Choosing scrubber-dryers: A ten-point checklist

By Tony Chazhoor, MD, IP Cleaning India Pvt Ltd

When choosing floor scrubbers, the main criteria to consider are cleaning width, speed of the machine, tank size, battery runtime and solution tank runtime. The area to be cleaned, desired cleaning time, nature of flooring (soft floors with coatings, cement, uneven, grouted, etc.), nature of residue on the floor and accessibility (narrow or wide spaces) are some of the characteristics based on which machine selection is done.

1. Application: Does it fit the job it needs to do?
2. Lifespan: How long will it take to optimise one’s ROI?
3. Productivity: Different ranges of scrubber dryers with different scrubbing widths (cleaning path, one brush or two brush) are available, tank sizes (solution & recovery), water tank runtime, maximum runtime (with battery-operated models), battery type (gel, lead acid etc.) & capacity, types of chargers etc. should be considered by the buyer.
4. Cleaning quality: Is determined mainly by the brush pressure, the vacuum power of the motors (stages etc.), the squeegee body and blade material, its width and shape.
5. Manoeuvrability: This includes the traction motor power (whether supported by electronics) which is further divided into forward/reverse speeds, adjustable speeds, max climbing angle, types of brakes and the turning radius.
6. Safety systems may include (and are not limited to) the noise level, vibrations caused by the machine, moving parts protection, no-operator stop and emergency stop systems.
7. Conformity: Certification by approved bodies like CE, DNV, ISO
8. Ergonomics: Less fatiguing operation
9. Intuitive controls and easy day-to-day maintenance
10. Prompt after-sales support: This depends on the geographical reach of the vendor and spare parts availability.

Choose a product whose overall value (ease of use, reliability, durability, vendor support, etc.) matches its price point.

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Match machines to needs

Different types of floors and different residues on floors require machines that are either suited to light or rigorous tasks and also need different accessories like brushes, squeegees etc. For instance, a machine working in a busy public area like an airport terminal with large footfalls will need to work continuously, and will therefore need higher battery power or run time, long solution tank run-time, and brushes that are efficient on a wide range of floors. Whereas a battery-operated compact scrubber dryer working in HORECA environment with battery run time of one hour would provide high productivity even in congested areas such as restrooms, locker rooms, through doorways, between and under tables and through elevator doors, with complete ease.

The economic considerations of a buyer must not outweigh the consideration for the productivity and safety features of a machine.