Parma, Italy-based sweeper manufacturer, Dulevo, looks set to increase its global market penetration during 2011 by the surprise introduction of a new two cubic metre capacity compact machine.
While news of a new model is in itself, no surprise from this expanding Italian manufacturer, the format of the new machine is a surprise. Dulevo engineers are already known to be working on a new generation of mechanical sweep system machines to replace the existing 200 and 5000 models - indeed, Dulevo has, until now, been best known for the production of mechanical machines.
In many global markets - especially those with a high sand content, or where long distances of highway need to be swept at high speed, the mechanical collection system is considered the best. Recent research by the University of Pisa also confirms that mechanical sweepers produce lower levels of harmful dust particles - measured in micron PM numbers - than competitive vacuum sweep system machines.
But in spite of compelling evidence that mechanical sweep system machines can also be made quieter - Dulevo claims mechanical machines are also far easier to fit with dust filtration systems - and now offers a full dust filter pack, manufactured by the Gore Corporation. But there are still many global markets that continue to favour vacuum machines.
The way ahead for Dulevo? "Working on the basis that 'the customer is always right', the way ahead seems to be to offer a combination of both mechanical and vacuum machines," explains European business development manager at Dulevo, Haydn Buckland. Dulevo is already leading the way with filter technology and in building mechanical sweepers powered by more ecological gas fuel, he explains, so we should equally expect some technological advances in vacuum sweeper design as well.
Waste Management World has had exclusive access to the first of the new vacuum machines that will be added to the Dulevo range later this year. Our transport and plant specialist, Malcolm Bates, is the first journalist to drive the prototype '2000 Sky' sweeper. His full report of this VM-diesel powered two cubic metre machine, with four wheel steering, will appear in the next issue of WMW magazine.
See also Green machines at Futuresource 2010
