Goscor Cleaning Equipment (GCE) launched its latest cleaning equipment solution – the GM1ze zero-emission refuse picker from German environment-friendly cleaning equipment manufacturer Green Machines International – at its Johannesburg facilities earlier this month.

GCE MD Greg Venter noted during the launch that refuse removal in South Africa was a labour-intensive activity, with cleaners using brooms and dustpans to collect dirt.

There was also a negative perception surrounding cleaning and the people who clean city streets, often leading to reinforced behaviour of people who litter because “someone else will come and clean up”, he added.

Venter asserted that by transitioning from manual cleaning to more mechanical systems, cleaners were afforded a greater sense of dignity, and the visibility of equipment, such as the GM1ze, creates a greater awareness of littering.

The GM1ze has a mounted 125-mm-diameter suction pipe, which features an anti-clogging grid to prevent blockage by debris such as plastic bags, paper and leaves. Made from lightweight fibreglass, the pipe weighs less than 1.5 kg. Waste is then deposited into a 250 ℓ Otto bin with an insert, which can be used to easily replace refuse bags.

The GM1ze is effective on all surfaces, including concrete, asphalt cobblestone and grass.

Venter highlighted that the machine’s benefits included its ergonomic design, high manoeuvrability, powerful vacuuming capabilities, low noise levels and zero emissions. “It has been designed with the operator in mind and is a very ergonomic machine that is easy to use.”

It uses 24 V, 36 V or 48 V lead acid batteries, providing it with an eight-hour to 16-hour operating window, depending on the application. The machine is powered by a 0.85 kW motor that boasts an electric axle with permanent magnet direct current motor and integrated parking brake and produces 1.5 kW of suction power at pressures of ≥25 mbar.

The fully electrical battery-powered unit takes about 12 hours to charge and, depending on use, can be operated for 6 hours to 8 hours.

It also has an 18 m2 double-filtration system, significantly reducing the amount of dust blown into the air. “The biggest challenge of a vacuum cleaning unit is the amount of dust generated during operation,” said Venter.

The GM1ze’s water system consists of an electric water pump and an intermittent water spray nozzle, with a 10 ℓ water tank.

Additional features include puncture-proof tyres and shielded ball bearings, a front steering wheel, an ambidextrous control arm for right- and left-handed operators, together with an automatic prone position, a battery charge level gauge, and a timer for the suction and traction motor.

An automatic parking brake facilitates parking, even on steep slopes, while there is an emergency stop switch on the dashboard for enhanced safety. The chassis is a durable machine-welded structure with an electrostatic coating.