What is the name of the machine that cleans roads: a complete guide to types and applications

Have you ever wondered what the name of that bulky machine with rotating brushes is that drives through the streets in the early morning, leaving behind a perfectly clean surface? Or what is the name of the equipment that clears snow in winter or removes leaves in autumn? In this article we will look at all types of road cleaning machines, their official names, operating principles and areas of application - from utilities to airfields.

It turns out that the general concept of “road cleaning machine” hides a whole classification of equipment: street sweepers (SUM), watering complexes, snow removal rotary and auger-rotor units, as well as specialized devices for collecting garbage from roadsides. Each of them solves specific problems - and you can choose the appropriate model only by knowing their key differences. Next, you will learn how to correctly name this equipment in documents, how it works, and what to look for when renting or buying.

Official names of road sweepers

In the professional environment and regulatory documents (for example, in GOST R 53783-2010 "Utility machines"), this equipment is classified according to its operating principle and purpose. Here are the main categories with their “passport” names:

• 🚛 Street sweepers (SUM) - the most common type for dry cleaning of asphalt from sand, dust and small debris. Often equipped with vacuum systems.
• 💦 Watering machines - combined units that first wet the road with water, and then remove dirt with brushes and suck it up.
• ❄️ Snow removal machines - divided into rotary (throw the snow aside) and screw-rotor (load snow into the body).
• 🌬️ Vacuum sweepers — use air flow to collect debris without mechanical brushes (relevant for delicate coatings).
• 🚜 Multifunctional municipal machines (MCM) — universal platforms with attachments for various tasks (from sweeping to grass mowing).

Important: in colloquial speech these machines are often called simply - “sweepers”, “snow blowers” or “wash rollers”. However, in tenders, contracts and technical specifications it is necessary to use exact terms from GOST, otherwise you risk getting the wrong equipment. For example, an order for “snow removal machine” may result in the delivery of both a light tractor attachment and a heavy airfield snow blower.

How does a street sweeper (SUM) work?

This is the most popular technology for daily cleaning of city roads. Structurally, the PUM consists of several key components:

1. Brush block - usually two disk brushes at the front and one cylindrical brush at the back. Disc brushes sweep debris toward the center, and cylindrical brushes “push” it into the hopper.
2. Vacuum system — sucks up dust and small particles that brushes do not capture. In modern models (for example, Bucher CityCat or FAUN Variopress) is used turbine blower with a capacity of up to 3000 m³/h.
3. Garbage bin — volume from 2 to 8 m³. In some machines the hopper is equipped press for compacting waste (increases capacity by 30–50%).
4. Irrigation system — sprays water to reduce dust formation. Advanced models have metered spray taking into account the speed of movement.

Interesting fact: in PUM premium (for example, Schmidt Swift) the brushes automatically regulate the pressure on the coating so as not to damage the asphalt or paving stones. And in tunnel cleaning machines (like Madvac Tymco 600) are used brushes made of a special polymer resistant to aggressive chemicals.

Why don't PUMs pick up trash along the curbs?

In most cars, the brushes do not reach the very edge of the road due to the risk of damaging the curb. To clean the curb area, either manual sweepers or PUMs with retractable side brushes are used (for example, model Hako-Citymaster 1200).

Watering machines: how they work

These units combine two functions: road washing under high pressure and collecting dirt brushes followed by suction. The main difference from PUM is the presence water tanks (volume 5–15 m³) and high pressure pump (up to 200 bar). Work algorithm:

1. The machine sprays water onto the coating through injectors (working width - 2.5–4 meters).
2. The brushes rotate towards the movement, knocking dirt into the central part.
3. The vacuum pump sucks dirty water and debris into slam-bak (sump).
4. Purified water through coarse and fine filters returned to the tank for reuse.

The key advantage of watering machines is High-quality cleaning of oil stains and adhered dirt, which a conventional PUM cannot cope with. However, they also have disadvantages:

⚠️ Attention: Watering machines cannot be used at temperatures below +5°C - the water in the hoses and pumps will freeze, which will lead to breakdown. For winter cleaning, specialized salt spreaders or sand spreaders.

Parameter	Street sweeper (SUM)	Watering machine
Main purpose	Dry cleaning of garbage, sand, leaves	Wet cleaning, removing dirt and oil stains
Water consumption	0.5–1 l/min (dust suppression only)	10–30 l/min (main flow)
Performance	Up to 20,000 m²/h	Up to 15,000 m²/h
Seasonality	All year round	Only in the warm season
Examples of models	Bucher CityCat, FAUN Variopress	Karcher MC 65, Hako Citymaster 8000

Snow plows: rotary vs auger

Winter road cleaning is a separate category of equipment, where the names are often confused. Let's look at two main types:

• ❄️ Rotary snow blowers - equipped with a rotating rotor (similar to a large cutter), which crushes the snow and throws it to the side at a distance of up to 30 meters. Used for clearing large areas (airfields, stadiums). Examples: Oshkosh H-Series, M-B Companies SnowDogg.
• ❄️ Screw rotary machines — combine a screw mechanism (supplies snow to the center) and a rotor (throws snow into the body). Used for cleaning city streets, since they do not scatter snow along the roadsides. Popular models: Schmidt JSW 600, Boschung Jet 2000.

