168 Is it better a petrol engine driven or a battery powered model? The use of a petrol engine implies the presence of exhaust gasses and therefore the machine must be used only in outside areas or in areas where the operator is not exposed at such risk. The battery models can be used also inside. From the technical and qualitative point of view the sweepers do exactly the same cleaning task, but the petrol engine machine can work nonstop (it is only necessary to fill up the tank with petrol), while the electric models, once the battery is empty, need to be re-charged (an average of 8-10 hours of charge, if battery is completely worn-out) How should the brush be? In the sweepers, there are two types of bushes: the first one rotates with a perpendicular axle to the floor (this is the one called “side brush”), it is useful to move dirt into the collecting area and to reach dirt near borders or under edges; the second one rotates with a parallel axle to the floor (this is the one called “main brush”); it rotates counterclockwise (opposite) to the forward direction of machine and collects dirt into the collection tank. The brushes differ in the shape (round flat the “side brush” and cylindrical the “main brush”), in the type of bristles (the way bristles are arranged on the brush body), in the body material (that accordingly to options, provides resistance still in humid enviroment or competitive construction) and in the bristle material/diameter/shape. Generally, the stiffer and rougher the bristles are, the better they collect the heaviest dirt adherent to the floor (typically wet leaves). The more flexible and thinner the bristles are, the better they collect light and thin dirt . To have a better scraping action, it is necessary to add steel bristle to the PP ones. To collect very thin dirt, it is necessary to use only short round PP bristles. As a consequence of motorization (petrol engine or electric one) and so of indoor or outdoor use, the walk behind models have stiffer or softer bristles, to adapt in best way possible to the type of dirt typically found in the working area. How long do battery charges last? It is impossible to determine exactly how long a battery charge lasts. Battery autonomy changes depending on type of surface, dirt quantity, brush type and way in which traction system is used (speed and slope). Battery life is made up of number of charge cycles (also incomplete), if use conditions, charge and service are perfectly observed. Manufacturing technology diversifies numbers of cycles, service needed, use/charge conditions and performances. Which kind of battery technology? Batteries have different prices and so it is important to know their features in order to choose the best one as far as the operator’s needs or habits are concerned. They divide into two families according to the necessity of recurrent acid solution refilling. Acid lead batteries (PbAcid), need refilling, because during the charge cycle a lot of gasses are generated (for this reason a specific and aired room is necessary for safe working) and the solution vaporizes: it is necessary to add distilled water before the submerged lead parts that are no more covered with water begin to oxidize (compromised efficiency). VRLA batteries (Valve Regulated Lead Acid) are airtight, this means that gasses generated during the charge cycle are rearranged inside the battery: refilling is not necessary, it is possible to charge them in any room and they can be carried without risk. Sweepers
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