ISO/FDIS 25256
(Main)Road sweepers — Performance requirements and test methods
- Abstract
This ISO Standard applies to surface cleaning machines for outdoor applications in public areas, roads, airports and industrial complexes. Surface cleaning machines in terms of this standard, are self-propelled, truck mounted, attached sweeping equipment or pedestrian controlled. This ISO Standard deals with the performance and functional characteristics and the test methods applied to the sweeping equipment when used as intended and under the conditions foreseen by the manufacturer. This ISO Standard does not include carrier vehicles (e.g. trucks). These are covered in national standards or directives for vehicles. This ISO Standard does not cover noise emission or any overload protection as these are covered by regulatory requirements. This document does not apply to: — cleaning machines for winter maintenance; — cleaning machines for indoor applications; — front mounted road cleaning attachments which can be coupled to tractors and other machinery; — machines or components that are specifically; — designed for cleaning tram lines and rail tracks; — industrial sweepers.
- Status
- Not Published
- Technical Committee
- ISO/TC 195/SC 2 - Road operation machinery and associated equipment
- Drafting Committee
- ISO/TC 195/SC 2/WG 2 - Sweeper
- Current Stage
- 5020 - FDIS ballot initiated: 2 months. Proof sent to secretariat
- Start Date
- 16-Sep-2026
- Completion Date
- 16-Sep-2026
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ISO/FDIS 25256 - Road sweepers — Performance requirements and test methods
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ISO/FDIS 25256 is an ISO draft standard for road sweepers. It specifies performance requirements, functional characteristics, and test methods for sweeping equipment used outdoors in public areas, roads, airports, and industrial complexes. It is written for self-propelled, truck-mounted, attached, and pedestrian-controlled machines, and it helps manufacturers, test laboratories, and buyers compare declared capability under defined conditions.
What does ISO/FDIS 25256 specify?
ISO/FDIS 25256 specifies how to describe and test the performance of sweeper equipment used as intended and under the conditions foreseen by the manufacturer. It also sets out the functional characteristics that the equipment should have in service.
The document is organized into:
- Clause 1 - Scope
- Clause 2 - Normative references
- Clause 3 - Terms and definitions
- Clause 4 - Performance requirements and test methods
- Clause 5 - Functional characteristics
- Annex A - Informative guidance on air velocity and volume measurement using the Pitot tube method
- Annex B - Informative example of grade-ability test and calculation
| Annex | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Annex A | Air velocity and volume measurement using the Pitot tube method |
| Annex B | Example - Grade-ability test and calculation |
The scope excludes carrier vehicles such as trucks, and it also leaves noise emission and overload protection to regulatory requirements. It does not apply to winter maintenance machines, indoor cleaning machines, front-mounted road cleaning attachments for tractors or similar machinery, machines or components designed for tram lines and rail tracks, or industrial sweepers.
What are the key requirements of ISO/FDIS 25256?
ISO/FDIS 25256 focuses on declared performance values, controlled test methods, and a small set of functional checks that matter in real use. In practice, it is a document for proving how a sweeper behaves on the road, at a kerb, on a slope, and in fluid and debris-handling tasks.
Sweepability and sweeping capacity
ISO/FDIS 25256 treats sweepability as a measured sweeping speed. The declaration has to state which test method was used, because the standard offers two different routes.
- Test method A uses a dry mixed test material on a dry smooth paved surface. The maximum sweeping speed is the speed at which the machine collects at least 90 % of the material. This matters when a buyer wants a simple field-style check of picking ability.
- Test method B uses standard soil on asphalt or concrete, with no watering, a stated cleaning speed tolerance, and a retrieval rate of 95 % or more. This gives a more controlled comparison and is noted as typically applying to the Japanese market.
- Sweeping capability is a theoretical value from sweeping path width and the manufacturer’s declared maximum sweeping speed, expressed in m3/h. That helps compare machine size and speed in a common way.
Air handling and material transfer
ISO/FDIS 25256 covers two ways of moving debris to the hopper: pneumatic air flow and mechanical conveyor or elevator transfer. The declaration is not just a number - it needs the settings and operating conditions behind it.
- Air flow capability is expressed as air velocity in m/s and air volume in m3/s, both at standard conditions of 20 °C and 101.3 kPa. The machine must be clean and free of blockages before testing. This matters because suction performance depends on airflow, not only fan size.
