Commercial Cleaning Equipment

PROBLEM	OPERATIVE CHECKS
Not enough water on the brushes	1. Check that water tap is open. 2. Check for water in the solution tank. 3. Check that the fresh water filter is clean (if there is any). 4. Check that the pipes taking water to the brushes are not clogged.
The machine does not clean properly	1. Check brushes for wear and, if necessary, replace them (the brushes should be replaced when the bristles are 15 mm long). Change the standard type of brush with another one. For cleaning tasks on really filthy floors the use of special brushes, to be supplied on request according to specific needs, is recommended.
The squeegee does not dry perfectly	1. Check that the squeegee rubbers are clean. Some solid residues may often remain inside. 2. Replace worn rubbers. Adjust the squeegee angle. For proper use, the squeegee should be adjusted in height according to rubber wear; during cleaning the rear rubber should be slightly tilted backwards all along its length by 5mm. 3. Check that the suction hose is properly fitted into its holder on the recovery tank. 4. Take apart the suction unit and clean it. 5. Replace worn rubbers. 6. Check that the suction motor switch is on. 7. Check for squeegee wheels adjustment.
Too much foam formation	1. Check that low foam detergent has been used. If necessary, add just a little low foam agent into the recovery tank. Bear in mind that there is greater foam formation when the floor is dirty, in which case the detergent solution should be more diluted.

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10. What should you do to maintain a scrubber-dryer over time?

The accurate ordinary maintenance of the machine is of basic importance to preserve a professional machine. This type of machine, working with water, requires in fact some simple care-taking daily or, anyway, at the end of each cleaning task.

For instance, it is necessary to:
- empty and clean the recovery tank. During operation the machine collects water mixed with solid dirt which deposits very rapidly and may become rotten and foul-smelling. It is therefore important to rinse it with running water;
- empty the fresh water tank, especially if cleaning is not a daily task because stagnant water can become unpleasant and be a source for bacteria;
- clean the suction filter; sometimes there is deposits build-up and drying performance could be impaired. Rinse with running water;
- check that the squeegee is always clean; if necessary, use a jet of water to clean the rubbers and the suction inlet;
- check weekly brush and squeegee wear; if floors are extremely abrasive, a strong pressure onto the floor could damage these accessories or cause them to wear out quickly. In normal conditions, the brushes should be replaced after 50 working hours, whereas the rubbers should be replaced or turned, if re-usable on the four edges, after 30 working hours;
- inspect the solution filter regularly, if any; the filter could sometimes get clogged due to tiny water impurities and could affect the regular outflow during cleaning tasks;
- clean regularly the suction hose which is connected to the squeegee; even a partial obstruction may impair the suction performance.

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11. Which important safety regulations should always be considered when using scrubber-dryers?

- Read the labels on the machine carefully, never cover them and replace them immediately if damaged.
- The machine should only be used by authorised and specially trained personnel.
- During machine operation pay attention to the other people around and especially to children.
- Never mix different types of detergent in order to prevent formation of harmful gases.
- Never put containers with liquid onto the machine.
- The machine is supposed to scrub and dry at the same time. If otherwise, such operations should be carried out in restricted areas where non-authorised personnel is not admitted. Areas with wet floors should be clearly marked by means of appropriate signs.
- If parts need to be replaced, ask for original spare parts.
- Prior to any maintenance procedure, disconnect the machine from the mains power supply.
- Never remove coverings requiring tools to be removed.
- Do not wash the machine with direct jets of water, with water under pressure nor with corrosive substances.
- Every 200 hours, have the machine checked by a service centre.
- In order to avoid fouling of the solution tank filter, do not fill in the detergent solution many hours prior to machine use.
- Before using the machine, check that all doors and coverings are properly positioned according to the instructions given in the operator's manual.
- Prior to removing the recovery tank make sure it is empty.
- Take care to dispose of consumable materials in strict compliance with the applicable regulations.
- At the end of the machine's working life, take care to dispose of its components properly, especially of oils, batteries and electronic components bearing in mind the fact that, in any case, the machine has been manufactured with fully recyclable materials.

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12. What should first be considered prior to purchasing a scrubber-dryer?

There are several important factors to be considered when purchasing a scrubber-dryer. The first thing to consider concerns anyway the actual requirements and cleaning problem to be solved.

When purchasing a scrubber-dryer, and its specific equipment, several elements should be considered, such as the environment in which it should be employed and its size, the type of dirt, any the obstacles that may be present, cleaning times and the level of quality required.

To choose the most suitable model of machine, the product's features which best meet the customers needs should be considered. The higher the requirements and the frequency of use, the more professional should the product be that you choose.

Basically the following should be considered:
- machine yield, resulting from the working width (i.e. how large the scrubbing path is) working speed considering any obstacles or possible downtimes. It is usually advisable to carry out the cleaning task for an hour so that the actual hour performance can be assessed;
- quality of performance, which is mainly related to the type of scrubbing unit, the pressure on the floor, the type of brush, the brushes rpm, the suction system and, finally, to the type of detergent;
- strength and reliability, which ensure long life to the machine, for instance of the type of structure and of the materials used for the bodywork, the frame, the scrubbing unit, the reliability and quality of the motors and of the other components, of electrical installations and mechanical as well as electronic services;
- manoeuvrability and ergonomics, which affect the use of the machine, its drive, which should be assisted, agile, extremely accessible to the operator so that he/she can work in the best conditions with good visibility in any type of environment and in any conditions. Machine shape and size are important, working visibility must be guaranteed and basic operations and controls should be easy to understand and to perform;
- safety, is governed by precise rules, it is an essential feature since the machine very often has to perform tasks in environments that are at risk and the operator has to use it in crowded areas. The use of the machine should, then, comply with some basic requirements, including electromagnetic compatibility and low noise emissions according to the European applicable regulations; EC construction conformity and conformity with the related technical regulations; all visible parts should comply with the construction rules and be shaped so as to be in no way harmful to the operator and to other people; the machine should be used with caution and exclusively by trained personnel; specific detergents are to be used and product mixtures avoided, explosion-risk environments should be avoided; suction of flammable liquids or dangerous powders is absolutely forbidden; finally, the machine should not be operated on surfaces that slope too steeply;
- operating costs are related to detergent consumption, energy consumption - if the machine is electrically operated - water consumption, and, besides, they are also related to the necessary maintenance procedures and to the wear of consumable accessories, such as brushes or pads and squeegee rubbers. What is important is that the machine is provided with all the devices which take such aspects into consideration. For instance, the machine could be provided with an electromagnetic valve to check detergent solution outflow; large motors resit absorption better; adjusting the brush contact pressure makes it possible to modulate mechanical strength according to actual needs; The basic adjustment procedures and ordinary maintenance should be practical and simple; the electronic equipment installed on the machine should be as simple as possible in order to avoid complex machine downtimes which would imply high recovery costs.
- offered services, which can make all the difference, such as the advice of experts in the sector, user training , guarantee, qualified service, availability of spare parts, planned maintenance packages, courtesy machines, hire service.

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