What Is a Forklift Brush Attachment?

A forklift brush attachment is a push broom head mounted to a forklift's carriage or forks, turning the lift truck into a sweeping machine. Unlike rotary sweeper attachments that require hydraulic power to spin a drum, a forklift brush attachment has no powered parts — it sweeps purely through the forward motion of the forklift itself.

The defining feature of any forklift brush attachment is its bristle system: rows of polypropylene brush sections packed side by side across the full working width of the broom. As the forklift moves forward, those bristles contact the floor and push debris ahead, channeling material into a windrow that can then be collected.

SweepEx, manufactured by TrynEx, is a leading forklift brush attachment brand, and Eastgate Supply is an authorized TrynEx distributor. The three product lines — ValuSweep, Pro Series, and Mega Series — differ primarily in the number of brush rows, the mounting system, and the target application.

The SweepEx Bristle System Explained

The brush sections inside a SweepEx forklift broom are made from polypropylene, a synthetic material chosen for its durability, chemical resistance, and consistent sweep performance across varied debris types. Polypropylene bristles flex on contact with the floor, then spring back into shape, maintaining consistent sweeping pressure across the entire broom width.

Each brush section spans the full height of the broom head and sits in a track that runs from one end of the broom to the other. Sections are packed tightly together so there are no gaps in coverage. Because sections are modular — individual units that slide in and out — only worn sections need to be replaced rather than the entire broom.

SweepEx broom heads are built to keep every brush section in firm, even contact with the floor. The ValuSweep is notably lightweight — about 44 lbs for the 48" and 51 lbs for the 60" — while the Pro and Mega Series use heavier, more robust housings built for tougher duty.

Brush Row Counts by Series

The number of brush rows is the single biggest differentiator between SweepEx series. More rows means the broom makes more sweeping passes per foot of forward travel, which translates to cleaner results in fewer passes.

ValuSweep Series — 5 Brush Rows

The ValuSweep line (VSB-048 and VSB-060) has five rows of brush sections. Five rows is effective for light-to-medium interior sweeping on smooth or slightly textured floors. Available in 48" and 60" widths, the ValuSweep is designed for warehouse aisles, distribution centers, and interior facilities where the debris load is manageable and the floor is relatively smooth.

Pro Series — 8 Brush Rows

The Pro Series (SPB-600 and SPB-720) steps up to eight brush rows, giving the broom significantly more sweeping action per pass. Eight rows handles heavier debris loads and is effective on both indoor smooth surfaces and outdoor paved areas like loading docks and concrete aprons. Available in 60" and 72" widths.

Mega Series — 11 Brush Rows

The Mega Series (SMB-600 and SMB-720) tops out at eleven brush rows — the most aggressive sweeping configuration in the SweepEx line. Eleven rows is engineered for heavy outdoor use: gravel lots, construction sites, paved maintenance yards, and anywhere large volumes of debris accumulate. Available in 60", 72", and 96" widths.

Series Comparison

How to Replace Brush Sections

One of the most practical advantages of the SweepEx brush design is how straightforward section replacement is. Here is the basic process:

1. Position the broom safely. Lower the attachment to the floor or a stable surface and ensure the forklift is shut off and secured.
2. Remove the end plate. The end plate on either side of the broom head is secured with fasteners. Remove the end plate to open access to the brush section tracks.
3. Slide out worn sections. Worn brush sections slide straight out along the track. No special tools are needed.
4. Slide in new sections. New replacement sections slide in along the same track. Sections are keyed so they can only go in the correct orientation.
5. Reinstall the end plate. Replace fasteners and the broom is ready to use.

Because sections can be replaced individually, a partially worn broom does not need to be completely re-brushed. If only certain sections show excessive wear, replace just those sections and leave the rest in service.

Extending Brush Life: Rotate & Reverse

Because a forklift broom always sweeps in one direction, brush sections tend to wear unevenly. The bristles on the leading contact face wear faster than those on the trailing side. SweepEx brush sections are reversible, and SweepEx recommends two practices to maximize brush life:

Rotate Sections

Move brush sections from the outer positions (where floor contact tends to be more aggressive) toward the center, and vice versa. This distributes wear more evenly across the full set of sections.

Reverse Sections

Flip individual brush sections end-for-end. The less-worn bristle face becomes the primary sweeping surface, effectively extending the working life of each section before it needs to be replaced.

Incorporating a rotate-and-reverse step into routine broom maintenance is one of the easiest ways to reduce long-term brush replacement costs.

The No Moving Parts Advantage

Every SweepEx forklift brush attachment operates with no powered or moving parts. There is no motor, no hydraulic drum, no belt or chain drive. The broom head is static; the forklift provides all the forward energy.

This design choice has several important consequences:

• No dust clouds. Because no component is spinning to fling debris, the broom pushes material in a controlled direction rather than launching it into the air. Indoor air quality stays protected.
• No hydraulics required. The forklift's hydraulic system does not need to be tapped, which means no hydraulic connections, no flow-rate matching, and no compatibility concerns with older lift trucks.
• Lower maintenance overhead. With no motor, belts, or bearings, the only routine maintenance item is brush section replacement. There is no drivetrain to service.
• Lower acquisition cost. Without a drive system, forklift brush attachments cost significantly less than powered rotary sweeper attachments.

What Can a Forklift Brush Attachment Sweep?

SweepEx forklift brush attachments are remarkably versatile in terms of the materials they handle. The polypropylene bristle system is effective on:

• Dirt, gravel, and sand
• Grain and agricultural materials
• Leaves and light organic debris
• Snow (light accumulations)
• Standing water (particularly the Mega Series)
• Pallet strapping and plastic banding
• Wood chips and sawdust
• Steel shavings and metal chips
• Cardboard and packaging scraps
• Mud and wet debris (Mega Series)
• Storm debris on paved surfaces

The right series depends on the debris type and surface. For light interior debris on smooth floors, the ValuSweep 5-row brush is sufficient. For mixed indoor/outdoor applications with heavier loads, the Pro Series 8-row brush is appropriate. For heavy outdoor debris — gravel, mud, storm material — the Mega Series 11-row brush delivers the most aggressive sweeping action.

SweepEx Products at Eastgate Supply

Eastgate Supply carries the full SweepEx forklift brush attachment lineup as an authorized TrynEx distributor. SweepEx brooms are American-made and carry a 12-month limited warranty. Browse by series below or view the complete forklift brooms collection.

ValuSweep Series — 5 Brush Rows

Pro Series — 8 Brush Rows

Mega Series — 11 Brush Rows

Frequently Asked Questions