- Annex A explains the Pitot tube method for duct velocity and volume measurement. In practice, this supports repeatable airflow checks for suction-based sweepers.
- Conveyor or elevator capability is a theoretical maximum loading capability in m3/min, based on catchment dimensions, discharge rate, and operating angle. This gives a way to compare mechanical transfer systems without relying on subjective impressions.
Mobility, obstacle handling, and pavement loading
ISO/FDIS 25256 includes several performance checks that show whether the machine can get where it needs to go without damaging surfaces or getting stuck.
- Grade-ability is declared as % grade and is limited by the lesser of starting and maintaining a climb above 2 km/h, or stopping and holding the machine. Forward and reverse directions are both relevant. For buyers, this is the key figure for ramps, hills, and site access.
- Kerb (curb) climbing and clearance capability is the maximum step height the machine can mount from a static start at 30° and 60° approach angles. The declaration is made at maximum permitted mass, and structural limits must be stated. This tells the reader whether the sweeper can cross kerbs without damage.
- Ramp, approach and departure angles are taken from ISO 612, with the sweeping gear stowed and the machine at maximum permissible mass. This helps assess ground clearance during transport or when entering and leaving slopes.
- Ground (footprint) pressure is the highest tyre contact pressure at maximum permitted mass. The test looks for the wheel or tyre that produces the greatest pressure. This matters where pavement loading is a concern.
Functional characteristics
ISO/FDIS 25256 also checks basic operating functions.
- The water system should keep working when impurities are present in the water, and it should be fully drainable to reduce freezing risk.
- Sweeping gear in working positions should deflect on impact with solid obstacles. That reduces damage when the machine meets a kerb or similar obstruction.
What terms does ISO/FDIS 25256 define?
- performance - obligations verified by specified tests or calculations; in this standard, performance can also be stated as a theoretical value when no test is run.
- functional characteristics - the operational requirements of a system or mechanism, such as water drainage or obstacle response.
- test method - the procedure used to achieve or verify the performance criteria.
- calculation - the equation and method used to determine a numerical performance value.
- theoretical value - a value derived from drawings, calculations, or both, rather than from a physical test.
- maximum sweeping speed - the speed declared by the manufacturer for a given sweeping application or test.
- prime mover - the diesel, petrol, gas, electric, or hybrid power source that provides work and travel power.
- carrier vehicle - the base vehicle on which the sweeper equipment is mounted.
- ground (footprint) pressure - the contact pressure exerted by the sweeper in static condition on a smooth paved surface.
Who uses ISO/FDIS 25256?
Manufacturers use ISO/FDIS 25256 to declare sweeper performance and to set up type tests for design validation. Test laboratories and certification or inspection bodies use it to run repeatable tests for sweepability, airflow, grade-ability, kerb climbing, and footprint pressure.
Quality managers and buyers use it to compare machines from different suppliers on the same basis. That is especially useful for public-area cleaning, road maintenance, airport operations, and industrial complexes where access, slope, and pavement limits matter.
Fleet specifiers and operators also use the document when they need to decide whether a sweeper is suitable for a site layout, a ramp, a kerb, or a suction-based cleaning task.
Which standards are used with ISO/FDIS 25256?
- ISO 536:2019 - provides the paper and board grammage reference used for the footprint test sheet in Clause 4.8.
- ISO 612:1978 - defines the ramp, approach and departure angles used in Clause 4.7.
- ISO 24147 - supplies road-operation sweeper terms and the sweeping path width used in Clause 4.2.
- ASTM D 3154 - is cited in Annex A for Pitot tube velocity measurement details.
The bibliography also points to ISO 12100 for machinery safety design principles and SAE J1792-1 for suction air volume performance.
What does the ISO/FDIS 25256 document contain?
ISO/FDIS 25256 contains several figures, formulas, and procedural descriptions that support testing without reproducing the results in narrative form. Clause 4 includes figure-based explanations for standard soil size, conveyor or elevator catchment volume, kerb climbing, and footprint contact area evaluation.
Annex A gives a duct-air test log, a Pitot tube arrangement figure, and correction steps for temperature, pressure, and duct depression before calculating velocity and volume flow. Annex B gives a worked grade-ability setup using a tow or brake vehicle, three test runs in each direction, and calculation steps for climb and hold capability on a gradient.
