An apparatus and method for removing floor covering. The apparatus includes a frame that attaches to the front end of a loader type vehicle. An arm connects to and extends forward from the frame, and has a tapered end portion with a terminal end to which a sharp blade attaches and extends forward for separating floor covering from a floor as the vehicle is driven forward pressing the blade against the floor. A deflector extends upward from on top of the tapered portion to deflect removed materials off of the top of the tapered portion. At least one resilient sweep extends downward from the frame to the floor and is vertically slidable relative to the frame to accommodate variations in the floor and vertical motion of the apparatus while maintaining contact with the floor to collect removed floor covering material ahead of the loader as floor covering is removed so that removed floor covering is not run over by the loader. A reservoir may optionally be supported by the arm for spraying water on the floor covering as it is removed to abate dust, which may contain hazardous material such as asbestos.