Faqs
General
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.
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.
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.
What are the main problems encountered when using professional scrubber-dryers?
If the machine you use is appropriate for the work environment it is used in and is properly used, the main problems you may encounter when using a professional scrubber-dryer are usually simple and easy to solve. Not infrequently, in fact, machines are used improperly to clean surfaces that are much larger than the machine's technical capacity or the equipment used is absolutely inappropriate for the type of task. Here follows a list of examples of problems you may have with the related recommendations for safe and effective cleaning. 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.
Which detergents are suitable for scrubber-dryers?
All the products that are recommended for scrubber-dryers need to be specifically approved to be used with automatic machines. Basically, they have an alkaline base with low foam agents (in fact there shouldn't be too much foam otherwise the suction motor could get damaged). No acids nor corrosives should be used, not even inflammable substances. The percentage depends on the type of product. For very dirty floors or with stubborn dirt, pre-washing is recommended: it takes longer but it is more effective. The procedure involves washing the surface twice: in the first wash the machine simply scrubs the floor while the suction motor is off and the squeegee is lifted up; in the second one the detergent solution which was put on the floor in the first wash, is sucked up so that a visible cleaning effect is obtained.
What types of brushes are available on the market and what application do they have?
Here follows a list of the main types of brushes and related applications. PPL BRUSH It is used on every type of floor and it has a high wear and hot water resistance (no more than 60°C). PPL is not hygroscopic and therefore it preserves its properties even when working on wet floors. NYLON BRUSH It is used on every type of floor and it has an excellent wear and hot water resistance (no more than 60°C). Nylon is hygroscopic and so, when working on wet floors, it tends to lose its properties over time. TYNEX BRUSH The bristles of this type of brush are impregnated with extremely aggressive abrasives. It is used to clean very dirty floors. To prevent any damage to the floor the use of the minimum required pressure is recommended. STEEL BRUSH They have wire or flat bristles, which may be either steel or mixed, that is with steel and synthetic fibres. The steel wire brush is used to de-scale very uneven floors or with wide joints; the one with steel flat bristles (more rigid) are used to scrape away dirt that is more difficult to get rid of. NATURAL FIBRE BRUSH These bristles of vegetal origin are especially suitable for very delicate or treated floors since they are extremely thin. They last less than nylon bristles and should be used with non-aggressive detergents. BRISTLE THICKNESS The thicker bristles are more rigid and so they are suitable for smooth floors with narrow joints. On uneven floors or with irregularities or deep joints, softer bristles are recommended which penetrate more easily in depth. It should be remembered that as the brush bristles wear out, that is as they are too short, they become stiff and cannot penetrate nor clean in depth any longer also due to the fact that, as it is the case with too thick bristles, the brush tends to bounce. PAD HOLDER The pad holder is recommended for polished surfaces. There are two types of pad holder: 1. The traditional pad holder is fitted with a series of anchor-shaped tips thanks to which they hold and drag the abrasive disk during cleaning. 2. CENTER LOCK pad holders are not only fitted with anchor-shaped tips but have also a centre snap-lock system in plastic which allows to centre the abrasive disk perfectly and to hold it coupled without any risk of detachment. This type of holder is especially suitable for machines with several brushes where centring the abrasive disks is rather difficult.
What are the main accessories of scrubber-dryers?
The accessories are extremely important since they have been specially designed to meet the most exacting needs of customer-users and to make use of all the scrubber-dryer's applications in the best possible way. The main accessories available on the market are listed in the following: - brushes of different types, are in nylon, with bristles of different sizes, in tynex, in natural fibre, in steel and they are disk-shaped or cylindrical according to the type of dirt and of surface; - pad holders and pads, as an alternative to brushes, with variable hardness and abrasive power according to the surface; - squeegee rubbers with variable hardness according to the type of floor and in case oil is present; - interchangeable scrubbing and sweeping-scrubbing units; - a recycling system, which allows you to re-use water by means of a filtering systems (rarely used); - headlights to work at night time or in dark environments.
What are the components and the main features of scrubber-dryers?