An important nuance: in Russia they often purchase multi-purpose vehicles based on MAZ or KAMAZ with mounted snow removal equipment. For example, KAMAZ-6520 with the Desna module Can work both as a snow blower and as a sand spreader. This reduces the cost of maintaining a fleet of equipment.

Specialized equipment: vacuum and combined machines

For non-standard tasks, highly specialized cleaning machines are used:

• 🌪️ Vacuum sweepers — remove debris without brushes, only using air flow. Ideal for pedestrian zones and historical centerswhere the coating cannot be damaged. Example: Nilfisk VM 650.
• 🚧 Roadside cleaning machines — equipped with retractable sleeves for collecting debris from the edges of the road. Often used on motorways. Popular model: Bucher Schörling RoadMaster.
• 🔥 Pyrolysis machines — they burn the collected garbage directly in the bunker, reducing the volume of waste by 10 times. Used in remote areas. Example: EcoLogic PyroVac.

They stand apart combined machines, which combine several functions. For example, Hako Citymaster 1200 can work as a PUM, a watering machine and even as road marking machine. This technique is more expensive, but pays off due to its versatility.

How to choose a cleaning machine: criteria and mistakes

When purchasing or renting road cleaning equipment, consider the following parameters:

1. Coverage type:
   • For asphalt Any PUM will do.
   • For paving stones or marble tiles need cars with adjustable brush pressure (for example, Schmidt Swift).
   • For gravel roads vacuum systems are required so as not to “sweep out” the coating itself.
2. Cleaning area:
   • Up to 5,000 m²/day – enough small-sized PUM (for example, Nilfisk Liberty SC50).
   • 10,000–50,000 m²/day - you need a machine with a hopper of 4–6 m³ (Bucher CityCat 2020).
   • Over 50,000 m² - consider self-propelled combines with a productivity of 25,000 m²/h.

Seasonality:

• For year-round cleaning choose a PUM with the ability to install a snow removal module.
• For winter priority - rotary screw machines with heated hydraulics.

⚠️ Attention: One of the most common mistakes is buying a car with excess capacity. For example, to clean the courtyard area of an apartment building, you don’t need Boschung Jet 3000 with a 10 m³ bunker - this will lead to excessive fuel consumption and difficulties with maneuvering. Quite compact Hako-Citymaster 1200.

💡

The optimal price-functionality ratio for utilities is middle-class machines (for example, FAUN Variopress 5000 or Schmidt JSW 600). They cover 80% of tasks with a reasonable maintenance budget.

Maintenance and repair: what breaks most often

The lifespan of cleaning equipment depends on regular maintenance. Here top 5 breakdownsproblems that owners face:

1. Brush wear - on average they last for 300–500 hours of operation. Used for asphalt polypropylene brushes, for paving stones - metal with polymer coating.
2. Clogged filters - especially relevant for watering machines. Coarse filters need to be washed after each shift, fine filters - once a week.
3. Hydraulic problems — leaks in hoses or pressure drop due to wear of pumps. Solution: change the oil every 1,000 hours.
4. Body corrosion - due to constant contact with water and salt. For protection use anti-corrosion coatings based on zinc.
5. Vacuum system malfunctions - often associated with the ingress of large debris. Install protective grilles to the suction pipe.

Medium overhaul interval for harvesting machines - 2,000 operating hours. To extend it, follow the checklist:

☑️ Daily maintenance of the cleaning machine

Checking oil and hydraulic fluid levelsCleaning filters from debrisTire pressure monitoringLubrication of brush block bearingsChecking the operation of the alarm system

Done: 0 / 5

For major repairs of critical components (for example, replacing the rotor in a snow blower), contact only certified service centers. Do-it-yourself repairs may void the warranty and increase the risk of breakdowns.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about road sweepers

Is it possible to use the PUM for snow removal?

Technically yes, but the efficiency will be low. PUM can only cope with fresh, loose snow layer up to 5 cm. To remove compacted or wet snow you need auger-rotor machine or snow plow.

How much does it cost to rent a cleaning machine?

Prices depend on the region and type of equipment:

• Small-sized PUM (for example, Nilfisk Liberty) - from 3,000 ₽/shift.
• Watering machine (Hako Citymaster) — 8,000–12,000 ₽/shift.
• Snowplow (Schmidt JSW) — 15,000–25,000 ₽/shift.

The price usually includes fuel, but not always - check with the rental company.

Do I need a special license to operate a PUM?

Yes, for management self-propelled harvesting machines categories B, C or D (depending on weight) required:

• A driver's license of the appropriate category.
• Special driving permit municipal equipment (issued after training at a training center, for example, in Academy of Public Utilities).

For attachments (for example, brushes for a tractor) a category B or C license is sufficient.

How often do you need to change brushes on PUM?

The service life of brushes depends on the intensity of use and type of coating:

• Polypropylene brushes — 300–400 hours (for asphalt).
• Metal with polymer coating - up to 600 hours (for paving stones).
• Horsehair brushes - up to 200 hours (for delicate surfaces).

Signs of wear: decreased quality of cleaning, scratches on the coating, increased noise.

Can a truck be converted into a snowblower?

Yes, but this will require:

• Get permission to traffic police to change the design of the vehicle.
• Install certified attachments (e.g. snow dump or screw-rotor module from Desna or KOMMASH).
• Pass technical expertise at an accredited center.

Truck conversion cost (e.g. ZIL-130) - from 800,000 ₽. Ready-made snowblower based on KAMAZ will cost 3–5 million rubles.