A commercial floor cleaning machine is available in all shapes and sizes. These machines are great for cleaning your business's floors, but which one will work best for you?
Buying floor cleaning equipment for your business can be a challenging process. An industrial floor cleaning machine comes in various shapes and sizes, and it is vital to choose the commercial cleaning machine that is right for your cleaning needs.
The most common commercial cleaning machines are ride-on scrubbers and walk-behind floor scrubbers.
Walk-behind scrubbers are a convenient, cost-effective way to clean floors. But with so many different models to choose from, how do you know which is the right floor scrubber for you?
This guide will teach you everything you need to learn about walk-behind floor scrubbers, from what they’re good for and how they work, to the features you should look for in a machine.
By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll have all of the information necessary to make an informed decision and purchase a walk-behind scrubber that suits your needs.
Walk-behind scrubbers are floor scrubbers that use a hose to clean floors. They are convenient and cost-effective as they don’t require a large machine to run. Walk-behind scrubbers come in two varieties: gas-powered and electric-powered.
Gas-powered walk-behind scrubbers are more powerful than electric models but also more expensive. Electric-powered models are cheaper to buy but less potent than gas models.
Walk-behind scrubber machines have a variety of cleaning attachments, like brushes and squeegees, that can be used for different types of floor surfaces, which is an important feature to consider when buying your machine. Some machines have these accessories, while others require you to purchase them separately.
Another feature worth considering is the width of the machine’s cleaning path, which should be narrow enough to fit around furniture, tight spaces, and other obstacles in the building being cleaned.
The hose length is also essential as it determines how far you can go without needing to unplug from one outlet and plug into another one.
Walk-behind scrubbers are a convenient, cost-effective way to clean floors. Whether you need to remove dirt and debris from carpets or tile, or you have wood or laminate flooring that needs a deep cleaning, walk-behind scrubbers provide a quick and easy solution.
The best way to understand how walk-behind scrubbers work is to break down the three basic types: pressure washer, surface cleaner, and carpet extractor.
Pressure washers work by using high-pressure water to loosen grime and dirt from surfaces. Surface cleaners use a rotating brush system to scrub the surface without water effectively. Carpet extractors use rotating brushes on a conveyor belt to clean carpets while they’re still on the ground.
Cleaning is a time-consuming and tedious job. But, if you have the right tools, it’s much more manageable. Walk-behind scrubbers are excellent at cleaning floors because they can cover large areas in a short time while still giving your floors a thorough clean.
Walk-behind scrubbers are also very easy to use and don’t require any training or experience—all you need to do is plug it in and get started! You will not only save time but money as well.
Walk-behind scrubbers are cost-effective. They can use less water than other cleaning methods, which means you will spend less money on water bills. The machine itself is also affordable to purchase, so owning one will not be too costly for your business, and you'll have fewer labor costs too.
Walk-behind scrubbers tend to last longer than other machines, with some models lasting up to 5 years or more! This long life cycle means you won't need to replace your machine for some time, which saves you money in the long run.
Walk-behind scrubbers have a few disadvantages. One of the main disadvantages is that they’re often unsuitable for heavy-duty cleaning jobs.
Scrubbers with small scrubbing pads are less suitable for high-traffic areas, and while they can clean light dirt, they usually don’t do an excellent job of removing tough stains like oil or paint.
Another disadvantage is that walk-behind scrubbers need regular maintenance to run correctly. If you are having trouble with your machines, it may be because you haven't been following these simple maintenance tasks.
These procedures include cleaning the filter and replacing the scrubber pad when necessary, as well as keeping your machine appropriately calibrated to avoid damage to the wheels and other parts of the machine.
Maintaining your walk-behind scrubber will ensure that it lasts and performs well for many years to come.
When searching for a walk-behind scrubber, there are several features you should look for. First, does the machine have a warranty? You want to make sure that if anything goes wrong with your new machine, it’ll be replaced or repaired by the manufacturer.
Next, do you need a battery-powered or electric model? You’ll need to know how much battery power you’re able to carry and how far away from an outlet you can move around. Finally, what type of floor surface will you be cleaning?
The type of surface you will be cleaning will determine which type of walk-behind scrubber is best for you. A rotary floor scrubber will work best if you need to clean relatively flat surfaces like tiled floors or concrete floors.
If you need to clean uneven surfaces like carpeted areas, then an oscillating model may be more suitable for your needs. If any customizations must be made for your machine (such as height), find out if the manufacturer offers that customization before buying.
Before you buy a walk-behind scrubber for your business, you’ll want to consider all the available options.
The main thing you should consider is what type of flooring you will be cleaning and how often it needs to be cleaned. A rotary scrubber would be best if your floor is tile with grout. If the floor is carpeted, then a vacuum cleaner would be best.
Several things should be considered before purchasing a walk-behind scrubber. These include the cleaning you want to do, what kind of surface you will be cleaning, and how often you would like to clean it. Other factors you might consider are battery life, warranty, and price.
Budget is an essential factor to consider when purchasing a walk-behind scrubber. A walk-behind scrubber can cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000, so it’s important to know your budget when considering what best fits your needs.
The first thing to do is note the amount you have for your business and how much you are willing to spend. Secondly, list all the features you need or want in a machine. Finally, compare models and make one final decision on which would be the best fit for your business!
Where does this machine need to be used? Do you have tiled or carpeted floors? What is the condition of those floors (i.e., moderate traffic, high traffic)? Does the machine need to maneuver through tight corners or along walls? Are there any custom attachments that need to be included with the machine (like a carpet shampooer, broom, etc.)?
Knowing exactly what you need helps narrow down your choices and eliminates overspending for features that will go unused.
Is the machine easy to use for your employees? Is it light enough to lift and carry without assistance? Are there any attachments that come with the machine that will make it easier for your employees, or are they difficult to attach? Will you need training on operating the machine correctly if you do not already know how?
Battery life and warranty should be considered together. If the battery is not included with the machine, how will you charge it? Where will you keep the batteries charged? How long does a 4-hour full charge last? Do you need to purchase additional chargers for your employees to use on different machines or in other locations? These are important questions to consider before purchasing.
Alternatively, you could buy a walk-behind scrubber with the battery included in the price. Although this is costlier upfront, it can save you money in the long run because you won’t have to pay separately for batteries. You will not need several chargers with this type of machine, so things become less complicated and costly.
You need to consider a warranty before purchasing a walk-behind scrubber. Most warranties last between 6 months and 3 years, so it’s essential to take note of the machines that offer the longest warranty period.
Many companies offer a trial run of their machines before purchase. This allows the business owner to try out different models at their facilities and get real-world experience with each type before choosing which one they think is best.
This helps eliminate surprises after receiving the scrubber and having buyer's remorse because it doesn't work as expected.
When choosing a walk-behind scrubber for your business, it’s essential to take note of all the factors we mentioned above. Understanding exactly what you need and how much you are willing to spend is vital when narrowing down your options and deciding which one to purchase.