The document is therefore a practical test-and-declaration standard: it tells users what to measure, how to measure it, and what supporting information should accompany the declared values.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ISO/FDIS 25256 is a draft published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its full title is "Road sweepers — Performance requirements and test methods". This standard covers: This ISO Standard applies to surface cleaning machines for outdoor applications in public areas, roads, airports and industrial complexes. Surface cleaning machines in terms of this standard, are self-propelled, truck mounted, attached sweeping equipment or pedestrian controlled. This ISO Standard deals with the performance and functional characteristics and the test methods applied to the sweeping equipment when used as intended and under the conditions foreseen by the manufacturer. This ISO Standard does not include carrier vehicles (e.g. trucks). These are covered in national standards or directives for vehicles. This ISO Standard does not cover noise emission or any overload protection as these are covered by regulatory requirements. This document does not apply to: — cleaning machines for winter maintenance; — cleaning machines for indoor applications; — front mounted road cleaning attachments which can be coupled to tractors and other machinery; — machines or components that are specifically; — designed for cleaning tram lines and rail tracks; — industrial sweepers.
This ISO Standard applies to surface cleaning machines for outdoor applications in public areas, roads, airports and industrial complexes. Surface cleaning machines in terms of this standard, are self-propelled, truck mounted, attached sweeping equipment or pedestrian controlled. This ISO Standard deals with the performance and functional characteristics and the test methods applied to the sweeping equipment when used as intended and under the conditions foreseen by the manufacturer. This ISO Standard does not include carrier vehicles (e.g. trucks). These are covered in national standards or directives for vehicles. This ISO Standard does not cover noise emission or any overload protection as these are covered by regulatory requirements. This document does not apply to: — cleaning machines for winter maintenance; — cleaning machines for indoor applications; — front mounted road cleaning attachments which can be coupled to tractors and other machinery; — machines or components that are specifically; — designed for cleaning tram lines and rail tracks; — industrial sweepers.
ISO/FDIS 25256 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 43.160 - Special purpose vehicles. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ISO/FDIS 25256 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
FINAL DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/TC 195/SC 2
Road sweepers — Performance
Secretariat: DIN
requirements and test methods
Voting begins on:
Balayeuses routières — Exigences de performance et méthodes 2026-09-16
d'essai
Voting terminates on:
2026-11-11
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES, DRAFT
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE
TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL
TO BECOME STAN DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE
MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
Reference number
FINAL DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/TC 195/SC 2
Road sweepers — Performance
Secretariat: DIN
requirements and test methods
Voting begins on:
Balayeuses routières — Exigences de performance et méthodes
d'essai
Voting terminates on:
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING DOCUMENTATION.
© ISO 2026
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES, DRAFT
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
TO BECOME STAN DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE
MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland Reference number
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Performance requirements and test methods . 2
4.1 Sweepability.2
4.1.1 Performance .2
4.1.2 Test methods .3
4.2 Sweeping capability .4
4.3 Air flow capability .4
4.3.1 Performance .4
4.3.2 Test method .5
4.4 Conveyor or elevator capability .5
4.4.1 Performance .5
4.4.2 Calculation .6
4.5 Grade-ability .6
4.5.1 Performance .6
4.5.2 Test method .7
4.6 Kerb (curb) climbing and clearance capability .7
4.6.1 Performance .7
4.6.2 Test method .8
4.7 Ramp, approach and departure angles .8
4.8 Ground (footprint) pressure .9
4.8.1 Performance .9
4.8.2 Test method .9
4.8.3 Calculation .10
5 Functional characteristics . 10
5.1 Water system .10
5.2 Sweeping gear .11
Annex A (informative) Air velocity and volume measurement using the Pitot tube method .12
Annex B (informative) Example – Grade-ability test and calculation . 14
Bibliography . 17
iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 195, Building construction machinery and
equipment, Subcommittee SC 2, Road operation machinery and associated equipment.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
FINAL DRAFT International Standard ISO/FDIS 25256:2026(en)
Road sweepers — Performance requirements and test
methods
1 Scope
This document specifies the performance requirements, functional characteristics and test methods for the
sweeping equipment when used as intended and under the conditions foreseen by the manufacturer.
This document applies to surface cleaning machines for outdoor applications in public areas, roads, airports
and industrial complexes, which are self-propelled, truck mounted, attached sweeping equipment or
pedestrian controlled.
This document does not include carrier vehicles (e.g. trucks).
This document does not cover noise emission or any overload protection.
