FEATURE tractor-mounted and the smaller ones are generally walk behind .”
Bensink continued , “ The other type of commercial sweepers are usually for more specialized applications . These are the vertically-mounted broom types . For example , this could be the gutter-broom application on a municipal or private truck-mounted street sweeper . This configuration allows for edge cleaning , where horizontal sweepers don ’ t perform as well . The ability of a vertical sweeping head on a walk behind unit has been developed by Bensink Mfg . for the sealcoating , asphalt and striping contractor . The vertical sweeper with high tensile strength steel bristles performs well where previously the cleaning had to be done by hand . High labor costs and poor cleaning results have been eliminated .
“ The large horizontal sweepers work well when large areas must be cleaned . Many of these units incorporate a water spray application to help reduce dust and dirt in the air . The vertical unit is designed to clean in tight places where horizontal sweepers , large or small , are not as effective . These areas include along curbs , gutters , drain areas , and parking bumpers . They also work well prepping crankcase oil spot areas for treating and sealing . They are compact , easy to
maneuver , and load into small areas of the trailer or the pickup bed .
“ All broom heads , horizontal and vertical , wear and periodically need to be replaced . The more the broom head wears , the less effectively it cleans . Poly bristles wear considerably faster than high tensile strength steel bristles . Cost and frequency of replacement are certainly a factor to consider .
“ As to which sweeper to purchase ,” Bensink concluded , “ it ’ s not a real complex decision . If you must collect the dust and debris , the truck mounted sweeper may be the best choice . However , they lack a certain maneuverability in tighter spaces . For sweeping large areas where dust collection within the unit is not necessary , but maneuverability is paramount , the tractor-mounted units can provide that . The largeand small-horizontal units do not clean along curb edges where dirt and dust can seriously accumulate and where curb faces are dirty and peeling . The steel bristle vertical unit works best in this application .”
Mechanical sweepers have long been considered the go-to workhorse for the industrial market .
“ We are seeing larger industrial sites and contractors using a combination of mechanical sweepers and a second ( or more ) unit that ’ s vacuum technology ,” stated Matt Starnes , product marketing manager , Bucher Municipal North America Inc ., Mooresville , North Carolina . “ Even some mid-size vacuum sweepers are being used around industrial sites where you need agility in tight spaces .”
Starnes continued , “ Mechanical sweepers are the choice for industrial , road work , and spring cleanup in the north to clean up salt , brine , and other snow mitigation leftovers . Vacuum street sweepers are best for municipal / city / town sweeping to pick up leaves , clean catch basins , and year-round sweeping , especially useful on roads with crowning . Vacuum sweepers are excellent on porous pavement . Regenerative air street sweepers can tackle removing FOD ( Foreign Object Debris ) on airport runways and sweeping up debris around the tarmac . Regens are best for flat surface sweeping . Compact sweepers ’ biggest advantage is maneuverability . Mid- vacuum sweepers offer some of the flexibility of a compact but hopper capacity and power closer to the truck mounted sweepers .” Different sweeper styles work best for different needs .
“ Air sweepers work best for fines and leaf / pine
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