Mechanised sweeping for Sheffield University
May 28th 2010 The University of Sheffield has recently completed a detailed business case examining the feasibility of mechanised sweeping. Steve Long manages Portering Services for the Universities' residential areas. Manual sweeping of external areas had proved extremely labour intensive. So Long discussed the issues with his local Nilfisk representative who introduced a Nilfisk specialist to trial alternative solutions. Demonstration of a Nilfisk RS501 diesel road sweeper led to detailed time trials comparing the manual labour requirements for specific areas against the mechanised option. Time trials proved that an area cleaned manually by one man in one hour took just four minutes with the RS501 sweeper. Additionally the machine produced a much better finish; there was no evidence for example of a recent grass cutting.
The business case clearly showed the cost of the sweeper and service was equivalent to the cost of one man. The machine however carried out the work of three productive heads with the additional benefits of grass cutting collection and the powerful onboard pressure washer.
"It was previously impossible to clean the many remote waste bins and litter compounds we have around the site," commented Long. "The sheer size of our new residential complex presented us with the logistical problem of maintaining the standard of cleanliness that the university and our customers expect. Preserving the hygienic conditions of our litter bins and waste compounds is of paramount importance, this machine and its 200 bar onboard pressure washer now allows us to comply with the exacting standards that we need to meet. Additionally efficient chewing gum removal is also of real benefit.
"The level of pre and post sales support from Nilfisk has been superb. We received initial operator training on the machine and follow up refresher training as required. Our local service engineer lives nearby so we often receive visits the same day," ended Long. "I really cannot fault the machine, the cleaning result or the service."
The Nilfisk RS501 diesel sweeper has a weight of only 1500kg making it easily transportable with a 4x4 and standard trailer. A compact working width of 1600mm and excellent turning radius allows easy access to footpaths, bus shelters and arcades. Contact 01284 763163 or click here for www.nilfisk.co.uk
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