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“Early spring can be especially demanding on sweepers used by northern contractors,” adds David Zajicek, service school director for Waco, TX-based Tymco, manufacturer of regenerative air sweepers. “Picking up heavy, intense sand requires sweepers to be in top running condition. For air-type sweepers, first and foremost, that means seals need to be functioning properly and the blower in top condition.”

Before taking to streets and parking lots for the first time this year, Zajicek, like Patterson, encourages contractors to check the inspection door seal, transition seals, dust separator seals, and seals on the dump door on their air sweepers. “Having a tight air seal around the pickup head is especially important,” he adds. “Make sure these seals are good and that the pickup head is adjusted properly.”

He adds that over time, blower wheels will wear and lose their efficiency. “Check the wheel for excessive wear and make sure the blower is moving enough air, something, again, that will be required to pick up debris left over from the winter months.”

Oil and water

Zajicek notes that the dust-controlling water system needs to be inspected to ensure that the spray tips and nozzles will be doing their job. “Even brass nozzles wear out over time,” he adds “and while you’re checking the water system check out the water pump, too. Maybe it’s time for a new seal kit or a replacement pump.”

Costas Cordonis, warranty/service manager for Schwarze Industries, Huntsville, AL, says most sweepers run hydraulically or have some type of hydraulic system to run different operations. (see sidebar) “Change the hydraulic oil and filters before spring startup and check the fluid level daily, even before starting the equipment,” he says. “Check all fittings and hoses, too. If components need to be replaced, make sure to replace them with the correct parts. Replacing fittings or hoses with ones that have a smaller displacement will create flow restriction, back pressure, and system overheating.”