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.
Suction width
Suction width provided by the unit. It is indicated mainly for floor scrubbers and window vacuums (see "Type"). In the first case, it refers to the width of the suction beam; in the second — the width of the working nozzle.
The width of the suction beam in scrubber dryers is usually slightly larger than the overall working width — it allows one to collect the water used in cleaning effectively. The size of the suction beam in some models of this type reaches 75 cm. In turn, in window vacuum cleaners the suction width corresponds to the actual working width. Most often, this figure is about 28 – 29 cm. it is believed that such values give an optimal ratio between performance and dimensions/weight of the unit. However, there are also more miniature models — in some devices, the width of the nozzle does not exceed 17 cm.
Additional nozzle
The width of the additional nozzle provided with the device.
Additional attachments are mainly supplied with window models (see "Type"). Such a nozzle is usually made narrower than the main one — it makes it easier to work on small glasses and in hard-to-reach places. However, there is also the opposite option: a small capture width in the device itself, increased by using an additional nozzle.
Waste detergent tank
The volume of the waste solution tank installed in the harvester.
Such tanks are equipped exclusively with floor scrubbers (including household ones) and window models (see "Type"): we recall that both of them are designed for suction of the solution from the treated surface. In general, the larger the tank, the less often it will have to be emptied, but the larger the dimensions and weight of the unit. Therefore, manufacturers usually choose this indicator taking into account the type and characteristics of the application of the machine. So, in devices for windows, which are held in the hands during operation, the capacity of the tanks for the spent solution is small — usually about 150 – 200 mL; this is quite enough, taking into account the format of application, and at the same time, such additional weight does not create inconvenience during work. In turn, scrubbing machines use containers of several liters or even tens of liters; usually, a specific volume directly depends on the overall “weight category” and the performance of the machine.
Voltage
The voltage of the battery used in the machine with the corresponding type of power supply. This parameter is not key when choosing; it may only be needed when looking for a third-party charger or a replacement/spare battery, as well as for specific calculations related to capacity (see below).
Autonomy time
Operating time of a battery-powered cleaning machine on one charge of a standard battery.
This parameter itself is quite approximate: it is most often indicated for standard operating modes and simple conditions. However, the actual autonomy is usually not very different from the stated one; so, based on the stated operating time, it is quite possible to both evaluate the capabilities of different models and compare them with each other.
Charging time
The time required to fully charge the battery of cleaning machine (see "Power supply").
The larger the battery, the longer it may take to charge it. On the other hand, this moment also depends on the type of battery. In addition, special technologies are being used to speed up the process. So two machines with a similar battery capacity can differ in charging times.
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.
Weight
The total weight of the cleaning machine. Usually, weight is indicated with empty tanks for detergent, waste, fuel, etc. At the same time, additional equipment, such as side brushes, may or may not be taken into account. Such equipment has a very small weight compared to the machines themselves. And, when installed/removed, does not seriously affect the mass of the entire machine.
