Many industries require bobcat skid steer brooms for clean-up operations. For the best results, you need to purchase a broom with adequate structural strength and quality components that can withstand the stress of this type of work. A heavy-duty and high-quality broom will clean surfaces efficiently. However, choosing the right bobcat attachments for a specific job can be difficult if you aren’t sure what to look for.
This article will guide you in finding the best broom that suits your needs.
Factors to Identify High-Quality Bobcat Skid Steer Broom
Direct Motor Drive System
A broom with a direct motor drive is more powerful than other bobcat attachments and does not require frequent replacement of worn parts. It is one of the safest options as it does not have belt or chain pinch points like in mechanical systems. Tag Equipment offers HLA brooms with direct-drive systems providing a longer lifespan with less wear and tear.
Hydraulic Pressure Relief Valves
Pressure relief valves protect the motor and the machine’s hydraulic systems from a rapid rise or drop in pressure. The relief valves help in relieving pressure when the broom hits an obstacle. This ensures that the seals or other internal components are not damaged due to extreme pressure. HLA brooms feature relief valves for protection against pressure pulse.
Overall Weight
The specifications will give you information on the overall weight. A heavy skid-steer broom means a heavy-duty bobcat attachment as it is made of thick steel and additional bracing. Make sure to find out the thickness and steel grade.
Guarded Motor
The motor is the most expensive part of a skid steer broom. It is crucial to know about its origin and how it needs to be protected for maximum longevity. You also need to ensure that it has a guarded design and is easy to maintain.
Wafer Replacement
The wafer is a part of the skid steer broom that needs to be replaced. So, it is important to consider the replacement cost. Remember to ask about how it needs to be replaced before buying. Sometimes, the wafer is not easily accessible, and replacing it becomes a time-consuming process. At Tag Equipment, we offer HLA brooms with wafers that are quickly replaceable.
Learn About Pick Up Brooms for Your Bobcat Skid Steer
A pick-up broom is designed to sweep, collect, and dump debris using a bucket attached beneath. They have a motor that can work forward and backward. This enables the operator to collect debris while driving in both directions. This type of broom is suitable for sites such as warehouses, docks, factories, and roadways where removal and collection of debris are required.
Pick-up brooms have a simple design that reduces dust when operating, making them ideal for areas where debris cannot be suppressed by sweeping to the sides. It also prevents stones and debris from flying away and damaging nearby structures.
Water Kit
If your primary operation is to suppress dust, it is vital to consider a broom with a water kit. Waterless skid steer bobcat attachments may not be sufficient to capture dust and material without making the surroundings dusty.
Low Profile Water Kit
A low-profile water kit helps in controlling dust without preventing the operator from seeing the work area. They emit a mist that makes the dust heavier and drags it down. Although effective, you need to consider the extra time and initial investment. The water storage system is found on the bobcat attachment, the roof or the back of the machine.
Gutter Brush
Depending on your site requirements, such as street sweeping, you need a pick-up broom with a gutter brush that optimizes debris collection along the curbs.
How to Match a Broom with Your Bobcat Skid Steer
Determine the Appropriate Width
Typically, it helps if you choose a broom with a sweeping width wider than the tracks and tires of your bobcat skid steer or machine. However, remember that a broom wider than the tracks can limit access to specific areas.
Machine Flow Rate
It is essential to know the flow rate of your bobcat skid steer hydraulic system and the broom’s minimum and maximum flow rates. Generally, the flow rate is listed in gallons per minute (GPM). If the machine is operated at a flow rate of more than 25 GPM, it may result in failure that can void the motor warranty.
Machine’s Operating Capacity
It is also vital to consider your machine’s operating capacity. Ensure the broom you choose has a lower rating or matches your bobcat skid steer’s operating capacity. Refer to the bobcat attachment’s specifications to ensure that it is compatible with your machine.
Operating Tips for Your Bobcat Skid Steer Broom
- Check your machine’s manual for flow and pressure specifications.
- Sweep in the wind direction to keep the debris away from the operator.
- Prevent excessive weight on the wafers to minimize wear and premature failure of wafers.
- Change the rotation direction of the broom after bringing the broom to a complete stop to avoid premature failure of components.
Maintenance Tips for Your Bobcat Skid Steer Broom
- Ensure you check any worn and missing parts and repair and replace them regularly.
- Clean any foreign debris around the brush head.
- Check your motor, hydraulic fittings, hoses, and valves for damage and leaks. Shut off the machine before checking, and avoid using your hands when checking for high-pressure hydraulic leaks.
- Avoid storing polypropylene brushed in sunlight, as it can cause it to deteriorate. Store it in a dry place.
- Avoid putting excess weight on the brush when storing brooms.
We Offer a Wide Range of High-Quality Bobcat Attachments
Tag Equipment is a leading supplier of bobcat attachments for almost every make and model, including bobcat skid steers, mini excavators, compact loaders, and dumpers.
We offer best-in-class HLA hydraulic pick-up brooms with features and benefits including:
- Flat-faced couplers and hydraulic hoses
- Direct motor drive on a broom
- Steel/poly bristle wafers
- Front gauge wheel
- Reversible broom rotation for easy and effective sweeping
- Optional dust suppression water kit
- Applications in cleaning up construction sites, streets, gutters, parking lots, and recreation areas.
Contact us at 416-716-5850 or fill out our form to learn more about our products and services. We will be happy to help you find a bobcat attachment that fits your needs and budget.