What types of scrubbers are there?

Several types of scrubbers are available, each designed for specific cleaning needs. The main types are walk-behind scrubbers, ride-on scrubbers, single-disc machines and sweep-scrub combinations. Your choice depends on surface size, floor type and your specific needs. Small areas require compact, maneuverable machines, while large areas benefit from powerful ride-on models with large tank capacities.

Why are there different types of scrubbers?

Different floor surfaces, room sizes and cleaning needs require specific scrubber types. An office floor has different requirements than an industrial production hall, requiring specialized machines.

The floor material plays an important role in the choice. Tile floors, vinyl, wood and stone each require different cleaning approaches. Some surfaces are more sensitive and require gentle brushes, while other materials can tolerate more intensive cleaning.

The degree of soiling determines which scrubber is best suited. Light daily cleaning requires different equipment than removing stubborn industrial soiling. The available space and accessibility of the area also greatly influence the choice of machine.

What is the difference between walk-behind scrubbers and ride-on scrubbers?

Walking scrubbers are manually operated machines that you drive while walking, while ride-on scrubbers are self-propelled with a driver's seat. This fundamental difference determines their areas of application and efficiency.

Walk behind scrubbers are ideal for smaller areas up to about 1,500 square feet. They offer excellent maneuverability in tight spaces and are great for a variety of applications. These machines require more physical effort but give you complete control over the cleaning process.

Ride-on scrubbers are designed for large areas starting at 2,000 square meters. They significantly increase productivity because the operator can sit comfortably while working. These machines typically have larger water tanks and wider working widths, resulting in faster cleaning of expansive floor areas.

Which scrubber is best for small spaces?

For small spaces are single-disc machines and compact walk-behind scrubbers the best choice. These machines offer optimum maneuverability and easily reach corners and narrow aisles that larger machines cannot reach.

Single-disc machines are particularly suitable for offices, stores and smaller commercial areas. They work with rotating discs and different brushes or pads for specific cleaning tasks. These machines can scrub, polish and strip, making them versatile.

Compact walk-behind scrubbers combine scrubbing with water extraction in one pass. They are perfect for areas where you need a dry, clean floor quickly. These machines have smaller water tanks but are therefore lighter and more maneuverable in tight spaces.

The ergonomic design of modern compact machines ensures comfortable use during longer cleaning sessions. Adjustable speed controls allow adaptation to different floor types.

How to choose the right scrubber for large areas?

For large areas such as warehouses, factories and commercial areas, ride-on scrubbers or large walk-behind scrubbers are the most efficient choice. These machines maximize the productivity due to their wide working width and large tank capacity.

Working width is an important factor with large areas. Machines with working widths from 96 to 154 centimeters can achieve cleaning capacities of up to 17,560 square meters per hour. This results in significant time savings compared to smaller machines.

Tank capacity determines how long you can work uninterrupted. Large water tanks reduce the frequency of filling and emptying, which is especially important with expansive surfaces. Battery capacity also plays a role, with lithium batteries offering flexibility for in-between charging.

Sweep-scrub combinations are ideal for large areas with lots of loose dirt. These advanced machines combine sweeping and scrubbing in one pass, allowing you to perform two operations simultaneously and save significantly on time and effort.

Which scrubber features are most important in your choice?

The key decision factors are area size, floor type, application area and maintenance needs. Together, these elements determine which professional scrubber types best fit your particular situation.

Surface size is the primary factor: up to 500 sq. ft. you choose a single-disc machine, between 500-1,500 sq. ft. a walk-behind scrubber, and above 2,000 sq. ft. a ride-on machine. The floor type determines which brushes, pads and cleaners you need for optimal results.

Your specific needs play an important role in the choice. Different machines offer different benefits and features. Consider which features are essential for your application and cleaning frequency.

Maintenance contracts deserve special attention. Professional maintenance prevents problems and extends the life of your investment. Consider service and maintenance contracts for optimal performance and worry-free floor cleaning.

Choosing the right scrubber requires careful consideration of all these factors. At Metech, we're happy to help you with personal advice and demonstrations on site so you can find the perfect machine for your professional floor cleaning needs.