Questions You Should Know about municipal sweeper

The following guiding principles should be considered prior to any new sweeper purchase.

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• Get the right tool for the right job.
• Buy the best you can afford.
• Purchase a sweeper with a proven track record.
• Recognize that the best technology is of little use if the sweeper is always in the shop.

With these principles in mind, along with any others you may wish to add, here are the questions to get answered before you actually start looking at the sweepers themselves:

1. What are you going to do with the sweeper? What are your community's primary needs? Make a list, and estimate how often the sweeper will have to perform specific tasks, and how critical each one is.

Here are some examples: Leaves, wet and dry; after-storm pickup of branches and other debris; springtime heavy sand cleanup; large-sized road debris like mufflers, tire shreds, trash; fine particulate pollutants to reduce air and stormwater pollution; gross particulate pollutants to maintain aesthetics and minimize runoff volume into waterways.

2. How often will you use the sweeper? Is it all day every day, or a few hours once in a while? Will (or should) you be sharing the sweeper with another agency or municipality? Will the machine have dedicated drivers or are they drawn from a pool of maintenance staff?
3. Who will maintain the sweeper? Are the mechanics able to maintain all types of sweepers? Is there an inventory of sweeper parts on hand that needs to be used? Can they be returned to the manufacturer?
4. How much money is available for the purchase? Does the budget include enough money for ongoing operation, maintenance, and replacement costs for each sweeper type or model being considered? If so, how much will be available and when?
5. What other sweeper factors do you and your staff expect or desire?

You should consider facilitating a process to brainstorm and prioritize these factors. It's best to draw ideas from a cross-section of the individuals who will be using (or otherwise involved) with the machine(s) to be purchased. That way, you'll have a better opportunity to uncover and highlight any 'fatal flaws.'

Here are some examples of factors:

• Drives well: good steering, responsive, adequate top speeds.
• Efficient: picks up target dirt and debris well, has few or no limitations with respect to cleaning surfaces or weather conditions, large hopper capacity, large water tank capacity, the hopper is easy to unload.
• Safety: the sweeper has good visibility and maneuverability.
• Operator comfort and control: seat/driving position, adjustable tilt wheel, heat, A/C, dust filter, positive pressure, stereo/radio, quiet, easy in/out, clear control panel, in/out lighting, cup holders, storage space, warning lights.
• Ease of maintenance: all areas of machine accessible, parts readily available, clear understandable maintenance handbook, good training and technical support/user assistance from company, maintenance less complicated than average.
• Low maintenance: breakdowns are less frequent than average and easy to correct, wear and wearable components have longer than average lifetime.
• Operator training: low-cost, detailed thorough curriculum offered regularly in convenient location.
• Operator troubleshooting: what can go wrong in the field and how difficult is it for the operator to fix it - e.g., plugged chutes and filters, and stuck/broken brooms.
• Costs: factor-in downtime, maintenance parts and labor, replacement value and cost, and contingency.
• References: has the sweeper proven reliable, effective for assigned tasks based on observation and research, any serious drawbacks or 'Achilles heels,' would you buy again.
• Community/regulatory acceptance: noisy, smoky, dusty, satisfies community and regulatory priorities for aesthetics, air and water quality.

You might consider making your list, then going back through it and assigning weightings to each factor. These weightings could involve a sorting into three groups. One way to do this would be to list a small group called 'must have' or 'fatal flaws,' and larger groups labeled 'should or should not have' and 'would like or would prefer to avoid.' Make the factors as objective and specific as possible. For example, if 'picks up wet leaves' is a 'must have,' verify with the manufacturer, and with references, that the sweeper is effective at this task.

Mark Blosser has been involved in stormwater management for 15 years. For the last 5 he has looked at sweeping as a way to reduce stormwater pollution.

Mark Blosser may be reached by calling (360) 753-, or by sending to .

This article is reprinted from American Sweeper magazine, Volume 7 Number 2.

Street sweeping is a versatile practice that can help maintain work zone cleanliness and protect local environments from pollution. In the construction industry, street sweeping is invaluable in stormwater management, removing harmful pollutants from worksites and preventing debris from accumulating in drainage systems.

Investing in street sweeping for your construction project can save you money by prolonging the longevity of other controls and reducing the risk of flooding. However, the question comes down to which street sweeper you should choose, as many street sweepers have different types of equipment designed for different projects.

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This guide will help you choose a street sweeper so you can get the most out of your investment.

