By Jatinder Kaul, Managing Director, Kärcher India
Facility characteristics
The size of the facility is a crucial factor, and the type of flooring also determines the type of scrubber-dryer needed. For instance, a scrubber-dryer for concrete floors may not be suitable for tiled floors. Slopes and inclines within a facility require a scrubber-dryer with strong traction control to ensure safe and effective cleaning.
Noise levels cannot be ignored either. Quieter scrubber-dryers become a requirement when cleaning in consumer-facing spaces like hotels or care settings such as hospitals, where people do not want to be disturbed. If the facility requires deep cleaning, then a more powerful machine may be needed.
Nature of floor
In the case of hard floors made of materials like concrete, terrazzo or ceramic tiles, a robust scrubber-dryer with aggressive brushes and high-pressure water jets is necessary for effective removal of dirt and stains. However, more delicate floors like vinyl or linoleum require a gentler scrubber-dryer with softer brushes and lower pressure to prevent any damage to the surface.
High-traffic areas such as hospitals, airports, and shopping malls require frequent and thorough cleaning to maintain hygiene and appearance. Hence, a large, high-capacity scrubber dryer with high-speed brushes and high-water flow may be needed to ensure efficient cleaning in a short time.
Take 3
Firstly, the size of the area to be cleaned is a crucial consideration. It’s important to think about whether the areas are larger or more cluttered, and whether a noisier or larger model would disrupt high traffic areas.
Secondly, consider the type of dirt the machine will typically be cleaning. For heavier duty cleaning, ride-on models may be more appropriate.
Thirdly, the frequency of cleaning should also be considered. It’s important to analyse how often the machine will be used, as a machine that is frequently used will require more robust features. In addition, buyers should look for machines that are easy to operate, with features such as adjustable handles, good visibility and easy-to-use controls.
Ultimately, the choice between electrically-operated and battery-operated scrubber driers will depend on the specific needs of the buyer. If opting for a battery-operated model, buyers should carefully consider whether the battery life is sufficient to complete the job, while those choosing an electrically operated model should ensure that the power cord is long enough to reach all necessary areas without requiring frequent stops to move to different plug sockets.
Recovery tanks
Hinged lids or tanks that can slide out from the machine can make it easy to access the tank for cleaning. It is also essential that the recovery tank has smooth surfaces that are free of crevices or corners that can trap dirt or debris, which can be achieved through the use of tanks with rounded corners.