Choosing the right sweeper is essential when it comes to maintaining cleanliness and order in your facility. The task of selecting a commercial sweeper can be overwhelming, considering the numerous options available in the market. However, you can make an informed decision with a clear understanding of your facility's needs and some key factors to consider. This article serves as a comprehensive guide, providing insights into how to choose a sweeper that best suits your facility's requirements. By considering various aspects such as floor type, size of the area to be cleaned, and specific cleaning needs, you can ensure efficient and effective sweeping operations, leading to a cleaner and safer environment for all.
The cleaning surface area is a pivotal consideration in the sweeper selection process. For larger cleaning surfaces, ride-on machines provide greater coverage and efficiency. Whereas, walk-behind equipment may suffice for smaller or more intricate spaces. An assessment of the area, including the size of aisles and doorways, will inform the choice of suitable equipment to navigate these spaces for efficient floor cleaning.
It's equally important to consider the type of flooring you're dealing with, ensuring that the machinery is compatible with surfaces ranging from concrete to carpets. Many sweepers have various brush options that are preferred for certain surfaces. For example, a heavy-duty stiff brush may be recommended for concrete because it will resist wearing better than a lighter-duty brush. However, the heavy-duty brush may be too aggressive for other surfaces and could damage the floor. Additionally, a soft natural bristle brush may be the right choice for carpet, whereas a stiffer brush could damage the carpet fibers.
If you have any questions about the right brush for your flooring, consult the manufacturer. In some cases, warranties can be impacted by using the wrong brush type. In addition, always test equipment in an out-of-the-way area where floor damage will have minimal impact.
Sweepers aren't one-size-fits-all regarding the materials they're designed to pick up. Certain machine functions and brush characteristics are required to clean effectively.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a sweeper:
Efficiency and speed are the cornerstones of any cleaning operation. Small-area walk-behind sweepers excel in maneuverability, making them adept for spaces riddled with tight corners and obstructions&#;where rapid directional changes are frequent.
Model
Area Cleaned Per Hour (Square Feet)
SW18 - 18" Push Sweeper
27,980
SW20 - 20" Battery Powered Push Sweeper
24,490
SW20T - 20" Traction Drive Battery Sweeper
27,980
SW24R - 24" Ride-On Sweeper
54,900
SW28R - 28" Ride-On Sweeper
97,950
Using the right brush is critically important to ensure efficient cleaning and to protect the surface cleaned. In this section we identify the brushes available for each Trident sweeper and discuss their application. There are no tools required to change the brush on any Trident sweepers, so users can change the brush when they move to a new area.
Description
Light Duty Polypropylene
Standard Duty Polypropylene
Heavy-Duty Outdoor Brush
Natural Fiber
Application
Hard floors where scratching is a concern
Suitable for most surfaces, good for wet applications
Outdoors, concrete, or wet applications
Carpet
SW18
N/A
Standard
N/A
N/A
SW20/20T
Optional
Standard
Optional
Optional
SW24R
N/A
Standard
N/A
Optional
SW28R
Optional
Standard
Optional
Optional
In this section, we will outline some of the other options and specifications that might impact your decision making process. These options include filtration, damp debris pickup, shaker type, and debris bin size.
Many sweepers can handle damp debris, but to protect their vacuum systems and filters from damage, the custodian has to operate the machine correctly. For the SW20/20T, the custodian pulls a lever to block airflow to the vacuum system. For the SW24R and SW28R, the operator presses a button on the control panel to turn off the vacuum system.
Model
SW18
SW20
SW20T
SW24R
SW28R
Primary Filter
None
Paper
Polyester
Polyester (standard)
Cloth (optional)
Pre-filter (Optional, Carpet Only)
Stage 2 Filter
None
Goto Felici Machinery to know more.
HEPA (Optional)
HEPA (Optional)
None
Paper (Optional)
Polyester (Standard)
Fabric Pocket (Optional)
Tetratex Pocket (Optional)
Stage 3 Filter
None
None
None
None
HEPA
Damp Debris
Yes
Yes. Pull lever to block airflow.
Yes. Pull lever to block airflow first.
Yes. Turn off vacuum system first.
Yes. Turn off vacuum system first.
Shaker
None
Manual
Electric
Electric
Electric
Debris Bin Capacity (Liters)
40
50
50
65
105
Onboard Vacuum Wand
No
No
No
No
Standard
Hillyard, a prominent nationwide janitorial supply manufacturer and distributor, prides itself on providing personalized and expert guidance to help businesses choose the most suitable floor sweepers for their unique facility needs. With a team of local experts, Hillyard ensures that customers receive insightful recommendations based on their specific requirements and the nature of their floor surfaces. These experts are well-versed in the latest advancements in cleaning technology and are dedicated to assisting clients in making informed decisions to clean at the lowest total cost.
