Surface maintenance machine with skirting to allow particulate pickup

Embodiments include a surface maintenance machine, comprising a maintenance tool chamber comprising a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side. A rotary broom is housed in the maintenance tool chamber and substantially enclosed by the first, second, third and fourth sides thereof. The rotary broom sweeps particulate from the surface. A vacuum system generates vacuum for drawing particulate swept by the rotary broom. The vacuum system is positioned proximal to the first side. A skirt assembly extends substantially around the second, third and fourth sides of the maintenance tool chamber. The skirt assembly has a vacuum passage defined therein and in fluid communication with the vacuum system to direct air flow into the vacuum passage, thereby drawing particulate into the vacuum passage and preventing particulate accumulation at portions of the second, third and fourth sides that are distal to the vacuum system.