What makes the Pickup Broom different from a standard angle broom?
The Pickup Broom doesn't just push debris around—it actually sweeps and collects material in one pass using an integrated hopper bucket. Standard angle brooms move dirt and debris to the side, requiring you to come back with a bucket or loader to scoop it up. The Pickup Broom eliminates that second step by capturing material as you sweep, then letting you dump the hopper just like a standard skid steer bucket. This cuts cleanup time significantly and reduces the number of passes needed to clear a site.
The reverse flow feature also lets you use it like a dustpan to gather piles or work in tight corners, adding versatility you won't find in a basic angle broom. The replaceable cutting edge breaks up packed mud and stubborn debris before the poly wire bristles sweep it into the bucket, making it effective on tough jobs where a standard broom would struggle.
What size Pickup Broom should I choose for my skid steer?
Choosing the right width depends on your machine size, the areas you're cleaning, and how much ground you need to cover. The 60-inch model works well in tight spaces like loading docks, indoor warehouses, and smaller job sites where maneuverability matters. It's also a good match for compact skid steers with lower hydraulic flow capacity. The 72-inch version is the most versatile option, offering a good balance between coverage and maneuverability for mid-sized machines and general-purpose cleanup work.
The 84-inch model is built for larger skid steers and wide-open areas like parking lots, municipal yards, and road construction sites where you want to cover maximum ground in fewer passes. All three sizes use the same durable construction and Eaton hydraulic motor, so performance and reliability are consistent across the lineup. Just make sure your skid steer's hydraulic system stays within the 25 GPM and 3500 PSI limits to avoid damaging the motor.
Can the Pickup Broom handle wet or muddy conditions?
Yes, the Pickup Broom is designed to handle wet debris, packed mud, and stubborn material thanks to its replaceable cutting edge. The cutting edge sits at the front of the bucket and breaks up compacted mud or sticky debris before the poly wire brush sweeps it into the hopper. This makes the attachment effective even in challenging conditions where moisture has turned loose dirt into heavy, clumped material.
The poly wire bristles themselves are durable and flexible enough to maintain contact with the ground without getting clogged or damaged by wet conditions. That said, extremely thick mud or standing water may require multiple passes or pre-treatment with the cutting edge to achieve optimal results. For jobs where dust is a concern but conditions are damp, you can skip the optional water kit since moisture is already present. Regular maintenance like cleaning out the hopper and checking the brush for debris buildup will keep performance strong even when working in less-than-ideal conditions.
How do I adjust the brush height on the Pickup Broom?
Brush height adjustment is one of the most operator-friendly features of the Pickup Broom. Built-in adjustment handles let you raise or lower the brush on the fly without stopping your machine, grabbing tools, or leaving the cab. This means you can adapt to different surface types and debris loads in real time. For hard, smooth pavement, you'll want the bristles set lower to maintain firm contact and sweep fine dust and debris effectively. For gravel yards or uneven dirt surfaces, raising the brush slightly prevents excessive wear on the bristles and ensures the broom doesn't dig into loose material.
The ability to make these adjustments quickly extends brush life and improves cleaning results across varied terrain. You'll also want to adjust based on debris type—lighter material like leaves and dust requires less bristle pressure, while heavier debris like gravel and wood chips benefits from firmer contact. This flexibility makes the Pickup Broom adaptable to nearly any cleanup task you encounter throughout the day.
What is the reverse flow feature and when should I use it?
The reverse flow feature allows you to reverse the rotation of the brush, effectively turning the Pickup Broom into a dustpan. Instead of sweeping material into the hopper as you move forward, reversing the brush lets you back into piles of debris and gather them up for collection. This is especially useful when you've already swept material into a pile and need to collect it, or when you're working in corners, along walls, or near fences where forward sweeping isn't practical. It's also helpful for fine-tuning cleanup in tight areas where maneuverability is limited.
The reverse flow mode doesn't damage the brush or motor—it's a designed feature that adds versatility to the attachment. Many operators use forward sweeping for open areas and switch to reverse mode for detail work and final cleanup. This dual functionality makes the Pickup Broom far more useful than a single-direction angle broom, especially on job sites where debris management requires both broad coverage and precision work in confined spaces.
Do I need the optional gutter broom or water kit?
