Schmidt Cleango 500 large-capacity sweeper for airport debris & rubber (distributed by Manmachine Works)

The Schmidt Cleango 500 is a purpose-built ride-on compact sweeper positioned at the larger end of the self-propelled class. Its headline differentiator is a 5 m³ debris hopper — the highest payload capacity in its class at up to 6,600 kg — combined with a 68° steering angle and a short 1,850 mm wheelbase that delivers a very tight turning circle for a machine of this size. For airports, this means useful run lengths on aprons and taxiway shoulders before requiring a tip cycle, and the ability to negotiate around ground-support equipment, aircraft stands, and tight apron bay layouts without repositioning. The disc-brush sweeping system, positioned ahead of the front axle, operates at a 2,200 mm standard working width, extendable to 3,550 mm with an optional third broom. The hydrostatic drive system can reduce diesel consumption by up to 20% versus mechanical drive variants, and transport speeds up to 50 km/h allow rapid transit between airside zones. The water system carries 685 litres standard, expandable to 1,835 litres, feeding the dust-suppression nozzles throughout the sweep. A Euro 6c six-cylinder diesel with full exhaust after-treatment (DPF, AdBlue, SCR) keeps the Cleango 500 within tightening airside emission limits, and PM10/PM2.5 four-star certification is carried across all variants. A CNG drive option is available for airports pursuing lower-emission ground-fleet strategies.