2 hours ago
Introduction
Power brooms are essential attachments for clearing snow, debris, and construction material from roads, parking lots, and job sites. While most modern skid‑steer attachments use a simple two‑hose hydraulic system, some angle brooms—especially aftermarket models—use a three‑hose configuration. This design can confuse operators who are accustomed to standard auxiliary hydraulics. The challenge becomes even greater when the broom arrives without manuals or quick‑connect fittings, as is common with auction purchases. Search results confirm that some brooms, such as the TMG BR72, come with three hoses and no connectors, leaving operators unsure how to proceed.
This article explains the purpose of each hose, how to connect a three‑hose broom to a Bobcat skid steer, and what to check to ensure safe and reliable operation.
Background of Power Broom Attachments
Development History
Hydraulic angle brooms became popular in the 1980s as municipalities and contractors sought faster ways to clear debris. Manufacturers such as Bobcat, Sweepster, and TMG developed brooms with:
Company Overview
Bobcat Company, founded in 1947, became a global leader in compact equipment. Its skid steers and attachments are widely used in construction, agriculture, and municipal maintenance. The company’s attachment control systems set industry standards for compatibility and safety.
Understanding the Three‑Hose System
Terminology Note
Pressure Line: Supplies high‑pressure hydraulic oil to power the attachment.
Return Line: Carries oil back to the machine’s hydraulic tank.
Case‑Drain Line: A low‑pressure line that relieves internal pressure from the hydraulic motor to prevent seal damage.
A three‑hose broom typically includes:
Why Some Brooms Require a Case‑Drain Line
High‑speed hydraulic motors generate internal leakage. Without a case‑drain line:
How to Identify Each Hose
Because auctioned attachments often lack labels, operators must identify hoses manually.
Pressure Hose
Connecting a Three‑Hose Broom to a Bobcat
Step 1: Install Quick‑Connect Fittings
Choose fittings compatible with your Bobcat’s auxiliary ports. Bobcat typically uses flat‑face couplers.
Step 2: Connect the Pressure and Return Lines
Attach the two large hoses to the Bobcat’s standard auxiliary hydraulic ports.
Step 3: Locate the Case‑Drain Port
Many Bobcat models include a dedicated case‑drain port near the main couplers. If your machine lacks one, you must not connect the case‑drain to a pressurized port.
Step 4: Connect the Case‑Drain Hose
Attach the small hose to the case‑drain port. This ensures safe pressure relief.
Step 5: Test the Broom at Low Speed
Engage auxiliary hydraulics slowly. Watch for:
What If the Bobcat Has Only Two Hydraulic Ports?
Search results show that many skid steers—such as the Bobcat 773G—have only two hydraulic connections. In this case:
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: Broom Does Not Spin
Possible causes:
Problem: Motor Overheats
Cause:
Problem: Broom Angles but Does Not Rotate
Cause:
Stories from the Field
The Auction Surprise
A contractor purchased a TMG BR72 broom at auction. With no manual and three unlabeled hoses, he assumed the smallest hose was optional. After five minutes of operation, the motor overheated and seized. A replacement motor cost nearly as much as the broom itself. This experience taught him the importance of proper case‑drain routing.
The Municipal Mechanic’s Fix
A city mechanic retrofitted a two‑port Bobcat with a return‑to‑tank fitting to run a three‑hose broom. The modification cost less than $200 and allowed the city to use multiple attachments safely.
The Snow Contractor’s Upgrade
A snow‑removal contractor upgraded to a Bobcat with a factory case‑drain port. He reported that his broom motors lasted twice as long after switching to proper plumbing.
Why Three‑Hose Brooms Still Exist
Manufacturers continue to use three‑hose systems because:
Conclusion
Hooking up a three‑hose power broom to a Bobcat requires understanding the purpose of each hose and ensuring proper hydraulic routing. The pressure and return lines connect to the standard auxiliary ports, while the case‑drain line must connect to a dedicated low‑pressure return. Machines with only two ports require a retrofit to avoid damaging the broom’s hydraulic motor. With correct plumbing, a three‑hose broom becomes a powerful and reliable tool for sweeping snow, debris, and construction material.
Power brooms are essential attachments for clearing snow, debris, and construction material from roads, parking lots, and job sites. While most modern skid‑steer attachments use a simple two‑hose hydraulic system, some angle brooms—especially aftermarket models—use a three‑hose configuration. This design can confuse operators who are accustomed to standard auxiliary hydraulics. The challenge becomes even greater when the broom arrives without manuals or quick‑connect fittings, as is common with auction purchases. Search results confirm that some brooms, such as the TMG BR72, come with three hoses and no connectors, leaving operators unsure how to proceed.
