What factors determine the choice of a scrubber?
Choosing a scrubber is determined by several factors: the floor type, the area you want to clean, the time available and specific cleaning requirements. Practical aspectos such as energy supply, maneuverability and ease of maintenance play an important role in choosing the right scrubber for your situation.
Why is choosing the right scrubber so important?
Choosing the right scrubber directly impacts your floor cleaning efficiency and your bottom line. The wrong machine can lead to dissatisfied users and machines that end up sitting unused in the corner, leaving company floors still dirty.
A well-chosen industrial scrubber ensures spotless floors, significantly reduces cleaning time and contributes to a safe work environment. Clean floors prevent slip hazards by eliminating grease and dirt, which is essential for safety compliance.
In addition, your choice determines the efficiency of your cleaning process. A machine that does not fit your needs requires more maintenance and may need to be replaced sooner. This makes an informed choice crucial for long-term satisfaction.
What floor types determine which scrubber you need?
The floor type determines the type of scrubber you need. Different materials have specific requirements for brushes, pads and cleaning pressure.
Concrete floors are robust and can handle heavier machines and stronger brushes. For these floors, machines with higher brush pressure are often suitable to effectively remove stubborn dirt.
Tile floors require customized brushes that can reach the joints properly. The texture of the tiles determines whether you need soft or hard brushes.
Epoxy and plastic floors are more sensitive and need soft pads or brushes to prevent scratches. Machines with adjustable brush pressure are ideal for these floors.
| Floor Type | Recommended brush | Brush pressure |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete | Hard brush | High |
| Tiles | Medium brush | Medium |
| Epoxy | Soft pad | Low |
| Wood/vinyl | Soft brush | Low |
How do you determine the right size and capacity of your scrubber?
The area you regularly clean largely determines which machine is appropriate. For small areas up to 500 m², a walking machine is usually sufficient, while larger areas require a seated machine for efficient cleaning.
The working width of the machine determines how much area you can clean at a time. Wider machines are more productive but less maneuverable in tight spaces. Tank capacity also plays a role: larger tanks mean less frequent refills, but also heavier weight.
Calculate your productivity requirement by dividing the total area by the available cleaning time. This will give you an indication of the minimum capacity your machine should have.
- Up to 1,000 m²: Walking machine (40-60 cm working width)
- 1.000-5.000 m²: Compact sitting machine (60-80 cm working width).
- More than 5,000 m²: Large seated machine (80+ cm working width)
What is the difference between a battery-powered scrubber and a mains-powered scrubber?
Battery-powered scrubbers offer more freedom of movement because you are not tied to electrical outlets. They are ideal for large areas and spaces where cables would be a nuisance.
In battery selection, you have several options. Lead acid batteries are cost-effective but require monthly maintenance with demineralized water. Gel batteries are maintenance-free but have different characteristics. Lithium batteries offer the most flexibility: you can interrupt charging and use them again immediately.
Mains-powered machines are suitable for smaller areas where electrical outlets are available. They have no battery problems but limit your freedom of movement due to the cable.
| Battery Type | Features | Maintenance | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead Acid | Reliable | Monthly | Limited |
| Gel | Stable | No | Good |
| Lithium | Advanced | No | Excellent |
What additional features make a scrubber suitable for your situation?
Modern scrubbers offer several additional features that improve the cleaning process. An integrated vacuum function ensures that floors are immediately dry after scrubbing, reducing safety risks.
Adjustable brush pressure allows you to adapt the machine to different floor types and dirt levels. This prevents damage to sensitive floors and improves cleaning effectiveness.
For complex spaces, good maneuverability is important. Compact machines with small turning circles are ideal for areas with many obstacles.
Some machines combine sweeping and scrubbing in one pass. These sweeping-scrubbing combinations are perfect for areas with a lot of loose dirt, such as parking garages or production areas.
- Automatic dosing of cleaning agent
- Different brush systems (disc or cylinder)
- Noise reduction technology for use during business hours
- Digital displays for ease of use
Key points to consider when choosing your ideal scrubber
When making your final scrubber choice, there are some key factors you should always consider. Think carefully beforehand about your scrubber factors To avoid later disappointment.
Consider different financing options and maintenance contracts that are available. A machine with lower maintenance requirements may be more economical in the long run.
Service contracts provide benefits such as preventive maintenance, parts support and extended warranty. This ensures predictable scheduling and minimal downtime.
Always test before you buy. A demonstration at your own location gives the best picture of how the machine performs in your specific situation.
Choosing the right scrubber requires careful consideration of all these factors. At Metech, we are happy to help you find the perfect machine for your floor cleaning needs, whether you choose new machines from top brands such as Tennant, Nilfisk or Hako, or our own user-friendly Meijer brand. We offer various solutions and service contracts to fit your need for reliable service and worry-free maintenance. For more information please contact us.