Learn which type of industrial floor scrubber is best for your application. CONTACT A CONSULTANT
Industrial floor scrubbers are used to clean hard surfaces in many different industrial, commercial and public facilities. Depending on the size and maneuverability of a facility, a smaller walk-behind scrubber or a larger ride-on scrubber can be used. Each of these types of industrial floor scrubber models uses one of two scrubbing methods: disc or cylindrical. Choosing the correct power scrubber for your application can have a significant impact on the cleaning results, energy costs and labor hours required keep your facility safe and clean.
Here are some factors you should consider when deciding which type of industrial floor scrubber is right for your facility: disc scrubbers or cylindrical scrubbers.
Cylindrical Scrubbers
Cylindrical scrubbers operate using two tube shaped brushes placed parallel to one another: one in front and one in the rear. The front brush rotates forward while the rear brush rotates backward, and the front brush scrubs while the rear brush picks up small debris and throws it into a hopper situated behind the scrub head. Most industrial floor scrubbers have weep holes in the hopper that allow extra water to drain back out onto the floor where the scrubber’s squeegee directs it to the collection reservoir.
Cylindrical scrubbers typically turn at a faster rate than disc scrubbers, around 600-800 RPM, and are ideal for cleaning uneven or rough floors. These are an excellent choice for facilities with small amounts of debris, like wood shavings, metal, glass, or plastic filings. They are often used in industrial plants, manufacturing facilities, parking facilities, and food/beverage processing plants.
What sets cylindrical scrubbers apart is that they reduce the need for intensive pre-sweeping by picking up small debris as they scrub. This minimizes overall labor costs and improves the productivity of your team.
Benefits of Cylindrical Scrubbers
- Sweep while scrubbing
- Watering system leads to reduced dust in the air while sweeping
- RPM + 700
- Motor-driven brushes
- More adept at cleaning grooves and grout lines
Disc Scrubbers
Disc scrubbers use two flat pads with brushes that spin horizontally on the surface of the floor. In this method, water is dispensed in the center of the two discs which turn at approximately 300 RPM. This type of power scrubber technology delivers a great clean without the debris collection.
Some disc scrubber models use pad holders and drivers. Pad holders can be outfitted with abrasive scrubbing pads that can be used for many purposes; everything from buffing a floor to stripping off old wax. In general, disc scrubbers apply more pressure to the ground and use less water than cylindrical scrubbers. Disc scrubbers are ideal for cleaning flat and smooth floors, especially floors that are already clear of debris. They are often used in industries such as retail, education, healthcare, and other institutions that employ pre-sweeping as a standard cleaning practice.
Additionally, the versatility and cleaning performance of a disc scrubber on smooth floors provides lower solution flow rates, enabling significant savings in labor, water, and chemical solution costs. However, they do tend to require more sweeping before scrubbing.
Benefits of Disc Scrubbers
- Higher down pressure
- Useful for removing thick build-up
- Pad driver capability for polishing and buffing
- Average RPM around 300
- Gear-driven brushes
- Gimble mounted for uneven floors
Choosing the Right Industrial Floor Scrubber
Explore the difference between disc and cylindrical power floor scrubbers
Both cylindrical scrubbers and disc scrubbers have their own unique benefits. Talk to one of our knowledgeable equipment consultants today to learn which type of industrial floor scrubber is best for your application. If you’re already using a cylindrical or disc scrubber in your facility and would like guidance on which type of brush will get the best results, our experts can point you in the right direction.
ProLift has a 40+ year history of helping customers find the right solution and purchasing option for industrial cleaning equipment. Our service doesn’t stop after the purchase – our team of expert technicians are specially trained to service power sweeping and scrubbing equipment.