Scoping Out Project Requirements

Before diving into specific models or brands, it’s important to clarify your project’s requirements and goals. Consider the following factors:

1. Scope and Size of the Project: Determine the total area that needs to be swept, including the active zone and any surrounding roadways. Compact areas will require a smaller street sweeper, which will limit your options in the long run.
2. Types of Debris: Different sweepers are designed to handle different types of debris, which will impact which one is right for your job.
3. Sustainability: If you are environmentally conscious, then using a street sweeper with an electric or hybrid battery could be something that’s important to you.
4. Frequency of Sweeping: Determine how often you need to sweep the area. Some projects may require daily sweeping, while others may be less frequent.
5. Budget: Establish a budget for the purchase or rental of the street sweeper, including maintenance costs and operational expenses. In many instances, a rental street sweeper will make more sense for most companies.

Types of Street Sweepers

Deciding on the right street sweeper depends on your application and the type of sweeper you need. Here are the most common types of street sweepers and brushes they use.

1. Mechanical Broom Sweepers: These sweepers use rotating brushes to sweep debris into a hopper for collection. They are effective for removing heavy debris and are often used on construction sites and industrial areas.
2. Vacuum Sweepers: Vacuum sweepers use suction to collect debris and dust into a hopper. They are efficient for cleaning urban streets, parking lots, and areas with fine particles.
3. Regenerative Air Sweepers: These sweepers use a combination of air circulation and vacuum to lift debris off the ground and into a hopper. They are effective for removing fine particles and are commonly used in urban areas and around sensitive environments.
4. Waterless or Dust Suppression Sweepers: These sweepers use dust suppression sprays or waterless systems to control dust and minimize water usage. They are ideal for arid regions or areas with strict water conservation regulations.

A mechanical broom sweeper will generally be recommended for commercial street sweeping that requires heavy particle removal. However, a smaller or less robust street sweeper may be adequate for municipalities’ needs.

Additional Considerations

In addition to the type of street sweeper you need, there are also many other factors you need to consider when working with a street sweeper.

1. Sweeping Width and Capacity: Depending on your area’s size and the lanes a street sweeper can navigate a smaller street sweeper may be necessary to access tight spaces. Look for features such as a tight turning radius, ergonomic controls, and ease of maintenance to ensure smooth operation by operators.
2. Dust Control System: Local regulations may require you to use a street sweeper that uses specific duct sizes to remove dust and other pollutants that gather on worksites.
3. Noise Levels: If you’re working in a crowded or urban area, you may need to consider noise levels to avoid violating local codes.
4. Emissions and Environmental Impact: Different sweepers have different sustainability standards, so inquiring about these may be important if you are trying to meet certain emissions standards.
5. Maintenance Requirements: Consider the maintenance needs of the sweeper, including routine servicing, parts availability, and the availability of technical support. Reliable maintenance ensures consistent performance and extends the sweeper’s lifespan.

Choosing Between Purchase and Rental

In certain circumstances, a large enough construction company may purchase its own street sweeper. However, most companies tend to outsource this through a contractor. Here are some considerations when deciding between purchasing or renting a street sweeper.

• Purchase: Buying a street sweeper provides long-term control over equipment and may be cost-effective for ongoing projects or frequent use.
• Rental: Renting a street sweeper offers flexibility for short-term projects or one-time cleaning needs without the upfront investment and maintenance responsibilities.

Selecting the right street sweeper for your project involves careful consideration of your specific requirements, environmental regulations, budget, and operational needs. At Valor Environmental, we employ street sweepers specifically designed to work with lots of different projects, including municipalities and active work zones. For more information or to get a quote, contact us today.

FAQs

How do mechanical broom sweepers differ from regenerative air sweepers?

Mechanical broom sweepers use rotating brushes to sweep debris into a hopper, whereas regenerative air sweepers use a high-velocity air stream to lift debris off the surface and into a hopper. Mechanical broom sweepers are typically better for heavy debris, while regenerative air sweepers excel in fine dust and small debris.

What is the advantage of a vacuum sweeper?

Vacuum sweepers use suction to collect debris, making them effective for picking up fine particles and lighter debris. They are often preferred for urban areas where noise and dust suppression are important considerations.

How important is the size and capacity of the sweeper’s hopper?

The size and capacity of the sweeper’s hopper dictate how much debris it can collect before needing to be emptied. Choose a sweeper with a hopper size appropriate for the area to be cleaned and the frequency of cleaning operations to optimize efficiency.

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