What are common problems with scrubbers?
Scrubber problems range from mechanical failures such as brush problems and motor defects to water-related issues such as leaks and blockages. Electrical problems with batteries and sensors are also common, as are maintenance-related failures due to neglect of filters and lubrication. Early recognition of these problems helps you avoid unnecessary repairs and extend the life of your industrial cleaning equipment.
Why is it important to recognize problems with scrubbers?
Recognizing scrubber problems early prevents unexpected downtime in your floor cleaning operations. When you spot minor malfunctions early, you can often prevent worse with simple maintenance.
A malfunctioning scrubber can drastically reduce your productivity. In large facilities that require daily cleaning, each day without working equipment means extra manual labor and more time investment.
The life of your scrubber depends greatly on how quickly you catch problems. A small leak that you ignore can lead to water damage to electrical components. A worn brush you use too long can cause damage to the motor.
Common early warning signs are:
- Unusual noises during operation
- Reduced cleaning performance
- Water puddles under the machine
- Longer battery charging times
What mechanical problems are most common with scrubbers?
Brush problems are at the top of the list of mechanical failures. Worn brushes not only clean less effectively, but can also overload the motor by creating more resistance during rotation.
Engine failures are often caused by overload or lack of lubrication. You recognize engine problems by irregular noises, vibrations or reduced power. Especially when used intensively in industrial environments, engines wear out faster.
Transmission problems are manifested by slippage or irregular movement of the brushes. This can be due to worn belts, faulty gears or lack of lubrication in the drive system.
Wheel damage occurs on machines that regularly travel over rough surfaces. Damaged wheels can cause the machine to vibrate and make steering more difficult, especially on larger moving models.
| Mechanical problem | Symptoms | Possible cause |
|---|---|---|
| Brush problem | Poor cleaning, engine noise | Wear, wrong type |
| Engine Defect | Vibrations, reduced power | Overload, lack of lubrication |
| Transmission Failure | Slip, irregular movement | Worn belts, defective gears |
| Wheel Damage | Vibrations, difficult steering | Wear due to rough surface |
What are the most common water-related problems?
Leaks in the water system are the biggest problem with scrubbers. Water tank leaks can cause electrical damage and make the machine unusable for wet cleaning.
Clogs in pipes and nozzles happen mainly when you use dirty water or when cleaning agents are not properly dissolved. This leads to uneven water distribution and poor cleaning results.
Pump defects can be recognized by reduced water pressure or no water supply at all. The water pump is a wear part that needs to be replaced regularly, especially with heavy use.
Problems with water metering arise from faulty valves or clogged metering systems. Too much water makes floors too wet, too little water gives poor cleaning.
These water problems directly affect your cleaning results. Without a properly functioning water system, your scrubber can only dry sweep, which greatly limits its functionality.
How do you recognize electrical faults in your scrubber?
Battery problems are the most common electrical failure. You notice this by shorter operating time, longer charging times or the machine suddenly stopping. Lead acid batteries require monthly maintenance, while gel and lithium batteries are maintenance-free.
Charging problems are recognized when the battery does not fully charge or the charger gives error messages. This can be due to a faulty charger, bad contacts or an outdated battery.
Short circuits are dangerous and can be recognized by sparks, smell of burning or that fuses blow. Stop operation immediately and switch off the machine in the event of these symptoms.
Faulty sensors can cause the machine to fail to start, give incorrect information on the display, or cause safety systems to fail.
Safety tips for electrical problems:
- Always turn off the machine for inspection
- Do not touch exposed wires
- Never work on electrical parts with wet hands
- Leave complex electrical repairs to professionals
Which maintenance problems lead to the most failures?
Dirty filters are the root cause of reduced performance. Clogged air filters allow motors to overheat, while dirty water filters lead to clogs.
Worn brushes used for too long not only damage the cleaning result but can also cause motor damage due to increased resistance.
Uncleaned water tanks become hotbeds for bacteria and algae. This causes clogs, unpleasant odors and can even pose health risks.
Neglected lubrication of moving parts leads to increased wear and eventual failure of motors, bearings and drives.
Preventive measures that prevent many problems:
- Daily cleaning of water tanks
- Weekly checking of filters
- Monthly lubrication of moving parts
- Regular replacement of wear parts
What can you do to prevent problems with your scrubber?
Preventive maintenance is the best investment in your floor cleaning maintenance. With regular checks, you can prevent most scrubber malfunctions before they occur.
Daily checks include emptying and cleaning water tanks, checking brushes for wear and checking for leaks. These simple actions take little time but prevent major problems.
Weekly maintenance tasks include cleaning filters, checking battery contacts and lubricating moving parts. For lead-acid batteries, you also check the water level.
On a monthly basis, you perform more thorough inspections of all systems, test safety functions and check the overall condition of the machine.
Best practices for longer life:
- Use only recommended cleaning agents
- Store the machine in a dry area
- Charge batteries according to instructions
- Replace wear parts in a timely manner
- Have professional service performed annually
When problems become too complex or safety-sensitive, call in professional help. At Metech, we offer complete service and maintenance for all brands scrubbers for professional cleaning, from sweeper problems to complex scrubber repair. Our experienced team helps you keep your industrial cleaning equipment in optimal condition and is available for all your questions via our professional contact opportunities.