Robot vacuum cleaner Karcher RC 3000: description and reviews

Robot vacuum cleaner Karcher RC 3000 is not a new product. It was launched in 2003. Some argue that this "obsolete" design can not compete with modern robotic vacuums using the latest technology for home navigation (SLAM, cameras, etc.). According to buyers who fell into this trap, they later regretted the time and money spent, as these toys have to be cleaned after each session of their work. It is clear that 100% of the autonomous vacuum cleaner is not on the market, but users are buying them because they want to see a device that approaches as much as possible to complete independence. So, despite its technological "backwardness", Karcher RC 3000 copes with this task perfectly.

Buyers of robotic vacuum cleaners who have experience in operating the latest technologies confirm that they are good at navigating around the house, but they have to be cleaned after each use. Moreover, in addition to emptying the dust collector, they have to clean the brush, release hard-to-reach places from the stuffed hair, etc. In addition, this technique often breaks for various reasons. In order for the vacuum cleaner to work in "hard" conditions (for example, in indoor rooms with pets), some components must be replaced. Some do not face such problems, but their cup of patience is overwhelmed by the fact that, in addition to the inconvenience of daily maintenance of the vacuum cleaner, all the changes that need to be made for its normal operation significantly increase its initial cost.

History of Kärcher

The company was founded by the German inventor Alfred Kärcher in 1935. Among other things, the company was engaged in the production of equipment for hardening steel, heating devices for aircraft engines and cabin heating systems.

In 1950, Kercher made a breakthrough in cleaning technology, creating the first in Europe machine for hot cleaning of high pressure. Innovation has become a growth factor for the company. Only in 2011, it launched the production of 100 new products. The world leader in the market of cleaning technologies continues to differ in ingenuity, high productivity and innovative methods of solving problems.

First meeting

Users of the vacuum cleaner confuse the stereotype that all robotic devices must remain connected to their base in order for their batteries to be charged. After the Karcher RC 3000 completes the cleaning cycle, and it is fully charged, the robot detaches from the station and keeps to one side until it becomes necessary. You might think that something happened to the device, but in fact, this behavior is normal.

When the RC 3000 LEDs are off, it does not really work! Nothing drains the batteries, no IR sensors, no timers, no software, like some other robotic devices. Reading management and contacting the support team confirmed that this is in fact normal behavior of RoboCleaner.

Parking area

If it is necessary that the device interrupts the cleaning after the next charging cycle, then it is necessary to press the "robot parking" button. The indicator is activated. After its next return to the base, the vacuum cleaner is emptied and charged. Then the RC 3000 switches off and stops before the station.

Buyers note that one should be careful when cleaning the sensors of garbage detection. Accidental use of wet wipes can cause the robot to stop after the charging, with a flashing red LED. Only after the dust-covered IR sensors were wiped with an antistatic cloth used for computer monitors, the problem was solved. It should also be used to clean other sensors.

Unpacking

Karcher Robocleaner RC 3000 is packed in a shipping box with the company logo, inside of which is the main box with colorful graphics and robot specifications. The vacuum cleaner is packed very well, which protects it from any possible trouble on the way. The robot and the station are packed in polyethylene film.

Content

After opening the box, you can find the base station. On the other hand, there is a package with the robot itself, and below it is a platform that is easily attached to the base.

In addition, there is a thick user guide in many languages, a store sticker and information about the service.

Instructions

The manual covers everything from the initial installation, the positioning of the base, the parking area to the description of the RC 3000 and its parts. In addition, there is an extensive troubleshooting guide in case the device starts flashing with a red LED or if all indicators on the base light up. At the beginning of the manual, there is a quick link with pictures that are easy to follow.

Base station

The base is very light and is easily moved by the handle. In the lower part there is space for placing excess sagging cable. It should be attached to the platform, which is not difficult, since the user's guide perfectly illustrates this process.

A vacuum cleaner

The vacuum cleaner Karcher RC 3000 is a light round robot. Along the edges there is a rubber bumper protecting the furniture, etc., and there are also several rubber bumpers protruding from above, so that the device does not get stuck under the furniture.

It has a power button and two LEDs (red and green). The robot Karcher RC 3000 is equipped with four sensors, preventing it from falling down the stairs. There is also an infrared sensor window for searching the base, as well as an IR sensor in the dust collecting compartment, warning of its filling and transmitting information to the program for starting the required mode of operation.

Robot vacuum cleaner "Kercher RC 3000" (reviews): silent mode how to include?

The RC 3000 is very quiet when cleaning the house. Much quieter than analogues in the market. The base operates loudly, as a typical vertical vacuum cleaner. But it only lasts about 30 seconds, after the robot returns to the station to get rid of the debris and charge. The base can be made quieter by reducing the created rarefaction. To switch to silent mode, just press the Quiet mode button. The control LED will light up. But the performance will also decrease. After the 8-hour timer has tripped, the base station returns to normal mode again.

Types of cleaning

The vacuum cleaner is programmed on the base. The robot is configured for 4 different cleaning modes (this happens automatically, depending on the data received from the dust collector sensor):

1. Usual cleaning. The vacuum cleaner operates in a random mode at normal speed.
2. A stain of dirt. The device slowly moves through the contaminated area.
3. Very dirty spot. The robot slowly moves back and forth across the dirty area.
4. Extremely very dirty surface. The device slowly in the radial direction passes through the zone, describing the star.

