ForConstructionPros.com

Like most pavement maintenance equipment, sweeping trucks have an abundance of OEM options available. But despite the array of options and the length of time they have been on the market, many sweeping contractors still don't know what is available to them, says Brian Giles, product manager for Elgin Sweeper Company.

There isn't enough room in this magazine to describe all the possible options and enhancements for sweepers and the benefits they can offer contractors. Tom Rokas, who works for inside sales at Tymco, recommends a contractor schedule a demo with a manufacturer so they can go into complete detail about the options, see how the options work so they can understand each particular one, and see why those options are beneficial.

One factor that may cause contractors to think twice about adding to their machines is price. "It's a fraction of the cost to add something from the factory than it is to do it after the fact. And it will probably be a better, higher quality installation if this enhancement is built into the sweeper, not on the sweeper," Giles says. "What you need to consider is 'how much can this make me on the back end?' Put aside the fact that there's going to be some paying up front to get it. 'Will it make me more money in the long run?'"

Compiled here are some of the more popular options available as well as options that contractors may not know about.

Third front broom
Most sweepers have two brooms, but this option provides a contractor with an extra third broom at the front of the truck. This third broom is attached to an arm that reaches out in front of the truck and into corners. It also helps the sweeper follow tight turns and increases the sweeping width, allowing the broom to reach places the other brooms can't.