How to choose the right scrubber?
The choosing the right scrubber depends on your floor space, type of soiling and maintenance capabilities. Consider walk-behind models for smaller areas up to 1,000 sq. ft., sit-on scrubbers for large areas, and decide whether to buy, rent or lease. Technical aspects such as battery type, tank capacity and brush system determine performance and ease of use.
Why is choosing the right scrubber important for your business?
A well-chosen scrubber provides efficient floor cleaning which saves time and increases productivity. Wrong choices often lead to machines sitting in the corner and barely used, leaving company floors still dirty.
Professional floor cleaning contributes to a safe work environment by preventing slippery, greasy or rough floors. This minimizes the risk of accidents and ensures compliance with work safety and hygiene regulations.
The right industrial scrubber also improves the appearance of your premises. Clean floors make a professional impression on customers and visitors, contributing to your corporate image.
What are the different types of scrubbers and their applications?
Walk behind scrubbers are ideal for smaller to medium-sized spaces. These compact models offer good maneuverability in tight spaces such as hallways, offices and stores. They are easy to operate and perfect for daily maintenance.
Sit-on scrubbers are suitable for large areas such as warehouses, production halls and parking garages. These machines offer higher productivity due to their wider working width and speed, allowing you to clean large areas more efficiently.
Sweep-scrub combinations combine sweeping and scrubbing in one operation. They first remove small dirt and debris, then the scrubbing system wet-cleans the floor and immediately vacuums it dry again. This saves time and eliminates the need for two separate machines.
How do you determine the right size and capacity for your space?
The working width determines your hourly productivity. For areas up to 500 m², a 35-45 cm working width is sufficient, while large halls benefit from 96-154 cm working widths for maximum efficiency of up to 17,560 m² per hour.
Tank capacity should match your floor area to allow for constant work through. Calculate approximately 1 liter per 100 m² of floor area, but take into account the level of soiling and desired cleaning frequency.
Type of dirt affects the capacity required. Light dust requires less water and brush pressure than stubborn stains or industrial dirt. Also consider the layout of your space, including obstacles and passages that affect maneuverability.
What technical specifications are important when choosing?
The brush system should match your floor type. Hard brushes are suitable for rough surfaces such as concrete, while soft pads work better on sensitive floors such as vinyl or painted surfaces.
Battery type affects maintenance and ease of use significantly. Lead acid batteries require monthly maintenance with demineralized water. Gel batteries are maintenance-free, while lithium batteries offer the most flexibility through intermediate charging and full discharge without damage.
Suction power and maneuverability determine final results and ease of use. Good water extraction prevents streaking and shortens drying times, while compact maneuverability is important for tight spaces with many obstacles.
What is the difference between buying, renting and leasing a scrubber?
Direct purchase offers ownership and full control of the machine. For companies with stable cleaning needs, this may be the most economical long-term option.
| Option | Advantages | Cons | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buy | Ownership, no monthly fees, full control | Initial investment, maintenance risk | Long-term use, stable needs |
| Rent | Low start-up costs, flexibility, maintenance included | Monthly obligations | Temporary projects, seasonal work |
| Leasing | Fixed monthly costs, service contracts possible, tax benefits | Long-term commitment, not ownership | Budget planning, regular use |
Lease options offer predictable monthly costs and can include service contracts. This is attractive to companies that prefer fixed costs and do not have expertise for technical maintenance.
What factors determine your final choice for the perfect scrubber?
Your available budget determines whether you choose new machines, used alternatives or a proprietary brand such as Meijer that focuses on simplicity and reliability. Consider the total cost of ownership including maintenance, consumables and potential downtime.
Service contracts can be valuable, especially with limited technical knowledge. Benefits such as discounts on parts, no call-out fees and extended warranty make maintenance packages attractive for worry-free operations.
Brand reliability and parts availability are important for continuity. A-brands such as Tennant, Nilfisk, Hako and Fimap offer proven quality, while proprietary brands often provide better value for money.
At Metech, we are happy to help you with tailored professional scrubber advice. We offer on-site demonstrations so you can test the machine in your own environment, allowing you to make an informed choice that fits your specific cleaning needs. For more information you can always contact us.