DSTOPTRS 38 2008
2. Before beginning to adjust the pick-up head springs, check the four flotation springs
(2 per side). Correct spring placement and sizing is critical for proper skid plate
runner life. On older units it may be necessary to replace the springs(s) if they have
lost their set. Check them by removing all tension, and see if the coils close back
completely. If not, then the spring has lost tension and should be replaced. Always
refer to your Parts and Service Manual to order the correct spring, making certain to
order the correct spring for its location on the head.
3. Spring adjustment is done on a level surface with an empty sweeper. The spring
tension is adjusted two ways, by repositioning the spring clevis in various links of the
spring chain and by an eye bolt used to attach the spring assembly to the sweeper
frame.
4. Each side of the pick-up head has a different spring setting due to the different direc-
tion of airflow into and out of the pick-up head. On the left side, air is being ex-
hausted downwards towards the pick-up head driving it against the pavement. So,
not only does the spring tension have to counter the weight of the pick-up head but
also the downward pressure generated by the air blast from the blower. This also
means that the pick-up head spring tension is checked with the pick-up head in the
down position and at full blower RPM; however, the spring setting is done with the
pick-up head down and blower off. Use the sketches on Page 41 to approximate
spring tension on each side of the sweeper.
5. Once the pick-up head has been set to approximate the sketches, lower it and have
an assistant throttle engine to sweeping RPM. Observe the head to draw itself down
to the pavement. Have the assistant drive forward slowly and observe front of skid
runners. If they barely touch the ground and appear to float rather than scrape
against the pavement, then the spring tension is good. Same with the rear of the
skid. If, however, the skids leave white skid marks on the pavement, then more
spring tension is required. If the skids do not seal against the surface, then reduce
the spring tension slightly. With the sweeper empty, the pick-up head should feel
very light against the pavement and should be easily shifted from side to side as the
sweeper is driven slowly forward. This is the proper spring setting because as the
sweeper becomes loaded during operation, the load causes the truck chassis to
settle lower towards the pick-up head, resulting in a decrease in overall spring ten-
sion. The springs are therefore over tensioned slightly to counter for the settling
effect of the hopper load.
PICK-UP HEAD DAILY SERVICE
1. Daily Inspections
The pick-up head should be inspected daily or before each shift. The operator
should check the following:
A. Inspect the skid plates for misalignment, unequal wear or any other obvious
damage.
B. Inspect the seal curtains on the bottom of the pick-up head for excessive wear or
damage. Because the seal curtains must contain the high velocity air used for
sweeping, excessive seal curtain wear or damage can create extremely dusty
sweeping conditions.
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