Hydraulic filters play a vital role in keeping Britain's streets clean, by helping ensure the reliability and operating efficiency of the innovative Green Machine from Applied Sweepers.

The latest hydraulic filters from the Hydraulic Filtration Division of Parker Hannifin, the world's largest manufacturer of motion and control technology, are playing a vital role in keeping Britain's streets clean, in helping to ensure the reliability and operating efficiency of the innovative Green Machine from Applied Sweepers, the leading manufacturer of outdoor sweeping machines. Now fitted to all Green Machines, the compact Parker suction return filter, 14P high pressure filter and reservoir breathers are all essential to the operation of the onboard hydraulics systems and to reducing the weight and size of the latest high speed Green Machine sweepers, the 525HS and 636HS. Established in 1965, Applied Sweepers are the specialists in the design and manufacture of compact sweeping machines used for cleaning city centre and town walkways and pavements, as well as other congested outdoor areas that are not accessible by larger traditional street sweepers.

The well-known 'Green Machine' suction sweepers, first manufactured in the 1960s, have become the standard machine for city centres the world over with over 10,000 machines in use in more than 40 countries.

Applied Sweepers was granted a Royal Warrant by HM The Queen as a supplier of sweeping machines, and the Green Machine even made a cameo appearance in 'Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace' as a Naboo N-1 Starfighter Refueller.

Designed to provide a highly versatile sweeping solution, the 525HS and 636HS are capable of sweeping any hard surface and is compact and lightweight enough for use on sidewalks, alleys, airport concourses, residential neighbourhoods, car parks, children's play areas and, indeed, any other high traffic paved areas.

Capable of travelling at speeds of up to 37km/h, the 525HS and 636HS features a robust stainless steel construction with rugged four-wheel drive.

Acting as a filter to the hydraulics systems providing motion on the 525HS and 636HS, Parker's suction return filter offers flexibility in low pressure return lines and, perhaps most importantly, significantly reduces the size and weight of the system as only one filter is required to do the job of what would have been traditionally done by two or more filters.

The filter features reinforced copolymer filter heads and multiple return line ports, making the units compact, lightweight and durable, while the quick release cover means that no tools are required to release the filter cover, so element changeover is quick and easy.

Using an in-to-out operating principle, the suction return filter ensures that all contamination is retained inside the element and prevents recontamination of the system during element changing and servicing.

The Parker 14P high pressure filter removes pump generated debris, preventing them from jamming valves or scoring hydraulic cylinders.

Constructed using SG iron and steel extrusion for the head and bowl, respectively, the filters also have a black anodised corrosion resistant finish enabling them to withstand the harsh working environment.

The Reservoir Breathers protect the hydraulic components within the system against wear particles and destructive moisture.

The use of Reservoir Breathers was especially critical on the 525HS and 636HS due to the harsh conditions where moisture could often be present near the hydraulics systems.

Furthermore, Parker's Reservoir Breathers feature a unique filter media that removes both dirt and moisture, ideal for this particular application.

Alan Riach, Engineering Director at Applied Sweepers, explains: 'Green Machines have to work in harsh conditions, therefore all the components used in the construction of the sweepers are selected for their toughness and reliability'.

'Parker's products provide us with the guarantee of a long, maintenance free operating life, while also giving exceptionally high performance that could not be matched by competing products within the same price category'.