This article explains the purpose of each hose, how to connect a three‑hose broom to a Bobcat skid steer, and what to check to ensure safe and reliable operation.
Background of Power Broom Attachments
Development History
Hydraulic angle brooms became popular in the 1980s as municipalities and contractors sought faster ways to clear debris. Manufacturers such as Bobcat, Sweepster, and TMG developed brooms with:
- Hydraulic motors for broom rotation
- Hydraulic cylinders for angling
- Optional case‑drain lines for motor protection
Company Overview
Bobcat Company, founded in 1947, became a global leader in compact equipment. Its skid steers and attachments are widely used in construction, agriculture, and municipal maintenance. The company’s attachment control systems set industry standards for compatibility and safety.
Understanding the Three‑Hose System
Terminology Note
Pressure Line: Supplies high‑pressure hydraulic oil to power the attachment.
Return Line: Carries oil back to the machine’s hydraulic tank.
Case‑Drain Line: A low‑pressure line that relieves internal pressure from the hydraulic motor to prevent seal damage.
A three‑hose broom typically includes:
- One pressure hose
- One return hose
- One case‑drain hose (smallest diameter)
Why Some Brooms Require a Case‑Drain Line
High‑speed hydraulic motors generate internal leakage. Without a case‑drain line:
- Internal pressure builds
- Motor seals overheat
- Bearings wear prematurely
- The motor may fail catastrophically
How to Identify Each Hose
Because auctioned attachments often lack labels, operators must identify hoses manually.
Pressure Hose
- Largest diameter
- Stiffest construction
- Usually routed directly to the motor
- Similar size to pressure hose
- Often routed through a flow‑control block
- Smallest diameter
- Flexible
- Often has a smaller fitting
Connecting a Three‑Hose Broom to a Bobcat
Step 1: Install Quick‑Connect Fittings
Choose fittings compatible with your Bobcat’s auxiliary ports. Bobcat typically uses flat‑face couplers.
Step 2: Connect the Pressure and Return Lines
Attach the two large hoses to the Bobcat’s standard auxiliary hydraulic ports.
Step 3: Locate the Case‑Drain Port
Many Bobcat models include a dedicated case‑drain port near the main couplers. If your machine lacks one, you must not connect the case‑drain to a pressurized port.
Step 4: Connect the Case‑Drain Hose
Attach the small hose to the case‑drain port. This ensures safe pressure relief.
Step 5: Test the Broom at Low Speed
Engage auxiliary hydraulics slowly. Watch for:
- Hose vibration
- Leaks
- Motor overheating
- Unusual noises
What If the Bobcat Has Only Two Hydraulic Ports?
Search results show that many skid steers—such as the Bobcat 773G—have only two hydraulic connections. In this case:
- You cannot simply leave the case‑drain hose unconnected
- You cannot connect it to a pressurized port
- You must install a case‑drain kit or return‑to‑tank fitting
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: Broom Does Not Spin
Possible causes:
- Incorrect hose routing
- Case‑drain not connected
- Blocked coupler
- Low hydraulic flow
Problem: Motor Overheats
Cause:
- Case‑drain line blocked or not connected
Problem: Broom Angles but Does Not Rotate
Cause:
- Angling cylinder connected to pressure port instead of motor
Stories from the Field
The Auction Surprise
A contractor purchased a TMG BR72 broom at auction. With no manual and three unlabeled hoses, he assumed the smallest hose was optional. After five minutes of operation, the motor overheated and seized. A replacement motor cost nearly as much as the broom itself. This experience taught him the importance of proper case‑drain routing.
The Municipal Mechanic’s Fix
A city mechanic retrofitted a two‑port Bobcat with a return‑to‑tank fitting to run a three‑hose broom. The modification cost less than $200 and allowed the city to use multiple attachments safely.
The Snow Contractor’s Upgrade
A snow‑removal contractor upgraded to a Bobcat with a factory case‑drain port. He reported that his broom motors lasted twice as long after switching to proper plumbing.
Why Three‑Hose Brooms Still Exist
Manufacturers continue to use three‑hose systems because:
- They protect high‑speed motors
- They reduce seal failures
- They improve long‑term reliability
- They allow higher flow rates without overheating
Conclusion
Hooking up a three‑hose power broom to a Bobcat requires understanding the purpose of each hose and ensuring proper hydraulic routing. The pressure and return lines connect to the standard auxiliary ports, while the case‑drain line must connect to a dedicated low‑pressure return. Machines with only two ports require a retrofit to avoid damaging the broom’s hydraulic motor. With correct plumbing, a three‑hose broom becomes a powerful and reliable tool for sweeping snow, debris, and construction material.
