The question of what is the name of the machine that sweeps roads often arises among those who observe the work of public utilities at night or early in the morning. In everyday life you can hear many names: from a simple “vacuum cleaner” to a more technical “cleaner”. However, the professional name for this complex mechanism is street sweeper (PUM). It is this term that is used in technical documentation, catalogs of special equipment and regulations governing the improvement of cities.
These giant mechanisms are an integral part of the city's infrastructure. They don’t just sweep debris into heaps, as the wipers of the past did, but carry out comprehensive cleaning of the roadway. Modern models are capable of removing sand, small crushed stone, fallen leaves, and, in winter, snow and ice. The efficiency of their work directly affects the condition of the asphalt and traffic safety, since small abrasive particles destroy the coating faster than it seems at first glance.
In this article we will analyze in detail the design of such machines, consider their main types and find out why it is impossible to imagine a modern metropolis without them. You'll understand the differences between vacuum and brush systems, and what engineering solutions enable these machines to operate at peak performance.
Main types of road equipment
The classification of special equipment for street cleaning is quite extensive and depends on many factors. First of all, machines are divided by drive type and dimensions. There are self-propelled models, which are full-fledged trucks, and trailed versions that require a tractor. For narrow streets and pedestrian areas they are used small tractors with attachments, which are often called “babies” among utility workers.
The second important criterion is seasonality of use. All-season models are equipped with bunker heating systems and reinforced brushes, which allows them to work in cold weather. Summer modifications are aimed at collecting dry dust and leaves. Separately, it is worth highlighting combined road vehicles (CRM), which, although they have similar elements, are primarily designed for spreading reagents and transporting snow, and not for fine vacuum cleaning.
The choice of a specific type of equipment depends on the density of the building and the nature of the pollution. In historical centers, where every centimeter and the safety of the paving stones are important, compact electric models are used. On wide highways and highways, heavy diesel units with a large bunker volume are indispensable.
- 🚛 Trunk vehicles: large trucks with a bunker volume of 6 to 12 cubic meters, operating at high speeds.
- 🚙 Compact urban models: maneuverable machines for cleaning parking lots, sidewalks and courtyards.
- 🚜 Tractor sheds: universal brushes installed on the base of utility tractors such as MTZ or Bobcat.
Operating principle of the vacuum system
The heart of a modern sweeper is a powerful vacuum system. This is what distinguishes the PUM from a conventional tractor with a brush. The operating principle is reminiscent of a giant industrial vacuum cleaner. Rotating brushes located at the front or sides of the machine sweep debris from under tires and from curbs to the center line.
After the garbage has been collected in a heap directly in front of the suction pipe, it comes into play high pressure fan. It creates a powerful air flow that draws dust, sand and small stones inside the bunker. A key feature is the filtration system: the air passes through filters or cyclones, where heavy particles settle and the purified stream is released back into the atmosphere.
⚠️ Attention: The effectiveness of vacuum suction drops sharply when the humidity of the garbage is high. Wet leaves or snow slush can clog the pipes, so such work requires special modifications with anti-stick systems.
An important element of the system is the bunker unloading mechanism. Modern machines are equipped with a hydraulic tipping or ejector plate, which allows you to quickly dispose of collected waste without human intervention. The process is fully automated and controlled by the operator from the cab.
Why does clean air come out of the pipe?
Modern PUMs are equipped with an air recirculation system or multi-stage filtration (HEPA filters, water curtains). This is done to prevent the machine from kicking up the clouds of dust it has just collected, ensuring an environmentally friendly process and visibility for the driver.
Mechanical cleaning: the role of brushes
Despite the dominance of vacuum technology, the mechanical method of cleaning is not a thing of the past. The main working body here is cylindrical or disc brushes. They are made from wear-resistant pile that can withstand friction against rough asphalt and concrete. Mechanical sweeping is effective for collecting bulky waste: branches, plastic bottles, stones.
Brushes can be positioned in different ways. The inter-wheel design involves placing a brush between the front wheels, which allows you to collect debris from the lane. Side brushes (right and left) make it possible to sweep close to curbs, where dirt most often accumulates. The rotation speed of the brushes is adjusted hydraulically depending on the type of coating.
There is a misconception that brushes only damage the asphalt. In fact, modern lint brushes pick up debris without damaging the road surface. However, using metal scrapers or hard metal scraps on soft asphalt can actually cause rutting and damage to markings.
- 🧹 Disc brushes: installed on the sides, cover a wide strip and warm the waste towards the center.
- 🔄 Cylindrical brushes: They work on the roller principle, effectively lifting dust and fines.
- ⚙️ Combined nodes: A combination of hard base and soft pile for versatility.