This document does not apply to:
— cleaning machines for winter maintenance;
— cleaning machines for indoor applications;
— front mounted road cleaning attachments which can be coupled to tractors and other machinery;
— machines or components that are specifically designed for cleaning tram lines and rail tracks;
— industrial sweepers.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 536, Paper and board — Determination of grammage
ISO 612, Road vehicles — Dimensions of motor vehicles and towed vehicles — Terms and definitions
ISO 24147, Road operation machinery and associated equipment — Sweepers — Commercial specifications
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 24147, ISO 612 and the following
apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
performance
obligations verified either by specified tests or calculations (3.4)
Note 1 to entry: Additionally, performance may be stated as a value resulting from a calculation with no associated
test conducted, in which case the declaration shall be disclosed as a theoretical value (3.5).
3.2
functional characteristic
operational requirement of a system or a mechanism
3.3
test method
procedure to achieve the performance (3.1) criteria
3.4
calculation
equation and method to determine a performance (3.1) numerical value
3.5
theoretical value
value derived from either drawings or from calculations (3.4), or both
Note 1 to entry: The value shall declare the absolute performance (3.1) criteria, the criterion used in the calculation
would be those advertised in the manufacturer’s published data. As this value is purely theoretical, it is unlikely to be
achieved in use.
3.6
maximum sweeping speed
speed declared by the manufacturer related to either a foreseen sweeping application or test, or both
Note 1 to entry: The maximum sweeping speed is expressed in m/s or km/h.
3.7
prime mover
internal combustion engine (diesel/petrol/gas), electric motor or hybrid drive system providing the
principal power sources for work and travel mode functions
Note 1 to entry: Some sweepers may employ separate prime movers for propulsion and for driving the sweeping
mechanisms.
3.8
carrier vehicle
base vehicle on to which the sweeper equipment is mounted
Note 1 to entry: The sweeper equipment may be in some cases powered by the carrier vehicle prime mover (3.7) via
power-take-off facilities or similar means.
3.9
ground (footprint) pressure
contact pressure exerted by the sweeper in a static condition on a smooth paved surface
4 Performance requirements and test methods
4.1 Sweepability
4.1.1 Performance
The sweepability is the sweeping speed as derived from the test method described in 4.1.2 or 4.1.3 in km/h.
4.1.2 Test methods
4.1.2.1 General
The performance declaration shall clarify which test method was used.
4.1.2.2 Test method A
The sweepability shall be derived from a sweeping test, where a test material, composing a dry mixture by
weight of 65 % washed sand (< 2 mm), 15 % gravel/grit (2 mm to 8 mm) and 20 % calcium carbonate, shall
be spread at a rate of 700 g/m on to a dry smooth paved test surface in a zone extending at least 25 m long
and by 60 % of the sweeper’s maximum sweeping width wide (this sweeping width would be the same value
as used for the calculation in 4.1). The maximum sweeping speed is the speed where the sweeper collects at
least 90 % of the test material; the performance assessment may be judged visually.
NOTE This test method typically does not apply to the Japanese market.
4.1.2.3 Test method B
4.1.2.3.1 Test conditions
3 3
— Spread material: standard soil (specific gravity 1,24 g/cm to 1,34 g/cm ).
— Measurement distance: 100 m or more.
— Test road surface: asphalt pavement or concrete pavement with a slope of less than 2 %.
— Spreading width: 80 % of the maximum cleaning width of the sweeper.
— Spreading length: 20 m (cleaning speed less than 25 km/h), 50 m (cleaning speed 25 km/h and over).
— Spreading amount: 0,1 kg/m .
— Cleaning conditions: no watering.
For accurate collection of the remaining soil, watering on the road surface shall be avoided.
The particle size accumulation curve of soil for road cleaning vehicle performance tests and the mass
fraction of soil that passed through the sieve are shown in Figure 1.
Key
X particle size in mm
Y passing mass fraction in %
Figure 1 — Accumulation curve for standard soil particle size
NOTE The standard soil particle size can be obtained within the particle size range as shown in Figure 1.
4.1.2.3.2 Test method
— Spread standard soil evenly on the road surface.
— Start measurement to clean up the spread soil.
— Measure the time required for the sweeper to pass through the soil spread area.
— Measure the time required for the sweeper to pass through the course.
— Calculate the cleaning speed. The cleaning speed shall be within ±5 % tolerance of the aimed speed.
— Collect remaining soil with a broom and measure its mass.
— Measure the sweepability when cleaning at the maximum cleaning speed of the sweeper.
