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Wet/Dry World: New Innovations in Vacuums courtesy of ProTeam
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Matt Wood |
In this podcast, we interview Matt Wood President/CEO ProTeam about New Innovations in Vacuum Cleaners |
1. ProTeam, a company known for the innovation of the commercial backpack vacuum, recently unveiled a full wet/dry vacuum line. What new ideas do you bring to the wet/dry field that would make a difference in commercial maintenance?
In a word, productivity. That’s always been a main focus for ProTeam, and we saw the need for a versatile wet/dry vacuum that would work for maintenance scenarios of every size. After all, in any building or facility, natural and human disasters strike, including flooding and spills. Cleanup and restoration projects often require water too. And when the need for a wet/dry vacuum comes up, there’s usually no time to spare, and you need one that can get the job done fast and well. Our design team worked with parent company Emerson Professional Tools to develop six wet/dry vacuums, called the ProGuard Wet/Dry line, that fit in and function for a wide range of maintenance challenges. Our new wet/dry line zeroes in on the key aspects that affect productivity: size, ease-of-use, power and filtration. There’s everything from a handheld Lithium-Ion battery-powered option for quick spot cleaning, to a 15 or 20-gallon powerhouse that can go anywhere and do anything.
2. So how can a wet/dry vacuum increase productivity?
On one hand, productivity is the ability to be at the right place at the right time, with the right vacuum. On the other, it’s efficiency. By efficiency I mean that the wet/dry moves at the speed of maintenance. We included swivel-caster wheels and a low center of gravity in this line, so that the vacuum can turn 360-degrees with the needs of the maintenance worker. We focus on details that make a difference in the real world. We want everything to be durable and versatile, so we built in two-stage bypass motors, better tools, longer hoses, advanced filters, multiple draining options, everything with efficiency and productivity in mind.
3. Name one new wet/dry innovation you think is a real time-saver?
There’s always been one particular hassle when using wet/drys: foam. To protect the motor, wet/drys feature an automatic shut-off device when the water levels reach a certain point. However, when foam rises in the tank it can also trigger this auto shut-off. So what you have is a tank one-third full of water and two-thirds full of foam. It’s this constant annoyance. We came up with something called a Qwik Lock Wet Filter that breaks down foam, so this false triggering is no longer a problem. We actually focused on filtration quite a bit. We designed washable, reusable filters that provide three-layers of fine dust filtration and clog less than standard foam filters. And we even have a HEPA filtration wet/dry.
4. What does a HEPA wet/dry do, and what situations would call for one?
A HEPA wet/dry would be needed in serious cleanup situations, one where lead paint, asbestos or another hazardous byproduct is in play. As you can imagine, with these kinds of messes, the right wet/dry is not only vital, it’s required by law. No one wants a cleanup to turn into a health hazard. So our ProGuard 10 HEPA meets the EPA’s definition of a HEPA vacuum, which is appropriate for lead paint renovations under the RRP rule.
5. What tips would you offer to maintenance crews looking to purchase a commercial wet/dry?
First, really pinpoint your needs. What size space do you have to maintain? Realistically evaluate what situations might come up in the next few months, year, few years that might require a wet/dry. Then choose one with the gallon capacity and features you think would fit your space and all those wet/dry applications. Also, in the field of maintenance, wear and tear is a way of life. Durability is so important, and sometimes so overlooked. ProTeam believes in products that last for years in the tough, everyday reality of commercial cleaning. We offer three-year warranties on nearly every vacuum in our wet/dry line.
posted on 1/5/2011
