MSA EAGLE Tow Behind Magnetic Sweeper for airports and large areas

The tow-behind magnetic sweeper MSA EAGLE is a heavy-duty device designed to collect metallic debris (FOD – Foreign Object Debris) from large hard-surface areas — nails, screws, wire and similar objects. It is most commonly used at airports to protect aircraft tyres and prevent metal ingestion into engines, but it is equally effective on industrial sites, car parks and other extensive hard-surface areas. The MSA 9000 configuration can reliably clean a runway 30 m wide and 2 km long in just 10 minutes.

We supply the sweeper in three working widths: MSA 3000 (3 m), MSA 4000 (4 m) and MSA 9000 (9 m). The MSA 9000 is a triple-hitch unit — three MSA 3000 modules joined side by side — designed primarily for cleaning runways and large airport aprons. For travel on narrow service roads, the MSA 9000 modules can be hitched in tandem, reducing the 9 m working width to approximately 3 m.

The ferrite version (1,600 G) captures metals at a maximum working speed of 25 km/h. The neodymium version (8,000 G) is approximately 20% lighter and allows operation at up to 45 km/h, significantly reducing cleaning time on large areas. A detailed comparison of magnetic field intensity as a function of height above the surface is available in the technical documentation.

Ground clearance is adjustable in the range of 30–130 mm with an integrated measuring scale, so the operator always knows the exact height above the surface. The MSA EAGLE is designed for hard surfaces — asphalt, concrete and panel roads. The wheels are positioned on the sides of the sweeper, not at the rear as on other models, ensuring optimal weight distribution and minimal load on the towing equipment.

Without the optional module, the operator simply pulls the demagnetisation levers, which move the magnets to a vertical position — the gap between the magnet and the cover increases and captured metals fall off on their own. The EasyDemag module automates this process: an electric mechanism powered by a battery on the drawbar allows demagnetisation with a single button press or remote control directly from the vehicle cab — no need to exit the vehicle.

The FOD Box is an optional module that catches falling metals directly into the box — eliminating the need to collect metals from the ground after demagnetisation. During cleaning, the box is removed from the top of the sweeper, placed beneath it, and emptied into a container once full. It also improves the aerodynamic properties of the sweeper and increases downforce at higher transit speeds between cleaning runs.

The sweeper is fitted with a demountable adjustable hitch compatible with a car, tractor, sweeping machine or other vehicle — installation is quick and the unit is universally applicable. Electrical components and lighting are powered from the towing vehicle, typically 12 V via a 7-pin connector; wiring can be adapted to any specific vehicle on request. The separation function requires no power, as the sweeper operates with permanent magnets.