Abstract: This invention is concerned with a sweeper, meaning a sweeper with a rotary main brush opposite a hopper, and increasing its ability to load light debris, such as paper, dry leaves and the like so that light debris will be propelled farther into the debris hopper. This is done by setting the speed of the main brush at a lower speed for normal operation to effectively throw what may be thought of as heavier material, such as sand, forwardly into the hopper with the speed being such that excessive wear of the brush is avoided and a higher speed of rotation being effected from time to time so that paper, dry leaves and the like, which may be considered lightweight material, are thrown farther into the hopper with the increased speed of the main brush overcoming the air resistance that normally stops such lightweight material which, at normal operation of the brush, tends to pile up in the rear of the hopper.

Abstract: Surface maintenance equipment is disclosed including mechanism for moving an airstream therethrough and a filtering device for cleaning the airstream prior to discharge into the atmosphere. The filtering device includes a conventional filter and a screen. The screen removes larger airborne pieces such as grass clippings.

Abstract: The present invention provides surface maintenance equipment, such as for sweeping lawns, which includes mechanism for preventing clogging of ducts leading to the fan and/or the hopper.

Abstract: The present invention provides surface maintenance equipment, such as for sweeping lawns, such equipment including a skirt structure for the debris pickup housing.