Sweeping Techniques

Every parking lot is different. They differ in size, design, geographical location, and their condition. Some are dirty all over and others only in certain areas. Because of these differences, it is necessary to design a sweeping plan. A little observation will tell the operator how to best meet the management's sweeping needs.

Mr. Air Sweepers will pick up most forms of litter on paved and turf surfaces. One reason why air sweepers are faster than a broom machine is due to the speeds at which the operator can sweep. The Model 1600 will sweep various kinds of debris at the following speeds:

• Large litter (bottles, cans, disposable diapers, oil cans, paper litter)
  Recommended speed: 10-15 mph.
  
  
• Landscape debris (Pine needles, leaves, etc.)
  Recommended speed: 8-12 mph.
  
  
• Small debris (broken glass, light sand, light gravel)
  Recommended speed: 5-7 mph.
  
  
• Curbside sweeping
  Recommended speed: 0-5 mph.

Note: In rainy weather or low visibility, the above sweeping speeds should be reduced.

Sweeping Equipment Checklist

Before beginning a sweeping job, the operator needs to check all the equipment to ensure that all equipment is functional and prepared for use.

1. Are the fuel tanks full?

2. Are the oil levels for the vehicle and sweeper engines okay?

3. Are the vehicle and sweeper's radiator coolant level okay?

4. Has the sweeper auxiliary engine air filter been cleaned?

5. Sweeping Head:

• Are the skid shoes adjusted to wear evenly and are the bolts tight?
• Are safety sway chains intact?
• Are the spare tie rod bolts in the cab?
  

6. Start the vehicle engine and auxiliary engine.

• Is the battery charge strong?
• Do both engines idle smoothly?
  

7. Electrical.

• Are the gutter lights, turn signals, brake lights, and headlights working?
• Is the water pump working?
  

8. Are all tires properly inflated (including the spare tire)?

9. Hopper and Fan Housing.

• Is the hopper empty?
• Are the hopper doors closed and sealed?
• Is the hopper screen clean and free of holes and tears?
• Is air circulation damper set?
  

10. Are tools and parts on hand for on-the-job repairs?

• Tire jack and lug wrench.
• Crescent wrench.
• Pliers.
• Wire.
• Assorted bolts, nuts, and washers.
• Screw driver.
  

11. Is the proper equipment on hand for daily operation such as back pack blower, broom, shovel, rake, etc.

While each situation is different, there are three basic sweeping techniques. The operator will usually use all three methods in getting the job done.

Technique #1

Curbside sweeping- After blowing off sidewalks, landscaped islands, or other special tasks, the first step in sweeping is to do the curb lines. The operator should drive about 3 mph along the curb with gutter broom on. The sweeping head drag shoe on the passenger side should be kept at a minimum of three (3) inches from the curb. When positioned properly, the clean air blower will blast debris from the curb under the sweeping head.

Technique #2

Inch by Inch sweeping- The total area of the parking lot is swept. This is only necessary for high debris areas.

Technique #3

Spot sweeping- This approach will pick up visible debris scattered in distant or low impact areas. Spot sweeping may be done at speed up to 20 mph depending on the debris.

Note: Large debris such as boards, plastic containers, boxes, branches, or flat pieces of cardboard should be picked up by hand in order to avoid plugging of the intake tube.

If a parking lot is done frequently, the operator may plan to do all curbs near buildings each time. In order to keep time and costs down, the operator may recommend sweeping different sections of the lot using the inch by inch technique on a rotating basis. Frequently, high use areas require inch by inch sweeping each time while other areas could be spot swept.

Turf Sweeping

Turf sweeping should be done only when the ground is dry. Debris that is embedded or small and heavy objects cannot be swept off the turf (bolts, nuts, washers, etc.). A magnet bar may be purchased and used for this purpose.

For more information about sweeping read "Starting a Parking Lot Sweeping Business." Contact Masco Sweepers Marketing Department for a copy.