Keeping floors clean and sanitary is vital to any facility, whether it is a commercial building, industrial warehouse or hospital. A floor scrubber is an automatic or semi-automatic cleaning device equipped with brushes, pads or other cleaning mechanisms to scrub and clean floor surfaces. Floor scrubbers typically have a solution tank for the cleaning agent and a recovery tank to collect dirty water, ensuring that floors are not only clean, but also remain dry and safe.
Choosing the right floor scrubber
Choosing the right floor scrubber is critical to achieving efficient cleaning. This decision requires a thorough evaluation of various factors, including the size of the cleaning area and floor type, the nature of the contaminants, frequency of use, power supply, budget considerations, brand reputation, and more. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed choice:
Evaluate your cleaning needs
Size of cleaning area
Evaluate the total area that needs to be cleaned and consider the layout. Find the narrowest doorway or passageway that your floor cleaner can fit through. This will tell you the maximum width of the floor cleaner you can buy. Next, consider how many obstacles there are around the area you need to clean. Are you cleaning a school gymnasium with clean floors? Are you cleaning a hospital room with long floors and small obstacles? Do you need to clean a cafeteria with chairs and tables in the way?
Large, open spaces may be suitable for ride-on floor scrubbers because they are able to cover a wide area effectively. In contrast, smaller spaces with tight corners, narrow aisles, or many obstacles are better suited for walk-behind floor scrubbers because they have greater maneuverability.
How portable is the floor scrubber?
Consider how easy it is to move the floor scrubber and where you might need to take it. If you are purchasing a floor scrubber for warehouse floors, this is an easy decision. Other scenarios to consider include:
Have you ever thought about taking your floor scrubber to the next level?
Have you ever thought about putting it in your car?
Do you need to move the floor scrubber outside on uneven surfaces?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, double-check that the floor scrubber you are considering is the right fit for your needs. Walk-behind scrubbers are generally more compact and easier to store in limited spaces, while ride-on scrubbers require more substantial storage facilities due to their larger size. Scrubbers with pneumatic wheels will be more comfortable and safer on these surfaces and may prevent damage to the floor scrubber.
Common dirt and debris types
Determine the typical types of dirt, grime, and debris present on your floors. Industrial environments with heavy contaminants may require a scrubber with a powerful motor and sturdy brushes, while commercial spaces with lighter contaminants can effectively use a less aggressive model.
Floor types
Most floor scrubbers are adaptable and can clean multiple types of floors. Still, it would be beneficial if you chose a scrubber that is designed for your specific floor type.
Hard floors: Most floor scrubbers are designed to handle hard surfaces such as tile, concrete, vinyl, and hardwood. Make sure the scrubber you choose is compatible with these surfaces to avoid damage.
Delicate surfaces: For sensitive floor materials like marble or intricate tile patterns, choose a scrubber with adjustable speed settings and a gentle cleaning mechanism to prevent scratches and abrasions.
Uneven terrain: Facilities with uneven or rough floors require a scrubber with a sturdy suspension system and adjustable brush height to maintain consistent cleaning performance across different surfaces.
If you want to make sure the scrubber is safe for your floor type and won’t damage it, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
batteries or electric
Batteries or electric floor scrubbers - which is better? Turns out both have advantages and disadvantages. You need to evaluate the layout of your facility and the frequency of cleaning to make the right choice.
If there is an electrical outlet, electric floor scrubbers can run continuously without charging. But the reliance on power cords can restrict movement and create potential trip hazards. Extensive cord management solutions may be required, especially in large or complex layouts. Let's say you have a small area that can be cleaned without changing electrical outlets. In this case, an electric floor scrubber may be a good fit.
The most significant advantage of a battery-powered floor scrubber is its mobility and maneuverability. The disadvantages of a battery-powered floor scrubber are the initial cost and limited run time. Depending on the battery capacity, multiple units or additional batteries may be required in high-usage scenarios. BISON's floor scrubbers have replaceable, fast-charging lithium-ion batteries, and additional batteries can be purchased. This means you can charge one set of batteries while cleaning with another set of batteries, and replace the batteries when they are depleted. This way, you have 24/7 operational capabilities. If you are cleaning large areas, such as long walkways, warehouses, etc., it is better to use a battery-powered scrubber.