— Cleaning speed should be kept as constant as possible during this test.
— The broom used for collection shall be made from natural materials with bristle diameters of 0,5 mm or
less and bristle lengths of 100 mm or more.
— Verify that the retrieval rate is equal to 95 % or more. It is proved by the fact that the mass of remaining
soil is less than 5 % of the initial spread soil. If the result does not pass the criteria, adjust the cleaning
equipment, or reduce the cleaning speed and repeat this procedure.
NOTE This test method typically applies to the Japanese market.
4.2 Sweeping capability
The theoretical sweeping capability is derived from a calculation of the product of the sweeping path width
(as defined in ISO 24147) and the manufacturer’s declared maximum sweeping speed. The theoretical
sweeping capability is expressed in m /h.
4.3 Air flow capability
4.3.1 Performance
Sweepers that use pneumatic means to collect and transport swept debris to the collection hopper require
sufficient air velocity within the duct communicating with the pick-up device and hopper for satisfactory
conveyance. Air movement is usually performed by an exhausting means, e.g. by a fan extracting air from the
hopper. The air velocity within the duct and its cross-sectional area has a direct correlation with the volume
of air movement. The air velocity within the duct shall be expressed in m/s. The volume of air movement
within the duct shall be expressed in m /s, calculated as the product of the average velocity and the duct’s
cross section expressed in m .
The air temperature, atmospheric pressure and the depression within the duct all affect the air density and
flow characteristic; hence, any declared values shall be expressed in standard conditions of 20 °C and at
101,3 kPa atmospheric pressure.
The effects of changes in relative humidity also affect air density, but as the effect is minimal, variance affects
can be disregarded. Performance shall be advertised at 50 % relative humidity so that tests are conducted in
dry weather conditions. Tests shall
...
ISO/TC 195/SC 2/WG 2
Secretariat: DIN
Date: 2026-06-0509-01
Road sweepers — Performance requirements and test methods
Balayeuses routières — Exigences de performance et méthodes d'essai
FDIS stage
ISO #####-#:####(X/FDIS 25256:2026(en)
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication
may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO
at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: + 41 22 749 01 11
EmailE-mail: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
© ISO #### 2026 – All rights reserved
ii
Contents
Foreword . iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Performance requirements and test methods . 3
4.1 Sweepability . 3
4.2 Sweeping capability . 5
4.3 Air flow capability . 6
4.4 Conveyor or elevator capability . 6
4.5 Grade-ability . 8
4.6 Kerb (curb) climbing and clearance capability . 8
4.7 Ramp, approach and departure angles . 11
4.8 Ground (footprint) pressure . 11
5 Functional characteristics . 14
5.1 Water system . 14
5.2 Sweeping gear . 14
Annex A (informative) Air velocity and volume measurement using the Pitot tube method . 15
Annex B (informative) Example – Grade-ability test and calculation . 18
Bibliography . 21
iii
ISO #####-#:####(X/FDIS 25256:2026(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types of
ISO documentdocuments should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules
of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights
in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a) patent(s)
which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not
represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO'sISO’s adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 195, Building construction machinery and
equipment, Subcommittee SC 2, Road operation machinery and associated equipment.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
© ISO #### 2026 – All rights reserved
iv
FINAL DRAFT International Standard ISO/DIS 25256:2026 (en)
Road sweepers — Performance requirements and test methods
1 Scope
This document specifies the performance requirements, functional characteristics and test methods for the
sweeping equipment when used as intended and under the conditions foreseen by the manufacturer.
This document applies to surface cleaning machines for outdoor applications in public areas, roads, airports
and industrial complexes, which are self-propelled, truck mounted, attached sweeping equipment or
pedestrian controlled.
This document does not include carrier vehicles (e.g. trucks).
This document does not cover noise emission or any overload protection.
This document does not apply to:
— — cleaning machines for winter maintenance;
— — cleaning machines for indoor applications;
— — front mounted road cleaning attachments which can be coupled to tractors and other machinery;
— — machines or components that are specifically designed for cleaning tram lines and rail tracks;
— — industrial sweepers.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 536:2019, Paper and board — Determination of grammage
ISO 612:1978, Road vehicles — Dimensions of motor vehicles and towed vehicles — Terms and definitions
ISO 24147, Road operation machinery and associated equipment — Sweepers — Commercial specifications
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 24147, ISO 612 and the following
apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— — ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— — IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1 3.1
performance
obligations verified either by specified tests or calculations (3.4)
Note 1 to entry: Additionally, performance may be stated as a value resulting from a calculation with no associated test
conducted, in which case, the declaration shall be disclosed as a theoretical value (3.5.).
