Rotherham shows appetite for street cleaner

The Glutton is a quiet, clean and environmentally-friendly alternative to ride-on street cleaners and powered barrows. Its powerful vacuum sucks up any waste that can pass through its 12.5cm diameter tube; including paper, cardboard, cigarettes packets and butts, cans and glass, plastic and metal bottles, dog faeces, dead leaves, and waste trapped in tree grills.

Andrew Roddis, the council’s specialist cleansing services manager, said: “The Glutton enhances our existing capabilities. It is particularly effective at cleaning hard-to-reach areas, such as around trees, under seating and in shop doorways. At this time of year, with lots of wet leaves around, it really comes into its own.”

100% battery powered, the Glutton provides 12 hours of operation between charges. Virtually silent and with powerful dust capturing technology, it can be used during busy periods without creating any noise or air pollution for residents, businesses and shoppers.

“We already owned petrol-powered barrows and a ride-on sweeper, but they are quite noisy because of the engines,” added Andrew. “The Glutton is non-intrusive, so it gives us increased flexibility. My team can start work at 6am in areas of the town centre where people live, without fear of disturbing them – something we couldn’t do before.”

Ergonomically designed, the operator simply uses one hand to steer the self-propelled machine, while the other controls the vacuum that is attached to a wander hose. The Glutton weighs substantially less than a conventional powered barrow used for street waste collection - and at just 0.75m wide it is far more compact, making it easier to handle.

An intelligent, integrated battery charger enables recharging from any mains electricity supply, allowing for opportune charging in the field. Furthermore, as an all-electric machine, it requires virtually no maintenance or replacement of spare parts.

Rotherham MBC purchased the Glutton from UK distributor ePower Trucks (Lift Safe). Based in Oldham, Greater Manchester, ePowerTrucks is a leading supplier of electric vehicles and to the municipals sector.