Whether you need the optional gutter broom or water kit depends on your specific job requirements. The gutter broom is a hydraulically powered side sweeper that rotates independently and can be manually adjusted to different heights. It's ideal if you regularly clean edges, curbs, building perimeters, or areas along fences where the main brush can't reach effectively. Municipal operators, parking lot maintenance crews, and contractors working near structures find the gutter broom invaluable for thorough cleanup without making multiple passes or switching attachments.
The water kit adds dust suppression capability, which is critical on job sites where airborne particles are a health concern or where local regulations require dust control measures. Construction sites in urban areas, facilities near residential zones, and projects with strict environmental standards often benefit from the water kit. If you're working in open rural areas with minimal dust concerns, you may not need it. Both options expand the functionality of the Pickup Broom and can be added based on the demands of your operation.
How often will I need to replace the brush?
Brush replacement frequency depends on how often you use the Pickup Broom, the types of surfaces you're sweeping, and how aggressive the debris is. Poly wire bristles are durable and designed for extended use, but they will eventually wear down from contact with pavement, gravel, and abrasive materials. On average, operators working full-time on rough surfaces might replace the brush every few months, while lighter or occasional use can extend brush life to a year or more.
Proper brush height adjustment is key to maximizing lifespan—running the bristles too low causes excessive wear, while setting them too high reduces sweeping effectiveness. The quick-change core and wafer system makes replacement fast and straightforward, so downtime is minimal when it's time for a swap. Inspect the bristles regularly for signs of shortening or damage, and replace the brush when sweeping performance starts to decline. Keeping a spare brush on hand ensures you're never stuck waiting for parts when the current brush reaches the end of its service life.
Is the Pickup Broom compatible with my skid steer?
The Pickup Broom uses a universal skid steer quick-attach mounting system, which means it's compatible with the vast majority of skid steer loaders on the market. As long as your machine has a standard quick-attach plate, hookup is fast and simple with no modifications required. The critical compatibility factor is your skid steer's hydraulic system. The Pickup Broom is designed to operate within a maximum flow of 25 GPM and maximum pressure of 3500 PSI. Most standard skid steers fall well within these limits, but it's important to verify your machine's hydraulic specifications before ordering.
Exceeding these limits can damage the Eaton hydraulic motor and void the warranty. If your skid steer has adjustable hydraulic flow settings, make sure they're configured appropriately when running the broom. Compact or mini skid steers with lower hydraulic capacity can still run the Pickup Broom effectively, though you may see slightly reduced brush speed. For specific compatibility questions, reach out to Forge Claw directly and we'll help confirm fitment for your machine.
What kind of maintenance does the Pickup Broom require?
The Pickup Broom is designed for minimal maintenance, but a few routine checks will keep it performing at its best. Inspect the poly wire brush regularly for wear and replace it when bristles become too short to sweep effectively. Check the replaceable cutting edge for damage or excessive wear, especially if you're working in abrasive conditions or breaking up packed material frequently. The cutting edge can be swapped out without replacing the entire bucket, saving you money and extending the life of the attachment.
Keep the hydraulic motor connections clean and check for leaks during your regular equipment inspections. Grease the heavy-duty steel castors as needed to ensure smooth rolling action, particularly if you're working in muddy or dirty environments. Clean out the hopper after use to prevent debris buildup, and inspect the powder-coated finish for chips or rust spots that might need touch-up. Following these simple steps will help the Pickup Broom deliver years of reliable service with minimal downtime or costly repairs.
How does the Pickup Broom improve job site safety and efficiency?
A clean job site is a safer and more productive job site, and the Pickup Broom makes maintaining that cleanliness fast and efficient. Debris scattered across loading zones, driveways, and work areas creates trip hazards, slows equipment movement, and increases the risk of accidents. By sweeping and collecting material in one pass, the Pickup Broom keeps surfaces clear without requiring manual labor or multiple pieces of equipment. Operators stay in the cab, reducing exposure to moving machinery and eliminating the physical strain of manual sweeping.
The integrated hopper design means fewer trips back and forth to dump debris, which cuts labor hours and keeps your crew focused on higher-value tasks. The optional water kit reduces airborne dust, improving air quality and protecting workers from respiratory hazards. For contractors, municipal operators, and facility managers, the Pickup Broom is a practical investment that pays for itself in reduced labor costs, fewer safety incidents, and smoother daily operations. Forge Claw offers free nationwide shipping and easy financing to make this efficiency upgrade accessible to every operation.