by Brianna Crandall — March 20, 2017 — Of interest to facilities managers looking to buy new floor-cleaning equipment for areas where maneuverability is required, Germany-based cleaning machines manufacturer Kärcher launched three battery-powered floor equipment models in recent weeks: a dry vacuum cleaner, a backpack vacuum, and a walk-behind scrubber drier.
T 9/1 Bp dry vacuum cleaner
With the new T 9/1 Bp dry vacuum cleaner, Kärcher is launching a battery-powered machine on the market with a cleaning performance which the company says is, for the first time, comparable with a corded model. The cordless vacuum cleaner is not only suitable for selective cleaning, but also for maintenance cleaning — for example in hotels, building cleaning or in public areas.
Thanks to the battery technology, the high-suction-power T 9/1 dry vacuum cleaner is very versatile and mobile, suitable for cleaning heavily furnished areas.
The new lithium-ion battery (36 V) has a run time of 24 minutes. In the energy-saving setting, the so-called eco!efficiency mode, the working time is increased to 46 minutes thanks to reduced energy consumption. The low noise level of 62 dB(A) makes the machine suitable for use in noise-sensitive areas or for cleaning during business hours.
The vacuum cleaner is said to be very versatile and mobile: without cord, the 7.2 kg machine is ideal for fast and efficient cleaning in heavily furnished areas. Operators can easily clean room by room without having to plug the cord into different power outlets, which can save up to 20 percent of working time. A further advantage: no cord means one tripping hazard less.
Backpack vacuum BV 5/1 Bp
With the BV 5/1 Bp, Kärcher is launching a new backpack vacuum that features a 36 V lithium-ion battery. Like the T 9/1 Bp above, this 8.7 kg model for the first time delivers the same power as a corded machine, says the company. Apart from selective cleaning, it can also be used for maintenance cleaning by contract cleaners, in the transport industry — buses, trains or planes, in hotels, and in the retail trade.
The cordless BV 5/1 Bp backpack vacuum cleaner is controlled via a control panel on the waistband, which indicates the battery charge status.
Operated in the energy-saving eco!efficiency mode, it only requires 400 watts. While the consumption of the vacuum cleaner is almost halved, the run time is doubled from 24 to 46 minutes. Thanks to the low noise level, the vacuum cleaner is also suitable for use in noise-sensitive public areas. Battery replacement with the new Kärcher BV 5/1 Bp backpack vacuum is simple at the push of a button, notes the company.
The carrying frame has padded shoulder and hip straps, which can be individually adjusted to suit the user. A spring steel frame with mesh keeps the machine away from the body and allows air to circulate. The vacuum cleaner is controlled via a control panel on the waistband, which indicates the battery charge status.
Walk-behind scrubber drier BD 30/4 C
In addition, Kärcher introduced the new walk-behind scrubber drier BD 30/4 C with disc technology, which works to remove spots of dirt quickly and thoroughly. Thanks to the maintenance-free lithium-ion battery, low weight and compact size, the model is an economic and hygienic alternative to manual spot cleaning — in shops, offices, restaurants or service stations, says the company.
The walk-behind scrubber drier BD 30/4 C works to clean busy areas or remove spots of dirt quickly and thoroughly, leaving the floor dry and walkable behind it.
Once the machine is set up, it can be used several times a day for quick cleaning jobs. When not in use, it can be stored without taking up too much space — the handlebar can be completely folded up, and the large wheels provide easy transport over steps or thresholds.
The compact lithium-ion battery does more than just reduce the weight: it also has a very high energy density and allows up to an hour of use, says Kärcher. If necessary, the battery can even be partially recharged without causing any damage. The battery charges fully in about two hours.
The crescent-shaped squeegee is attached directly to the brush head. This means it follows the cleaning direction — even over tight curves — and reliably removes dirty water. The floor is dry and ready to be walked on immediately after use.
Thanks to a maximum theoretical area performance of up to 900 m²/h, the machine cleans more economically than with a mop and bucket, saving time and money. The battery-powered machine is also more ergonomic as it obviates the need for manual mopping and wringing out, points out the company.
For more information on these battery-powered floor-cleaning equipment models, visit the Kärcher Web site or click on the links above.