To extend brush life, operators are advised to raise them when driving through non-contaminated areas or when driving over high curbs and speed bumps.
Technical characteristics and device
A street sweeper is a complex engineering complex. The basis of the machine is a truck chassis (often KAMAZ, MAN or Mercedes), on which special equipment is mounted. The most important parameter is the volume of the bunker, which for mainline models reaches 10-12 cubic meters, and for compact ones - 2-4 cubic meters.
To operate all systems, energy from the chassis engine is used through a power take-off (PTO) or a separate diesel engine. The hydraulic system drives brushes, pumps and lifting mechanisms. The pneumatic system controls the brakes and some valves. All this requires regular maintenance.
Below is a table comparing the main parameters of various classes of equipment:
| Parameter | Compact model | Backbone model | Mini tractor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hopper volume | 2.0 - 4.0 m³ | 6.0 - 12.0 m³ | 0.5 - 1.5 m³ |
| Working width | up to 2.5 m | up to 3.5 m | up to 1.8 m |
| Performance | up to 40,000 m²/h | up to 80,000 m²/h | up to 15,000 m²/h |
| Cleaning speed | 5 - 15 km/h | 10 - 40 km/h | 3 - 10 km/h |
Particular attention is paid to the security system. The vehicles are equipped with flashing lights, an audible alarm when reversing and rear-view cameras, since the visibility area around the huge bunker is limited.
Operation in winter
Winter dictates its own rules for the operation of road equipment. The question of what is the name of the machine that sweeps roads in winter transforms into the question of snow blowers, but PUMs also find application. The main task in winter is to remove snow and mud porridge and reagent residues that turn into abrasives.
To operate at low temperatures, the machines are equipped with pre-heating systems for the engine and hydraulic oil. Bunkers are often made with double walls or equipped with a system for blowing out the remaining wet snow so that the mass does not freeze to the walls. In winter, brushes are replaced with harder ones, with metal bristles or special frost-resistant bristles.
⚠️ Attention: The use of summer operating modes of the vacuum system in winter is prohibited. Any water that gets into the filter or fan will instantly freeze, causing the rotor to become unbalanced and costly to repair.
The efficiency of cleaning in winter also depends on the speed of movement and the correct settings of the brushes. Pressing the brush too hard against the frozen asphalt can lead to tearing out pieces of the coating along with the ice. Therefore, operators work in a gentle manner, often using a combined method with preliminary ice chipping.
☑️ Preparing PUM for the winter season
Environmental friendliness and modern trends
Modern environmental requirements dictate new standards for municipal equipment. Noise and exhaust fumes from diesel engines become a problem in dense urban areas. In response to this, manufacturers are increasingly offering electric sweepers. They operate almost silently and do not produce local emissions, which makes it possible to clean streets even in park areas and at night without complaints from residents.
Another trend is the use of water recycling systems for dust suppression. Instead of throwing dust into the atmosphere, the machine humidifies the intake air, precipitating the smallest fractions. This is especially true in dry, hot weather, when a regular sweeper would kick up a plume of dust.
Process automation is also gaining momentum. GPS navigation systems are being introduced that build the optimal cleaning route, eliminating repeated travel through already cleaned areas. Bin fullness sensors transmit data to the dispatcher in real time, which allows you to optimize waste removal logistics.
The transition to electric vehicles and hybrid power plants is the main trend in the development of municipal technology, allowing to reduce noise pollution in cities by 30-40%.
What is the operating speed of the sweeper?
The technical speed of the PUM varies from 3 to 40 km/h depending on the model and degree of pollution. However, the operating speed at which the stated cleaning efficiency is achieved (usually 90-95%) is 5-15 km/h for urban conditions. On highways the speed may be higher.
Can the machine remove large stones?
Yes, modern vacuum-mechanical machines are capable of sucking up stones with a diameter of up to 10-15 cm (depending on the diameter of the suction pipe). Larger items, such as bricks or large branches, are collected by mechanical brushes and enter the hopper through a special loading chute.
How often should brushes be changed?
The service life of brushes depends on the type of pile and the abrasiveness of the coating being removed. On average, a set of brushes lasts from 500 to 1000 hours. When working on rough surfaces (paving stones, old asphalt), wear occurs faster than on smooth concrete or new asphalt concrete.
Why doesn't the machine suck in water?
Standard PUMs are designed for collecting dry and wet waste, but not for pumping large volumes of water (like vacuum trucks). An attempt to suck up a puddle can lead to rapid filling of the separator and stopping the fan. To collect water, there are special sludge suckers and machines with a “water vacuum cleaner” function that have an enlarged sump.