Clean streets are essential for the health and beauty of any community. Street sweeper trucks play a crucial role in maintaining urban cleanliness, removing debris, and keeping roadways safe for vehicles and pedestrians. These specialized machines have become indispensable tools for municipalities and private contractors alike, offering efficient solutions to tackle the ongoing challenge of street maintenance.
This comprehensive guide delves into the world of street sweeper trucks, exploring various types, top manufacturers, and key features to consider. It examines the best mechanical broom sweepers, regenerative air sweepers, and vacuum street sweepers available in the market. The article also discusses important maintenance and operational factors to help buyers make informed decisions when looking for a street sweeper for sale. By the end, readers will have a clear understanding of the options available and be better equipped to choose the right street sweeper truck for their specific needs.
Types of Street Sweeper Trucks
Street sweeper trucks come in three main types, each with its own unique features and applications. These include mechanical broom sweepers, regenerative air sweepers, and vacuum sweepers. The choice of sweeper depends on factors such as the size and amount of debris, environmental concerns, and specific cleaning requirements.
Mechanical Broom Sweepers
Mechanical broom sweepers are the oldest and most common type of street sweepers. They operate using a system of rotating brushes that push debris towards the center of the sweeper. A conveyor system then picks up the swept material and deposits it into a hopper for later disposal.
Key features of mechanical broom sweepers include:
- Effectiveness in handling heavy or packed-down materials like road millings
- Suitability for spring cleanup in areas with heavy winter sand usage
- Higher maintenance costs due to numerous moving parts
- Less environmentally friendly compared to air-based systems
These sweepers are particularly useful in situations requiring the removal of large, heavy debris. However, they may not be the best choice for areas with strict environmental regulations regarding stormwater pollution or air quality.
Regenerative Air Sweepers
Regenerative air sweepers are considered the most environmentally friendly option among street sweeper trucks. They utilize a closed-loop system that creates a cyclonic effect to clean streets efficiently.
Key aspects of regenerative air sweepers include:
- Constant recirculation of air within the system
- Air blast on one side of the sweeping head, with debris collection on the opposite side
- Ability to handle a wide range of debris in various situations
- Fewer moving parts compared to mechanical sweepers
- Effective for leaf collection due to larger intake hoses
These sweepers are versatile and well-suited for routine street maintenance operations in cities or for contractors. They offer a good balance between cleaning efficiency and environmental considerations.
Vacuum Sweepers
Vacuum sweepers operate similarly to household vacuum cleaners but on a much larger scale. They use an engine-powered fan to create suction, which picks up debris from the street surface.
Key characteristics of vacuum sweepers include:
- Single suction inlet on one side of the sweeping head
- Use of windrow and gutter brooms to guide debris towards the vacuum opening
- Thorough cleaning near curb lines
- Less dust creation compared to mechanical broom sweepers
- Effectiveness on uneven pavement surfaces
Vacuum sweepers are particularly effective at removing fine particles and debris from streets. However, they have limitations in handling larger debris due to smaller suction tubes compared to regenerative air sweepers.
| Sweeper Type | Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Broom | Heavy debris, road millings, spring cleanup | Less environmentally friendly, higher maintenance |
| Regenerative Air | Multi-purpose, routine maintenance, leaf collection | Less effective for extremely heavy-duty applications |
| Vacuum | Fine particle removal, curb line cleaning | Limited capacity for large debris, one-sided operation |
Each type of street sweeper truck has its strengths and weaknesses. The choice between them depends on the specific needs of the municipality or contractor, taking into account factors such as debris type, environmental regulations, and maintenance considerations. By understanding these different types, decision-makers can select the most appropriate street sweeper truck to keep their streets clean and well-maintained.
Top Street Sweeper Truck Manufacturers
The street sweeper truck industry is dominated by several key players known for their innovative designs, reliability, and high-performance equipment. These manufacturers have established themselves as leaders in the field, offering a range of models to suit various cleaning needs and environments.
Elgin Sweeper Company
Elgin Sweeper Company has a long-standing reputation in the street sweeper industry. They offer a diverse lineup of sweepers, including popular models like the Elgin Eagle and Elgin Broom Bear. The Elgin Eagle, while an older model, has been a staple in many municipalities due to its durability. However, some users have reported maintenance challenges with this model.
The Elgin Broom Bear has gained popularity among operators for its balance of performance and maintainability. It’s particularly well-suited for tasks such as sweeping after pavement milling, offering the strength needed for heavy-duty applications while remaining relatively easy to maintain.
Schwarze Industries
Schwarze Industries has made a significant impact in the street sweeper market with its range of high-quality machines. Their lineup includes models like the Schwarze M6000 and A7000, which have gained recognition for their efficiency and reliability.
