Max. air flow rate
The highest speed of the air stream given out by the vacuum cleaner. The
higher this parameter, the stronger the thrust provided by the device, and the more efficiently it is able to pull or blow out debris particles from cracks and other hard-to-reach places (of course, if there is an appropriate operating mode — see above). At the same time, in most modern models, this figure exceeds 150 km/h — this is more than enough for work of small and medium complexity. Therefore, paying attention to a high flow rate makes sense only when choosing a powerful model for working in difficult conditions; we note that in the most “high-speed” vacuum cleaners, the indicators can exceed 400 km/h.
Air flow control
The ability to change the speed (and, accordingly, the intensity)
of the air flowissued by the vacuum cleaner. This function allows you to optimally adjust the operating parameters to the specifics of certain conditions — in order, on the one hand, not to waste energy / fuel and not wear out the unit, and on the other, to ensure proper work efficiency. For example, for collecting leaves from an asphalt path, high power is not needed, but for cleaning in thick grass, it can be very useful.
The ability to adjust is especially important for high-performance garden vacuums — these are the models that are most likely to find themselves in a situation where high power is unnecessary. And in models with a petrol engine (see below), this function is provided by default.
Air flow (blowing)
Performance of the garden vacuum cleaner when blowing (see "Operating mode").
This parameter determines the amount of air that the device distills through itself in a certain time. It should be noted that it depends not only on the speed of this air, but also on other parameters — for example, the diameter of the pipe. Therefore, two models with the same performance can noticeably differ in speed, and vice versa. You also need to keep in mind that the efficiency of "purging" bottlenecks with stuck debris does not depend on performance, but on the flow rate. On the other hand, good performance makes it easier to work on large areas, as allows you to simultaneously cover a large area with a jet of air.
Most modern garden vacuum cleaners in blowing mode provide up to 15 m / min;
higher rates are typical mainly for professional models.
Max. engine speed
The highest speed at which the vacuum cleaner engine is able to operate in normal mode.
Theoretically, faster motors are capable of delivering more solid performance; however, in fact, these characteristics depend on so many different design features that the engine speed is practically lost against the background of these features. Therefore, this moment, in fact, is purely reference (and partly promotional — impressive rpm numbers can at first glance give the impression of high power and performance; but this impression is often deceptive).
Capacity
The capacity of the battery that the garden vacuum cleaner is equipped with the appropriate power supply (see "Motor type").
Capacity is essentially the amount of energy a battery can store. The more powerful the device, the more energy it needs to work and the higher the battery capacity should be so that it does not have to be charged too often. At the same time, capacious batteries have a large weight and dimensions, which significantly affects the convenience of work. Therefore, the power of battery units is relatively low — otherwise, too bulky batteries would have to be used.
To some extent, this parameter also determines the time that the vacuum cleaner is able to work without recharging. However, taking into account the fact that different models can differ markedly in power consumption, it makes sense to compare battery properties with each other only tools with very similar characteristics — and even then very approximately.
Note that the same tool can work with batteries of different capacities — it is enough that they are compatible in terms of connectors and operating voltage. Therefore, for units that are not equipped with batteries, this parameter is not indicated at all — the capacity is not critical for compatibility.
Compatible batteries
The name of the battery that is compatible with the device. It helps to buy a spare or find a suitable one in case of a breakdown of the main one.
Operating time
The time of continuous operation of the cordless garden vacuum cleaner (see "Motor type") on one charge of the complete battery. This parameter is directly related to the battery capacity, and therefore is indicated only for models that were originally equipped with batteries.
When choosing a vacuum cleaner for this parameter, note that many manufacturers indicate the “perfect”, maximum possible operating time — at a low speed, with a small amount of debris, at an optimal external temperature, etc. In fact, the performance of the device may differ slightly from those stated in the specifications. Nevertheless, according to these characteristics, it is quite possible to evaluate the battery life of the unit, including and compared to other models.
Battery included
The presence
of a rechargeable battery in the delivery set of a garden vacuum cleaner with the corresponding type of engine (see above).
Despite the fact that the presence of a battery is a prerequisite for the operation of a cordless vacuum cleaner, there are
models without a battery. On the one hand, this is not very convenient, because the user will have to purchase equipment separately. On the other hand, it becomes possible to choose a battery at your own discretion, without relying on the manufacturer's decision and without overpaying for equipment that may not be suitable. If convenience and the ability to start working right away are more important to you than choosing a battery (or if the manufacturer’s decision suits you perfectly), then it makes sense to pay attention to vacuum cleaners with a built-in battery.
Noise level
The noise level generated by the vacuum cleaner during normal operation. The lower this indicator, the more comfortable it is to work with the unit, the less the operator gets tired; and high noise levels may require the use of protection (e.g. earmuffs).
When assessing the noise level, note that the decibel used to measure this level is a non-linear quantity. Therefore, it is easiest to evaluate specific values using comparative tables. Here is one of the variants of such a table (rather simplified):
— 60 dB — sound comparable to a TV at medium volume. From this value, the indicators of modern garden vacuum cleaners begin, because. this technique works quite loudly.
— 70 dB — to a truck at a distance of about 8 m;
— 80 dB — traffic noise on a busy street;
— 90 dB — freight train noise at a distance of 8 – 10 m;
— 100 dB — the noise of the demolition hammer;
— 110 dB — indoor rock concert
