How to Choose the Right Sweepers – Step by Step Guide

Last updated on May 12th, 2020 by

There is not a single day when a consumer does not ask us how to choose the right sweepers. Outdoor paved areas such as large terraces, driveways, sidewalks, or garage entrances should always be clean, and not just for aesthetics. The accumulation of dirt or plant debris can become a danger in the rain by facilitating the accumulation of water or causing slips.

How to Choose the Right Sweepers

If working with the brush is too tiring due to the dimensions of the floor, try using a sweeping machine. You have the manual, electric and gasoline.

Advantages of Using A Sweeper

  • Undoubtedly the effort is less, even with the simplest manual models.
  • The work is done more quickly and with a higher cleaning quality.
  • With it less dust is raised than with the brush, which is more suitable for people with respiratory problems.
  • It can also be used indoors (manual and electrical), for example in workshops, garages or warehouses.
  • The collected dirt is stored in the tank until you empty it, so there is no risk of it blowing up, depositing elsewhere.

How Does A Sweeper Work?

Regardless of the way they are driven (manual, electric or gasoline), the sweepers work as follows: when moving, circular brushes located on the sides of the front rotate and push the dirt towards the center of the machine. Here, other lower roller brushes drag it into the tank. Some electric models also incorporate a vacuum system.

The brushes can be adjusted in height, to make more or less pressure on the floor. In addition, there are manufacturers that incorporate in their machines an extra lateral brush, to be able to access all the corners and curbs.

When the dirt is slightly damp, it is advisable to lower the brushes to apply more pressure and better remove the dirt.

What Types of Sweepers are There?

A classification of sweepers could be obtained based on the way they obtain the energy to carry out their function, therefore, we distinguish between:

Manual Sweeper

It is a drag sweeper; that is, the push on the pavement of the person who is guiding them causes the brushes to rotate as they advance. This sweeper is perfect for home and lawn use, where surfaces are small to medium. It’s the best performance is achieved when the dirt is light and small (leaves, dust, small papers) and is dry. It’s an advantage is that it has unlimited autonomy, it is easy to store and it weighs little.

Man using manual push lawn sweeper

Electric Sweeper

Electric motor sweepers can be powered with a cable to connect to the network. They are recommended for indoors, where you will always have access to an electrical outlet, or well-stocked exteriors with plugs, although you can always use a roll-up extension cord to achieve greater autonomy.

Double brush system electric sweeper

Gasoline Sweeper

The gasoline traction sweepers are indicated only for outdoors, due to the gases generated by the engine. They have forward and reverse gears. Keep in mind that they are heavier than manual and electrical ones and that maintenance of the engine requires a little more work (changing filters, oil, etc.).

Sweepers with Special Features

Some sweepers, in addition to being used to clean paved surfaces, by sweeping have features that extend their uses.

  • Vacuum cleaners: electric sweepers often include the vacuum function among their features, thus minimizing the dust that can remain in suspension while sweeping. With a special brush, they can even clean carpets, rugs and artificial grass.
  • Artificial grass styling machines: Using a height-adjustable nylon brush, some models of electric sweepers become artificial grass styling machines, separating the fibers and giving it a sleek look while cleaning it.

An Advice

Wear glasses and a mask when using a sweeper, even outdoors. It is important to avoid breathing the dust produced and a branch or object residue can always jump towards the face, which can impact your eyes.

What Do You Have To Look At Before Buying?

If you have doubts about what type of machine is the most suitable for cleaning your outdoor areas, take a look at these tips:

  • Manual, electric or gasoline? If you have surfaces less than 200 m, we recommend a manual or electric cable. They are inexpensive, easy to use, with very basic maintenance and they can be stored folded in any corner of the garage. Leave gasoline only for outdoors of more than 500 m.
  • The useful sweep width. It is the strip swept with each pass. Look at the value given by the manufacturer without side brushes and with side brushes if they are worn or can be attached. The wider the strip, the less time it will take to clean the surface.
  • The tank for dirt. Its capacity is usually expressed in liters and, as in lawnmowers, the more storage capacity it has, the fewer times you will have to empty it but keep in mind that the tank will also weigh more when it is full.
  • The weight. It is important, especially in manuals, because of the more weight, the more pushing force you have to do. Also when storing them you have to take it into account.

Final Word

Thank you for reading our blog on How to Choose the Right Sweepers, hope it helps you to choose yours. Share your thought on this in the comment section below.

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