Sweeper

It is not as if brooms, shovels and refuse bags are about to disappear.  These tried and trusted manual implements are unsurpassed for cleaning mainly local dirt in the immediate vicinity of workbenches and machines.  An appropriate arsenal can be held ready at every workplace that is susceptible to dirt without putting a strain on the investment budget.

Basically, mechanical sweeping is a suitable method for more extensive contiguous areas such as corridors or storage and loading zones in factory sheds, warehouses and the open air.  Several factors that go hand in hand with general corporate modernisation tend to extend the range of uses for sweeping machines.  Building works have a particularly long-term consequence.  When a company extends its premises or rationalises its layout, it creates favourable conditions for mechanical floor maintenance.  Improving the layout of equipment and installations to create blocks of machines, a regular network of paths and wider corridors can have the same effect.

Rising labour costs, particularly in view of the accompanying overheads, also favour the introduction of labour-saving technologies.  Finally, equipment manufacturers have no shortage of innovative solutions to enable procurement that suits individual needs.  The customer only has to choose the right one from a variety of price and performance categories.  The more care he takes in doing so, the sooner he will recoup the purchase price in the course of everyday working life.

The decision to opt for a particular sweeper must be based on objective benefits so that hoped-for productivity gains do not turn out to be illusory.  Anyone studying specifications or who will be testing a machine should pay attention to the following main points:

- A good cleaning result, especially in problem cases such as on a heavily profiled floor with joins or grouting, on damaged floors with cracks or potholes, and close to edges (walls, installations, furnishing).

- Dust-free operation.  Make sure that no dust blows up around the main brush or escapes from the dirt container via the exhaust duct.

- Ergonomics.  The equipment operator will appreciate a good working posture, low physical effort and, especially in the case of motorised units, easy operating procedures.

- Minimal setting up.  Effortless emptying of the debris container, easy filter cleaning, fast brush and filter change.

- Robust construction.  The chassis and housing should be able to cope with knocks and collisions and provide good protection to the inner parts.