Vacuum manufacturers today are attuned to the changing demands of the building service contractor. Manufacturers romance BSCs by developing vacuums that boost productivity, reduce noise levels, and provide improved filtration. And, they know that BSCs would like to invest as little money as possible on a machine that works exceptionally well.

“We pride ourselves on doing extensive market research and field testing to get input from end users,” says Brian Simmons, product manager-vacuum products, Nilfisk-Advance, Plymouth, Minn. “We listen closely to their concerns, issues, and needs, and act on them before we introduce new products to the marketplace.”

This philosophy is shared by other manufacturers and has resulted in sophisticated vacuum technology that continues to improve each year with research and refinement of filtration, noise level, power source and ergonomics.

“A lot has changed in the vacuum-cleaner industry over the years, yet nothing has changed,” maintains Billy Mitchell, marketing director for ProTeam, Boise, Idaho. “A number of BSCs are still using 30-year-old, outdated technology in vacuums that were originally created to compete on price. Those vacuums aren’t cleaning properly. Ergonomics didn’t figure significantly in their design. And they continue to contribute to ineffective use of the operator’s time.”

Cleaning contractors, if they haven’t done so already, should recognize the value of the new technology that enhances the environment and take advantage of new innovations based on a wealth of expertise, says Mitchell.

Filter Frenzy One of the most notable advancements in vacuum technology has been filtration.

“There is a huge focus on air quality and high filtration,” says Judy Cline, director of carpet care for Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Winchester, Va. “When we did research, it indicated that most end users want these features.”

The big indoor air quality draw: HEPA filtration.

“HEPA has been added to many uprights, but consumers must be aware that a vacuum is only HEPA if the final exhaust is filtered to .03 microns,” says Bill Fisher, president of Pacific Floor Care, Muskegon, Mich.

To help retrofit some upright vacuums with HEPA filters, companies have developed HEPA filter bags called “filtrates.” These bags can provide the additional filtration to comply with regulations, says Fisher.

Using a HEPA filter alone may not actually achieve the required 99.97 percent filtration level because the vacuum may have leaks where dust can escape, says Brad Hoare, senior director-Sanitaire Brand, Electrolux Corp., Bloomington, Ill. To guarantee pure HEPA filtration, BSCs may look for a vacuum that is a HEPA-sealed system.

Besides capturing dust, filters can also help control the spread of harmful bacteria. Studies have demonstrated that salmonella and other microorganisms can grow in vacuum bags as a result of infrequent changing, says Mitchell. Some filters have been developed to prevent and neutralize the growth of mold and bacteria in the bags.


Quiet please More BSCs are cleaning during the day, and the time difference requires quieter vacuums, says Cline.

“Instead of night cleaning, when few, if any, office building employees are present, cleaning contractors are now beginning to clean more offices during the day, while people are still at work,” explains Gareth Troake, marketing manager of Tornado Industries, Chicago. “That means a much quieter vacuum is needed if workers are not to be disturbed.”

Some vacuums operate at only 61 decibels.

Cutting the cord Along with a reduction in noise, daytime cleaning calls for vacuums with greater maneuverability. BSCs need to work around tenants — a difficult feat if the vacuums are plugged into a wall.

“Going cordless brings freedom of movement and relieves the operator from turning around and watching where the cord is being dragged,” says Kevin Morey, vice president of product development for NSS Enterprises, Toledo, Ohio.

Battery vacuums, however, still have some evolving to do. When Pacific Floor Care first marketed a battery-powered backpack vacuum in 1999, they found that the 30-minute run time and the cost of the unit (because of the nickel hydride battery and the charger) made it difficult to market, says Fisher.

“So, we took it off the market and are experimenting with new technology,” Fisher continues. “There are many companies that have followed, but have the same inherent issues. This technology has to get more advanced, but I believe once that happens, we’ll even see battery uprights.”

Comfort is key It doesn’t matter if a vacuum is upright, backpack or canister; BSCs will place a great deal of interest in ergonomics when choosing a vacuum — especially its weight and comfort.

“The vacuum is the No. 1 tool used in cleaning a facility, and a lot of that job is done by females who don’t have the strength of large men. So we need to make vacuums lighter to put less stress on the body,” says William Koeppel, director of corporate education, Minuteman International, Addison, Ill. “That stress is placed between the wrist, the elbow and the shoulder’s rotator cuff, and is known to cause worker’s comp injuries due to the repetitive task of sashaying or moving the vacuum back and forth over a long period of time.”

Lightening the weight of the vacuum’s components without compromising its integrity is a balancing act manufacturers have been perfecting for years, says Koeppel.

To help alleviate stress, vacuum manufacturers focus on the comfort of handles. The Tennant Co., Minneapolis, puts forth a great deal of effort to make sure the handles on the vacuums they manufacture are ergonomically sound, says Jeff Fystrom, senior product manager for Tennant.

“That’s very important for those using the machines for extended periods of time,” Fystrom adds. “You don’t have to grip our handles so tightly because they’re set at an angle that allows the users to keep their arms at a comfortable angle.”

The Hoover Co., North Canton, Ohio, also believes strongly in ergonomic grips, according to Brad Nyholm, the company’s director of commercial sales.

“It’s critical in preventing injuries or discomfort. We make sure our vacuums’ handles aren’t cumbersome for end users,” Nyholm says.

Backpack vacuums were born out of the emphasis on ergonomics — the desire to have a more user-friendly, highly productive piece of equipment, say Shawn Wright and Keith Willey, product manager and marketing manager, respectively, for the Clarke Co., Springdale, Ark.

One reason backpacks are so popular with BSCs is because the products are designed to be lightweight and convenient to use, says Douglas Scouten, head of sales and product development, Cleanfix Cleaning Systems, Wycoff, N.J.

“Their hose and wand set up enables you to get into hard-to-reach places," Scouten adds.

When combining backpack vacuums and batteries, however, weight concerns become even more prevalent.

“We’ve learned that if you’re going to put a battery-powered vacuum that weighs more than a corded one on someone’s back, you’d better make sure that it’s comfortable and safe,” says Morey. “Our ergonomic design was adopted from a hiker’s well-padded backpack, which places the majority of the weight on the hips.”

One downside to backpack vacuums, however, is that they only clean with a floor nozzle, which may not always be as effective as an upright’s revolving brush when loosening dirt, says Hoare.

Technologies are being brought to the vacuum industry by plastic manufacturers, motor manufacturers and design engineers, and are allowing vacuum engineers to design important improvements that were difficult to obtain a decade ago. That bodes well for the future of vacuum manufacturers and cleaning contractors who use their equipment.

Jordan Fox is a Milwaukee-based freelance writer.




POSTED ON: 5/1/2005