Elgin Pelican Street Sweeper Gutter Broom Failure and Jackshaft Repair Strategy

[MikePhua]

The Pelican and Elgin’s Mechanical Sweeper Legacy
The Elgin Pelican is one of the most recognizable mechanical street sweepers in North America. First introduced in the 1930s and continuously refined, the Pelican series is built around a three-wheel chassis, center-mounted broom, and high-dump hopper. Its compact footprint and maneuverability make it ideal for urban environments, tight alleys, and municipal curb work. By the early 2000s, Elgin had sold tens of thousands of Pelican units globally, with many still in service decades later.
At the heart of the Pelican’s cleaning system is the gutter broom—a side-mounted rotary brush designed to sweep debris from curbs and gutters into the path of the main broom. When the gutter broom fails to rotate, the machine loses its edge-cleaning capability, reducing overall effectiveness and requiring manual cleanup.
Gutter Broom Drive System and Jackshaft Assembly
The gutter broom is powered via a mechanical chain drive linked to a jackshaft. This jackshaft also drives the main broom, making it a critical component in the sweeper’s cleaning system. The drive system includes:

• Jackshaft bearing housing
  
• Dual sprockets mounted side by side
  
• Drive chains for main and gutter brooms
  
• Shear pin or key securing the sprocket to the shaft
  
• Set screws and retaining bolts for alignment
  

Key terminology:

• Jackshaft: A secondary shaft used to transfer rotational power between components.
  
• Shear pin: A sacrificial metal pin designed to break under overload, protecting the drive system.
  
• Set screw: A threaded fastener used to secure rotating parts to a shaft.
  
• Sprocket: A toothed wheel that engages with a chain to transmit motion.
  

In the reported failure, the gutter broom chain moved freely, but the sprocket spun independently of the shaft. This indicated a broken shear pin or missing key, allowing the sprocket to rotate without transferring torque.
Disassembly and Pin Replacement Procedure
To restore broom function, the sprocket must be re-secured to the jackshaft. The process involves:

• Removing the retaining bolt that holds the shear pin assembly
  
• Aligning the sprocket and shaft holes using a punch or drift
  
• Extracting the broken pin fragments from the shaft bore
  
• Installing a new shear pin and securing it with the retaining bolt
  
• Verifying sprocket alignment and chain tension
  

Recommendations:

• Use OEM-grade shear pins rated for the broom’s torque load
  
• Inspect the sprocket bore for wear or elongation
  
• Replace set screws if threads are stripped or corroded
  
• Apply anti-seize compound to the retaining bolt for future service
  
• Grease the jackshaft bearing per lubrication chart intervals
  

One operator in Michigan found a bag of spare shear pins stashed in the cab—an example of field readiness that saved hours of downtime. After installing a new pin and tensioning the chain, the broom resumed normal operation.
Preventive Maintenance and Failure Avoidance
Gutter broom failures are often preventable with regular inspection and lubrication. The broom operates under high vibration and intermittent shock loads, especially when sweeping gravel or compacted debris.
Best practices:

• Inspect broom rotation weekly and check for unusual noise or vibration
  
• Verify chain tension and sprocket alignment monthly
  
• Replace shear pins annually or after any overload event
  
• Clean debris from around the jackshaft housing to prevent binding
  
• Lubricate bearings and chain per manufacturer schedule
  

One fleet in Alberta implemented a broom inspection checklist as part of their daily pre-shift routine. Since adopting the practice, broom-related failures dropped by 60%, and downtime was reduced significantly.
Design Considerations and Retrofit Options
Some operators have explored hydraulic broom conversions to eliminate mechanical linkages. While more expensive, hydraulic motors offer smoother operation, variable speed control, and fewer moving parts.
Hydraulic retrofit benefits:

• Eliminates chain and sprocket wear
  
• Allows broom speed adjustment for different debris types
  
• Reduces maintenance frequency
  
• Improves performance in cold or wet conditions
  

However, retrofits require hydraulic plumbing, motor mounts, and control integration. For older Pelican models, mechanical systems remain more economical and easier to service in the field.
Conclusion
The Elgin Pelican’s gutter broom is a vital component for curb-to-curb sweeping, and its failure can compromise the entire cleaning operation. Understanding the mechanical drive system, especially the jackshaft and shear pin assembly, allows operators to diagnose and repair issues quickly. With proper maintenance, spare parts on hand, and attention to chain alignment, the Pelican can continue delivering reliable performance in demanding urban environments. Whether sweeping downtown streets or industrial yards, a functioning gutter broom ensures the job gets done right—clean, efficient, and without a trace.