March 2002
BID LIST
Manufacturers Come Clean
on Sweeper Innovations
By Rikki Lee Travolta, Contributing Editor

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To receive more information on the products listed below:

1.  Click on RoadFax link - keep window opened until all items are entered.
                                                     and/or
2.  Click on Company Link (when available) for information from their website.
3.  Check our Manufacturer's Links and/or Buyers Guide for additional links.

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Manufacturers listed in this feature responded to a special mailing by Better Roads and do not necessarily represent the entire market for this product. 

Versatile sweeper models let agencies and contractors complete multiple jobs 

To find the latest information on new and time-tested sweeper and broom equipment for the highway and bridge markets, you could contact manufacturers and distributers individually. However, Better Roads editors have done the legwork for you.

For this month’s product focus, we conducted an independent mailing and phone solicitation asking suppliers to tell us about the new sweepers being introduced to the market. As a true resource to highway professions in both government agencies and private construction, our proactive product roundup includes manufacturer submitted information on new innovations in sweeper technology, broom attachments, and the patriarchal sweeper models that continue to meet industry demand. All of those who responded are covered in this update.

Designed for maneuverability

Rosco Manufacturing Company

To provide flexibility in tight spots, Rosco Manufacturing Company’s Challenger II features a front-mounted broom with a large sweeping angle of +/-40 degrees. A rear steering wheel allows the self-propelled broom to pivot around its own center, negotiating turning radii to 5 feet.

Designed to appeal to parking-lot contractors, road crews, and ground maintenance personnel, the broom’s enclosed cab can be fitted with optional safety glass, flow-thru air, air conditioning, heater, defroster fan, wipers, and seat belts. Electric hour meter and tachometer are standard features. A proprietary bristle replacement system is reported to reduce changes to 5 minutes. Cab can be hydraulically raised for easy access to engine, power train, and hydraulics.

Centerline cab maximizes visibility

Waldon

The SweepMaster line from Waldon is manufactured with a time-tested design that positions the cushioned operator seat behind the centerline of the broom to allow maximum visibility. A shift-on-the-go feature allows transition from low-range sweeping gear to high-range road gear without stoppage. The unit is configured with forward and reverse foot pedal controls to keep hands free for steering and broom operation. For efficient first-pass sweeping, vehicle operates at 250 rpm broom rotation, and surge protection guards the broom from high-pressure hydraulic spikes. The sweeper is designed to allow easy access to engine and hydraulics while incorporating minimal use of wear items, and no universal joints or chains. Optional halogen work lights allow operation in diverse visibility conditions. Low-profile design of optional sprinkler system allows front visibility, while water level is readily gauged via translucent tank.

Cleans litter amidst pedestrian congestion

MADVAC Inc.

For use in cleaning litter from congested pedestrian-filled municipal streets, pathways, alleyways, and airports, MADVAC Inc. introduces the CS500 compact sweeper to its line of vacuum-powered litter-collection vehicles. Two independent brushes sweep a width of 10 feet, 6 inches. Joystick controlled brushes extend an extra 3 feet for hard-to-reach areas. Ergonomically designed cab provides unobstructed operator view. Equipped with a 2.8-liter turbo-charged diesel engine, vehicle sweeps up to 215,777 square-feet per hour and has a maximum travel speed of 25 miles per hour. Water recirculation system reduces dust emissions and fluid replenishment requirements. Integrated controls are clustered according to function for comfort and effective operation.

Clean up landscape sites or remove street debris

Caterpillar

For cleanup in landscape sites and the removal of dirt, rocks, and other debris from streets, driveways, and sidewalks, Caterpillar offers BP15 and BP18 pickup brooms and BA18 angle brooms. Both broom styles feature a coupler interface designed to match most skid-steer loaders’ mechanical quick coupler systems, and are engineered for use on diverse surfaces including asphalt, concrete, and turf. Pickup broom can sweep and deposit material into an integrated hopper bucket for removal and dumping. Pickup brooms are available in 60- and 72-inch sweeping width sizes, and incorporate an over-the-brush rotation method to ensure dirt is not forced under previously collected debris. Angle brooms can be oriented straight or angled up to 31 degrees left or right of center. Windrowing action of 84-inch broom is calibrated to move loose debris ahead and to the side of the unit. Options for both brooms include various brush types and a water sprinkler kit.

Debris management eliminates dust clouds

Tennant Company

Armed with a unique one-button operating system, Tennant Company’s Centurion street sweeper is engineered to combine simplified operation with high performance. Unit is targeted to help municipalities comply with Environmental Protection Agency’s Storm Water II and PM-10 regulations. A unique debris management system is designed to reduce the need for multiple passes 50% by containing dust and reducing sand and debris migration into storm sewers. Equipped with dry dust control, vehicle operates in all seasons, including subzero climates. Dry operation eliminates need for street wetting, thus cutting operating costs.

Broom angles left and right

M-B Companies

Committed to supplying a durable and economical product line, M-B Companiesoffers front-mount hydraulic drive, HL Series windrowing brooms for use with tractor loaders and backhoes. Hitches are available to accommodate most applications and can be engineered per order. Dual angle broom rotates 30 degrees, right or left. Manual swing is standard; hydraulic swing also is available. Brush operates in conjunction with prime mover hydraulics, or independent hydraulics are available. Brush core is driven by the hydraulic motor, direct coupled by splined shaft. A dual motor drive is optional on all models.

