As the power, capacity and toughness of an industrial vacuum cleaner increases, so does its weight and size. Think about who’s going to be using your industrial vacuum cleaners and suit the machine to the person.

If the machine is too large, heavy or cumbersome for your user, then expect trouble. Not only will it not get used and but the user could hurt themselves trying.

Make sure that the hand tools are easy to use and the machine is easy to move and empty, even when full.

If the waste loads you’re going to be emptying are very heavy, consider industrial vacuum cleaners that can be moved easily with forklifts and emptied safely by means of bottom-discharge flaps. Even a 1-tonne machine can be emptied effortlessly this way with minimal risk to your staff from manual handling.

Think about your users - remember that without their co-operation, your industrial vacuum cleaner isn’t going to clean anything.