Controls
The control method provided for in the design of the machine.
Note that for models with simple manual control (when the user holds the handle and thus directs the machine), as well as for robots controlled exclusively from their own built-in panel, this parameter is not indicated; it is given only for units with more advanced options. For traditional harvesting machines, this may be
the steering ; in turn, robots (see “Type”) can be controlled from
a remote control and/or
smartphone. Here's a more detailed description of these options:
- Steering. Control using a steering wheel or steering wheel. Used in heavy productive self-propelled equipment (see below), which would be difficult to deploy manually. Many of these models even have an operator seat and are essentially mini harvesting tractors of sorts. However, there are also units for which the operator must walk while working - they are somewhat less convenient to use, but are more compact, lightweight and inexpensive.
- Remote control. Control using a separate remote control supplied in the kit. More often, communication is carried out via an infrared channel - similar to remote controls for televisions, air conditioners, etc.; however, other options are possible. In general, the functionality of such control is quite limited compared to another option used in robots - control from a smartpho
...ne (see below): from the remote control, as a rule, only a selection of preset operating programs, simple settings, and in some models - also direct motion control. On the other hand, such control is relatively inexpensive, and for most cases it is more than enough.
- From a smartphone. Control the robot from a smartphone or other similar gadget (for example, a tablet) with a special application installed on it; Communication is usually carried out via Bluetooth. This method turns out to be much more convenient and visual than using a remote control: in particular, the application can implement many additional functions that are not available with a traditional remote control (cartography with manual routing on a map of the room, scheduled cleaning, etc.). On the other hand, supporting such control affects the overall cost of the unit; and in the absence of a suitable control gadget, the robot becomes completely useless. Therefore, this option is rarely found in its pure form - much more often the ability to work with a smartphone is provided simultaneously with the remote control (see below for more details).
— Remote control / from a smartphone. Devices that support both control methods described above. This option is as versatile as possible: when working with basic functions, you can get by with the remote control, and for advanced settings, use an external gadget. At the same time, the remote control is initially included in the delivery package, thanks to which the unit can be used without a smartphone - for example, if a suitable smartphone is not on the household, or if you do not want to bother with installing and configuring the application.Performance
The performance of a cleaning machine is the area that the unit can process in an hour.
Usually, the specs indicate the maximum performance achieved under perfect conditions. It may turn out to be somewhat lower due to the specs of the room, the presence of old dirt and other factors. However, the theoretical difference is usually quite consistent with the actual one. For example, models for 1000 m2/h and 2000 m2/h will differ in performance approximately by two times. So, according to this parameter, it is quite possible to evaluate different models and compare them with each other.
Note that high performance requires a powerful motor and capacious tanks, which affects the dimensions, weight and cost of the unit. Therefore, excessive performance is just as undesirable as insufficient. In addition, more powerful machines usually have a larger working width and are not well suited for rooms with an abundance of narrow passages and nooks and crannies.
As for the actual values, models
less than 1000 m2/h belong to the entry-level. It is the specs that most household machines have (see "Type"). A value
from 1000 to 2000 m2/h is relatively low for professional sweepers and the average for scrubber dryers.
2000 – 3000 m2/h is considered a fairly solid performance, and models of
more than 3000 m2/h is extremely ra
...re. These are mostly high-end sweepers (it is extremely difficult to achieve such characteristics in scrubbers).Motor power
Rated power of the engine installed in the car.
Most often, this paragraph gives the total engine power. However, in units with a suction function - for example, scrubber dryers (see "Type") - only the power transmitted to the brushes can be indicated here. In such cases, the total power can be determined by summing the motor power and the suction power (see below). These details should be clarified separately. We also note that in self-propelled models (see above), part of the engine power is spent on moving the unit, which is why the useful power of such machines is lower than that of similar non-self-propelled equipment. In light of this, only models with the same movement format can be directly compared by this indicator - only self-propelled or only non-self-propelled.
Overall, higher motor power results in higher efficiency and productivity. However, there is no strict dependence here, and devices with similar engine characteristics can differ markedly in practical characteristics - productivity, working width, etc. So when choosing, it makes sense to pay attention first of all to these characteristics - especially since for some units (in particular, many robots) the engine power may not be supplied at all. As for specific power values, in the most modest equipment - in particular, household scrubber dryers - it
does not exceed 600 W ;
600 – 1200 W can be called average,
1200 – 1800 W is above average, and in powerful heavy units there are even
more respectable values.
Noise level
The noise level created by the harvesting machine during operation.
Low noise levels are important for the comfort of both the operator and others; the latter is especially true in some specific places such as hospitals or kindergartens. On the other hand, the higher the power, the louder, as a rule, the unit operates and the more difficult it is to reduce this noise to a certain level; despite the fact that in many cases high volume operation is not a particular problem. So you should specifically look for a “quiet” cleaning machine only if a low noise level is more critical for you than high cost and/or reduced power.
When assessing specific loudness values, it is worth considering that the decibel used to indicate the noise level is a non-linear quantity. Therefore, the easiest way is to evaluate specific values using comparative tables. Here's a simplified table for the range that most modern harvesting machines fit into:
55 dB - background noise in an office without special noise sources;
60 dB - loud conversation;
65 dB - city street with average traffic intensity;
70 dB - a conversation between several people in a raised voice.
75 dB – high power vacuum cleaner.
80 dB - traffic noise on a busy street.
