Keeping job sites, parking lots, and roadways free of debris is essential for safety, efficiency, and a professional appearance. Whether you’re maintaining a commercial property, clearing construction debris, or performing seasonal cleanup, a skid steer sweeper attachment can significantly cut down your workload.
But choosing the right skid steer broom isn’t always easy. Should you go with an angle broom or a pickup broom? Both attachments serve different purposes, and picking the wrong one can lead to inefficiency, excessive dust, and unnecessary wear on your equipment.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between angle brooms and pickup brooms, discuss best applications, and help you determine which skid steer attachment is best for your needs.
What is a Skid Steer Pickup Broom?
A skid steer pickup broom is designed to sweep debris into a bucket for collection, making it ideal for applications that require dust control and complete debris removal. Unlike angle brooms that push debris to the side, pickup brooms contain and collect material for easy disposal.
Best Applications for a Pickup Broom:
- Parking lot sweeping – Removes dirt, leaves, and trash without spreading debris
- Sidewalk & curb cleanup – Perfect for keeping urban areas clean
- Warehouse & industrial sweeping – Controls dust and fine debris indoors
- Municipal road maintenance – Ensures clean streets and prevents storm drain clogging
Key Benefits of a Pickup Broom:
- Superior Dust Control – Pickup brooms contain dust within the bucket, making them ideal for areas where airborne particles are a concern.
- Efficient Debris Collection – Instead of redistributing debris, pickup brooms ensure everything is collected and disposed of properly.
- Works Best on Smooth Surfaces – Designed for asphalt, concrete, and indoor environments where finer debris needs to be fully captured.
- Reduces Cleanup Time – Since pickup brooms collect debris instead of pushing it aside, there’s no need for additional manual sweeping.
What is a Skid Steer Angle Broom?
A skid steer angle broom is designed to push debris to the side, making it ideal for large-scale cleaning, rough terrain, and outdoor applications. Unlike pickup brooms, angle brooms don’t collect debris—they move it into piles for easier removal.
Best Applications for an Angle Broom:
- Construction site cleanup – Clears dirt, dust, and loose material quickly
- Gravel road & dirt path maintenance – Redistributes loose material efficiently
- Angle broom for snow removal – Clears light snow from roads, driveways, and sidewalks
- Angle broom for debris cleanup – Ideal for spring cleaning, leaf removal, and landscaping
Key Benefits of an Angle Broom:
- Fast & Efficient Sweeping – Covers large areas quickly, reducing cleanup time.
- Handles Rough & Uneven Terrain – Works on dirt roads, gravel lots, and rocky surfaces where pickup brooms struggle.
- Perfect for Seasonal Cleanup – Ideal for fall leaf removal, spring cleanup, and snow removal in winter.
- Durable & Low Maintenance – Fewer moving parts than a pickup broom, making it easier to maintain in harsh conditions.
Angle Broom vs. Pickup Broom – Which One Should You Choose?
| Feature | Pickup Broom | Angle Broom |
| How It Works | Sweeps debris into a bucket for collection | Pushes debris to the side |
| Best For | Collecting dust, dirt, and small debris | Moving larger debris like gravel, mud, and snow |
| Dust Control | Excellent – Contains dust in the bucket | Can create dust clouds unless a water kit is used |
| Ideal Surface Type | Smooth, paved areas | Uneven, rocky, or dirt-covered surfaces |
| Efficiency | Thorough cleanup but slower | Fast sweeping over large areas |
When to Choose a Pickup Broom
1. If You Need to Collect and Contain Debris
Unlike angle brooms that push debris around, pickup brooms collect dirt, dust, and debris in a bucket, making it easier to dispose of waste properly. This is ideal for municipal street cleaning, warehouse maintenance, and parking lot sweeping.
2. If You’re Working in Areas Where Dust Control is Critical
Indoor spaces, industrial sites, and commercial properties require strict dust management to ensure safety and cleanliness. Pickup brooms prevent dust from becoming airborne, making them the best choice for enclosed areas.
3. If You’re Cleaning Paved Surfaces
Pickup brooms are most effective on smooth surfaces like asphalt and concrete, where they can efficiently sweep fine debris into the bucket without leaving behind residue.
4. If You Want to Minimize Secondary Cleanup
Since pickup brooms collect debris, there’s no need for a follow-up cleaning step, which saves time and labor costs.
When to Choose an Angle Broom
1. If You Need to Clear Large Open Areas Quickly
An angle broom allows for faster sweeping, making it the best option for large-scale cleaning. Whether you’re clearing a construction site, roadway, or sports field, an angle broom will cover more ground efficiently.
2. If You’re Sweeping Heavy or Large Debris
Pickup brooms work best for fine dust and smaller debris, while angle brooms are better suited for pushing larger materials like rocks, gravel, and compacted dirt.
3. If You’re Working on Uneven or Unpaved Terrain
If your worksite consists of dirt roads, gravel paths, or rough landscapes, an angle broom is a better choice. Pickup brooms tend to struggle on uneven terrain, while angle brooms adapt to ground variations and effectively move loose debris.
4. If You Need a Multi-Season Sweeper
Angle brooms are highly versatile and can be used for spring cleaning, summer road maintenance, fall leaf clearing, and winter snow removal. If you need an all-season skid steer attachment, an angle broom is a great investment.
Making the Right Choice
Both pickup brooms and angle brooms are valuable skid steer attachments, but choosing the right one depends on your specific needs.
For dust control and fine debris collection → Choose a Pickup Broom.
For quick sweeping over large areas → Choose an Angle Broom.
For rough terrain or gravel roads → Choose an Angle Broom.
For smooth paved surfaces → Choose a Pickup Broom.
For snow removal → Use an Angle Broom for Snow Removal.
At Skid Pro, we manufacture high-performance skid steer sweepers designed for durability and efficiency. Contact our team today to find the best skid steer broom for your job!