Comparison HOBOT 198 vs Redmond RV-RW001

The performance of a cleaning machine is the area that the unit can process in an hour.

Usually, the specs indicate the maximum performance achieved under perfect conditions. It may turn out to be somewhat lower due to the specs of the room, the presence of old dirt and other factors. However, the theoretical difference is usually quite consistent with the actual one. For example, models for 1000 m2/h and 2000 m2/h will differ in performance approximately by two times. So, according to this parameter, it is quite possible to evaluate different models and compare them with each other.

Note that high performance requires a powerful motor and capacious tanks, which affects the dimensions, weight and cost of the unit. Therefore, excessive performance is just as undesirable as insufficient. In addition, more powerful machines usually have a larger working width and are not well suited for rooms with an abundance of narrow passages and nooks and crannies.

As for the actual values, models less than 1000 m2/h belong to the entry-level. It is the specs that most household machines have (see "Type"). A value from 1000 to 2000 m2/h is relatively low for professional sweepers and the average for scrubber dryers. 2000 – 3000 m2/h is considered a fairly solid performance, and models of more than 3000 m2/h is extremely ra...re. These are mostly high-end sweepers (it is extremely difficult to achieve such characteristics in scrubbers).

Rated power of the motor installed in the machine.

Most often, in this paragraph, it is the total motor power that is given. However, in units with suction functions, such as scrubber dryers (see "Type"), only the power transmitted to the brushes can be indicated here. In such cases, the total power can be determined by adding the motor power and the suction power (see below). These details should be clarified separately. Also note that in self-propelled models (see above), part of the motor power is spent on moving the unit, which is why the useful power of such machines is lower than that of similar non-self-propelled vehicles. Thus, only models with the same movement format can be directly compared by this parameter— only self-propelled or only non-self-propelled.

In general, higher motor power results in higher efficiency and productivity. However, there is no rigid dependence here, and devices with similar motor specs can differ markedly — productivity, working width, etc. So when choosing, it makes sense to pay attention primarily to these characteristics — especially since for some units (in particular, many robots) the motor power may not be given at all. As for specific power values, in the most modest equipment — in particular, household scrubbers — it does not exceed 600 W; 600 – 1200 W can be called an average, 1200 – 1800 W is above averag...e, and more solid values are found in powerful heavy units.

The type of battery used in the machine with the appropriate power supply (see above). The type is indicated by the technology by which the battery is made.

— Ni-Cd. One of the oldest modern technologies. Such elements are capable of operating at high discharge currents, which is especially important for heavy and powerful equipment with high power consumption. In addition, they charge quickly enough, endure work in the cold and temperature fluctuations without any problems, and are relatively inexpensive. One of the main disadvantages of nickel-cadmium batteries is the so-called memory effect — a decrease in capacity if charging was carried out until it was completely discharged. However, this disadvantage can be compensated by the use of high-quality chargers and compliance with the operating rules. But the unequivocal disadvantage of this variety is the environmental insecurity in production and disposal; it limits the use of Ni-Cd batteries in modern technology.

— Ni-Mh. A technology created in an attempt to improve the performance of the nickel-cadmium batteries described above. The attempt turned out to be quite successful: while retaining the main advantages of their predecessors, nickel-metal-hydride cells are at the same time less susceptible to the memory effect and more environmentally friendly. Their disadvantages include a slightly increased cost and specific rules for long-term storage.

— Li-Ion. Lithium-ion batteries are rema...rkable primarily for their high charge density — in other words, they have a high capacity with small dimensions and weight. It is especially important for compact devices such as robots or handheld window cleaners (see "Type"). In addition, such batteries are practically not subject to the memory effect. Among the disadvantages of this technology, in addition to the cost, it is worth mentioning the sensitivity to high and low temperatures, as well as the likelihood of “accidents” during abnormal modes: failure of the built-in controller with overcharging or overdischarging, overheating or short circuit can lead to swelling, electrolyte leakage and even fire.

— Li-Po. A type of lithium-ion battery (see above), in which a polymer (gel) electrolyte is used instead of a liquid electrolyte. This design provides additional advantages over the original Li-Ion technology: lithium-polymer batteries have an even higher charge density, and the likelihood of "accidents" with explosions and fires in them is noticeably reduced. The main disadvantages of such power supplies are the rather high cost and the exactingness of maintaining the optimal temperature regime.

— Gel. In this case, we are usually talking about gel lead-acid batteries, similar to those used in cars. Such batteries are distinguished by their considerable weight. Therefore they are used exclusively in heavy cleaning equipment, where several kilograms of the battery weight is invisible against the weight of the machine itself. Of the practical advantages of such batteries, it is worth noting good capacity, durability, the ability to tolerate deep discharge without problems, as well as resistance to low temperatures and temperature extremes.

The voltage of the battery used in the machine with the corresponding type of power supply. This parameter is not key when choosing; it may only be needed when looking for a third-party charger or a replacement/spare battery, as well as for specific calculations related to capacity (see below).

The capacity of the battery installed in the cleaning machine with the appropriate power supply.

Theoretically, a higher capacity allows you to work longer on a single charge, but everything is not so simple. Firstly, battery life is also affected by the power consumption of the machine, and it is determined mainly by the motor power (see above). Secondly, the actual amount of energy stored in the battery depends not only on the capacity in amp-hours but also on the operating voltage in volts. Therefore, only batteries with the same voltage can be compared with each other in terms of capacity in Ah (or convert ampere-hours to watt-hours using a special formula and compare the results). And it is best to evaluate the battery life of the unit according to the directly claimed autonomy time (see below).

Operating time of a battery-powered cleaning machine on one charge of a standard battery.

This parameter itself is quite approximate: it is most often indicated for standard operating modes and simple conditions. However, the actual autonomy is usually not very different from the stated one; so, based on the stated operating time, it is quite possible to both evaluate the capabilities of different models and compare them with each other.

The noise level created by the harvesting machine during operation.

Low noise levels are important for the comfort of both the operator and others; the latter is especially true in some specific places such as hospitals or kindergartens. On the other hand, the higher the power, the louder, as a rule, the unit operates and the more difficult it is to reduce this noise to a certain level; despite the fact that in many cases high volume operation is not a particular problem. So you should specifically look for a “quiet” cleaning machine only if a low noise level is more critical for you than high cost and/or reduced power.

When assessing specific loudness values, it is worth considering that the decibel used to indicate the noise level is a non-linear quantity. Therefore, the easiest way is to evaluate specific values using comparative tables. Here's a simplified table for the range that most modern harvesting machines fit into:

55 dB - background noise in an office without special noise sources;
60 dB - loud conversation;
65 dB - city street with average traffic intensity;
70 dB - a conversation between several people in a raised voice.
75 dB – high power vacuum cleaner.
80 dB - traffic noise on a busy street.

The total weight of the cleaning machine. Usually, weight is indicated with empty tanks for detergent, waste, fuel, etc. At the same time, additional equipment, such as side brushes, may or may not be taken into account. Such equipment has a very small weight compared to the machines themselves. And, when installed/removed, does not seriously affect the mass of the entire machine.