Note: The cleaning performance listed in most brochures is based on cleaning in a straight line at a speed of 4 or 5 km/h. This can only be achieved by cleaning large warehouses with large open areas. In most environments, obstacles must be avoided, and your actual run time may be lower.
Budget and cost of ownership
Higher-end floor scrubbers with advanced features and greater durability may require a larger upfront investment but provide superior performance with less frequent maintenance. For less frequent cleaning needs, a more economical model may be sufficient, balancing cost with the desired level of performance.
Also consider the total cost of ownership, including labor costs, maintenance fees, and operating expenses related to energy consumption (electric models), battery replacement (battery-powered models), and consumables such as cleaning fluids and brushes.
Environmental
BISON floor scrubbers are designed with the environment in mind. They promote water and chemical conservation, waste reduction, and eco-friendly cleaning practices. If these aspects are important, pay attention to any environmental data. BISON has models that use less water, and these scrubbers have unique brush designs to minimize water and chemical use. Also look for scrubbers with certifications or features that highlight their commitment to environmental sustainability.
How noisy a floor scrubber is?
The noise level of a floor scrubber depends on its model and features. Ride-on and large scrubbers may be noisier than smaller, quieter models. If noise is a concern, especially in an environment where you need to minimize distractions, look for a scrubber that is designed to run quietly or has noise reduction features. BISON uses noise-reducing materials and advanced motor design to significantly reduce operating noise.
Brand reputation and support
BISON offers an extensive warranty that covers every part of the scrubber to minimize downtime and ensure easy repairs. In addition, we provide reliable customer service to enhance your experience, especially when troubleshooting issues or needing maintenance assistance.
Main components
Brushes and pads
Cylindrical floor scrubbers: Features a rotating cylindrical brush for deep cleaning. The rolling action allows them to reach recesses in textured floors more effectively. This makes them ideal for cleaning non-slip floors and other floors with highly textured surfaces.
Disc floor scrubbers: They have one to three flat, round brushes or pad drives. If they have multiple brushes, they are usually placed side by side or in an offset pattern to provide a wider cleaning width. They can clean vinyl, concrete, ceramic or tile, rubber, granite, marble, sandstone, bluestone, homogeneous floors, non-slip floors, and more.
Brush types:
Nylon brushes: Best for general-purpose cleaning on a variety of hard surfaces.
Polypropylene brushes: Effective for removing tougher dirt and grease, suitable for industrial settings.
Abrasive brushes: Designed for heavy-duty applications, capable of removing stubborn stains and embedded dirt.
Water and solution tanks
Larger water tanks allow for longer cleaning time without frequent water refills, increasing cleaning efficiency for large areas or continuously operated areas.
Squeegee and vacuum system
A high-quality squeegee and effective vacuum system keep floors dry, which is essential to prevent slip hazards and allow areas to be used immediately after cleaning, especially in high-traffic environments or with visitors.
Control panel
Complex electronic controls or screens with many buttons may look fancy, but can be difficult to figure out. The user-friendly control panel features intuitive buttons and a clear display for easy operation, reducing the learning curve for new users.
Other features
Ergonomic design: Features such as an adjustable handle, comfortable seat (ride-on models), and shock absorption increase operator comfort, reduce fatigue, and extend productive use time.
Onboard Storage: Integrated storage compartments for brushes, pads, and cleaning fluids simplify the cleaning process and ensure essential tools are always at hand.
Conclusion
Investing in the right floor scrubber will not only enhance your cleaning operation, but also extend the life of the floors and the equipment itself. By choosing the right floor scrubber, you can ensure optimal performance, reduce downtime, and achieve superior cleaning results with minimal effort.
BISON encourages you to invest in top-of-the-line floor scrubbers that offer durability, efficiency, and excellent cleaning performance. At BISON, we offer a comprehensive range of floor scrubbers designed to meet a variety of cleaning requirements.
Our floor scrubbers are manufactured to the highest quality standards to guarantee reliability and longevity.
Our machines are equipped with innovative features to provide optimal performance and user-friendly operation.
We offer excellent customer service, expert guidance, and free accessories.
Competitive pricing
