Skid steer broom attachments are essential for construction sites, road maintenance, municipal cleaning, and industrial sweeping. Whether you’re using a skid steer angle broom or a skid steer pickup broom, understanding proper operation and maintenance ensures better performance and longer equipment life.
If you’ve ever struggled with inefficient sweeping, excessive dust, or choosing the right broom for a specific job, this guide will answer your most common questions, helping you get the best results from your skid steer sweeper.
Why Isn’t My Skid Steer Broom Collecting Debris Properly?
A skid steer broom that fails to collect debris effectively may be caused by improper use, worn-out parts, or the wrong attachment for the job.
1. Are You Using the Right Broom for the Job?
– Pickup brooms are designed to collect fine debris into a bucket, making them ideal for parking lots and warehouses.
– Angle brooms are meant to push debris aside, making them more effective for gravel roads, dirt paths, and construction sites.
Solution: Choose a pickup broom when debris needs to be collected and an angle broom when clearing large material.
2. Are the Bristles Worn Out?
– Bristles wear down over time, making it harder to sweep effectively.
– Poly bristles fray with use, while steel bristles become less rigid.
Solution: Replace bristles when they wear down to 50% of their original length.
3. Is the Broom Height Adjusted Correctly?
– If the broom is too high, it misses smaller debris.
– If the broom is too low, bristles wear out faster and may not sweep efficiently.
Solution: Adjust broom height so bristles make firm contact without excessive pressure.
How Do You Reduce Dust While Using a Skid Steer Broom?
Dust clouds are a common issue, especially on dry job sites, paved roads, and gravel surfaces. Here’s how to minimize airborne dust while sweeping.
1. Use a Pickup Broom Instead of an Angle Broom
– Pickup brooms collect debris in a bucket, reducing dust.
– Angle brooms push debris aside, which can create dust clouds.
Solution: For better dust control, use a pickup broom instead of an angle broom.
2. Install a Water Suppression Kit
– A water suppression system sprays mist while sweeping, preventing dust from becoming airborne.
– Especially useful on dirt roads and dry construction sites.
Solution: Use a water kit to keep dust under control when using an angle broom.
3. Adjust Your Sweeping Speed
– Sweeping too fast kicks up more dust instead of collecting it.
– Slower sweeping speeds help contain dust and debris more effectively.
Solution: Maintain a controlled sweeping speed to reduce dust clouds.
Can a Skid Steer Broom Be Used for Snow Removal?
Yes! Angle brooms are excellent for clearing light snow from roads, sidewalks, and driveways. They quickly push snow aside, making them a great alternative to snow plows for lighter snowfall.
Solution: For snow removal, use an angle broom instead of a pickup broom.
What Size Skid Steer Broom Do I Need?
The right broom size depends on your skid steer width and the size of the area you need to clean.
48” –72” brooms – Best for compact spaces and smaller job sites.
84”–96” brooms – Cover larger areas efficiently with fewer passes.
Solution: Choose a wider broom for large areas and a smaller broom for tight spaces.
What’s the Difference Between Poly and Steel Bristles?
Choosing the right bristle type affects sweeping performance and durability.
Poly bristles – Best for dust control, pavement sweeping, and fine debris collection.
Steel bristles – Best for gravel, mud, and heavy debris.
Combination bristles – A mix of both for versatile sweeping applications.
Solution: Use poly bristles for smooth surfaces and steel bristles for heavy-duty sweeping.
Do Skid Steer Brooms Work on Gravel Roads?
Yes, but angle brooms work best for maintaining gravel roads. They push debris to the side, allowing for better material redistribution. Pickup brooms struggle on uneven terrain and are better suited for paved surfaces.
Solution: Use an angle broom to clear gravel roads efficiently.
What’s the Best Skid Steer Broom for Uneven Surfaces?
Angle Brooms Are Ideal for Rough Terrain
– Angle brooms adjust well to uneven landscapes and gravel roads.
– Pickup brooms work best on flat, paved surfaces but struggle on irregular ground.
Solution: For rough terrain, use an angle broom with a floating linkage system.
How Fast Should You Operate a Skid Steer Broom?
The ideal sweeping speed depends on your broom type and surface conditions.
– Pickup brooms should be operated at a moderate speed to ensure debris is collected properly.
– Angle brooms can sweep at higher speeds, but excessive speed creates dust clouds and reduces efficiency.
Solution: Maintain a steady, controlled speed for the best sweeping results.
How Do You Maintain a Skid Steer Broom for Longer Life?
Proper maintenance helps extend the lifespan of your skid steer sweeper and ensures optimal performance.
1. Inspect & Replace Bristles Regularly: Replace bristles when they wear down by 50%.
2. Adjust Broom Height Properly: Ensure bristles make firm contact without excessive wear.
3. Clean the Bucket (for Pickup Brooms): Empty the bucket frequently to prevent buildup.
4. Store Your Broom in a Dry Area: Avoid rust and bristle damage by keeping the broom covered when not in use.
Get the Most Out of Your Skid Steer Broom
By choosing the right skid steer broom attachments and following best maintenance practices, you can improve cleaning efficiency, reduce dust and debris issues, extend the lifespan of your equipment.
At SkidPro, we manufacture high-performance skid steer brooms designed for durability and efficiency. Contact our team today to find the best broom for your skid steer!