3.2 3.2
functional characteristicscharacteristic
operational requirementsrequirement of a system or a mechanism
3.3 3.3
test method
procedure to achieve the performance (3.1(3.1)) criteria
3.4 3.4
calculation
equation and method to determine a performance (3.1(3.1)) numerical value
3.5 3.5
theoretical value
value derived from either drawings or from calculations (3.4,), or both
Note 1 to entry: The value shall declare the absolute performance (3.1(3.1)) criteria, the criterion used in the calculation
would be those advertised in the manufacturer'smanufacturer’s published data. As this value is purely theoretical, it is
unlikely to be achieved in use.
3.6 3.6
maximum sweeping speed
speed declared by the manufacturer related to either a foreseen sweeping application or test, or both
Note 1 to entry: The maximum sweeping speed is expressed in m/s or km/h.
3.7 3.7
prime mover
internal combustion engine (diesel/petrol/gas), electric motor or hybrid drive system providing the principal
power sources for work and travel mode functions
Note 1 to entry: Some sweepers may employ separate prime movers for propulsion and for driving the sweeping
mechanisms.
3.8 3.8
carrier vehicle
base vehicle on to which the sweeper equipment is mounted
Note 1 to entry: The sweeper equipment may be in some cases powered by the carrier vehicle prime mover (3.7(3.10))
via power-take-off facilities or similar means.
3.9 3.9
ground (footprint) pressure
contact pressure exerted by the sweeper in a static condition on a smooth paved surface.
© ISO #### 2026 – All rights reserved
ISO/DISFDIS 25256:2026(en)
4 Performance requirements and test methods
4.1 Sweepability
4.1.1 Performance
The sweepability is the sweeping speed as derived from the test method described in 4.1.24.1.2 or 4.1.3 in
km/h.
4.1.2 Test methods
4.1.2.1 General
The performance declaration shall clarify which test method was used.
4.1.2.2 Test method A
The sweepability shall be derived from a sweeping test, where a test material, composing a dry mixture by
weight of 65 % washed sand (< 2 mm), 15 % gravel/grit (2 mm to 8 mm) and 20 % calcium carbonate, shall
be spread at a rate of 700 g/m on to a dry smooth paved test surface in a zone extending at least 25 m long
and by 60 % of the sweeper’s maximum sweeping width wide (this sweeping width would be the same value
as used for the calculation in 4.14.1).). The maximum sweeping speed is the speed where the sweeper collects
at least 90 % of the test material; the performance assessment may be judged visually.
NOTE This test method typically does not apply to the Japanese market.
4.1.2.3 Test method B
4.1.2.3.1 Test conditions
3 3
— — Spread material: standard soil (specific gravity 1,24 g/cm to 1,34 g/cm ).
— — Measurement distance: 100 m or more.
— — Test road surface: asphalt pavement or concrete pavement with a slope of less than 2 %.
— — Spreading width: 80 % of the maximum cleaning width of the sweeper.
— — Spreading length: 20 m (cleaning speed less than 25 km/h), 50 m (cleaning speed 25 km/h and over).
— — Spreading amount: 0,1 kg/m .
— — Cleaning conditions: no watering.
For accurate collection of the remaining soil, watering on the road surface shall be avoided.
The particle size accumulation curve of soil for road cleaning vehicle performance tests and the mass fraction
of soil that passed through the sieve are shown in Figure 1Figure 1.
© ISO #### 2026 – All rights reserved
ISO/DISFDIS 25256:2026(en)
Key
X particle size in mm
Y passing mass fraction in %
Figure 1 — Accumulation curve for standard soil particle size
NOTE The standard soil particle size can be obtained within the particle size range as shown in Figure 1Figure 1.
4.1.2.3.2 Test method
— — Spread standard soil evenly on the road surface.
— — Start measurement to clean up the spread soil.
— — Measure the time required for the sweeper to pass through the soil spread area.
— — Measure the time required for the sweeper to pass through the course.
— — Calculate the cleaning speed. The cleaning speed shall be within ±5 % tolerance of the aimed speed.
— — Collect remaining soil with a broom and measure its mass.
— — Measure the sweepability when cleaning at the maximum cleaning speed of the sweeper.