Mounting kit fits most vehicles

TrynEx International

Built for versatility, SweepEx Mega 600 broom attachment from TrynEx International accommodates cleanup of dirt, leaves, snow, material spills, standing water, steel shavings, and gravel with a 60-inch mainframe. Mounting kits are available for forklifts, bucket lips, three-point hitches, and skid-steer pivots.

To minimize downtime, brooms are built with no moving parts, thus eliminating need for cleaning or lubrication of sprockets and bearings. Brush rotation or replacement is expedited via a unique polypropylene brush section system. Constructed of industrial steel and protected by a heavy powder-coat finish, the unit features 11 brush rows.

Optional broom extenders allow increases up to 108 inches for large applications. Additional models in the series include 48- and 72-inch mainframes; optional accessories include magnetic bar, dust mop, edge marker kit, and debris containment ends.

Adapts to site conditions

Sweepster

Titled to reflect toughness and versatility, Sweepster's Gladiator is a self-propelled, front-mounted sweeper that features front wheel drive and rear power steering. Equipped with a 64.7-horsepower diesel engine, the highway sweeper incorporates a hydrostatic drive system and heavy-duty drive axle. Joystick operation simplifies raising and lowering of 6-, 7-, or 8-foot single- or dual-motor brush. Wide field of view; orbital hydrostatic steering; fully integrated air-conditioning, heat, and pressurization systems; soundproof interior; and suspension seat are indicative of an overall ergonomic design concept.

Cab design improves visibility

Rosco Manufacturing Company

Hosting a view-improved cab design and a slim, single-beam front end, Rosco Manufacturing Company's RB 48 is designed to maximize visibility and maneuverability. Single-beam design gives the self-propelled sweeper a tight turning radius; steering system accommodates a lockout-to-lockout range of two and one-half turns. For consistent sweeping and reduced brush wear, a constant pressure design automatically calculates optimal brush-to-surface contact. Brush speed can be operator controlled up to 200 rpm. A 160-degree brush shield and rubber brush apron protects against flying debris.

Powered by a 76-horsepower diesel engine, machine features positive speed control via single-level direction of two-speed, hydrostatic drive. Four-wheel braking system is standard for supplemental speed control up to 22 miles per hour, handling grades up to 44%.

Removes heavy debris quickly

Schwarze Industries

Schwarze Industries’ new M6000 variable high-dump mechanical broom street sweeper can remove heavy debris quickly from street surfaces. One version of the new model operates via a single engine for both propulsion and sweeping functions; a second version has dual engines. The M6000 was introduced to dealers last October and announced to the public in January.

Designed for harsh environments

Badger Attachments Inc.

Marketed under the Major product line moniker, Badger Attachments offers a full line of attachable brooms and bucket sweepers designed to operate in harsh environments. Open-face brooms, pickup brooms, and bucket sweepers are available for operation in coordination with skid-steer loaders. Backhoe loaders, telescopic handlers, wheel loaders, and tool carriers can be equipped with open-face brooms and a number of bucket sweeper models including a 4-1 design. Industrial forklifts can be outfitted with two-in-one bucket sweeper tools.

Sweeps forward and reverse

FFC Attachments

Available from FFC Attachments, Cyclone hopper broom is designed to handle light and heavy-duty cleanup in a variety of construction, municipal, and industrial applications. Bi-directional broom sweeps in forward rotation to efficiently pick up dirt, dust, and lighter materials. In reverse, unit effectively collects heavy materials including asphalt millings, rock, and construction debris. Chain-free disposal is as simple as lifting and tilting the attachment, and the unit also can be used to spread material.

Powered by a direct-drive motor that eliminates the need for chains and sprockets and reduces maintenance requirements, broom features bolt-on reversible bucket cutting edges as standard equipment. Three bristle types are available to match specific applications. Designed to be used on skid-steer loaders, backhoe loaders, and small wheel loaders, the broom is available in 60-, 72- and 84-inch widths.

Powerful rotation removes packed debris

TYMCO International

Model DST-6 from TYMCO International is engineered with a regenerative air system and self-contained filtration system to remove micron-size pollutants and enable performance in all weather conditions. Mechanism removes dirt, dust, and debris from sweeping surface while cleaning exhausted air to 99.999% of 0.5 micron-size particles. Dual 43-inch digger-style gutter brooms facilitate accumulated debris removal along curbs, gutters, and medians. Standard truck chassis allows travel to job site at legal speed limits. In-cab controls allow selective broom-assisted sweeping operation on a when-needed basis. A proprietary broom-assist pickup head accommodates a full 87-inch sweeping path.

New technology cuts emissions 90%

Elgin Sweeper

Compressed natural gas sweepers Crosswind and Eagle from Elgin Sweepers feature clean burning alternative-fuel propulsion engines capable of meeting ultra-low emitting vehicle (ULEV) standards. The natural gas engines reportedly produce only 10% of the pollutants associated with traditional gasoline and diesel engines. Eagle model features a 10-foot maximum variable, height-side dump hopper with 4.5-cubic yard volumetric capacity; 10-foot-wide sweeping path; and 2.4-liter CNG sweeper engine. Crosswind model has a rear dump hopper with 8 cubic yard volumetric capacity, 12-foot-wide sweeping path, and 4.2-liter CNG sweeper engine. Both vehicles have a 5.9-liter CNG chassis engine, an optional Rule 1186 PM-10 compliance package, and composite tanks providing extended operation that is equivalent to 52 gallons of diesel fuel.