Schwarze sweepers are known for their robust construction and advanced technology, making them a preferred choice for many municipalities and contractors. The company’s focus on innovation has resulted in sweepers that can handle a variety of cleaning tasks effectively.
Tymco
Tymco revolutionized the street sweeping industry in the 1960s with the invention of the Regenerative Air System. This technology forms the backbone of every Tymco sweeper, setting them apart in the market. The company offers a comprehensive product lineup designed for multiple applications and industries.
Key features of Tymco sweepers include:
- High maneuverability for parking lot sweeping
- High dump capabilities for street sweeping
- High-speed models for airport runway cleaning
Tymco also caters to environmentally conscious customers with their dustless industrial sweepers and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered street sweepers. Their commitment to efficiency is encapsulated in their slogan, “The Most Efficient Way to Sweep.”
Johnston Sweepers
Johnston Sweepers, now marketed by Bucher, has over a century of experience in manufacturing sweeping machines. While they are more renowned for their “VT” truck-mounted sweepers, Johnston has been making strides in the compact street cleaner market with their “C” family of sweepers.
The C200 and C400 models, in particular, have been gaining traction in the market. These sweepers showcase Johnston’s expertise in creating efficient and reliable cleaning machines. While the smaller C100 model is less common, the larger models are increasingly visible in urban cleaning operations.
| Manufacturer | Notable Models | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Elgin | Eagle, Broom Bear | Durability, Suitable for heavy-duty applications |
| Schwarze | M6000, A7000 | Robust construction, Advanced technology |
| Tymco | Various models | Regenerative Air System, Versatile applications |
| Johnston | C200, C400, VT series | Long history, Efficient compact models |
These top manufacturers continue to shape the street sweeper truck industry with their innovative designs and commitment to quality. Each brand offers unique features and capabilities, allowing municipalities and contractors to choose the best equipment for their specific street cleaning needs. As urban environments evolve, these companies are likely to continue adapting their technologies to meet the changing demands of street maintenance and cleanliness.
Key Features to Consider
When selecting a street sweeper truck, several crucial factors come into play. These features significantly impact the machine’s efficiency, performance, and overall value. Let’s explore the key aspects that buyers should consider:
Sweeping Width
The sweeping width determines the area a street sweeper can clean in a single pass. This feature is crucial for efficiency, especially in wider streets or parking lots. Street sweepers typically employ a combination of side brooms and a main sweeping head to cover a broader area. The side brooms move debris from the curb line into the path of the sweeping head, ensuring thorough cleaning along the edges of roads and pavements.
Hopper Capacity
Hopper capacity is a critical factor in determining how long a street sweeper can operate before needing to unload. A larger hopper means fewer trips to dump collected debris, resulting in more efficient cleaning operations. For instance, the TYMCO Model 600 boasts a hopper capacity of over 7.3 cubic yards, ensuring a payload of over 10,000 lbs. This substantial capacity allows for extended sweeping sessions without frequent interruptions for unloading.
Water Tank Size
Water plays a vital role in dust suppression during sweeping operations. A larger water tank allows for longer sweeping times while maintaining excellent dust control. The TYMCO Model 600, for example, has a water capacity of up to 440 gallons, providing hours of continuous sweeping with effective dust management. Adequate water capacity is essential to prevent the creation of dust clouds, which can be both a nuisance and a health hazard.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is becoming increasingly important in street sweeper design, both for economic and environmental reasons. Manufacturers are focusing on developing more fuel-efficient models to reduce operating costs and environmental impact. For example, TYMCO’s engineers designed the Model 600 around a smaller, more fuel-efficient auxiliary engine. This design choice was made possible by using a lightweight aluminum alloy blower that requires less horsepower to operate effectively.
| Feature | Importance | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sweeping Width | Determines area cleaned per pass | Side brooms + main sweeping head |
| Hopper Capacity | Affects operation duration | TYMCO Model 600: 7.3 cubic yards |
| Water Tank Size | Controls dust during operation | TYMCO Model 600: 440 gallons |
| Fuel Efficiency | Reduces costs and environmental impact | TYMCO Model 600: Smaller auxiliary engine |
In addition to these key features, buyers should also consider the sweeper’s mechanism type. Different types of street sweepers use various methods to collect debris:
- Mechanical sweepers use main brooms to sweep debris onto a conveyor that deposits it into the hopper.
- Regenerative air sweepers employ a closed-loop airflow system that dislodges fine particulate matter and vacuums it into the hopper.
- Vacuum sweepers create a powerful suction force to pull in loosened debris and dust particles.
