Sweepers

Features of a sweeper

Robust and efficient, professional sweepers are perfect equipment for ensuring the cleanliness of large surfaces. They are particularly used in warehouses, car parks, or industrial and commercial spaces. However, some models have enough flexibility to perform well outdoors as well.
Professional sweepers are divided into several categories. All of them, however, are much more efficient for floor cleaning operations than traditional equipment, such as brooms or vacuum cleaners. A perfect solution for quickly washing floors in dynamic and industrial contexts.
Professional sweepers rely on two systems to clean floors:
• Mechanical sweeping, using rotating brushes to pick up debris and then transport it to a collection bin;
• In addition, a vacuum sweep captures fine dust and small debris. This technology provides cleaning suitable for dusty surfaces.

How to choose a professional sweeper?

When choosing a sweeper, here are the important criteria to take into account:
Size and type of surface to be cleaned: the size of the sweeper must correspond to the size of the surface to be cleaned and the time available to the agent to return the area to be cleaned to traffic. Cleaning companies will often have a time constraint in this context. Indeed, as with a scrubber dryer , the sweeper has a practical and theoretical output in terms of the number of m2 per hour that can be achieved. This output is determined by the width of the machine and its forward speed at which obstacles are weighted.
Type of dirt to be removed: some sweepers are more suitable for light waste, while others are designed for heavier waste. Thus the particle size and volume of the waste must also be taken into account, as well as the presence in the protocol of rough cleaning of the surface with a broom.
Waste collection capacity: check the capacity of the waste bin and how often it needs to be emptied. The size of the bottom will also determine the autonomy which will itself be limited by the duration of the intervention .
Mobility and maneuverability: Consider the wheels and steering of the sweeper, as well as its maneuverability for tight spaces. The treatment of large aisles of a logistics space or an outdoor area incorporating various obstacles must be taken into account.
Energy consumption: some models are battery powered, others are mains powered. For small areas, you also have the option of opting for mechanical manual sweepers which can be more than sufficient both outdoors and indoors.
Care and maintenance: Consider the costs of care and maintenance, as well as the availability of spare parts. Choosing major brands such as Taski , Nilfisk or Numatic allows you to guarantee a long-lasting after-sales service and guaranteed on-site maintenance (to be seen according to the maintenance contracts).
Budget: Sweepers can vary greatly in cost, so it's important to determine an accurate budget before making a purchase.

When it comes to choosing a professional battery-powered sweeper, you will be faced with several options, each with specific features. Here is an overview of the main types of sweepers available on the market:

Types of professional sweepers

Manual sweepers
Manual sweepers are designed for cleaning small areas. They are generally lightweight, compact and easy to maneuver. Their main advantage is their maneuverability, making them ideal for cleaning tight spaces or hard-to-reach areas. The investment is very low with models under 300 euros, especially at Nilfisk with the SW250 and SW200.
Self-propelled sweepers
Battery-powered self-propelled sweepers are equipped with an electric motor that manages their movement, thus relieving the operator. These sweepers are ideal for cleaning medium to large surfaces, offering a higher output than manual sweepers. Their maneuverability and ease of use make them the tools of choice for cleaning companies or establishments with large spaces to maintain.
Self-propelled sweepers
Battery-powered ride-on sweepers are larger machines, designed for cleaning large areas such as logistics platforms, large outdoor spaces such as car parks, etc. The operator drives the machine from a seat, allowing him to cover large areas quickly and with minimal effort. Thanks to their high performance, these models are particularly suitable for warehouses, car parks, shopping centres or communities.

Interview

Professional sweeper maintenance focuses on different elements, each essential to the proper functioning of the equipment.
One of the aspects that often causes operational problems comes from the filters . These must be cleaned as soon as they have excess dust. With a professional paper sweeper filter, it will be a matter of washing it with low-pressure compressed air, or with a vacuum cleaner. If the material is polyester, it will be enough to clean it with clear water. If the filter shows signs of wear , it is better to replace it directly .
Sweepers have rubber flaps, called "Flap" flaps. They reduce the projection of dust, and can be damaged if they are not adjusted to the correct height. It is therefore a question of learning the different parameters to avoid their wear, and optimize their operation. At the end of each pass, it is recommended to empty the equipment's inspection bin. By doing this, the maintenance of the professional sweeper is already carried out for the next use. Finally, a last element allowing the correct use and operation of the tool is the inspection of the brushes. These, placed on the front and sides of the sweeper, ensure efficient sweeping when they are not in a state of wear.

Use

Most models of professional sweepers are easy to use. However, it is strongly recommended to read the documentation provided with the equipment to be able to exploit its full potential and reduce the risk of malfunctions.
Before using a professional sweeper, it is recommended to equip yourself with personal protective equipment . Gloves, safety glasses or earplugs can thus prevent any danger in dusty or noisy spaces.
First, it will be a matter of adjusting the height and angle of the bumps, considering the surface to be cleaned as well as the debris to be collected. It is recommended to sweep the room by passing the tool in a straight line, from top to bottom or from left to right. If the space is very dirty, move the sweeper slowly, so as not to miss any of the debris present. After using the professional sweeper, carry out the various steps of verification and maintenance. This approach will ensure increased durability of the equipment.

Leading Manufacturers of Professional Battery Sweepers

There are several well-known brands that stand out in the market for professional battery-powered sweepers. Here is an overview of the main manufacturers to know:
Nilfisk: Nilfisk is a major player in the field of professional cleaning. The brand offers a complete range of battery-powered sweepers, from compact models to high-end ride-on versions. Renowned for their reliability and performance, Nilfisk sweepers are suitable for a wide variety of environments.
Numatic: Specialist in cleaning equipment, Numatic is also known for its professional battery-powered sweepers. Their models are characterized by their maneuverability, suction power and ease of maintenance, making them the tools of choice for small and medium-sized surfaces.
Taski: A subsidiary of the Diversey group, Taski is a renowned manufacturer of battery-powered industrial sweepers. Their models are distinguished by their ergonomics, robustness and high performance, making them particularly suitable for large spaces such as warehouses or shopping centers.

The advantages of a professional sweeper

There are several clear advantages to using a professional sweeper. The benefits that its users get from it include:
• A significant time saving. Cleaning is fast, thanks to the sweeping width allowed by the different models of professional sweepers. In addition, this efficiency is further enhanced by the capacity of recovery bins and tanks, leading to fewer interruptions than with less efficient cleaning equipment.
• Versatility. Most professional sweepers can handle a wide variety of debris, large or small. This is not the only advantage of this equipment, which also improves air quality by filtering fine particles and reduces the volume of suspended dust.
• Durability and economy. One of the advantages of professional sweepers is their durability. These machines have a long service life, mainly due to the durable materials used in their design. In addition, their efficiency reduces the labor involved in cleaning surfaces. These surfaces also benefit from less wear and tear for each pass.

Frequently Asked Questions About Professional Sweepers

What surface can professional sweepers clean?

Depending on the model, all types of surfaces can benefit from cleaning carried out by professional sweepers.

Can professional sweepers be used on wet floors?

It is strongly advised not to use professional sweepers if the floor covering is wet. It will first have to be dried before cleaning it. If the vacuum is activated when passing over a wet surface, the filters of the device will be wet and saturated immediately. However, it is possible to protect the filters and other sensitive components in order to remedy this impediment.

What is the average lifespan of a professional sweeper?

If rigorous and regular maintenance is carried out, a professional sweeper can last from 5 to 15 years. It all depends on the frequency of use as well as the quality of the machine.