Complete the "I'm Interested" form at the bottom of this page, and a Hillyard representative will reach out to assist you in choosing the ideal floor sweeper for your facility. Benefit from our expertise and industry-leading solutions to enhance your cleaning efficiency.
Would you like your floors to be 60-70% clean, or 95% clean? Most companies would prefer 95% &#; and that&#;s what you get with an industrial floor scrubber. When cleaning with a mop and bucket, the more you clean, the dirtier the water gets. Industrial floor cleaning equipment uses 100% clean water the entire time, leaving floors cleaner and more hygienic.
Though the upfront cost is higher, commercial floor cleaning equipment can quickly pay for itself over time. For example: an employee with a mop and bucket can clean 4,000-5,000 square feet in one hour. A small automatic floor scrubber can clean almost 13,000 square feet in the same amount of time. Larger machines can clean more than 100,000 square feet per hour &#; a hard-working human would need 20 hours to do the same job.
If you&#;re ready to get cleaner floors in less time, here&#;s a checklist to help with buy the right floor scrubber and avoid expensive mistakes.
Floor Scrubber Basics
The efficiency and cleaning power of automatic floor scrubbers have made them standard cleaning equipment for schools, shopping centers, hospitals, gyms, etc. The scrubber dispenses cleaning solution and clean water as it moves along the floor. The scrubbing head loosens soils and collects oil and grease, and dirty water is sucked up by the solution recovery system.
Industrial floor scrubbers:
Floor Scrubber Buying Checklist
&#; How Large is the Surface Area That Needs to Be Cleaned?
Take a close look at the spaces that need to be cleaned. You might want a ride-on or walk-behind floor scrubber depending on your space and operation size.
It&#;s important to know the widths of your aisles to prevent expensive mistakes like ordering a unit with a squeegee that&#;s too large (narrow squeegee kits are available). You&#;ll also want to know the incline grades on any ramps where the machine may travel.
&#; What Type of Debris Needs to Be Cleaned
The type of debris, and the volume to be collected are also good to know. A floor scrubber with a pre-sweep brush head is a smart option for some, but unnecessary for others.
&#; Where Will the Operator Empty and Refill the Machine?
Make sure you have space (and a hose) to refill the machine and drain out the dirty water. Extra-long drain hoses are typically available from the manufacturer, ask your local dealer. Also, check local regulations about disposing of wastewater.
&#; What&#;s Your Budget?
Buying industrial cleaning equipment is a big cash outlay compared to a mop and bucket. But when you consider, 90% of the cost to clean a space is labor, the machine quickly pays for itself.
&#; Don&#;t make the mistake of purchasing a machine simply because it&#;s the cheapest. Keep in mind that 90% labor cost and choose equipment that has time-saving features.
&#; Choose the largest machine your space can accommodate. Bigger machines can carry more water which reduces the amount of time your operator will spend dumping and refilling.
&#; Consider Lifetime Cost of Ownership
Ask how much it costs to replace squeegee blades, brushes, tires, hoses, etc. and if they&#;e available locally. A cheaper scrubbing machine may cost more over the course of its lifetime ala a cheap computer printer that takes $100 ink cartridges!
Also, ask the dealer about service and warranty. If your machine requires service and it can&#;t be completed nearby, this can quickly increase the cost of your equipment.
At TMH we stock new and used floor Scrubbers from Advance, a leading manufacturer in the industrial floor cleaning industry. We also have commercial floor cleaning equipment for rent from our locations in the East Bay, Sacramento, Salinas and Fresno.
Like Checklists? Get a floor cleaning prep checklist in our buyer&#;s guide.
Click here to download and go to page 15.
Our friendly and experienced staff are happy to answer any questions you may have, or schedule a free demo. *Please contact us online, or by :
East Bay &#; Livermore (510) 473-
Fresno (559) 834-
Sacramento (916) 376-
Salinas (831) 757-
FURTHER READING:
How to Choose the Right Floor Scrubber Machine
When to Lease Vs. Rent Vs. Buy a Sweeper / Scrubber
Industrial Floor Sweepers for OSHA Silica Dust Compliance
*Restrictions apply.
Are you interested in learning more about Industrial Sweeper Machine? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!