Floor Scrubbers

How to choose the automatic scrubber that cleans the way you need
By Lesley Graybeal Commercial floor scrubbers are large, expensive pieces of equipment, so when you start shopping for one, you'll want to make sure you know what you need.
 

Floor scrubbers, which are different from floor sweepers, generally come in riding and walk-behind varieties and in several different size machines, depending on the size of the area you need to clean.

Whether you're shopping for industrial floor scrubbers or kitchen floor scrubbers, there are several considerations to keep in mind:

1. Deciding if you want a walk-behind or riding floor scrubber.
2. Shopping for the floor cleaner with the proper power source for your business.
   
3. Determining size limitations for a commercial floor scrubber.
4. Looking at smaller scrubbers or considering a lease agreement for less intensive cleaning jobs.
5. Comparing prices and shopping refurbished or used to save on a commercial floor scrubber.

Decide on a walk-behind or riding automatic scrubber

Walk-behind commercial floor scrubbers are generally self-propelled and don't require you to push. Riding models are typically larger and more expensive.
Try: CleanKing stocks both riding and walk-behind floor scrubbers, which can be helpful when comparing features. You might find some walk-behind scrubbers by the term cylindrical auto floor scrubbers.

Power up with different sources for floor scrubbers

Floor scrubbing equipment can be powered several ways--electrically, which requires a cord, by battery or by propane. Battery powered scrubbers offer the most convenient option because they are cordless, but you'll have to replace batteries periodically.
Try: Shop with a manufacturer such as Janilink that offers floor scrubbers with several different power sources so you can easily compare their specifications. Visit Apex Battery to get replacement batteries.

Pick an automatic scrubber size

Industrial floor scrubbers generally come in two size options for both walk-behind and riding models, and you can choose based on the model specifications.
Try: View the specifications for small frame walk-behind as well as mid-size walk-behind floor scrubbers, as well as micro riders and mid-size riders at Tomcat Commercial Cleaning Equipment to get an idea of how much floor area each rider can clean and other product information. Compare model sizes at Janilink, as well.

Don't overshoot your automatic scrubber needs

Not every job is an industrial strength job, and you may find that you need a commercial scrubber but only for a short amount of time. You can lease floor scrubbers or shop for smaller model kitchen floor scrubbers for short-term or smaller cleaning projects.
Try: Most floor scrubbing equipment suppliers also offer the option of leasing equipment. Apply to lease at Southeastern Equipment. For smaller jobs, try a kitchen floor scrubber from Hoover that looks more like an upright vacuum than commercial floor scrubbing equipment and is much cheaper than an industrial model.

Shop used and refurbished floor scrubbers

Savings can be substantial on used cleaning equipment. Many manufacturers of floor scrubbers and buffers offer used or refurbished floor scrubbing equipment for sale.
Try: Janilink offers used equipment for sale, while other floor scrubbing equipment manufacturers offer refurbished or reconditioned floor scrubbers that carry a reconditioned seal of quality. Whether you're shopping new or used, fill in information about the type of scrubber you're looking for at BuyerZone and get a series of price quote comparisons on floor scrubbers.

• If you're buying a commercial floor scrubber for the first time, you may want to lease one first to make sure that you get a model that best fits your purposes. Floor scrubbers are expensive pieces of cleaning equipment and can be expensive to ship if you order one and decide to return it.