Skid steer broom attachments are useful in all climates and all seasons. Whether you’re using your power sweeper to clean streets, clear debris from a construction site, or remove snow, these tips will help you.
Here are six tips to help you keep your power broom attachment in good working condition, extend the life of its wear parts, and protect the ground you’re working on.

1. USE PROPER DOWNFORCE
Using proper downforce is the most important thing to keep in mind when operating a skid steer sweeper attachment. You only want to flick the ground with the bristles. Pressing down any harder than that does more harm than good. Once bristles become bent, they’re not going to work as well as you want them to.
Proper downforce not only protects the ground you’re on, but it also protects your bristles — because while bristles are replaceable, they’re not cheap. With proper downforce, operators have a lot of control over how long their bristles last.
2. KNOW YOUR SWEEPING PATHS
Another part of protecting the ground you’re on is knowing where your sweeping paths are (and aren’t). Depending on the type of bristle (all poly or alternating poly/wire), power sweepers can cause damage to various ground types. For example, veering off of a path while sweeping can damage the lawn.
3. PERFORM GENERAL MAINTENANCE
With power broom attachments for skid steers, you’re dealing with a lot of rotating force and heavy bristles. When a broom is operating, there are multiple functions that are happening at one time, so it’s important to be a conscientious operator. Regularly check for general wear and follow the maintenance protocols for your attachment.
4. LET THE ATTACHMENT WARM UP
Power sweeper attachments, or anything with hydraulic functioning, needs some time to warm up (especially during winter weather). Allowing the oil to cycle through before getting to work is going to extend attachment life.  
5. MIND THE MOTOR
Depending on the design of your sweeper attachment, you might need to be aware of the motor’s position during operation. We realized operators were hitting or knocking their motor when they were sweeping up against buildings or in tighter spaces. 
6. STORE YOUR BROOM PROPERLY
Properly storing a sweeper attachment can help protect its bristles. To prevent deformation, you'll want to be sure to store your broom so that there is no pressure on the bristles.