Extending the Life of Your Used Sweeper Truck with Proper Maintenance
- January 9, 2026
- bucket trucks, Street Sweepers, Trucks
- Posted by admin
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A used sweeper truck can serve your fleet for many years when maintained correctly. Regular service can cut annual repair costs. For many operators, the real challenge begins after purchase. Heavy debris, long hours, and constant engine load can wear down brushes, hydraulics, and auxiliary motors faster than expected. This is why a structured sweeper truck maintenance plan matters the moment the unit enters your yard.
Stay Ahead with Timely Brush Replacement
Brushes take the most abuse. Their condition directly affects pickup quality, debris flow, and fuel consumption. Worn brushes force the truck to work harder, which strains auxiliary systems. Inspect side and main brooms each week. Look for uneven wear, bristle thinning, and curling. Most operators replace brushes once bristle length drops by one third. Side broom tilt and down force settings should also be checked to avoid scraping the pavement. Keeping brushes fresh protects the conveyor system and reduces missed debris on each pass.
Protect Performance with Hydraulic Care
Hydraulic systems control sweeping, lifting, and conveyor movement. Dirty hydraulic oil increases friction inside pumps and cylinders. This leads to heat buildup, slow cycle times, and early failure. Around 80% of hydraulic component failure is caused by dirty oil . Check for leaks around fittings, hoses, and valves during every shift inspection. Monitor fluid color and smell. Murky or burnt oil signals contamination. Change filters at the intervals recommended by the equipment manufacturer. Confirm that hydraulic lines are secured and free from abrasion. A simple leak can drain the reservoir fast, bringing sweeping operations to a halt mid route.

Keep Engines and Auxiliary Motors Healthy
Many sweeper trucks run dual engines. The auxiliary engine powers the sweeping components. Both engines need clean oil, fresh filters, and routine service to keep performance steady. Inspect belts and tensioners every 100 hours. Listen for irregular sounds during idle, which can indicate fuel system issues. A clogged air filter forces the engine to burn more fuel for the same output. Replace it as soon as it shows heavy dirt buildup. Consistent servicing reduces emissions and helps the truck maintain proper suction and airflow under heavy load.
Don’t Skip Hopper and Conveyor Checks
The hopper collects tons of debris over its lifespan. Dirt buildup in corners can strain hydraulic dump systems. Clean the hopper after each shift and check for corrosion along the walls. Inspect conveyor belts or squeegee systems for cracks and stretching. Proper conveyor tension ensures smooth debris movement and reduces jams during peak sweeping seasons.
Why Maintenance Protects Your Investment
Sweeper truck maintenance does more than extend machine life. It keeps fuel use predictable, reduces mechanical downtime, and supports cleaner sweep paths for your team. Buyers who follow a scheduled maintenance plan often report longer equipment lifespan compared to units that receive only reactive repairs. If you buy sweeper trucks and maintain them from day one, you protect both your budget and your city or facility’s cleanliness standards.
Keep Your Sweeper Running Strong
If you need a dependable unit backed by proper inspection, Big Truck & Equipment Sales can help. Our inventory in Washington, Texas, Arizona, and other US states, includes work ready used sweeper trucks supported by guidance on maintenance and long term operation.
Buy Sweeper trucks in KS from a team that focuses on performance and long service life. Contact us today to get started.