Safety is always a primary concern within many modern manufacturing sites. Whether referring to automated production facilities or manned operating plants, the fact of the matter is that the condition of the floors needs to be taken very seriously.

It is therefore quite common to employ modern scrubbers and sweepers in order to ensure that no hazards are present. Still, there are a variety of different configurations and models to choose from.

How can you make the most informed and cost-effective selection while still ensuring superior cleaning capacity?

Considering the Dimensions of the Environment

Many manufacturing facilities are associated with a rather large dimensional footprint. This is arguably one of the most important metrics to address well in advance.

The size of the cleaning path is therefore critical. Many professionals recommend ride-on units due to their ability to handle larger areas with a greater sense of efficiency when compared to walk-behind models.

Let’s also remember that automated controls and propulsion ensure that workers will not fatigue over time.

Identifying Potential On-Site Hazards in Advance

Certain manufacturing environments are associated with unique hazards such as:

  • Combustible gases
  • Flammable liquids
  • Fine airborne particulate matter such as dust

Certain industrial hoovers have been engineered with these variables in mind. Thus, risks such as accidental sparks are prevented due to their configuration. Be certain to identify any in-house hazards during the selection process.

Manoeuvrability

There can likewise be times when industrial floor scrubbers will be required to negotiate tight turns (such as around hallways or the periphery of a CNC machine).

This will often dictate that a unit will a smaller turning radius is the best option. Of course, Clean Hire offers trusted brand names in a number of different sizes.

You can, therefore, tackle challenging spaces while simultaneously ensuring a superior level of cleanliness.

If you are still uncertain which model to select or should you have any other questions, one of our representatives will be more than happy to spend a few moments discussing your options. Please contact us at your convenience.

Contemporary floor sweeping machines have been engineered to deal with multiple challenging environments. From large factory floors to commercial entrances that require a more delicate touch, the sheer versatility of these units can suit even the most demanding of requirements.

While many articles focus upon their cleaning capabilities, relatively few address the subject of weather. How might the colder seasons of the year impact their performance? Let’s take a look at what types of configurations are best suited for cold conditions.

Accessories Designed for Both Indoor and Outdoor Uses

One excellent way to determine if an industrial hoover is built for cold environments is to choose one which is designed for both indoor and outdoor uses. These variants will often be associated with a more robust build in mind; completely suitable when the temperatures begin to fall.

However, it is still important to determine the minimum operating temperatures associated with the model in question before committing to a purchase or a hire service.

The Critical Importance of Detergents and Cleaning Solutions

This is one of the most overlooked and critical factors to highlight. Many polymer-based detergents will break down in cold weather. Not only can this reduce the cleaning power of the machine, but issues such as clogs may occur.

Read the owner’s manual to determine which types of solutions can be used with the cleaning machine in order to avoid any maintenance problems.

Cold-Start Capabilities and Other Features

Check to see what weather-specific amenities are associated with the industrial floor sweeper. Can it be started when temperatures drop below freezing or will the power of the battery be placed in jeopardy?

Are the scrubbing brushes, hoses, squeegees, and other critical components designed to be used in colder environments?

Reliability is always important when choosing a cleaning machine that is engineered to withstand colder conditions. Thankfully, Cleanhire UK supplies a vast array of configurations to choose from and many of these can be used in an outdoors environment.

If you have additional concerns about functionality, please feel free to contact one of our specialists directly.

Industrial vacuum cleaners are often used to clean environments that might not be suitable for more delicate models. Examples include warehouses, large commercial showrooms and construction sites.

There are several factors to consider before purchase to make certain that the correct configuration will be chosen. Let us examine four variables.

The Duty Cycle

The duty cycle is one of the first points to address when hiring an industrial hoover. A duty cycle is defined as how long the unit is designed to operate before it will require maintenance.

In other words, machines intended to operate within busy environments should always be associated with longer duty cycles (sometimes as long as 2,500 hours or more).

The Type of Environment

Industrial cleaners are suited for multiple types of work environments. However, some are specifically designed to be used within harsh and/or dangerous conditions.

Examples include areas associated with flammable gases or locations that might exist close to caustic chemicals. Be sure to determine whether the model in question is equipped with the appropriate safety features (such as spark-free ignition systems) in order to minimise the chances of an accident.

