Choosing the right sweeper allows you to optimize both the cleaning results and the investment. The market offers a huge number of models and versions, this is why the equipment selection may seem complicated. We therefore decided to help you writing a post that contains the 10 technical factors to consider when choosing a sweeper.
How to choose a sweeper: evaluations to be made
Here on The Comac Blog we have already talked about the evaluations to be made before choosing a sweeper, which are basically of two types:
- A first evaluation regarding the area that has to be cleaned and your sweeping needs. You should start with the calculation of the cleanable surface. Then consider the presence of obstacles, the type of flooring and dirt, the usage frequency and daily run time.
- A second evaluation regarding the technical characteristics that the sweeper should have. In this post we will focus on this specific aspect.
10 technical factors to consider when choosing a sweeper
So, after examining the area that has to be cleaned, it’s time to start with the 10 technical factors to consider when choosing a professional sweeper. There are many different models on the market, but basically the 10 most technically important aspects you should evaluate are:
- Working width
- Productivity
- Walk-behind or ride-on sweeper
- Type of power supply
- Number of brushes
- Debris hopper capacity
- Type of emptying system
- Filtering surface
- Ease of use
- Technologies and optional available
Working width
The sweeper’s working width has a direct impact on the performance and time required to perform the cleaning task. The bigger it is, the more surface it can cover in less time. Pay attention to the evaluation of the working width. Usually the technical data sheets of the sweepers indicate the working width with the central brush, with one side brush and with two side brushes.
Productivity
Evaluating the productivity of a sweeper means you have to consider its performance, that is the amount of square meters it can clean in an hour. In terms of productivity we suggest paying attention to the distinction between theoretical and practical productivity. The first is calculated considering the working width multiplied by the maximum forward speed. While the second one takes into account other factors such as debris hopper unloading times, whether the environment is cluttered or not, the floor and dirt type… In case you are evaluating a battery-operated sweeper the practical productivity also includes the autonomy.
Walk-behind or ride-on sweeper
Based on the size of the area that has to be cleaned, the choice falls on a walk-behind sweeper for spaces up to 4,000 sqm, or a ride-on for larger surfaces. Among the ride-ons there are the super compact ones, such as CS60, but also bigger sweepers. We recommend the latter not only for large spaces but also for those who use them for prolonged periods, so as not to tire the operator.
Type of power-supply
As we have seen in the previous points, sweepers can be powered by battery, internal combustion engine (Diesel, petrol or LPG) or they can be hybrid (with batteries and petrol engine). The choice should be made based on the number of working hours. But also consider whether it has to work indoors or outdoors. Battery-powered versions are recommended for indoor areas, but be careful to have an adequate place for recharging, to carry out the correct maintenance of the batteries and to have the machine charged when needed.
Number of brushes
In addition to the central cylindrical brush (or brushes), the sweeper can be equipped with one or two side brushes. The central brush usually is in PPL, with soft bristles for the smaller machines and hard bristles for larger models. But it can also be in natural fiber for fine dust, to work on carpet and parquet, or in steel/PPL with very thick bristles for rougher floorings. We recommend the side brushes for cleaning along with the wall, but don’t’ use them if there is a lot of dust on the surface.
Debris hopper capacity
The debris hopper capacity is a fundamental aspect to evaluate as it allows to guarantee high productivity and prolonged work without interruptions. So, if the surface that has to be cleaned is very dirty and the sweeper has to work for prolonged periods, make sure that the hopper is large enough.
Type of emptying system
Depending on the place dedicated to the unloading of the debris hopper, you should evaluate the type of emptying system. Ride-on sweepers can be equipped with an automatic emptying at height system, such as that of the CS700 and CS800. The larger ones, on the other hand, have the emptying at height system as standard, like that of the CS120 which reaches a height of 1.40 meters.
Filtering surface
The filtering system prevents the sucked dust from being reintroduced into the environment. For this reason, the filtering surface is an important aspect to evaluate when purchasing the sweeper. Therefore, take into account both the surface capacity and the material of the filter.
Ease of use
The sweeper you choose should be easy to use but also to maintain, especially when used by several people. During the purchase phase, carefully evaluate this aspect.
Technologies and optional available
Also consider the technologies and optional available for the sweeper you are purchasing or renting. These are aspects that allow you to customize the machine according to your specific cleaning needs. You may need a fleet management system to know the status of the machine, but also a cabin if you have to work outdoors or air conditioning for particularly hot areas.
Extra tip: don’t focus on the price of the sweeper
Before closing we want to give you an extra but very important tip: don’t focus on the price of the sweeper. It is definitely an aspect to consider but keep it for last. The benefit of a lower price is often just short-term. In the long run you may end up with a sweeper that does not last long, has poor performance or wastes you a lot of time due to downtime for maintenance.
Still on the price evaluation of the sweeper, be careful not to choose an undersized or oversized one:
- If the sweeper is too small for your cleaning needs, you will spend less money but you don’t get the desired cleaning results. Even though ride-on cost more than walk-behind sweepers, the investment becomes minimal when compared to the cost of the same work done manually or with inadequate equipment.
- If the sweeper is too big for your cleaning needs, the investment costs may be too high for the cleaning performance you need.
Not sure what kind of sweeper fall under your cleaning needs? Do you need more information about these machines? Contact us now. A worldwide network of Comac authorized dealers is at your complete disposal and ready to help you.
This post is also available in: Italian