Wednesday, 8 August 2018

A Guide to Buying an Aircraft Vac


What’s important when buying a vacuum cleaner specifically for aircraft use? It’s a good question, especially in situations where turnaround and reliability mean everything. So let’s take a look at the key things to consider when making such a purchase.

Run time

It’s important that your aircraft vac keeps on going to get the job done in your short timeframe. If you’re going for a battery operated model, always check the runtime of the battery. You should be looking for something in the vicinity of 40 minutes.

Some models will store two batteries so you have a back-up, crucial if you are hopping from one aircraft to another in a short time span. Also check out the charge time. Too long and it could cost you in turnaround when it matters most.

Some models, such as the I-Vac Battery Operated Vacuum Cleaner, have a smart charger that shows the voltage and a time clock, making it easier for you to see how long you’ve got till full charge.

If you don’t want to rely on battery charge, go for a model that runs on the aircraft’s power supply instead, but make sure the machine is designed specifically for the aircraft current: a regular vacuum won’t do.

Mobility

The weight and size of your aircraft vacuum cleaner are key considerations. Can you easily lift the machine up the stairs and onto the aircraft? Does it manoeuvre well through the aisles, under seats and into small spaces?

Consider this when you are making your choice. If you hone your search specifically to aircraft spec machines, you should tick all these boxes.

Toolkit

What does the aircraft vacuum cleaner come with? The toolkit supplied could make all the difference. 

For example, the Numatic ANV180s Aircraft Vacuum Cleaner comes with an orange, hi-vis anti-kink cable; a full aluminium kit; a large Tritex filter and five HepaFlo bags. Always check precisely what you are getting when you buy your aircraft vacuum cleaner.



Health and safety

Think about your operatives and how handling a vacuum cleaner within limited spaces and up and down staircases could affect them. You may wish to consider a backpack style cleaner.

The Pacvac Superpro 700 is a battery operated, backpack style vacuum cleaner that is ergonomically designed for the ultimate in comfort and safety in use. There’s no lifting of heavy or cumbersome machines and a smooth and effortless clean is guaranteed every time. It’s lighter than any other backpack cleaner on the market and has a patented Hypercone Hepa filter system for maximum efficiency. Two batteries, each with a 30-minute run time, deliver excellent reliability.



The Numatic Rsav200 Aircraft Spec is another ergonomically designed backpack style machine featuring a comfortable harness that provides the operator with good mobility into awkward to reach locations.


Wet or dry?

If you want complete flexibility, consider a wet and dry model. The Numatic Awv380 Aircraft Spec Wet Vac uses the aircraft’s power supply. It acts as both a regular dry aircraft vac, and doubles as a wet vac for dealing with spillages and stains.


Aircraft Vacuum Cleaners - Tailored Advice

At Anderson Trade, we offer a comprehensive range of aircraft specification vacuum cleaners. You can browse all our aircraft vacuum cleaners here.

All our machines are provided with a free onsite demonstration, so you can rest assured the model you choose will match your specific needs. We also stock a vast range of parts and spares for all leading brands of commercial vacuum cleaners. For more information or to arrange a free demo, please get in touch.