Importance

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Abstract

A self-propelled street sweeper including a main frame, sweepings pick-up means underlying the main frame and a dirt box positioned on the frame for receiving the sweepings. A main broom is mounted at a rear end of the main frame adapted to sweep sweepings to the sweepings pick-up means or conveyor so the sweepings can be deposited into the dirt box and having sweeping and road travel positions. Means is provided for driving the main broom when in its sweepings position. Means is further provided for suspending the main broom from the rear end of the main frame including suspension arms located on opposite sides of the main broom. Bearing means are provided between the suspension arms and the opposite sides of the main broom. Floating suspension means is operatively connected between the main broom and the main frame providing a floating suspension for enabling the main broom to freely float on a ground supporting surface as the main broom is dragged behind the main frame in road engagement. The sweeper including the main frame and the main broom has a longer overall length when the main broom is in its sweepings position as compared to when the main broom is in a road travel position. Broom lift mechanism is connected with said suspension arms and is operatively inactive when the main broom is in floating suspension in its sweepings position and which is operable to move the main broom forwardly through an arc out of road engagement over the main frame to its road travel position, thus then shortening the overall length of the sweeper for road travel.

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First Claim