- Waterless sweepers utilize similar mechanics but include a skirt or cover to control dust within the sweeper’s path.
The choice between these mechanisms depends on the specific cleaning requirements and environmental considerations of the area to be maintained. Each type has its strengths and is suited to different cleaning scenarios.
By carefully considering these key features, municipalities and contractors can select a street sweeper truck that best meets their specific needs, ensuring efficient and effective street cleaning operations.
Best Mechanical Broom Sweepers
Mechanical broom sweepers are highly efficient machines designed to handle heavier, bulkier materials. These sweepers excel at picking up a wide variety of debris commonly found on construction sites, city gutters, and along county and state highways. They are particularly useful in colder climates for spring cleanup duties, effectively removing high volumes of sand and snow-melting materials that accumulate over the winter. Let’s explore some of the top mechanical broom sweepers in the market.
Elgin Pelican
The Elgin Pelican is a three-wheel mechanical sweeper that has been continuously improved since its original design in 1914. It offers exceptional maneuverability, visibility, and economy, making it an industry leader in road sweepers. Key features of the Elgin Pelican include:
- 360-degree operator visibility
- Rear steer for outstanding maneuverability
- Front-mounted, variable high dump 3.6 yd³ (2.8 m³) hopper
- Elgin exclusive chevron conveyor belt
- Isolation-mounted cab for cleaner, quieter operation
- Single-lane dumping capability
The Pelican’s sweep system easily handles heavily compacted dirt and bulky debris. It’s also available with Elgin’s innovative waterless dust control feature, allowing year-round sweeping and water conservation.
Schwarze A8 Twister
The Schwarze A8 Twister is a top-of-the-line mechanical broom sweeper known for its impressive cleaning performance and versatility. It offers several notable features:
- 6-cubic yard, fully stainless steel hopper
- Full range dump heights from 2′ to 12′
- Proven Schwarze scissors lift system
- 144-inch sweeping path
- 32.75-inch radial turbine blower
- Dual 44-inch gutter brooms with in-cab controls
The A8 Twister’s dump system allows for low dumping without stabilizer deployment, making it as fast as some popular low dump regenerative air models. It’s available in both twin-engine and single-engine (SE) versions, with the SE model offering the same sweep power at lower operational costs.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Hopper Capacity | 6.0 Cubic Yards |
| Hopper Material | Stainless Steel |
| Sweeping Path | 144 Inches |
| Gutter Brooms | Dual 44-Inch |
| Dump Height Range | 2′ to 12′ |
The A8 Twister also boasts several innovative features, including:
- Recessed gutter broom disks to reduce operational costs
- Optional Gutter Broom Extension Override (GEO) for increased versatility
- Angled rubber blast orifice pickup head for improved debris transfer
- Schwarze exclusive “sweeps in reverse” capability
Johnston C201
The Johnston C201 is a compact and maneuverable mechanical broom sweeper, perfect for smaller spaces and urban environments. While specific details about this model are limited in the provided information, it’s known for its:
- Powerful suction system
- Ability to easily navigate tight corners and obstacles
- Compact design suitable for urban cleaning operations
The C201 is part of Johnston’s “C” family of sweepers, which has been gaining traction in the compact street cleaner market. Its size and maneuverability make it an excellent choice for municipalities and contractors working in confined urban areas.
In conclusion, these mechanical broom sweepers offer a range of features to suit various sweeping needs. The Elgin Pelican provides time-tested reliability and efficiency, the Schwarze A8 Twister offers versatility and innovative features, and the Johnston C201 excels in compact urban environments. When choosing a mechanical broom sweeper, consider factors such as hopper capacity, sweeping width, maneuverability, and specific features that align with your operational requirements.
Top Regenerative Air Sweepers
Regenerative air street sweepers are an excellent choice for everyday sweeping needs, providing a wide cleaning path and efficiently removing smaller debris. These machines offer unique features designed to make sweeping tasks safer, easier, and more cost-effective. Let’s explore some of the top regenerative air sweepers in the market.
TYMCO Model 600
The TYMCO Model 600 is a game-changer in the street sweeper industry. This powerful and reliable machine has revolutionized sweeping technology with its highly efficient Regenerative Air System. Key features of the TYMCO Model 600 include:
- Versatility: Suitable for various applications, from city streets during leaf season to construction sites and milling machine cleanup.
- Performance: Delivers exceptional cleaning results without a mechanical main broom or exhausting dusty air.
- Hopper Capacity: Over 7.3 cubic yards, ensuring a payload of over 10,000 lbs.
- Dust Control: High-efficiency centrifugal dust separator for maximum fine dust particulate separation.