Filtration Systems

The type of filtration system will depend upon the materials that are being removed from the floor. Some filters offer extremely fine mesh; ideal when dealing with particulate matter such as silicate dust.

Also, check to see how often the filter will need to be cleaned. Some can be manually maintained while others may need to be replaced.

Purchases Versus Machine Hire Services

Many industrial hoovers are extremely expensive to purchase outright. This is why it could be a good idea to employ the hire services offered by Cleanhire. Numerous models and configurations are offered, so tackling even challenging environments will normally not present an issue. Machine hire is also the most cost-effective option in order to accommodate a tight budget.

Leveraging the benefits of an industrial vacuum is always a reality if you know what to take into account well in advance. Please feel free to refer back to this article as a guide during the selection process.

There are several hazards associated with construction sites that might not be present within other locations such as a commercial environment. From silica dust and scrap metal to nails and small pieces of wood, it is important to understand which type of machines should be used with this type of debris.

Are certain configurations better than others? Let us examine some factors to keep in mind so that the correct unit can be employed for the task at hand.

Addressing the Debris in Question

The good news is that modern floor sweepers are built to last and designed to face tough on-site conditions. However, not all are intended for outdoor uses. One of the first issues to assess is the type of construction debris that needs to be addressed.

Will the machine be required to deal with smaller particulate matter or are larger materials present? This can help you to determine which model boasts the proper cleaning mechanisms as well as if certain parts (such as a sweeping unit or a squeegee) might be damaged during the cleaning process.

The Size of the Area

Floor sweeping machines are generally available in two configurations:

  • Walk-behind models.
  • Ride-on variants.

Ride-on sweepers tend to be heavier and more robust; perfectly suited if you happen to be dealing with a large environment (such as a newly built warehouse).

Walk-behind models may be more nimble due to their size. This is important to consider when dealing with tight spaces such as walkways and stairwells.

Important Accessories

Due to the demanding nature of construction sites, it is wise to choose a machine equipped with optional add-on accessories. For example, extra sweeping heads can be used to deal with more challenging cleanup tasks. More robust filters (such as cloth variants) are excellent when dealing with fine airborne particulate matter.

No task is too large or too small when working with the professionals at Cleanhire UK. Not only do we supply all of the most trusted brand names in the industry, but our machine hire service is often a welcome alternative for those who may be on a budget. Please contact us to learn more about what is in store.

Modern floor sweepers function as finely tuned machines. They consist of hundreds of different parts and each one must work in synergy with the others in order to produce effective results.

However, some accessories play crucial roles when dealing with large commercial and industrial surfaces. Let us look at four major parts within a floor sweeper as well as the actions which are performed by each.

Vacuum Motors

Vacuum motors are essentially the powerhouses within any machine. Each of the models associated with our floor sweeper hire services rely upon these motors in order to remove dirt and debris from the floor below.

Besides providing power to the unit itself, vacuum motors also create the air pressure needed so that any loose materials can be sucked up and stored within the internal reservoir.

Power Supplies and Accessories

While some floor sweepers will rely upon mains electricity to function, a growing number of models are supplied with internal batteries.

The main advantage here is that these units are more mobile and they can be operated for hours at a time before needing to be recharged.

Other units work off of a combination of batteries and mains power supplies. Of course, the exact configuration will be determined by the location to be cleaned, its size and your unique requirements.

Brushes and Scrubbing Heads

Brushes and scrubbing heads play crucial roles within any sweeper. The mechanical action of these parts and the introduction of cleaning solutions will help to remove even the most stubborn dirt and grime.

As you may have imagined, there are a variety of scrubbing heads and brushes to choose from.

Each has been designed to deal with a specific type of surface, so it is wise to speak with one of our team members to learn more.

Squeegees

Squeegees are placed towards the rear of the scrubbing machine and they are meant to dry the floor surface once it has been scrubbed. Removing excess moisture and water also ensures that the area can be used again within a short period of time. This is often crucial within locations such as warehouses and sales floors.

Floor scrubbing and sweeping machines are truly modern marvels in terms of their unique functions and innovative designs.

The good news is that you can choose from a plethora of makes and models when working in conjunction with the experts at Cleanhire UK.

Tennant floor sweepers are recognised throughout the industry for unsurpassed levels of efficiency and their ability to deal with challenging environments.

