Industrial floor cleaning is a huge industry, with many manufacturers and models of equipment to choose from. The decisions you make about which type of industrial floor scrubber or vacuum cleaner to purchase can have a major impact on your business. Walk-behind vs. ride-on industrial floor cleaners are the two most popular types of equipment for this purpose.
Walk-behinds and ride-on are two different types of industrial floor cleaning equipment with their strengths. Walk-behinds offer a quicker, more efficient solution for specific tasks, while ride-on tackle the larger jobs more effectively. The floor cleaning industry is a multi-billion dollar market. It can be hard to know which type of equipment to buy with so much at stake. Walk-behind or ride-on?
This blog post will compare these two different types and help you decide which one is right for your operation!
Walk-behind equipment is a simple, self-contained machine towed behind a walking operator. It comes with its water supply, and cleaning solution pumps has a scrubbing brush in front and squeegee in the rear to pick up and remove dirty water from the floor surface when pushed forward. There are no complex parts or controls other than handles to steer and pull it away from obstacles. Walk-behind equipment is so simple to operate that even an untrained operator can do the job with a few minutes of familiarization.
There are four kinds of walk behind floor machines:
Manual scrubber driers: The most common walk-behind machine type. They come with a motorized brush, squeegee, and water supply tanks. The operator pushes them forward to scrub the floor, then squeegees out dirty water before it dries on its own.
The machine can be stored in a shed between uses. It is compact enough to maneuver through narrow doorways and hallways frequently found in industrial areas where they are most commonly used.
The machine operator is a key factor in producing a clean floor surface by pushing the wet/dry mop across the floor at a brisk walking speed of 2 to 3 miles per hour. However, an untrained operator may not be as thorough as one trained on more complex machines. Added pressure must be applied to the handle to produce enough scrubbing power. They must also swivel the mop head quickly to clean all room areas thoroughly. But most importantly, they must be trained to clean different types of floor surfaces, such as vinyl and tile.
These machines can cost from $5,000 (for a single-tank manual scrubber) to $8,000 (for a two-tank machine) and up, depending on features such as stainless steel tanks for water and cleaning solution; heavy-duty motors; and bells and whistles like onboard computers. How long do the brushes last? They usually last about one or two years before being replaced or sharpened.
How long can they go between charges? They usually require recharging every two hours, depending on the operating speed. The faster the machine is pushed, the more power it uses. Some models come with spare batteries so that when one battery dies, you can switch it out for another one while you are cleaning the rest of that floor. How long will the squeegee last? About a year or two before it wears out and needs replacement.
Is there any way to repair them if they break down, such as an onboard tool kit? No, you have to send them back to the factory for repairs. Many contractors buy their parts and tools to fix broken machines since they may sit around waiting for the factory parts and service. Walk-behind scrubber driers are rated in horsepower, which refers to how much power it takes for a gasoline engine to operate. The unit's cleaning path is typically between 16 and 20 inches wide. How do I clean the squeegee? After using, rinse it with clear water and hang it to dry. How often should I clean these machines? Once a day is best, but some operators clean them more than once while working on the floor.
Ride-on industrial floor cleaning equipment is a self-propelled vacuum truck equipped with at least one main drive axle powered by an internal combustion engine. The ride-on machine allows the operator to stand while operating the machine. It pulls a trailer or cart carrying the vacuum pump, debris collector, and associated hoses and accessories connected to the machine.
This is the most common type of floor vacuum on the market today. It includes walk-behind floor scrubbers, self-propelled units with straps for operators to pull themselves around, and ride-on units that pull a cart behind them.
The main advantages of the ride-on machines are greater efficiency (allowing the operator to stand while operating), ease of operation, reliability, and longevity.
The main disadvantage of this type is that a ride-on machine is a separate unit from the suction source; carrying around an extra engine and tank of fuel adds significant weight. Ride-on industrial floor cleaning equipment is a form of industrial cleaning equipment that runs on the floor, usually using two front wheels and two back wheels to move around. It is commonly pushed by an operator or pulled in high-rise buildings with an attached harness. The most common ride-on industrial floor cleaner has four sealed ball-bearing wheels. The ride-on industrial floor cleaner is steered by rotating the handlebars to one side or the other and then pulled back to engage a different drive wheel which changes the direction of travel.
