With more features than the Bat Mobile, the new street sweeper for the grounds department is ready for action.

One of the features is retractable wheels, which allow the sweeper to fit between the posts used to stop vehicles from entering the pedestrian areas.

The wheel retraction will also allow the sweeper to drive on narrow sidewalks without making ruts in the grass, which is important because the grounds crew is trying to eliminate ruts and muddy areas.

The new sweeper will also be able to sweep almost any material without taking any

damage to itself.

The administration made the decision to purchase the sweeper in August.

“President Perry, Vice President Bill Weber and Facilities Planning and Management decided the purchase of a sweeper would be very useful in keeping up the appearance of campus,” Justin Perry, superintendent of grounds said.

The sweeper will be used as a tool in keeping the appearance of the campus clean and neat, and also increase safety by picking up sand, glass and litter.

“It may take two employees an hour of hand sweeping to cover the same amount the sweeper can cover in minutes,” Justin Perry said.

Caution should be used near the machine, Justin Perry warned, because even with all the safety features the machine is still dangerous.

“The sweeper was built to be around the public, so safety was considered when it was designed,” Justin Perry said. “It has a flashing hazard light on its cab, blinking hazard lights on each corner, and an audible speaker warning message if needed.”

The new sweeper has distinct advantages over others sweepers.

It has a wider wheelbase, offering better stability, and it does not use a paper filter, allowing it to be used in damp conditions, which saves on filter replacement costs.

James Roedl can be reached at 581-7942 or jmroedl@eiu.edu