However, appreciating a handful of operational guidelines is crucial if you hope to enjoy all that they have to offer. This is also critical in regards to on-site safety. Let us therefore quickly examine some steps to follow at all times.

Initial Steps

Before operating modern industrial floor sweepers, it is important to remove any large debris from the area to be cleaned. This material can become clogged within the machine and cause damage to its internal parts.

Then, be sure to plan your route carefully. It is best to operate the machine in long, parallel paths along the floor. This will maximise its efficiency while ensuring that no sections are missed.

Powering Up the Unit

Once you have addressed the previous recommendations, you will need to power up the machine. There are several steps which are included here:

  • Increase the speed of the engine.
  • Activate the vacuum fan.
  • Lower the brushes so that they make contact with the floor.
  • Release the parking brake.
  • Depress the propel pedal to begin moving forward.

It is wise to write this checklist down and place it on the dashboard for quick reference; particularly if you are not familiar with the Tennant series.

Turning Off the Floor Sweeper

Once the cleaning task has been completed, you will need to power down the machine. Here are the sequential steps to follow:

  • Release the propel pedal and depress the brake.
  • Raise the brushes.
  • Lower the engine RPM.
  • Deactivate the vacuum fan.
  • Activate the dust filter shaker system.

Finally, never leave this machine or any other floor sweeper unattended when not in use.

Safety Guidelines

Be sure to pay attention when reversing; particularly within locations associated with foot traffic or dangerous equipment.

Always reduce speed when addressing inclines or declines, as this will enable you to maintain adequate control of the unit.

When in doubt, consult with the operational manual or speak with a trained technician at Cleanhire UK Ltd.

The main takeaway point is that operating these modern floor sweepers will require a handful of preparatory steps.

However, the end results, as well as the technology at your disposal both, offer countless benefits.

Industrial floor scrubbers serve a variety of roles within modern commercial and industrial environments. Not only are they able to tackle numerous cleaning challenges, but they help to ensure higher levels of safety. However, there are many different units to choose from.

The efficiency of these machines will often be based upon the type of scrubber heads present. This is important, as different surfaces may require different cleaning techniques. Let us look at three of the most common scrubbing heads as well as when each is generally used.

Disk-Style Heads

This is arguably the most common type of head and it features prominently within the scrubber dryer hire services offered by our firm. Disk heads leverage the power of mechanical rotation and the presence of a cleaning agent to remove material from a floor. This variety is best used on smooth surfaces (such as stone, concrete or marble).

Cylindrical Heads

In this configuration, a tube-style cylinder rotates parallel to the underlying floor. There are numerous brushes which have been embedded around the tube and these are used to effectively remove particulate matter.

Many scrubbing machines also have some type of collection tray or pan located behind the rotating tube that is used to pick up larger pieces of debris.

The main benefit here is that users will not normally be required to sweep or mop the location prior to scrubbing the floor. Another takeaway point to mention is that cylindrical heads are ideally suited for dealing with uneven surfaces.

Square Oscillating Heads

The positioning of a square oscillating head is virtually identical to the disk-shaped variant mentioned earlier. The main difference is that as opposed to spinning, the scrubbing head will oscillate at a much faster speed.

This is often required when removing much more durable materials from a floor such as varnish. The shape of the head is likewise perfect for reaching into corners and other crevasses that disk heads might otherwise miss.

So, we can see that each of these varieties is developed with a unique application in mind. This is why it is best to speak with a specialist in order to determine which one is best suited for a specific task.

If you would like to learn more about your options or to appreciate the different floor scrubbers available, please take a few moments to contact a representative at Cleanhire.

Effectively cleaning industrial floors is essential in terms of sanitation as well as general safety. However, these environments are often difficult to tackle due to their size as well as the types of surfaces to be addressed.

This is why a quick how-to guide can prove to be quite useful in order to appreciate the basic steps that should be taken. Let us break this process down into easily digestible sections.

Taking the Dimensions Into Account

It is best to split larger floor spaces into more easily manageable sections. This will ensure that all areas are cleaned while avoiding time-wasting problems such as overlapping what has already been addressed. Look at a general floor plan and mark off specific sections to be cleaned.

