Controls
The method of control provided in the design of the machine.
Note that for models with the simplest manual control (when the user holds the handle and thus directs the machine), as well as for robots controlled exclusively from their built-in panel, this parameter is not indicated, it is given only for units with more advanced options. For traditional cleaning machines, this may be
steering wheel; in turn, robots (see "Type") can be controlled via the
remote control and/or
smartphone. Here is a more detailed description of these options:
— Steering wheel. It is used in heavy performant self-propelled equipment (see below), which would be difficult to direct manually. Many of these models even have a seat for the operator and are kind of mini-tractors. However, there are also units for which the operator must walk on foot during work — they are somewhat less convenient to use but more compact, light and inexpensive.
— Remote control. Controlled by a separate remote control supplied with the kit. More often, communication is carried out via an infrared channel — similar to remote controls for TVs, air conditioners, etc. However, other options are also possible. In general, the functionality of such control is quite limited compared to another option used in robots — control from a smartphone (see below): from the remote control, usua
...lly, only a selection of preset work programmes, simple settings, and in some models — also direct movement control. On the other hand, such control is relatively inexpensive, and in most cases, it is more than enough.
— Via smartphone. Controlling the robot via 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 the remote control: in particular, the application can implement many additional functions that are not available with a traditional remote control (cartography with manual route laying on a room map, scheduled cleaning, etc.). On the other hand, maintaining 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 rare — much more often the ability to work with a smartphone is provided simultaneously with the remote control (for more details, see below).
— Remote control/via smartphone. Devices that support both of the 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, thanks to which the unit can be used without a smartphone. For example, if there is no suitable smartphone, 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 rare. These are mostly high-end sweepers (it is extremely difficult to achieve such characteristics in scrubbers).Motor power
Rated power of the motor installed in the machine.
Most often, in this paragraph, it is the total motor power that is given. However, in units with suction functions, such as 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 adding the motor power and the suction power (see below). These details should be clarified separately. Also note that in self-propelled models (see above), part of the motor 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 vehicles. Thus, only models with the same movement format can be directly compared by this parameter— only self-propelled or only non-self-propelled.
In general, higher motor power results in higher efficiency and productivity. However, there is no rigid dependence here, and devices with similar motor specs can differ markedly — productivity, working width, etc. So when choosing, it makes sense to pay attention primarily to these characteristics — especially since for some units (in particular, many robots) the motor power may not be given at all. As for specific power values, in the most modest equipment — in particular, household scrubbers — it
does not exceed 600 W;
600 – 1200 W can be called an average,
1200 – 1800 W is abo
...ve average, and more solid values are found in powerful heavy units.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.
