Why is this important?
A commercial floor scrubber is a big investment, so it is crucial to do your research. Choosing the wrong machine can be an expensive mistake since it can affect labor costs, maintenance costs, operating costs, as well as down-time. On the flip side, investing in the correct floor scrubber can save your business time, energy, and money.
When choosing a machine, it may be tempting to focus primarily on the purchase price of the machine. How different can these floor scrubbers be anyway? However, doing that without considering any other factors may cause big problems in the future.
Often the very first decision is to decide whether you need a walk-behind floor scrubber or a ride-on machine. How do you decide?
Ride-On Floor Scrubbers
If you are cleaning large areas, a ride-on sweeper may be the better choice for several reasons:
- A ride-on machine is comfortable to operate and highly efficient, cleaning large areas faster with minimal effort
- These machines have a larger capacity for storing water and detergents, meaning less time emptying and refilling tanks
Another point to consider with ride-on floor machines is their manueverability. Oftentimes, they have a tighter turning radius than walk-behind models!
There is one drawback to ride-on machines: they aren’t designed to go up steep inclines. So if your facility is large, but has ramps, you may need to consider a walk-behind floor scrubber.
Walk-Behind Floor Scrubbers
Walk-behind floor scrubbers are typically self-propelled, so they just need to be guided by the operator. These machines are best suited for cleaning smaller facilities that have the following challenges:
- Narrow doorways
- Obstacles that are difficult to maneuver around
- Steep inclines, such as ramps
Their smaller size also makes them easier to store.
Another perk of walk-behind floor scrubbers is that they typically cost less than ride-on machines. While price shouldn’t be the only deciding factor, it definitely plays into the overall decision.
Does it Really Matter whether I buy a Ride-on or Walk Behind Floor Scrubber?
The price point on walk-behind floor scrubbers makes them the more attractive choice, but are there reasons NOT to purchase a walk-behind floor scrubber? There are three factors to consider when thinking about using a walk-behind machine for a large facility:
- Operator Fatigue
- How often the machine will need to be emptied, refilled, and recharged
- The lifespan of the machine
While it may be tempting to purchase the cheaper machine, that decision may cost more at the end of the day after considering labor costs and replacing wearable parts.
Tips for Choosing the Right Floor Care Machine