Industrial floor cleaning equipment, especially walk behind scrubbers, is operated by an operator who walks along with the machine to control it. The water solution or chemical is usually diluted before being fed into the scrubber tank by a hose pump or pressure washer pump. The cleaned water drains into separate tanks mounted on the walk-behind scrubber. These walk-behind machines can create a slip-fall hazard for workers nearby or working around them, especially if they are being pushed from behind without warning. In addition, all this equipment requires staff supervision and training to ensure safe operation. The machine operator can scrub small spots on the floor more efficiently than if they were using a riding floor scrubber.
Industrial floor cleaning equipment, especially ride-on machines, is operated by an operator who drives behind it at walking speed to control it. These machines are much larger, more powerful, and heavier than walk behind scrubbers, so they use either diesel or electric engines to drive the motor, which drives the cleaning equipment. They are very maneuverable because of their smaller size when compared to wide-area floor machines, which cover whole floors at once. If used correctly, there is no greater hazard when using a ride-on scrubber than using any other piece of industrial floor cleaning equipment. The operator must be fully trained incorrect handling of the machine, its maximum safe speeds, and how to use it safely at all times. The operator can drive the machine much more efficiently around obstacles, so, therefore, it covers more floor space per hour than scrubbing with a walk-behind machine.
This is the question most new companies will ask themselves when looking for industrial equipment. One has to understand that there is no right answer, it depends on your use of the machine, and you must weigh in aspects like price, availability, place of storage, etc. With these variables at hand, walk-behind floor scrubbers can be a good choice.
Walk-behind equipment is a good solution for jobs requiring a lot of maneuverings, such as warehouses and assembly lines. This machine makes the most sense when there are obstacles to avoid and work areas with tight access. The length of electrical cords or water supply hoses can be limiting factors in choosing between walk-behind and ride-on equipment. On walk-behind models, the length of the electrical cord or water supply hose is limited by how far the operator can go before repositioning the machine. Walk-behind floor cleaning equipment will provide you with an environmentally friendly and economical solution. These machines can be used for outdoor and indoor applications such as:
You have to make this choice when you need a complete solution for cleaning large floor areas. It can be cumbersome and difficult to maneuver when the machine is stationary and fully loaded. In contrast, a ride-on scrubber offers full control allowing the machine to operate in all situations quickly and efficiently, no matter how big or small. Most of these models can scrub, vacuum, and dry, which is the perfect solution for warehouses, retail stores, and other large buildings.
Cleaning big floor areas with a ride-on model often proves to be more economical than using smaller vehicles that have to be moved frequently. Ride-on floor cleaning equipment will provide you with an all-in-one solution for cleaning large floor areas quickly. These machines are designed to scrub, vacuum and dry all floors, including waterproof surfaces like tiles, vinyl, concrete, and rubber mats. This type of equipment is ideally suited for the following applications:
What is walk-behind industrial floor cleaning machines best for?
Walk-behind cleaning equipment is best used for smaller areas. The typical walk-behind unit weighs between 130 and 150 lbs. This makes it the ideal solution for light to medium-sized floors, indoor or outdoor use, where access to electricity is not close at hand. If you clean only occasionally, walking-behind equipment could be your most economical choice.
What is ride-on industrial floor cleaning machines best for?
Ride-on machines are available with or without vacuum suction, which means that you can either attach a wet/dry vac to your ride-on machine (the most common application), or you can use it as a ride-on sweeper. Ride-on sweepers are becoming increasingly popular; they are easy to use, efficient, and can be used without applying too much pressure on the machine. That said, ride-on machines are typically heavier than walk-behinds ( weighing between 200 and 400 lbs). They typically come with features like vacuum suction (for dry pick up only), water tanks with spray or scrub functions, auto scrubbing brushes, high-pressure water jets, and more. This makes ride-on sweepers ideal for medium to large areas frequented by the public or food industry where there is a chance of contaminating surfaces through spills or poor driving habits. They are also perfect if you have limited access to electricity since they can be plugged into operation.
Benefits of walk-behind industrial floor cleaning machines include:
1. They are cost-effective, saving you on the cleaning solutions and the daily labor costs. This works out well for small businesses that want greater flexibility in their financial expenditures.
2. They also offer good maneuverability due to their compact design and construction (height, width). You can easily store these units or
push them against the wall to make room for other equipment.
3. They offer a quiet and comfortable working environment, as they produce less noise compared with riding on type floor scrubbers/sweepers
4. They are easy to handle and can access tough spots in hard-to-reach areas of the facility, such as under the tables, chairs, and machinery.
5. They are also versatile in their usage due to the variety of mop buckets available today.
1. Having an operator seated while scrubbing the floor is more ergonomic than pushing a machine around, which can cause back pains and joint problems.
