Having the privilege of using a scrubber (or floor scrubber, depending on the term you use) is the best way to maintain a floor. Not only is it much safer for the worker's health, but it also results in a better quality of work. However, few employees take the proper precautions to properly care for their equipment. Not performing preventative maintenance on this equipment will shorten its life.
Types of auto-scrubber
Its different names
Floor scrubber, Zamboni, auto-scrubber, floor scrubber, and many other terms that I don't know all of.
Standing, sitting or walking?
The floor scrubber is used to clean floors with water that's always clean. It's not at all difficult to operate this type of equipment. We now have a very good selection of floor scrubbers, from 10 to over 60 inches. You can also find different types such as:
There mini-scrubber (which could be between 10 and 17 inches). You will find a complete article on this subject by following this last link.
There Nacecare Turbo Mop is a small-width scrubber-dryer and my little protégé! What sets it apart is its scrubbing capability, which is much more than just washing. We just wrote an article about it. You'll find it under the underlined link.
L'rear-push scrubber dryer. Probably the most widespread and best known. Almost all manufacturers have this type of equipment. My favorite, at this level, is the Taski which is super easy to maneuver. As they say, it turns on a dime, a charm! Its construction is really solid. I have had several dozen scrubbers of this type and very few break! Of course, it requires daily maintenance like any other scrubber. However, employees love it and often take more care of it, because they want to keep it for a long time!
There REV technology entered the market in recent years with the manufacturer Nilfisk-Advance. We also wrote an article about this technology in an article with V-To Products. It's a self-scrubbing, orbital scrubber that lets you strip in one step and without chemicals. Honestly, it's a great technology!
The ride-on scrubber dryer that makes employees happy
The employee is sitting on the equipment or even standing in the back on a pallet. And generally this type of equipment will do two steps in one: Mopping the floors while washing them at the same time! The advantage of these scrubbers is the speed of execution. You will find two types of these scrubbers in the links highlighted above.
Choosing the type of scrubber dryer
Choosing a floor scrubber is an important decision, as you can spend anywhere from $1,400 to tens of thousands of dollars. But price shouldn't be your primary consideration. Here are some other factors that should influence your choice:
- What utility do you want? (Only washing or would you like more performance)
- Will you be working with customers or during business hours? At this level, the noise level of the equipment will be significant. Therefore, the equipment would benefit from mopping and cleaning in one step.
- The ergonomics of the scrubber-dryer will also be considered. However, newer versions are generally more ergonomic for the comfort of the operator. Many scrubbers can even be operated with one hand.
- How much space do you need to maintain? Is it clear or cluttered? How wide is it? Is there an elevator or hoist? If so, you'll need to consider its width.
- The required battery life is also an important point, although you could also purchase an additional battery. Therefore, you will benefit from considering the cleaning time you will need from your equipment.
- In the food industry, you will benefit from choosing a scrubber with brushes that are easy to wash.
- Saving water and detergent. This criterion is increasingly being taken into account by manufacturers.
So as you can see, it is in your best interest to “shop around” for the equipment that will meet YOUR needs.
Accessories
- I encourage you to use a smart battery charger. The latter will automatically stop when the battery(ies) have finished charging.
- I suggest choosing equipment that includes the least amount of unnecessary gadgetsThe more there are, the more expensive the repairs will be!
- For this purpose, moreover, you would benefit from having a more small self-scrubbing machine for landing when the main scrubber is in for repair.
- I would also choose a manufacturer whose parts are available in Canada. So that repairs can be carried out as quickly as possible.
- The type of brush can be cylindrical, rotary, orbital.
- We will generally use the cylindrical in an industrial or food factory or even a parking lot. In fact, it is chosen for rough surfaces in particular. The cylindrical brush will also pick up larger pieces on the floor in addition to picking up dust and washing the floor.
- THE rotating brushes are the most well-known and widely used. They are suitable for smooth floors. They can also be used on ceramic floors, for example. You could also choose a floor buffer attachment disc. A future article will cover this topic in the coming weeks.
- The Orbital, we saw earlier in this article that they are favored in REV technology
- Electric or battery power supply. At first glance, I tend to choose a battery-powered scrubber dryer. However, electric ones are more economical. They are, however, not suitable for large areas.
Maintaining the auto-scrubber
The operations manual
First, I strongly encourage you to read the operator's manual at least once, which will provide you with the specific maintenance instructions for your equipment. Because indeed, there may be some small differences. If you don't have the operating manual, you can easily find it by searching for "operating manual" from the manufacturer of your equipment along with the model. You will usually find in this manual a pictorial demonstration of the steps to follow.
Please note that the image below of the major parts of the scrubber is an example diagram. There are many more parts than those shown. Additionally, different parts may be in different locations depending on the manufacturer.
Before using the equipment
types of scrubbers and their maintenance Remove the scrubber from its charge. With a smart charger, it will automatically shut off when the charge is complete. This prevents the battery from burning out.
- Fill the tank with clean water. Add detergent, if applicable. If you have an automatic dispenser, filling your equipment will be very quick.
- Close the lid of the tanks.
- You will need to attach the floor scraper to the hose at the back of the equipment.
- Install the brush or attachment pad with its pad.
- Turn on the scrubber. Lower the brush to the floor.
- Turn on the brush, vacuum and chemical action tap.
After use
- Empty the dirty water tank and rinse the tank
- Empty the cleaning solution tank and rinse.
- Clean the filter, brushes or attachment pad and pads
- Remove the rear scraper and clean the blade with a clean, slightly damp cloth.
- Open the equipment cover and allow the tanks to ventilate
- Recharge the auto-scrubber batteries.
- Clean the exterior of the scrubber dryer.
Twice a year
A scrubber dryer can easily last 8 to 10 years if you take care of it. So, have preventative maintenance performed by a repairer with proven experience with the brand of equipment you purchase.
In closing, I invite you to visit the websites of various recognized manufacturers in Canada to shop for equipment that will meet your needs. Then, you would benefit from requesting a demonstration of the equipment. Here are some of the recognized manufacturers in Canada
Nacecare, Taski, Clarke, Nilfisc-Advance, Tennant, Nobles, Dustbane, Windsor-Kärcher
Please note that I was unable to find the French-language website for all of these manufacturers. If I find one, I will be happy to correct it.
