APE January 2023 | Page 18

FEATURE
There has also been an industry shift in the engine being used in sweeper machines . Sweepers are moving from twin engines to single engine operation . It is a matter of recognizing that the future of the industry lies in alternative fuel solutions with the increasing focus on zero emissions . There are many believing that there has never been a more important time than now to make the switch to single-engine machine to help reduce emissions and costs immediately .
“ It may seem like small steps , but the largest sweepers , the truck-mounted sweepers ( TMS ) first step to being greener is moving from twin engines to single engines ,” Starnes said . “ Single engine sweepers use one engine to power both the chassis and the sweeper functions , as opposed to the twin or pony motor approach , which has one engine for the chassis and one engine to power the sweeper functions . Single engines provide minimal to no loss of power thanks to improved engine design . Other efficiencies are improvements in pure vacuum air technology . Improvements in the last two years have resulted in 30 % reduction in fuel consumption , 40 % increased pick-up performance , and even 2dB reduction in noise pollution .”
The question to ask is what green practices and processes can a sweeping contractor follow to improve its green status ?
“ To make operations greener , contractors have to commit to
sweeping and using best practices to prevent pollutants from entering water runoff , and also they should choose sweepers that help reduce emissions ,” Letts said . Starnes offered some elemental advice : “ An easy step is preventative maintenance . The simple things such as changing air and fuel filters according to manufacturer instructions can save fuel and cut down on air pollution . Cleaning the debris body or hopper and dumping in only authorized dumping locations contributes to less pollution in our fresh water supplies . Another step anyone can take with fossil fuel consuming sweepers is to not idle unless necessary , this helps reduce air pollution and saves fuel as well . “
The commercial sweeping contractor has options available to run a greener , sustainable business operation that will be kinder to the environment and save money to boot .
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