2. Riding on floor cleaning machines have a faster cycle time due to the powerful motors, which can produce more pressure for scrubbing action without being too heavy or bulky. This allows you to have shorter cleaning intervals between each shift change.
3. They are also easy to maintain, with most parts being self-lubricating and having fewer moving parts.
4. Most riding-on-type machines can reach up to 4 mph, perfect for traveling long distances in the facility without taking too much time.
5. They are very productive since you don't have to slow down or stop maneuvering around obstacles due to the quality of the ride. You can see the benefits of each type of floor cleaning machine based on its intended usage and requirements. There is no clear winner between these two models as they both have their advantages and disadvantages to offer.
Walk-behind and ride-on scrubbers look similar, but there are many different types of these floor cleaning machines. While there may be some overlap in the actual design of walk-behind and ride-on scrubber manufacturers and their respective parts and attachments, the continuous duty motors used to power each one is usually very different. There are many more parts that go into constructing a ride-on floor scrubber. Completely assembled, they can weigh up to 2,000 pounds, putting them among some of the heaviest industrial cleaning equipment available today. On the other hand, walk-behind floor scrubbers are built more compact and typically weigh around 800 pounds fully assembled. Additionally, walk-behind floor scrubbers are pushing their way right into the spotlight of industrial cleaning. This is because ride-on machines have the same price tag that they always did, while walk-behind scrubbers can often be found at a lower cost than ever before. On average, you could save up to 25% by purchasing a walk-behind scrubber instead of a ride-on machine.
Riding on industrial floors cleaning machines, such as walk-behind scrubbers and ride-on sweepers and scrubbers, offers significant advantages over using floor cleaning equipment that must be pushed or pulled. The most notable benefits include:
Mobility – the vehicle moves the machine and all its functions, which allows for tracking patterns and scrubbing from different angles.
Ride-on sweepers and scrubbers can maneuver tight corners and right up to walls and partitions, making it easier for operators to reach every area of the facility.
Higher productivity – there is no need to worry about changing or maintaining batteries because riding equipment operates on track power delivered by a floor-mounted rail. Riding equipment generally covers three times the area in less time when compared to push cleaning equipment.
In addition, there is no downtime from battery recharging or replacement crews.
A wider path of travel enables ride-on scrubbers and sweepers to cover large areas with fewer vehicle passes and more thorough cleaning than walk-behind machines.
Finally, the lack of cables on the floor makes it safer for employees and visitors to walk on the carpet or other flooring surfaces.
Walk-behind industrial floor cleaning equipment offers several features that make it an attractive option for many facilities. These include:
A narrow cleaning path with the advantage of reaching tight spots, under equipment, or in corners. Efficiency is improved when made to cover the shortest distance between two points after turning around with push auto scrubbers & sweepers.
Walk-behind machines are ideal for carpeted areas because they do not flatten the nap as riding equipment. The low profile of walk-behinds often results in less damage to carpet binders.
Coverage of large, open spaces with multiple passes is not always effective compared to ride-on industrial floor cleaning equipment (walk behind vs. ride-on industrial floor cleaners)
Finally, the push broom can easily get clogged or compressed by heavy debris, such as sand or metal shavings.
There are several factors to consider beyond the features listed above when choosing between walk-behind and ride-on cleaners for your facility. These include
The size of the facility - long hallways or a large surface area will require a riding machine so that operators do not have to move it from one end to the other. If you have multiple, smaller floors or do not need to clean large surface areas in one sweep, a walk-behind machine is more efficient.
Working around obstacles - tight corners and equipment will require an operator to turn the steering wheel of a ride-on scrubber & sweeper. However, it may be more efficient to use walk-behind equipment in these conditions.
If the facility is non-carpeted, a ride-on scrubber & sweeper can increase productivity by covering large areas with fewer vehicle passes. Walking behind cleaning equipment will be more effective for smaller, carpeted areas or tight spaces. If the facility requires many passes over an area, a riding machine is ideal for the type of cleaning job to perform. However, walk-behind equipment will get the work done faster and with fewer passes for smaller spaces or less-intensive cleaning tasks.
Call away’s today: offering a complete range of commercial and industrial floor scrubbing and sweeping equipment, as well as accessories. In addition to offering a complete range of equipment, Callaway’s also provides parts & service for its entire line.
