Scrubber-driers
While scrubber-driers are ideal for cleaning, proper functioning of the machine depends on regular maintenance and servicing. A few simple steps every day will ensure that the machine functions properly.
Equally important are the scrubbing tools which should be checked regularly, whether one is dealing with pads or brushes. The operator should check that there are no foreign bodies in the brushes or under the pad. Such contaminants in the scrubbing tools could cause irreparable damage to the floor. With regular checks, it is easy to determine what condition the brush or pad is in and whether it needs to be replaced with a new one. Unfortunately, there are attempts made to clean with brushes or pads that are completely worn. It sounds unbelievable, but it happens more often in most places.
Checking the clean and dirty water filters is also part of daily maintenance. Thorough cleaning of the dirty water tank each time the machine is used is a must. It is essential that the operator is familiar with the machine and has been trained on it competently & extensively to ensure proper and economic usage of the cleaning machine.
Kl aus Se
Ride-on scrubber
Ride-on scrubber is a machine which should be used by an operator who knows all safety norms and has proper training about its operations. Adherence to proper guidelines is essential for effective performance of the machine.
Batteries: Improper care and maintenance of batteries can reduce their life. While checking for the water levels in the battery, operators have to ensure that the lead plates inside the battery are always covered with a minimum of one centimetre water. Use of anything other than battery/distilled water is harmful to the battery. Operators must refrain from using tap water, as it will cause permanent damage. Besides, the battery should be kept clean & dry and the poles greased to avoid corrosion. Batteries need to be charged for a minimum of eight to 10 hours and in the right way. For this, the machine should be disconnected from the battery cable and the charger connected before starting to charge. Once charged, the charger main power should be turned off, charger disconnected from the battery cable, and battery cable connected to the machine before operating. For better performance, the battery should be of a good brand and probably gel based which ensures good life and value for the money.
Squeegee Cleaning: The operator never cleans the squeegee till it stops working. Squeegee should be cleaned daily after use for effective performance of the machine.
Recovery tank and suction grid with Float Cleaning: Operators do not look at the tank till the machine stops suction. The recovery tank and suction grid should be cleaned daily after use and flushed with good water for the better life of the motor, seals and the tank. The float ball basket should be cleaned and checked for free movement of ball to prevent ingress of water into the motor. The new kickstand fixed to the recovery tank enables the machine to be left/parked with the recovery tank slightly open so that the machine can be charged in narrow areas (the small opening allows the gas dissipation) where it is not possible to completely tilt the recovery tank.
Squeegee Blades: A squeegee blade has to be checked for cuts in between on a weekly basis and replaced if needed. The blades can be removed and cleaned without tools
Side Skirt: Operators overlook maintenance of side skirts which should be checked weekly and replaced if needed. Side skits prevent the water from splashing when the machine is running.
Solution Filter: Connected between the solution tank and brush assembly, the solution filter usually gets chocked. The operator should always use liquid soap to clean the filter on a weekly basis. Use of liquid soap results in free flow of water on the brush and enhances life of the solution filter as well as saves life of electronic valve (Solenoid valve).
Regular Checks:
Screw and Nut tightening check: Operators rarely take a call on this. In the first eight hour shift, they should check all screws & nuts and tighten it and the same process should be repeated every six months or as per the requirement.
Squeegee cable sliding shoe lubrication: Operators do not check or lubricate the cable of sliding shoe. This should be done every six months or as per the requirement.
Parking break efficiency check: Operators should check the efficiency of the parking break daily, lubricate lever and cable every six months or as per the requirement.
Carbon brush: Carbon brush of the drive wheel and vacuum motor should be checked and replaced every year or if required.
Electric Component: Control circuit and drive circuit boards should be kept dry and there should be good ventilation, as these circuits are very expensive and the black box of the machine. There are light emitting diodes which give proper indication during a breakdown or when there are problems in operations with appropriate error code.
Single-disc scrubber
The most common mistakes committed by operators are in the handling of the single-disc machine without receiving proper training from the vendor/supplier. It is highly recommended that any operator who is entrusted with the machine should have knowledge not just about the operation of the machine but also about preventive maintenance measures and usage methods for different applications of the machine.
Following are the mistakes that the operator is prone to committing while using of the machine:
Balancing: The smooth operation of a single disc scrubber lies in its balancing. When the base is parallel to the floor, the machine stays put at the same place and it starts moving sideways at the slightest forward-backward movement of the handle. The handling lies in the balancing ability and not use of force or power of the operator. Most machines have a safety mechanism which prevents them from starting when the handle is in upright position. The operator should not fiddle with the lever when the brush is fixed and the handle is in upright position, as it might cause damage to the machine.
Plug and socket: Operators sometimes remove the earthing pin from the plug, if they do not find a three-pin socket. This could turn dangerous. An extension board could be used instead. Further, jerking plugs from power outlet can damage the plug or cable. This is most common among operators.
