Efficiency and productivity go hand in hand, and having the right tool for the job makes all the difference. Whether you’re tackling heavy-duty debris or lighter materials, choosing the right sweeper is key to optimizing your operations. Elgin’s mechanical and regenerative air models are top performers in their class, each tailored to different needs. In this blog, we’ll break down their features, strengths, and best-use cases to help you decide which sweeper fits your unique application.
Mechanical Sweeper
Known as the ‘classic’ among street sweeper models, originally invented in the year 1914, these models have proven their durability by exhibiting continuous functionality for more than a century.
How it works
Using three brooms in total: two placed on the sides and one placed at the rear. The two side brooms work to gather surrounding debris and push it in the path of the rear broom. The rear broom rotates upwards, allowing the debris that enters its path to be flicked onto a central conveyor system. The conveyor moves the debris upwards and releases it into a hopper where it is collected for disposal.
Strengths
- Less Expensive: Seeing as it is the ‘basic’ model, this original edition of the street sweeper is generally more attainable, in terms of cost, than other sweeper varieties.
- Versatile: Depending on the conveyor system, your sweeper can be great for multiple debris sizes. A system involving a belt is great for larger pieces, while a system involving a squeegee is perfect for the collection of finer granules.
- Larger Obstruction Collection: Though the mechanical sweeper has the capability to collect smaller pieces of litter and dust, these machines are primarily utilized to collect larger debris. They are incredibly efficient as they maintain their reputation for one-pass pickups.
Regenerative Air Sweeper
How it works
Though the design also uses two side brooms that contour the roads and collect debris, this sweeper has no need for a third (rear) brush. Instead, it uses a closed-loop air pickup head. One side of this system pushes out pressurized air at a high velocity, allowing debris in its path to become airborne. The other side acts as a vacuum, sucking up everything within its range and directing it to the hopper for disposal.
Strengths
- One-Pass Pick Up: Due to the intensity of the air traveling through the pickup head and the efficiency of the contoured brushes, if items of debris are in this sweeper’s path, it is certain that they will be collected. Though vigilance is always recommended, operators experience increased productivity with such an efficient machine.
- Small Items of Debris: Without the use of a third brush, it allows the sweeper to have enhanced efficiency with the collection of smaller debris such as gravel, sand, and small bits of plastic, rubber, and metals.
- High Speed: Unlike other street sweeper lines of similar capacity, Elgin’s regenerative air sweepers have passed rigorous tilt tests, allowing higher speed travel than most street sweepers. At 15 mph, jobsites such as runways and racetracks can be swiftly and effectively maintained.
- No Plugging: With the air-powered pickup head, you can say goodbye to plugging issues! Larger items of debris do not clog the sweeping system or disable its function.
Shared Features
- Brooms: Both utilize two side brooms for surrounding debris collection. These brooms are contoured to the road and gutters to provide reliable one-pass pickup and expanded coverage for enhanced productivity.
- Water Usage: Water acts as a lubricant for dirt and reduction of dust emissions.
Choosing the right street sweeper can transform your operations, saving time and resources while ensuring outstanding performance. If you’re still unsure which model suits your needs, our team of experts are here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about Elgin’s sweeping solutions or schedule a demo to see the equipment in action!