Elgin Sweeper releases first vacuum sweeper in North America with VSD technology

Elgin Sweeper has introduced the Whirlwind1 vacuum sweeper, which shares the same technology as the Crosswind1 regenerative air sweeper. The Whirlwind1 is ideally suited for uneven, patched roads and jobs involving dirt, sand, millings, and road debris while also being recognized as a proven tool for maintenance and restoration of permeable pavement.  

"With hundreds of customers adopting single-engine technology on the Crosswind1, Elgin ambitiously developed the Whirlwind1 — the first vacuum sweeper in North America to feature variable-speed-device (VSD) technology," said Mike Higgins, Vice President and General Manager of Elgin Sweeper.

"The VSD, installed between the chassis engine and the transmission on the Whirlwind1, allows the engine to simultaneously power both the truck and the sweeper," Higgins added. "The sweeper operator is able to switch between road and work modes with a simple push of a button, without the need to stop and engage the parking brake. The controls on the Whirlwind1 are simple and intuitive, allowing all operators to expertly sweep with minimal training."

Less maintenance and easier, quieter operation

"Our customers have already seen how single-engine technology is changing sweeping, and our Whirlwind1 customers will see the advantages, too," said James Crockett, Strategic Product Manager at Elgin Sweeper. "Since the introduction of the Crosswind1 in 2018, current Whirlwind customers, users of competitive models, and our own Elgin dealers have been demanding single-engine technology on the original Whirlwind. For sweeper customers, the single-engine technology provides several important benefits, including less maintenance, elimination of belts, fluid coupler and exhaust after-treatments, minimized auxiliary engine vibration and noise, enhanced overall equipment value, and decreased cost of ownership."
 
According to Crockett, the most common complaints from twin-engine sweeper operators are related to the noise and vibration from the auxiliary engine. "Since the average operator spends eight hours a day sweeping, the noise and vibrations of the auxiliary engine and its drivetrain can cause significant operator fatigue," he added. "The single engine, combined with Elgin's optional Quiet Pak sound-dampening technology, helps minimize vibration and noise on the Whirlwind1, without compromising machine performance."
 
The time-consuming and costly maintenance checks, after-treatments and additional service requirements associated with an auxiliary engine are eliminated on the single-engine Whirlwind1 sweeper. "Oil changes, belt inspections and filter replacements on the Whirlwind1 will cost a fraction of the annual maintenance required on twin-engine sweepers," Crockett said. "Those cost savings will have a much more positive impact on the customer's bottom line."