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Cordonis advises sweeping contractors to regularly change hydraulic oil and filters to avoid system contamination, which could cause premature wear, corrosion on the valves and pump and possibly lead to motor bearing failures. To prevent or minimize corrosion caused by rain and the salt spread this past winter, he encourages contractors to routinely apply dielectric grease on the coils and electrical plugs, a move that will help keep moisture out.

Tune-up your trucks, too

Keeping trucks in top running order should be a top priority, too, Patterson says. “Contractors with older trucks in their fleet (2002 model year or older) may need to take them to the dealer to adjust the fuel trim and timing. These specs are set at the factory and require specials tools to change,” Patterson says.

“The maintenance procedure is well worth the cost. I have found that an out-of-adjustment engine can cost a contractor more than two gallons of fuel a night. Seven nights a week times 40 weeks, times $3.00 for a gallon of gas, adds up to a lot of extra costs. This service really needs to be performed at around 100,000 miles.”

Patterson says that contractors can save a considerable amount of money by grouping their order for tires, brooms, fluids, filters, and other wear parts. If you’re a member of the North American Power Sweeping Association make sure to ask for your discount, he adds.

One final thought from Patterson. “When conducting your spring tune-up, if you’re in doubt about a particular part or sweeper component, replace it. A broken down sweeper will almost always cost you more than the repair would have.”