Call away’s is an exclusive dealer for market-leading manufacturers such as Tennant and ProTeam and has industry expertise in every category of floor cleaning equipment. Summary of differences between ride-on and push floor scrubbers & sweepers. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right equipment for your facility. It is important to consider size, working around obstacles, type of cleaning job required, or any special needs with your facility’s layout. When weighing out the pros and cons, riding equipment provides many benefits in-floor cleaning. For example:
Ride-on scrubbers & sweepers cover large areas in a short amount of time. There is no downtime from battery recharging or replacement crews for riding machines. A wider path of travel enables ride-on scrubbers and sweepers to cover large areas with fewer vehicle passes and more thorough cleaning than walk-behind machines. However, for smaller facilities or tasks that do not require riding machines, the ability to maneuver into tight spaces or around obstacles may be a greater benefit than covering larger areas quickly. Walking behind scrubbers & sweepers are more efficient for these cases.
The question all floor cleaning equipment buyers want to know the answer to. But it is not as simple as asking which cleans better, walk-behind or ride-on?
A big factor that can't be overlooked in this equation is cost
It costs more money to purchase and maintain a two-wheeled vehicle with a vacuum motor than a rider with a broom and dustpan on the back.
So, what factors should buyers keep in mind to help determine which machine is best for them?
Here are five things to consider:
Some industrial floors can be maintained with a sweeper or a walk-behind sweeper vacuum. Others, particularly those with a smooth finish such as terrazzo, brick pavers, or epoxy paint, can cause a machine to skid when it encounters them. A ride-on machine will be needed to keep the floor in top condition in these instances.
2. How often does your facility need cleaning?
A walk-behind sweeper will be all the machines necessary to maintain cleanliness in some situations. In other cases, a larger floor or one that is more heavily soiled may require a ride-on sweeper with a vacuum motor to get the facility where it needs to be for customers and clients.
3. How often is the machine going to be used?
All floor machines need maintenance and service. The more a machine is used, the more likely it will require repairs and downtime for maintenance. That's why some facilities opt to have two machines- one for light-duty and one for heavy-duty. Then, when necessary, they can use each sweeper to cover different parts of the facility.
4. What is your budget?
Ride-on sweeper vacuums are more expensive than walk-behinds. A new ride-on model can cost several thousand dollars, while a walk behind costs less than half that amount. Riders also require additional service and maintenance expenses to keep them in tip-top condition.
5. Are there special requirements for the machine?
Some facilities have unique requirements that may necessitate having a walk-behind sweeper. For example, companies with heavy traffic areas may require an aisle sweeper to assist foot traffic in keeping the area clean. Other companies may need to use machines on their loading dock where bumpy concrete could exceed the weight limits of a walk-behind machine.
As you can see, choosing between walk-behind and ride-on floor cleaning equipment depends on several factors such as floor type, application, budget, and throughput. The best way to make an informed decision is to get input from people who have experience using both machines in your situation.
Walk-Behind Floor Cleaning Machines Overview:
A walk-behind scrubber or machine is an ideal choice for a business with a lot of foot traffic. The machine is designed to run forward and backward with ease, using only one steering wheel located in the middle of the machine. The scrubbing and recovery cycles are controlled by two separate functions, allowing users to switch back and forth between cycles without interrupting their cleaning process. The machines can tolerate a large quantity of water or chemical, which make them a great choice for businesses that require heavy-duty use all day long.
Powered Walk-behind machines are ideal for businesses that require heavy-duty use all day long, such as hospitals, schools, banks, and retail establishments. Some of the benefits include ease of cleaning in close to walls and other hard-to-reach places, including under furniture or around bins. They work well on rough surfaces because their counter-rotating brushes are very aggressive, allowing operators to scrub surfaces with high-speed rotation. The counter-rotating brush design also reduces the risk of machine damage on floors that have been polished or finished in any way. One of the most effective machines is a walk-behind cleaner with a water-based detergent for general-purpose cleaning. However, when dealing with greasy or oily residues, in addition to general soil, you will need an in-line or spot cleaner. The key disadvantage of this machine is that it is limited to cleaning only one area at a time. This makes it much less efficient than a ride-on cleaner when sweeping large areas. It also does not have the cleaning power of a ride-on cleaner; therefore, it is not as effective for removing tough stains or grime. This machine is also best suited to surfaces with curves or angles because it can be difficult to navigate around sharp corners—no need for a floor sweeper when you have exclusive equipment.