Solution tank: Operators mostly do not want to use the solution tank when cleaning large areas and splash the water directly on the ground. Not realising the machine close by has electrical parts can lead to short circuit. All the electrical parts such as motor, cable are exactly below the solution tank in all single disc scrubbers. Water can spill on to these parts, if the solution tank is filled with the handle in upright position. The motor could get burnt when switched on wet. Operators tend to leave the cleaning solution in the solution tank. After completion of the cleaning task, the cleaning solution should always be emptied. At times, the operator may fill the solution tank first and then fix the brush by tilting the machine. The solution from the tank could spill out in such as case.
Cables: While operating the single-disc, the cable from the machine should be behind the operator and should not come in the path of cleaning. Machines should not be used if there are loose electrical contacts either inside the machine or inside the power source of the room.
Brush and pads: Brushes or pads should be changed timely to prevent damage to the motor. When machines run with worn out consumables like brushes or pads, it puts more load on the motor, thus reducing it life.
Carpet cleaning: Carpet shampooing on loose carpets can be hazardous. While shampooing, the operator should ensure that the carpet is either fixed or heavy enough not to let the brush get entangled in the carpet. This is harmful for the carpet as well as the motor. Single disc scrubbers can be operated by the lightest of users with the right balancing of the machine
Samir Sabu
Vacuum Cleaners
When it comes to vacuum cleaners, mistakes can occur while selecting, operating and lastly, while maintaining.
Selection of vacuum cleaner
Vacuum cleaners
Operation of a vacuum cleaner
Operators often mix the accessories for wet and dry applications. Accessories for dry process when used for wet applications can get damaged. In wet application, accessories that are left unclean, when used again could reduce the efficiency of the machine. Often a vacuum cleaner is damaged because of mishandling, especially in the hands of untrained operators. Most of the operators tend to stamp on the wire / hose while using the machines.
Maintenance of a vacuum cleaner
It is a general rule to clean the vacuum cleaner every time after use to enhance the life of the machine and its consumables. If the dust bag is full, it can put pressure on the motor and damage it.
Anirudh Bhosale
High pressure jets
Operators, when using the cleaning machine that use water make common mistakes which can turn hazardous at times.
Power connection
In cases where the machine is attached to the power cable, operators may overlook the voltage indicated on the type plate which must correspond to the voltage of the electrical source. Incorrect voltage will damage the machine. The power cord must be checked regularly for damages, such as cracks or ageing. If damage is found, the cable must be replaced before further use. But operators continue to use the machine even if the power cords are damaged. Arrange to immediately replace the power cord by an authorized customer service or a skilled electrician.
Make sure that the power cord or extension cables are not damaged by running over, pinching, dragging or similar such action. Protect the cable from heat, oil, and sharp edges. In addition, never touch the mains plug with wet hands. If the extension cable is used, operators must protect it against from the spraying water. The connection must not lie in water.
Application
High-pressure jets can be dangerous if improperly used. The jet may not be directed at persons, animals, live electrical equipment or at the appliance itself. The appliance may only be used by persons who have been instructed in handling the appliance or have proven qualification and expertise in operating the appliance or have been explicitly assigned the task of handling the appliance.
The appliance must be checked for the power connection line and for important parts like safety devices, high pressure hose and spray guns. Operators have to refrain from using the machine if the appliances are damaged. Acetone, undiluted acids and solvents are aggressive towards the materials from which the appliance is made. Never draw in fluids containing solvents or undiluted acids and solvents!
Again spraying materials containing asbestos or other substances could be hazardous. Operators should use only those detergents approved by the manufacturer of the appliance and also in the right dilution proportion. The use of other detergents or chemicals may compromise the safety of the appliance. If the detergent comes in contact with the eyes, please rinse the eyes thoroughly with water and consult a doctor immediately if the detergent has been swallowed.
Just because something is not right, the operator should refrain from opening the hood when the motor is running. Let the hoses cool off after hot water operation or operate the appliance briefly using cold water. There is a recoil pressure arising from the water jet that comes out from the spray pipe. The angular spray pipe brings about an upward force. Hold the gun and the spray pipe tightly. The recoil and bending forces may be different if you are using angular spray devices. In petrol engine appliances, ensure that no petrol comes in contact with hot surfaces. Ensure that there is adequate ventilation or provision for diverting the exhaust gas while operating the appliance in closed rooms (risk of poisoning).
Maintenance
Switch off the appliance and, in case of appliances connected to the mains, pull out the power cord before cleaning and performing any maintenance tasks on the machine. Maintenance work may only be carried out by approved customer service outlets or experts in this field who are familiar with the respective safety regulations. Do not clean the appliance with a water hose or high-pressure water jet (danger of short circuits or other damage). Do not operate the appliance at temperatures below 0°C.