— — cleaningCleaning speed should be kept as constant as possible during this test.
— — The broom used for collection shall be made from natural materials with bristle diameters of 0,5 mm
or less and bristle lengths of 100 mm or more.
— — Verify that the retrieval rate is equal to 95 % or more. It is proved by the fact that the mass of remaining
soil is less than 5 % of the initial spread soil. If the result does not pass the criteria, adjust the cleaning
equipment, or reduce the cleaning speed and repeat this procedure.
NOTE This test method typically applies to the Japanese market.
4.2 Sweeping capability
The theoretical sweeping capability is derived from a calculation of the product of the sweeping path width
(as defined in ISO 24147) and the manufacturer’s declared maximum sweeping speed. The theoretical
sweeping capability is expressed in m /h.
4.3 Air flow capability
4.3.1 Performance
Sweepers that use pneumatic means to collect and transport swept debris to the collection hopper require
sufficient air velocity within the duct communicating with the pick-up device and hopper for satisfactory
conveyance. Air movement is usually performed by an exhausting means, e.g. by a fan extracting air from the
hopper. The air velocity within the duct and its cross-sectional area has a direct correlation with the volume
of air movement. The air velocity within the duct shall be expressed in m/s. The volume of air movement
within the duct shall be expressed in m /s, calculated as the product of the average velocity and the duct’s
cross section expressed in m .
The air temperature, atmospheric pressure and the depression within the duct all affect the air density and
flow characteristic; hence, any declared values shall be expressed in standard conditions of 20 °C and at
101,3 kPa atmospheric pressure.
The effects of changes in relative humidity also affect air density, but as the effect is minimal, variance affects
can be disregarded. Performance shall be advertised at 50 % relative humidity so that tests are conducted in
dry weather conditions. Tests shall not be conducted in adverse weather conditions.
The following information shall accompany the air flow capability declaration:
— — sweeper – model/type;
— — declaration expressed in m /s at 20 °C and at 101,3 kPa atmospheric pressure;
— — settings and running speeds.
4.3.2 Test method
The average air velocity within the duct may be measured using suitable means. Prior to any test, the machine
shall be inspected to ensure that it is in good working order, clean and that either any filters or communicating
ductwork, or both are free of restrictions and or blockages. During tests, the machine shall be set up in
accordance with the manufactures recommended settings. In addition, a record of these settings and running
speeds shall accompany the performance results.
Annex AAnnex A describes a technique to measure duct velocity using the Pitot tube method.
4.4 Conveyor or elevator capability
4.4.1 Performance
Machines that employ a mechanical means to transfer swept debris to the collection hopper can use a
conveyor or elevator system (see Figure 2Figure 2).). These systems can be of typical designs arranged
vertically or inclined using a number of elevating catchments, e.g. flights/ribs on a conveyor belt, flights
dragging up an inclined ramp or other similar mechanisms. In each case, the catchment (C) has a calculated
volume in its transfer position, gauged when loaded with dry sand having an angle of repose of 35°. The
conveyor system shall have an operating speed where the catchment discharge (C ) rate and its volume can
d
be equated to a maximum loading capability – (V , expressed in m /min.). Performance is assessed by
MLC
calculation.
The following information shall accompany the conveyor or elevator capability declaration:
— — sweeper – model/type;
— — capability declaration expressed in m /min;
© ISO #### 2026 – All rights reserved
ISO/DISFDIS 25256:2026(en)
— — catchment dimensions and running speed/discharge rate per minute.
a) Belt conveyor b) Flight elevator
Key
H catchment height
W catchment width
1 catchment (C)
2 horizontal plane
3 discharge
35° angle of repose (dry sand)
α elevator inclination
Figure 2 — Conveyor/elevator load catchment volume
4.4.2 Calculation
The maximum loading capability, V , is determined by calculation and disclosed as a theoretical value, as in
L
Formula (1)thus::
2 2
𝐻𝐻 ×𝑊𝑊×𝐶𝐶 𝐻𝐻 ×𝑊𝑊×𝐶𝐶
d d
𝑉𝑉 = (1)
L
𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡(𝛼𝛼−35°)×2tan(𝛼𝛼−35°)×2
where
V is the maximum loading capability in m /min;
L
C is the number of catchments discharging per minute (1/min);
d
H is the catchment height in m;
W is the catchment width in m.
4.5 Grade-ability
4.5.1 Performance
The maximum grade-ability shall be
...