Ride-On Cleaning Floor Machine Overview:
Ride-on scrubber machines can clean much larger areas in much less time than a walk-behind cleaner. The ride-on machines are designed with one steering wheel, which allows the machine to run in forward and reverse motion. This type of floor scrubber is preferred for its built-in ability to clean large areas quickly while also picking up water or chemical solutions along the way. Some models are equipped with squeegee attachments, ideal for cleaning smooth surfaces.
A ride-on machine is very simple to operate, although it does require a person to remain near it at all times while in use. It can clean large areas of flooring quickly and efficiently. Scrubbing, stripping, waxing, and polishing can all be done by simply changing the pads or brushes that are attached to the machine. The main disadvantage of a riding machine is that it requires a person to remain near it at all times while in use and therefore cannot be left unattended for any period.
Advantages and disadvantages of walk-behind and ride-on floor cleaning equipment
1) Advantages of riding floor scrubbers: Ride-on's are large. Due to its larger cleaning path, it can clean larger areas in less time. The ride-on cleaner can handle deeper pours better than a walk-behind machine because it has four separate wetting methods along with four separate recovery systems. The ride-on scrubber can be versatile in its application to various floor surfaces.
The key disadvantages of riding machines are higher initial investment and maintenance costs over walk-behind scrubber machines.
2) Advantages of Walk Behind Floor Scrubber: A walk behind floor scrubber is designed to clean small areas, like aisles, in less time than a riding machine. The walk-behind cleaner is more cost-effective for companies with space limitations or small areas that need to be cleaned frequently throughout the day.
The key disadvantages of walking floor scrubbers are their limited wetting methods and recovery systems.
3) Areas Where Walk-Behind is Ideal: Spaces that are less than 1500 square feet, corridors with limited space or very tight turns, small cafeterias, low-profile cleaning needs. Areas that Walk Behind are Not Ideal: Large warehouses or shops with large open areas of flooring to be cleaned.
4) Areas Where Riding Floor Scrubber is Ideal: Warehouses, shops, factories with large open flooring areas.
5) Areas Where Riding is Not Ideal: Spaces less than 1500 square feet or have limited space, small cafeterias, low profile cleaning needs.
The walk-behind machine is ideal for spaces less than 1500 square feet with limited space due to its size and ability to operate in aisles. It is also beneficial for low-profile cleaning needs, while the riding machine is not ideal for these areas since it is too large to fit into a space less than 1500 square feet and may cause damage to a surface due to its weight or size.
Is there one machine that has a better reputation than others? What is it, and why?
Ride-on floor scrubbers have been around for over 25 years and can be found in almost any facility globally, while the walk-behinds are quickly gaining popularity. Many people say that walk-behind floor scrubbers were built for industrial use because their design is easy to navigate. A factory worker with little experience can easily learn how to operate a walk-behind floor scrubber within minutes of taking it out of the box. Many companies out there claim to have the best ride-on-floor scrubber or commercial sweeper, but for walk-behind scrubbers, the market is still growing. As a result of being in the early stages of development, several brands have entered with impressive machines that are easy to use and durable, considering their price tag.
On average, a new walk-behind floor scrubber costs anywhere from $8,000 to $25,000, depending on where you purchase it from. You can find used machines for as low as $5,000 or go all out and pay up to$50,000 for a ride-on scrubber. How does the cost of maintenance and consumables compare between ride-on vs. walk-behind scrubbers? The walk-behind model typically requires very little maintenance; you'll only need to change the squeegee pads every six months or so and refill the clean water tank as needed. Ride-ones need much more maintenance. You will need to change the squeegee pads every few days and the scrubbing brushes and vacuum filters as needed. The scrubbing brushes can be rotated using a tool typically found on the ride-on itself. As far as consumables go, you'll need to purchase cleaning chemicals and absorbent pads for your walk-behind scrubber, while ride-on will also need to purchase floor wax and stripping agents.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type of commercial floor cleaner can be a difficult decision. There are many types of equipment on the market for cleaning floors, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Walk-behind vs. ride-on industrial floor cleaning equipment is a common question that many business owners ask themselves when deciding what to do with their vacuum cleaner or sweeper. Are you looking for a way to make your industrial floor cleaning easier? We have compiled a complete guide of walk-behind vs. ride-on industrial floor cleaning equipment that will help you decide which one is right for your needs! There are many different options for commercial floor cleaning machines, but the two most common types are walk-behind and ride-on machines. What's the difference? Which one should you choose? Read this guide to find out! The answer may not be as simple as you think, so we have created this article to provide all the information you need about these two types of equipment. We discuss how each type works, which one might be right for your needs and budget, and much more!