Preparatory Steps

Be sure to manually remove any large debris (such as bolts, glass or loose pieces of metal) before employing a floor cleaning machine. While there is no doubt that the industrial hoovers supplied by our company are built to last, keep in mind that not all have the ability to deal with large pieces of detritus or rubbish. This is why it is a good idea to personally walk through the area to be cleaned well in advance.

Selecting the Right Scrubber Head

Different scrubber heads are selected based upon the type of surface to be cleaned. For example, disk-style heads are best when dealing with smooth and flat floors (such as the concrete floors associated with a warehouse).

Uneven surfaces can be tackled through the use of a cylindrical scrubber head. Square oscillating variants may be employed to remove paint, varnish ad similarly stubborn materials.

Effective Cleaning Techniques

Most experts recommend beginning within the centre of an area and working towards the periphery. Pay particular attention to corners and difficult angles, as these areas tend to gather dirt over time.

Choose the best scrubbing machine configuration (such as a walk-behind or ride-on model) so that the task can be effectively completed within a timely fashion. Finally, be sure to place warning placards and similar signage so that no unauthorised personnel enter.

The professionals at Cleanhire UK are more than happy to provide further assistance when required. Also, keep in mind that we offer a variety of floor scrubbers and hoovers to choose from.

Your needs are therefore covered. In order to obtain additional advice when dealing with industrial floors, please contact us directly.

Industrial environments will require that their floors are properly maintained at all times. However, it can often be difficult to know how to efficiently tackle such tasks; particularly if you are dealing with a larger area. What are some sure-fire preparatory tips to keep in mind so that even large projects will be completed within an amenable time frame?

Cordoning Off the Area to be Cleaned

Keep in mind that industrial locations are normally associated with their own hazards. Unexpected foot traffic and the presence of heavy machinery are two common examples.

This is why the area to be cleaned should be properly cordoned off so that no accidents occur during the process. High-visibility traffic cones, safety tape and strobe lights are some common options to consider.

Removing Loose Dirt and Debris

Any scrubber dryer hire service will make it clear that the floor should be free from large pieces of dirt and debris.

Not only can larger materials cause issues with filtration systems, but the cleaning process itself will take longer.

Split the Floor Into Easily Manageable Sections

This next suggestion is particularly useful if you happen to be dealing with larger environments. As opposed to trying to tackle a project in a single time period, it is better to break the floor down into segments. This enables you to compartmentalise your efforts and to keep track of your progress.

Remove any Obstacles and/or Equipment from the Area

In the event that equipment or machinery happens to be present, it is best to remove these items until the cleaning project has been completed.

This will enable you to access hard-to-reach areas and you can remain confident in the fact that all sections can be properly addressed.

Removing Loose Dirt and Debris

Please note that this is only a general overview of the steps that should be taken to properly clean an industrial environment.

The experts at Cleanhire UK will be happy to help if you have additional questions.

The history of electrically powered floor sweeping machines can be traced back to the early 1900s. Known as “divided weight” models, the bulk of the weight was placed upon their rear wheels.

The main drawback here was that these machines lacked sufficient speed; a very real problem when addressing larger environments such as warehouses and industrial locations.

Still, this was much better than applying carnauba wax and polishing a floor by hand. The good news is that things were about to change.

Even Weight Distribution

It did not take long for the average industrial floor sweeper manufacturer to realise that an even weight distribution would provide more power to the underlying cleaning heads.

Thus, we witnessed the birth of the “swing machine”; a unit which focused its weight upon the brushes contained within the centre of the unit.

Further advancements were made with the advent of variable-speed models. These entered into the marketplace during the latter half of the 1950s.

The main benefit in regards to this improvement is that they were able to tackle different types of surfaces. Furthermore, variable-speed units were much easier to manipulate than their predecessors.

Entering Into Modern Times

As floor polishes became more advanced, it was necessary for industrial cleaners to offer high rotational speeds. Speeds as high as 1,000 rotations per minute were commonplace by the 1970s.

When combined with more robust and durable cleaning pads, it is clear to appreciate why these machines had become integral portions of many commercial and industrial environments.

This very same sense of momentum has carried over into the 21st century. Precise computerised controls, numerous attachments, voluminous reservoirs, and speeds of over 2,000 rotations per minute have all become commonplace. It will be quite interesting to see what the future has in store.

In order to appreciate the current line of floor cleaning machines at your disposal, please feel free to call Cleanhire UK and speak with one of our customer service specialists.