Abstract: Brush control means for controlling the operative position of the rotary brushes of a road or like sweeping machine comprises an electronic control unit operated by a driver's controller for controlling the operation of a valve, which in turn controls the operation of a hydraulic ram connected to the brush mounting for angularly moving the latter laterally about its pivotal mounting on the machine. A sensor such as a linear transducer operated by the ram is responsive to the operative position of the brush mounting as selected by the control unit for operating the valve to hold the ram against operation and hence the brush mounting against outward lateral movement from the selected position. Yieldable continuous low pressure operation of the brush mounting in the outward direction is preferably provided whereby the mounting is able to yield inwardly when the brush encounters an obstacle such as a curb.