweeper needs to be emptied.

 

Emptying and Cleaning the Hopper

The hopper should be emptied and cleaned regularly to prevent it from becoming too full or clogged. A full hopper reduces the sweeper’s ability to pick up additional debris, and a dirty hopper can lead to odors, corrosion, or damage over time. Regular maintenance of the hopper ensures that the street sweeper can operate at peak efficiency.

 

Water System

Dust control is a significant part of the street sweeping process. Without proper dust control, street sweepers can kick up dust and fine particles, leading to air pollution and reduced visibility. That’s where the water system comes in.

The water system sprays water onto the road surface ahead of the main broom, helping to suppress dust and prevent it from becoming airborne. This makes the sweeping process cleaner and more environmentally friendly.

 

Water System Maintenance

Keeping the water system in good working order is essential for dust control. The water tank should be checked regularly to ensure it’s full, and the spray nozzles should be inspected for clogs. Without adequate water spray, the sweeper will create dust clouds, reducing the effectiveness of the cleaning process and increasing environmental risks.

 

Conveyor System or Vacuum

After the main broom sweeps debris into the street sweeper, a conveyor system or vacuum moves the debris into the hopper.

Conveyor Sweepers: These street sweepers use a conveyor belt to transfer the debris swept on to it into the hopper. This system works well for larger debris such as leaves, gravel, and litter.

Vacuum Sweepers: These machines use suction to pull debris from the street into the hopper. Vacuum sweepers are ideal for fine dust, sand, and smaller particles. Some models combine both systems to handle a wider range of debris.

 

Conveyor and Vacuum System Care

Keeping the conveyor belt or vacuum system clean and clear of blockages is crucial for consistent performance. In a conveyor system, the belt should be inspected for wear, and any jammed debris should be removed promptly. For vacuum systems, the filters and hoses should be cleaned regularly to maintain strong suction power.

 

 

Hydraulic System

The hydraulic system powers many of the mechanical functions of a street sweeper, including the rotation of the brooms, the operation of the conveyor or vacuum, and the movement of various components like the hopper. Hydraulics provide the power necessary for these systems to operate efficiently and reliably.

 

Maintaining Hydraulic Systems

Hydraulic systems require regular maintenance to function properly. Hydraulic fluid levels should be checked routinely, and any leaks or damage to hoses should be repaired immediately. A malfunctioning hydraulic system can lead to reduced broom performance or even a complete breakdown of the street sweeper.

 

Engine and Power Source

The engine of a street sweeper is responsible for driving the vehicle and powering all the mechanical components. Most street sweepers run on diesel engines, although electric models are becoming more common in urban areas due to their lower emissions and noise levels.

 

Regular Engine Maintenance

The engine is the heart of the street sweeper, and keeping it in good condition is essential for reliable operation. Regular oil changes, filter replacements, and inspections for leaks or damage are necessary to extend the life of the engine and ensure the sweeper performs at its best.

 

Operator Controls

All of the components of a street sweeper are managed by the operator through a control system. These controls allow the operator to adjust broom speed, water flow, and conveyor or vacuum operation, as well as monitor engine performance and hydraulic pressure.

Modern street sweepers often feature computerized controls that can optimize sweeping performance based on the type of debris being collected or the surface being cleaned. These advanced systems help maximize efficiency and reduce operator fatigue.

 

Importance of Training and Operator Skill

A high-quality street sweeper is only as good as the person operating it. Proper training is essential to ensure that the operator understands how to adjust and maintain the various components of the sweeper for optimal performance. Regularly reviewing the operator’s manual and providing training on new features can help improve efficiency and prolong the life of the sweeper.

 

 

The street cleaning broom may be the most visible part of a street sweeper, but it is only one of many components that contribute to the machine’s overall performance. From the main brooms and gutter brooms to the water system, conveyor, and hydraulic components, each part plays a critical role in ensuring that the streets are kept clean and safe.

Regular maintenance of these components is essential for maximizing the effectiveness and lifespan of your street sweeper. By understanding the function and importance of each part, operators can make informed decisions about maintenance schedules, replacements, and equipment upgrades, ensuring that their street sweeper remains a valuable tool for years to come.

 

 

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, 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 exactly what you need.

We look forward to assisting you!

CONTACT US TODAY!