- Water Conservation: Uses less water while maintaining excellent dust control.
- Fuel Efficiency: Powered by a 99 horsepower John Deere auxiliary engine and features a lightweight aluminum alloy blower.
The Model 600’s pick-up head incorporates full-width air blast and suction, effectively handling a wide variety of street debris. It comes standard with long-lasting Duo-Skids® for increased sweeping performance and longer wear. The optional Broom Assist Head (BAH) allows for broom-assisted sweeping when needed, controlled by a single switch in the cab.
Elgin Crosswind
The Elgin Crosswind is a versatile regenerative air sweeper well-suited for various applications. While specific details about this model are limited in the provided information, it’s known for its:
- Powerful vacuum system
- Large hopper capacity
- Compact design for navigating tight spaces
- Effectiveness in cleaning large areas
The Crosswind’s combination of power and maneuverability makes it an excellent choice for municipalities and contractors dealing with diverse cleaning scenarios.
Schwarze A7 Tornado
The Schwarze A7 Tornado is a high-performance regenerative air sweeper known for its exceptional cleaning capabilities. It boasts several innovative features:
- 44″ Gutter Brooms: Increased broom surface area enables debris transfer from a greater distance.
- Variable Speed Gutter Brooms: Allows matching broom speed to the auxiliary engine and job requirements.
- Angled Rubber Blast Orifice Pickup Head: Increases debris transfer while enabling high-speed sweeping.
- Large 8 Cubic Yard Rear Dumping Hopper: Provides longer sweep time between offloads.
- Whisper Wheel Fan System: Offers 7% more power, 20% less fuel consumption, and 70% less noise than previous models.
The A7 Tornado features a 90×36″ sweeping head for increased productivity and a larger area of surface cleaning. It also includes Schwarze’s exclusive “sweeps in reverse” capability, allowing sweeping access where others can’t reach.
| Feature | TYMCO Model 600 | Schwarze A7 Tornado |
|---|---|---|
| Hopper Capacity | 7.3+ cubic yards | 8 cubic yards |
| Dust Control | Centrifugal separator | Advanced dust control system |
| Unique Feature | Optional Broom Assist Head | Sweeps in reverse capability |
| Fuel Efficiency | Lightweight blower design | Whisper Wheel fan system |
These top regenerative air sweepers offer a range of features to suit various sweeping needs. The TYMCO Model 600 provides innovative technology and versatility, the Elgin Crosswind offers a balance of power and maneuverability, and the Schwarze A7 Tornado excels in performance and efficiency. When choosing a regenerative air sweeper, consider factors such as hopper capacity, dust control capabilities, and specific features that align with your operational requirements.
Leading Vacuum Street Sweepers
Vacuum street sweepers are essential for maintaining clean urban environments, offering powerful suction capabilities to remove debris and dust from various surfaces. Let’s explore some of the leading vacuum street sweepers in the market, each with its unique features and advantages.
Johnston V Range
Johnston, a company with over a century of experience in manufacturing sweeping machines, has made a significant impact in the vacuum street sweeper market with its V Range. While Johnston is better known for its “VT” truck-mounted sweepers, their compact street cleaners, particularly the “C” family, are gaining traction in the industry.
The V Range sweepers, including models like the C200 and C400, showcase Johnston’s expertise in creating efficient and reliable cleaning machines. These sweepers are designed to navigate tight corners and obstacles effectively, making them ideal for urban environments. The C200 and C400 models are increasingly visible in urban cleaning operations, demonstrating their growing popularity among municipalities and contractors.
Elgin Whirlwind
The Elgin Whirlwind is a powerful vacuum street sweeper known for its exceptional cleaning capabilities. While specific details about this model are limited in the provided information, it’s worth noting that Elgin is a well-established brand in the street sweeper industry. The Whirlwind likely incorporates Elgin’s commitment to innovation and efficiency in street cleaning technology.
Schwarze A9 Monsoon
The Schwarze A9 Monsoon stands out as a high-capacity vacuum street sweeper with impressive features. Here are some key aspects of this model:
- Hopper Capacity: At 9.6 cubic yards, it offers the largest hopper capacity among regenerative air street sweepers.
- Compact Design: Despite its large capacity, it maintains a 10′ overall height, allowing it to operate below tree canopies.
- Powerful Engine: Equipped with a 134 HP auxiliary engine for enhanced performance.
- Efficient Dumping: Features a 56-degree dump angle for easy debris disposal.
- Advanced Gutter Brooms: Utilizes 44″ gutter brooms for effective cleaning along curbs and edges.
