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The Hidden Makers Behind Branded Attachments
While John Deere is a household name in agriculture and construction, many of its attachments—especially sweepers—are not manufactured in-house. Instead, they are produced by specialized OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and branded under the Deere name. One of the most prominent names behind Deere sweepers is Paladin Attachments, a company with deep roots in the attachment industry.
Paladin, headquartered in Iowa, is a consolidation of several legacy brands including Bradco, Sweepster, and FFC. These brands have been producing brooms, buckets, and specialty tools for decades. Bradco, in particular, is known for its rugged sweepers and brush attachments, often used in municipal cleanup, roadwork, and site preparation. When a John Deere sweeper carries a Paladin sticker—or vice versa—it’s not a coincidence. In many cases, the only difference is the decal.
Understanding the BP84C Sweeper and Its Configuration
One commonly used model is the BP84C, a pickup broom designed for skid steers and compact track loaders. The “BP” stands for “bucket pickup,” and the “84” refers to its 84-inch width. This sweeper uses a rotating brush to collect debris into an integrated bucket, which can then be dumped hydraulically. It’s ideal for cleaning parking lots, job sites, and road shoulders.
Key features include:
Brush Replacement and Sourcing Options
Brush wafers are consumable components and must be replaced regularly to maintain sweeping performance. The standard configuration uses 49 wafers per brush core, alternating between poly and wire for optimal debris capture. Some operators prefer all-poly for lighter material or all-wire for aggressive cleanup.
Replacement wafers are widely available from industrial suppliers and dealers. Prices vary, but a typical poly/wire wafer costs around $13. Bulk orders may reduce cost, and some dealers offer kits with spacers and cores included. It’s important to match the wafer size and core type to the sweeper model to avoid imbalance or motor strain.
Bradco’s Role and the Bobcat Connection
Bradco, another Paladin brand, has long been associated with sweepers used by Bobcat and other compact equipment manufacturers. In fact, many sweepers sold under different brands share identical frames, motors, and brush assemblies. This cross-brand compatibility allows operators to source parts from multiple channels and even interchange components between machines.
Bradco’s sweepers are known for their durability and ease of maintenance. They feature bolt-on motor covers, quick-access brush cores, and reinforced bucket edges. These design elements have influenced the sweepers branded by John Deere, making them virtually indistinguishable from their Bradco counterparts.
Mounting Challenges and Compatibility Tips
Mounting a sweeper to a skid steer or compact track loader isn’t always plug-and-play. Machines like the John Deere 324 may require adapter plates or hydraulic hose extensions to achieve proper fitment. In some cases, the sweeper may sit too low or too far forward, affecting visibility and control.
To optimize performance:
Paladin’s History and Market Reach
Paladin Attachments was formed through the merger of several legacy brands, each with its own specialty:
Recommendations for Operators and Fleet Managers
When managing sweepers in a mixed fleet, consider the following:
Conclusion
John Deere sweepers, while branded under the iconic green and yellow, are often built by Paladin or Bradco—companies with decades of experience in attachment manufacturing. Understanding the true origin of these tools helps operators maintain them more effectively, source parts more efficiently, and adapt them to a wider range of machines. Whether cleaning up after a paving job or prepping a site for inspection, these sweepers carry the legacy of American engineering and the quiet expertise of the brands behind the badge.
While John Deere is a household name in agriculture and construction, many of its attachments—especially sweepers—are not manufactured in-house. Instead, they are produced by specialized OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and branded under the Deere name. One of the most prominent names behind Deere sweepers is Paladin Attachments, a company with deep roots in the attachment industry.
Paladin, headquartered in Iowa, is a consolidation of several legacy brands including Bradco, Sweepster, and FFC. These brands have been producing brooms, buckets, and specialty tools for decades. Bradco, in particular, is known for its rugged sweepers and brush attachments, often used in municipal cleanup, roadwork, and site preparation. When a John Deere sweeper carries a Paladin sticker—or vice versa—it’s not a coincidence. In many cases, the only difference is the decal.
Understanding the BP84C Sweeper and Its Configuration
One commonly used model is the BP84C, a pickup broom designed for skid steers and compact track loaders. The “BP” stands for “bucket pickup,” and the “84” refers to its 84-inch width. This sweeper uses a rotating brush to collect debris into an integrated bucket, which can then be dumped hydraulically. It’s ideal for cleaning parking lots, job sites, and road shoulders.
Key features include:
- Poly/wire convoluted bristle wafers (typically 8" x 26")
- Hydraulic motor drive with flow requirements around 15–25 gpm
- Replaceable cutting edge on the bucket lip
- Adjustable brush height and float settings
Brush Replacement and Sourcing Options
Brush wafers are consumable components and must be replaced regularly to maintain sweeping performance. The standard configuration uses 49 wafers per brush core, alternating between poly and wire for optimal debris capture. Some operators prefer all-poly for lighter material or all-wire for aggressive cleanup.
Replacement wafers are widely available from industrial suppliers and dealers. Prices vary, but a typical poly/wire wafer costs around $13. Bulk orders may reduce cost, and some dealers offer kits with spacers and cores included. It’s important to match the wafer size and core type to the sweeper model to avoid imbalance or motor strain.
Bradco’s Role and the Bobcat Connection
Bradco, another Paladin brand, has long been associated with sweepers used by Bobcat and other compact equipment manufacturers. In fact, many sweepers sold under different brands share identical frames, motors, and brush assemblies. This cross-brand compatibility allows operators to source parts from multiple channels and even interchange components between machines.
Bradco’s sweepers are known for their durability and ease of maintenance. They feature bolt-on motor covers, quick-access brush cores, and reinforced bucket edges. These design elements have influenced the sweepers branded by John Deere, making them virtually indistinguishable from their Bradco counterparts.
Mounting Challenges and Compatibility Tips
Mounting a sweeper to a skid steer or compact track loader isn’t always plug-and-play. Machines like the John Deere 324 may require adapter plates or hydraulic hose extensions to achieve proper fitment. In some cases, the sweeper may sit too low or too far forward, affecting visibility and control.
To optimize performance:
- Ensure hydraulic couplers match flow and pressure ratings
- Use a flow divider if the machine exceeds the sweeper’s rated gpm
- Adjust the mounting angle to maintain brush contact without excessive downforce
- Check for interference between hoses and loader arms during dump cycles
Paladin’s History and Market Reach
Paladin Attachments was formed through the merger of several legacy brands, each with its own specialty:
- Bradco: buckets, sweepers, trenchers
- FFC: snow blades, dozer attachments
- Sweepster: rotary brooms and pickup sweepers
- McMillen: augers and drilling tools
Recommendations for Operators and Fleet Managers
When managing sweepers in a mixed fleet, consider the following:
- Identify the OEM behind branded attachments for easier parts sourcing
- Keep a log of brush wafer types, quantities, and replacement intervals
- Train operators on hydraulic compatibility and mounting procedures
- Stock common wear parts like cutting edges, motor seals, and brush cores
- Use serial numbers and model tags to trace manufacturing origin
Conclusion
John Deere sweepers, while branded under the iconic green and yellow, are often built by Paladin or Bradco—companies with decades of experience in attachment manufacturing. Understanding the true origin of these tools helps operators maintain them more effectively, source parts more efficiently, and adapt them to a wider range of machines. Whether cleaning up after a paving job or prepping a site for inspection, these sweepers carry the legacy of American engineering and the quiet expertise of the brands behind the badge.