The base monitors the duration of the vacuum cleaner and informs him either about the need to continue it after emptying or charging, or about stopping it, giving the command to park.

Moving around the house

The robot vacuum cleaner Karcher RC 3000 is considered "stupid" because of the simple random cleaning method it uses. If he encounters an obstacle, he simply changes direction in an arbitrary order. Some argue that this type of navigation is ineffective when cleaning the house.

However, despite this, the vacuum cleaner Karcher RC 3000 user reviews are called perfectly coping with their duties. He removes very well - this can be seen with the naked eye. True, the corners remain uncleared, since the device does not have a side rotating brush.

Waste container

In comparison with other brands, the dust collector RC 3000 is rather small (0.2 liters). But this is not a problem, since after it is filled, the robot returns to the database to automatically release it.

Preparing the house before starting

This task is important both for other robotic vacuum cleaners, and for conventional ones. It is necessary to lift all loose objects (toys, cables, carpets with long tassels, clothes, etc.) from the floor. Users note that mats with a fringe of 5 cm long represent an insuperable obstacle for the vacuum cleaner. Before leaving they need to be removed.

Charging

Charging the battery can take up to 60 minutes (usually the first time you connect). If the charge falls below a certain level during harvesting, the robot will start searching for the base. Once it is docked, its dust collector will be released for about 30 seconds, and then charging begins, as indicated by a flashing green LED.

schedule

Karcher RC 3000 can not be programmed in advance, which scares off some. However, many users do not see a problem in this. It is enough simply to turn on the robot right before leaving, and set the time of its operation, for example, for 6 hours.

Database search

The location of the base station has a decisive influence on whether the robot can constantly return to it. It is best to set it facing the corridor leading to the other rooms. The device easily overcomes the thresholds during the cleaning of the living room, dining room, bathroom and kitchen, and also easily moves between rooms. According to user feedback, the robot successfully docks to the base in 100% of cases. If the device does not find the station for some time, it turns off the garbage collection system and focuses on finding the base.

Storage

If you plan on storing the device for a long time, you need to do this with fully charged batteries. If you try to start after a long break vacuum cleaner does not work (discharged batteries), then you need to follow the instructions for charging them.

Maintenance

Robot vacuum cleaner Karcher RC 3000 user reviews are quite easy to maintain. The manual describes how to open the dust cover, remove or clean the flat filter, and how to remove or clean the brush.

In addition, it states that it is necessary to clean the lower sensors. True, it is not specified how often this should be done. It is clear that this depends on the house.

Maintenance of the base is also uncomplicated. The LED lights up when it's time to replace the bag. You just need to pull it out, and put another one in its place. After 5 bags, replace the engine filter (it is included in the kit).

Specifications

• The harvesting capacity is 15 m² / h.
• Time of work on one charge is up to 1 hour.
• Engine power - 600 Watts.
• Charging time - up to 20 min.
• The volume of the dust container (robot / base) is 0.2 / 2 liters.
• Noise level in quiet mode 54 dB.
• The dimensions of the RoboCleaner / base are 285 x 105 mm / 500 x 250 x 230 mm
• Weight RoboCleaner / base - 2 / 5.8 kg.

Advantages and disadvantages

Positive sides:

• Batteries are more than 5 years old. According to user feedback, even after this period the vacuum cleaner is able to work for 20-30 minutes.
• There is no need for daily maintenance. Simply press the button to start the device.
• Karcher RC 3000 is quieter than its competitors.
• There is no need to clean the waste container.
• The vacuum cleaner does not need to be cleaned with a brush as often as others (just once every two weeks).
• Despite the random navigation, moves well. Docked in 100% of cases.
• He does his job well, not worse than his competitors.
• Does not damage the furniture.
• Hair is not wound on the edges of the brush.

Disadvantages:

• The robot does not have a side brush that could improve the quality of the cleaning.
• Unable to set the work schedule.
• The only way to prevent the robot from cleaning the room is to close the door to it. If you do not want a certain part of the room to be removed, you'll have to come up with a way to impact the bumper, for example, using a board.

Conclusion

Vacuum cleaner Karcher RC 3000 - yellow robot vacuum cleaner, solid and reliable. The manufacturer has created exactly what many users are looking for - minimum maintenance with good floor cleaning, especially from pet and garbage wool. The robot does not get stuck anywhere. It is enough to press the button, so that the device does its job during the day, without worrying about cleaning its brush for at least two weeks. The vacuum cleaner perfectly moves around the apartment and always finds the base station. The package for garbage can often not be changed.

The support service of the company works flawlessly. Consumables in the vacuum cleaner are disposable garbage bags for the base station, batteries, and probably a brush (although users on the forums have never mentioned the need to replace it).

If you calculate how many parts have to be replaced in 5 years of operation of robots vacuum cleaners of other manufacturers, you can be horrified by the amount of money spent. "Kercher" is more expensive only at the very beginning, but it will be cheaper if you consider the purchase of spare parts and consumables for its competitors.