- Water Capacity: Holds up to 600 gallons of water with 25% more spray nozzles than competitors.
- Noise Reduction: Incorporates Whisper Wheel 10-blade closed radial fan technology, operating at up to 70% lower noise levels than other models in its class.
- Versatile Sweeping: Capable of sweeping in forward or reverse without optional axle chains.
- Enhanced Debris Separation: Provides 40% more screen area than its nearest competitor.
The Schwarze A9 Monsoon is also available in a Single Engine (SE) configuration, offering the same performance as the twin-engine version while allowing for lower operational costs during typical sweeping tasks. When full power is needed for heavy-duty jobs like construction cleanup, the SE model delivers equivalent sweep power to its twin-engine counterpart.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Hopper Capacity | 9.6 cubic yards |
| Auxiliary Engine | 134 HP |
| Water Capacity | Up to 600 gallons |
| Gutter Brooms | 44″ |
| Dump Angle | 56 degrees |
Popular options for the Schwarze A9 Monsoon include:
- Lifetime warrantied stainless steel hopper
- Extra 350-gallon water tank
- Gutter Broom Extension Override (GEO) for increased usability
- 8′ auxiliary hand hose for cleaning tight areas
These leading vacuum street sweepers offer a range of features to suit various cleaning needs in urban environments. The Johnston V Range excels in maneuverability, the Elgin Whirlwind likely incorporates innovative cleaning technology, and the Schwarze A9 Monsoon stands out with its high capacity and advanced features. When selecting a vacuum street sweeper, consider factors such as hopper capacity, engine power, water capacity, and specific features that align with your operational requirements.
Maintenance and Operational Considerations
Regular Servicing
Regular maintenance is crucial for street sweeper trucks to perform optimally and extend their service life. Neglecting maintenance can lead to reduced efficiency, increased operating costs, and premature breakdowns. A comprehensive preventive maintenance program should include:
- Daily inspections: Operators should conduct visual checks of brushes, vacuum systems, and other components for signs of wear and tear.
- Cleaning: After each use, empty the hopper, clean screens and filters, and wash down the sweeper to remove corrosive materials.
- Lubrication: Properly lubricate moving parts to minimize friction and reduce wear.
- Hydraulic system care: Regularly inspect hydraulic hoses, connections, and fluid levels. Address hydraulic problems promptly to prevent breakdowns.
- Tire and suspension maintenance: Check tire pressure and tread wear regularly, and ensure the suspension system is in good condition.
- Filter maintenance: Clean or replace filters periodically to ensure optimal dust control and prevent clogging.
- Brush replacement: Inspect brushes regularly and replace them when necessary to maintain consistent cleaning performance.
Operator Training
Well-trained operators are essential for effective street sweeper maintenance and operation. A comprehensive training program should include:
- Machine operation: Proper techniques for operating the sweeper efficiently and safely.
- Troubleshooting: Identifying and reporting potential issues.
- Daily maintenance: Performing basic inspections and maintenance tasks.
- Safety procedures: Understanding and following safety protocols.
- Preventive maintenance: Recognizing the importance of regular servicing and adhering to maintenance schedules.
Training programs should designate the amount of time trainees spend observing experienced operators, the minimum time spent driving accompanied by a senior employee, and a set of maneuvers trainees must master before operating alone.
Parts Availability
Maintaining a stock of commonly used spare parts is crucial to minimize downtime in case of unexpected breakdowns. Essential components to keep on hand include:
- Brushes
- Filters
- Belts
- Hydraulic fittings
Having these parts readily available can expedite repairs and reduce the impact on street cleaning operations.
| Maintenance Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Visual inspection | Daily |
| Hopper cleaning | After each use |
| Hydraulic system check | Weekly |
| Filter replacement | As needed |
| Brush replacement | When worn |
By implementing a comprehensive maintenance program, providing thorough operator training, and ensuring parts availability, municipalities and contractors can maximize the efficiency and longevity of their street sweeper trucks. This approach not only reduces operational costs but also ensures consistent and high-quality street cleaning performance.
Conclusion
Street sweeper trucks play a crucial role in maintaining clean and safe urban environments. This guide has examined various types of sweepers, top manufacturers, and key features to consider when selecting the right machine. It has also delved into the best options for mechanical broom, regenerative air, and vacuum sweepers, providing insights to help buyers make informed decisions.
To wrap up, proper maintenance and operator training are essential to maximize the efficiency and longevity of street sweeper trucks. By keeping these factors in mind and carefully evaluating the options available, municipalities and contractors can choose the most suitable street sweeper truck to meet their specific needs. This approach ensures effective street cleaning operations and contributes to the overall health and beauty of communities.
