Clarke CarpetMaster® 100 Series Upright Vacuum

CarpetMaster® 12 inch and 15 inch single-motor upright vacuums deliver affordable quality along with a high level of cleaning performance with its exceptional dirt pick-up and filtration. A full complement of tools and user-friendly design features makes the CarpetMaster easy to use and maintain.

How to Select a Backpack Vacuum Cleaner

This article was originally published in ISSA.

If you’re considering a backpack machine, the following guidelines about what to look for might come in handy:

• Cost. Backpack vacuums will range in price from under US$300 to as much as $1,000. Just as when purchasing other equipment, buyers should not base their decision solely on price or think that a less expensive machine cannot perform as sufficiently as a more expensive machine. Instead, closely examine each machine’s features and benefits in various cost categories. Make note of some of the key features you are most interested in, such as comfort, effectiveness, and air filtration characteristics—all of which we will discuss next—and then see which machine meets your requirements and is most cost effective.
• Comfort. Wear the machine and even use it at a job location if that is possible. A more comfortable backpack is typically one that is relatively light, weighing about 10 pounds. It should also feature a padded harness, contoured shoulder straps and waist belts to better distribute the machine’s weight and make it more comfortable to wear, and noise suppression for quiet operation.
• Air filtration. Backpack vacuum cleaners have led the way when it comes to improved air filtration systems. Many had HEPA filtration systems as standard equipment long before many uprights. With multiple air filtration systems, along with HEPA filters over the exhaust, a backpack should be able to capture and hold up to 99.97 percent of allergens and impurities, preventing them from becoming airborne.
• Ease of use. Comfort and ease of use go hand-in-hand. If a machine is bulky, too large, or poorly designed, it can be uncomfortable to use, especially for a user of small stature and regardless of the ergonomic or comfort features incorporated in the backpack. Two options are to continue looking for the right machine or consider selecting a smaller backpack, such as a six-quart machine.

Cleaning professionals have many options when it comes to selecting a vacuum cleaning system. And many backpack manufacturers also offer other types of vacuum cleaners, including canisters and uprights. However, those in the market for a new machine owe it to themselves to take a fresh look at modern backpack systems. Very likely, they will be in for a surprise.

Are Backpack Vacuums More Thorough?

This article was originally published in ISSA.

While few people question that backpacks can speed up vacuuming, many cleaning contractors wonder if this advancement comes at the expense of effectiveness. This issue was evaluated several years ago in an older study that is still considered credible and of value today. In fact, because so many backpack systems have been improved since the study was conducted in 1997, it is possible the results today might even be better.*

The researchers at QUEST (Quality Environmental Services & Technologies) sprinkled 100 grams of soil onto a 36-square-foot commercial-grade carpet. The soil was worked into the carpet using a carpet rake. The areas were then vacuumed using a two-motor upright and a backpack. After vacuuming, QUEST researchers calculated the percentage of soil removed from the carpets by weighing the filter bags. The results were:

• The upright removed between 87.9 and 94.9 percent
• The backpack removed between 91.3 and 96.1 percent.

While not a dramatic difference, the test proved that contrary to prevailing opinion at the time—and possibly still today for some people—the backpack provided more thorough cleaning. A more effective vacuum cleaner not only helps protect the health of a facility, but it can also help improve worker productivity. This level of thoroughness means cleaning professionals do not have to re-vacuum areas in order to get them thoroughly clean.

Check back next week to learn how to select the ideal backpack vacuum for your application.

10 Factors To Consider When Selecting A Vacuum

This article was originally published in Clean Link. 

According to a recent article published on Clean Link, the key factors in evaluating vacuums are:

1. Motor Size: This is usually measured in amps. The larger the number, the more powerful the motor.

2. Number of Motors: Upright vacuum can have one motor that drives both the vacuum and the brush, or two motors - one for the vacuum and a separate motor for the brush. Generally, you will want a two motor step-up.

3. Bag or tank capacity: The more quickly the bag fills, the more frequently it will have to be changed. Keep in mind that, as the bag fills, the efficiency of your vacuuming goes down. Change bags often for top efficiency.

4. Fill location: Uprights can either fill the bag from the top or the bottom. A bottom fill forces the vacuum to push all the debris in the bag up to allow more to enter. A top fill lets it drop down. A top fill is preferred. The bottom fill puts more strain on the motor.

5. Lift: This is measured in inches of mercury or inches of water lift. This is particularly important for wet-dry vacuums. Lift will vary depending on where the measurement is taken. The closer to the motor, the higher the measurement. You are interested in lift at the wand.

6. Air Flow: This will be measured in cubic feet (or centimeters) per minute. The more air flow, the better. Air flow is what carries the soil up into the bag or container.

7. Construction Material: The housing for the vacuum might be anything from an inexpensive brittle plastic to a polished chrome. You are interested more in total weight, durability and ease of maintenance than in the appearance.

8. Air Filtration: The cheapest systems have a cloth bag that has to be dumped, cleaned regularly and replaced since it becomes saturated with dust. Better units will have two to four stage filtration systems with throw away paper filter bags down to .3 micros or less to reduce dust.

9. Ergonomics: The weight of the machine, handle construction, wheels or rollers if an upright unit, length of cord and maneuverability are all factors that impact the decision for utilizing a unit. A full vacuum cleaner can weigh 20-40 pounds or more causing the user to stress the wrists and arms. Note that a back pack wand weighs ounces and if used correctly exercises the hips rather than the wrists.

10. Total Cost of Ownership: The real cost of a vacuum cleaner is how fast can the operator perform their tasks effectively? Slower units may cost less initially to purchase but will cost many times more in lost productivity (labor plus benefits) over a 3-5 year period of operation. Durability and reparability are also important factors to consider.

There are many factors to consider in choosing the best vacuum cleaner for the job at hand. Invest the time to learn the strengths and weaknesses of each unit before committing.

CAV-12 Dust Control System

The CAV-12 Vacuum is designed with the sanding contractor in mind with it's high suction, high filtration and low noise level at 57 dBA.

Key features include:

• Powerful 120V motor provides 127 CFM and 92" of water lift
• 3-stage filtration keeps the vacuum motor clean and ensures long life
• Ultra-low 57 dBA for enhanced operator comfort
• 25' of 1.5" crush resistant hose for long life and durability
• Standard vacuum tool kit comes complete with 13' of 1.5" crush resistant hose, 1.5" hose fittings, two-piece curve wand, felt tool, brush tool, round dusting tool, 11" plastic crevice tool and accessory bag
• Deluxe vacuum tool kit comes complete with 25' of 1.5" crush resistant hose, 1.5" hose fittings, one-piece curve wand, metal felt tool, metal brush tool, round dusting tool, 11" plastic crevice tool and accessory bag