A gasket is a sealing material placed between two surfaces to prevent leakage of air, fluid, exhaust, or debris. Sweepers may use gaskets on engines, pumps, valves, ducts, doors, tanks, and hydraulic components.
A failed gasket can cause leaks, pressure loss, contamination, or reduced system efficiency. During service, gaskets should be inspected and replaced when compressed, torn, hardened, or damaged.
A gauge displays operating information such as pressure, temperature, fluid level, vacuum, voltage, or engine condition. Gauges allow operators and technicians to monitor machine health during operation and maintenance.
Unusual gauge readings often provide early warning of system problems. Operators should understand normal gauge ranges and respond promptly to readings that indicate overheating, low pressure, low fluid, or restriction.
Gradeability is the ability of a vehicle or machine to climb a slope while maintaining control and performance. It is affected by engine power, transmission gearing, traction, payload, road conditions, and overall machine weight.
For street sweepers, gradeability is important when working on hills, bridges, ramps, parking structures, and landfill or transfer station areas. Operators should follow manufacturer limits and use caution when sweeping or dumping on slopes.
Gravel pickup refers to a sweeper’s ability to collect gravel and similar heavy material from paved surfaces. Gravel is dense and abrasive, requiring proper broom contact, conveyor performance, suction, or airflow depending on the sweeper type.
Mechanical broom sweepers are often used when gravel loads are heavy. Operators should reduce speed and monitor hopper weight because gravel can quickly add significant payload.
A grease fitting is a small service point that allows grease to be applied to bearings, bushings, pivots, and joints. It is also commonly called a zerk fitting.
Regular greasing reduces friction, helps keep contamination out, and extends the life of moving parts. Missing, clogged, or damaged grease fittings should be replaced so the component can be lubricated properly.
A grease interval is the recommended schedule for applying grease to specific lubrication points. It may be based on operating hours, days, mileage, or severity of use.
Following grease intervals is especially important for sweepers because they operate in dusty, wet, and abrasive environments. Missed lubrication can lead to premature wear in broom arms, bearings, linkages, hinges, and pivot points.
Grime is a buildup of dirt, oil, dust, grease, and residue on machine surfaces. It commonly accumulates around engines, hydraulic components, hoppers, underbody areas, and moving parts.
Regular cleaning helps prevent grime from hiding leaks, damaging seals, attracting abrasive material, or making inspections more difficult. A clean machine is easier to maintain and presents a more professional appearance.
Ground clearance is the distance between the lowest point of the machine and the ground. It affects the sweeper’s ability to pass over pavement irregularities, speed bumps, ramps, curbs, and debris without striking components.
Low-clearance components such as pickup heads, skirts, dirt shoes, and brooms require careful operation. Operators should be aware of road conditions and avoid impacts that can damage underbody components.
Ground pressure is the force applied to the surface by tires, brooms, pickup heads, or other contact points. In sweeping, broom ground pressure is especially important because it affects debris movement and bristle wear.
Excessive ground pressure can shorten broom life, increase drag, and damage components. Insufficient pressure can reduce cleaning performance and leave material behind.
Ground speed is the travel speed of the sweeper while operating or moving between locations. During sweeping, ground speed has a direct effect on pickup efficiency and debris removal.
If ground speed is too high, the sweeper may leave material behind, create dust, or overload the pickup system. Proper ground speed depends on debris type, surface condition, broom setup, airflow, and operator experience.
A guide wheel supports or positions a broom, pickup head, or other attachment as it follows the pavement. It may help maintain height, alignment, or tracking during operation.
Guide wheels are exposed to wear, impact, and debris. Worn bearings, damaged tires, or misadjusted guide wheels can affect component height and reduce sweeping performance.
A gutter broom is a rotating side-mounted broom used to sweep debris from the curb or gutter line into the sweeper’s pickup path. It is one of the most important components for edge cleaning and curb sweeping.
Proper gutter broom setup includes correct pitch, tilt, strike pattern, pressure, and speed. A well-adjusted gutter broom improves collection efficiency, reduces missed debris, and extends broom life.
The gutter line is the area where the pavement meets the curb or drainage edge. It is where water, sediment, leaves, trash, and fine debris commonly accumulate.
Cleaning the gutter line is a primary responsibility of street sweeping. Removing this material helps improve drainage, reduce pollutants entering storm drains, and maintain a cleaner roadway appearance.