The main components of the scrubber-dryers are: - the scrubbing unit, with a motor for brush and pad rotation, whose work performance depends on how large the working path is; - the tanks, usually two: one for fresh water - which is called solution tank - and the other for dirty water - called recovery tank - whose holding capacity directly influences the performance autonomy and consumption rate. Some machine models you can find on the market have a single tank, both for solution water and dirty water, that are fitted with a dividing membrane; others suggest optional water recycling systems in order to increase working autonomy and reduce times for water filling; - the drying unit, consisting of a squeegee, whose shape is of basic importance, and of a suction motor, which influences the work performance and quality; - the type of power supply, usually with 24 to 36 Volt batteries or with 220 - 230 Volt mains supply, which influences the autonomy of operation, the work performance, the number of possible cleaning procedures during the machine life and, therefore, maintenance; - the traction motor on automatic models, influences the work performance.
What are the main applications of a scrubber-dryer?
A really valuable machine with great power and versatility, scrubber-dryers are suitable for cleaning any type of paved floor, indoors as well as outdoors: - ceramic; - marble; - cement; - linoleum; - bolted; - porcelain-effect gres; and every type of dirt. It can be used every day - in which case the use and purchase of a professional model is recommended - or less frequently. In case of especially "stubborn" and tough dirt (turnery dirt), sludge, grease, vehicle tread marks, solid work residues, etc.) special equipment is recommended: from tynex brushes, to the sweeping-scrubbing unit, cylindrical brushes or specific squeegee rubbers. Nowadays, scrubber-dryers are of exclusive importance among floor-cleaning machines: they are in fact used in every sector, in public as well as private environments such as: - industrial sites; - communities and schools, offices, religious buildings, hospitals, public buildings, airports, harbours; - shopping centres, logistics centres; - cleaning contractors and multi-service firms.
How many types of scrubber-dryers are there on the market?
On the market there are two main types of scrubber-dryers: the walk-behind, that is pushed by the operator, and the ride-on, where the operator rides on them and they are more suitable for medium-large surfaces. There are other differences regarding the scrubbing system, the supply system and the type of traction. In the following there's a list of the features you can find on both categories of machine: Walk behind - working width from 35 cm up to approximately 100 cm; - power supply with cable or 24/36 Volt battery; - mechanical drive or with electrical traction; - separated tanks, with membrane or with dividing filter (the latter are less common); - scrubbing unit with disk brush/brushes (1 to 3) or pad/pads / sweeping-scrubbing unit with brush/brushes; Ride-on - working width from 65 cm up to approximately 150 cm; - power supply with 24/36 Volt battery, diesel or gasoline fuel; - drive with electrical/electronic traction; - separated tanks, with membrane or with recycling system (these last two are less common); - scrubbing unit with disk brushes (2 or 3)/ sweeping-scrubbing unit with cylindrical brush/brushes (1 or 2) / sweeping unit with cylindrical brush/brushes (1 or 2) on the back of the scrubbing unit / pre-sweeping unit with cylindrical brush/brushes (1 or 2) on the front of the scrubbing unit (these last two are less common)
What is a scrubber-dryer and how does it work?
A scrubber-dryer is a combined automatic machine which can be either pushed, self-moving or ride-on. It has a front scrubbing unit and a rear drying unit and it cleans the floors by means of the mechanical abrasive action of one or more rotating brushes and the emulsifying action of a water-detergent solution. It is fitted with a tank for solution water with a varying detergent percentage according to the type of dirt or of product to be used. When moving forward the machine drips the solution onto the brushes which, thanks to their mechanical rotating action, scrub the surface thoroughly and remove all dirt. At the same time, at the back of the machine, a squeegee has the task of collecting the water-detergent solution together with the dirt and conveying them, by means of a suction system, into a proper tank, which is separated from the fresh water tank, and is called recovery tank. Water used for scrubbing is usually at room temperature or lukewarm. The machine cannot be filled with water which is too hot.
What is a Duplex floor scrubber?
A Duplex is an all-in-one Floor Scrubber / Washer / Dryer that thoroughly cleans floors simultaneously washing, agitating and extracting. It now comes with a specifically designed transport trolley to give even more cleaning efficiency.