Overview
Floor machines are in a category of cleaning machines that include buffers, burnishers, and scrubbers.
- Buffers operate at 175-350 revolutions per minute (RPM) and are generally used to clean or strip wax off hard floors.
- Burnishers operate at 1500-3000 RPM and are used to polish hard floors.
- Scrubbers have a scrubbing head and are capable of dispense cleaning/striping solution and have a vacuum component. They can clean/strip and vacuum all in one pass.
To avoid damage to flooring it is important to know manufacturer recommended cleaning procedures. This will help with selection of the correct type of machine to use.
Decision-makers should review the following considerations.
- Space: Area(s) where it will be used. Is the unit appropriate for the size of the space and will there be doorways, obstacles, or furniture to navigate?
- Surfaces: Type of flooring the machine will be used on. Is the machine appropriate for the particular type of surface? Is it adaptable to different types of surfaces?
- Users: The physical characteristics of the end-users. Is the unit adaptable to be used by different height users?
- Storage: The units will need to be stored somewhere. Is there storage space in an existing custodial closet?
- Portability: The ease by which a user can get the equipment to the job site. Is there elevator access?
- Maintenance: Ease of changing pads. Is a special tool needed for regular field and daily maintenance?
- Power: Access to power. Units can be corded or battery-powered. Are there outlets available? Is the cord long enough? Is the battery capable of lasting the entire shift on a single charge?
- Noise and Vibration: Are noise or vibration an issue where the unit will be used? Are equipment operators exposed to hand-arm or whole body vibration?
- Testing and Feedback: Demo the product. What was the users’ feedback after testing the equipment in the work environment?
Buffers & Burnishers
Mfr
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Karcher
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Nilfisk-Advance
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Karcher
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Karcher
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Ergo Rating |
★★★★☆ |
★★★☆☆ |
★★★★☆ |
★★★☆☆ |
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Review |
Unique all-surface unit for small to medium areas Capable of cleaning virtually all types of surfaces.Unique dual action orbital technology. Pad driver rotates at 1725rpm while brush speed rotates at 80rpm. Adjustable handle for multiple height users. Handle folds down for ease of transportation and storage. |
Good all-around buffer for small to medium areas Low-speed Buffer (175rpm). Can access smaller areas with a range of 13” - 20” cleaning decks. Some areas may require multiple passes and therefore more work because of the low rpm. The unit may not be suitable for floors that require a higher rpm for “burnishing”. |
Full-featured unit for small to large areas A walk-behind unit with an auto adjustable burnishing head reduces having to make multiple passes and decreases user fatigue. 3-hour run-time and 20” pad size make this unit suitable for most jobs. |
Floating handle and stability The floating handle adjusts to the operator's working height. Quad wheels stabilize when transporting. |
UC Supplier |
Waxie | Waxie | Waxie | Waxie |
Specs |
Motor: 1.0 hp Weight: 82 lbs Brush Speed: 80 rpm Cord: 75' Cleaning Path: 17" Wheels: 2 - 10" Solution Tank: 3 gal Brush Height Adj: No Height-Adj Handle: Yes ♠ |
Motor: 1.5 hp Weight: 101 lbs / 109 lbs Brush Speed: 175 rpm Cord: 50' Wheels: 2 - 5" Cleaning Path: 17" / 20" Solution Tank: Optional 2.5 gal Brush Height Adj: No Height-Adj Handle: No |
Motor: 2.5 hp Weight: 620 lbs Brush Speed: 2000 rpm Battery Life: 3 hr Cleaning Path: 20" Wheels: 2-8" front Solution Tank: N/A Brush Height Adj: Auto ♠ Height-Adj Handle: No |
Motor: 1.7 hp Weight: 81 lbs Brush Speed: 2000 rpm Cord: 75' Wheels: 4 - 5" Cleaning Path: 20" Solution Tank: N/A Brush Height Adj: No Height-Adj Handle: No |
Resources |
Scrubbers
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Advance
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Karcher
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Karcher
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Nobles
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Ergo Rating |
★★★☆☆ |
★★★☆☆ |
★★★☆☆ |
★★★☆☆ |
Photo |
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Review |
Maneuverable in small spaces Walk-behind with a vacuum that is maneuverable in smaller spaces and reduces fatigue. The large tank and 3.5 hour run time make it capable of taking on most tasks without having to empty/refill. |
Full-featured unit for small to large areas High capacity, easy to maneuver stand-on unit with a 48” turning radius. Has larger wheels for maneuverability. (Same as Chariot 2 iScrub 20) |
Full-featured unit for small to large areas High capacity, easy to maneuver stand-on unit with a 48” turning radius. Has smaller wheels for small areas. (Same as Chariot 2 iScrub 20 Delux) |
Good all-around scrubber Walk-behind unit. Overall footprint and 20” cleaning path allow access to smaller spaces with less effort. 3.8 hour run time and large capacity tanks reduce the need to empty/refill tank which saves time and energy. |
UC Supplier |
Waxie | Waxie | Waxie | Waxie |
Specs |
Motor: 450w CFM: 100 Water Lift: 30" Airwatt: 353 Weight: 300 lbs Brush Speed: N/A Battery Life: 3.5 hr Cleaning Path: 20" Wheels: 2 - 8" front Solution Tank: 12 gal Recovery Tank: 12 gal Brush Height Adj: No Height-Adj Handle: No |
Motor: 0.63 hp CFM: 72 Water Lift: 47.3" Airwatt: 401 Weight: 605 lbs Brush Speed: 180 rpm Battery Life: 3.5 hr Cleaning Path: 20" Wheels: 2 - 8" Solution Tank: 10 gal Recovery Tank: 10 gal Brush Height Adj: No Height-Adj Handle: No |
Motor: 0.63 hp CFM: 72 Water Lift: 47.3" Airwatt: 401 Weight: 605 lbs Brush Speed: 180 rpm Battery Life: 3.5 hr Cleaning Path: 20" Wheels: 2 - 6" Solution Tank: 10 gal Recovery Tank: 10 gal Brush Height Adj: No Height-Adj Handle: No |
Motor: 0.5 hp CFM: N/A Water Lift: 34.5" Airwatt: N/A Weight: 400 lbs Brush Speed: 230 rpm Battery Life: 3.8 hr Cleaning Path: 20" Wheels: 2 - 6" Solution Tank: 11 gal Recovery Tank: 14 gal Brush Height Adj: No Height-Adj Handle: No |
Resources |
Products are rated on a 5-star scale based on the Criteria Rating - ★
The product specification exceeds minimum UC Criteria - ♠
The product does not meet minimum UC Criteria - ⚠
