The area of floor that needs to be cleaned is one of the most important considerations when deciding the size of machine you need.
The smallest machines are often called micro scrubbers and are between 12 and 15 inches wide. These machines can be corded or battery powered. They are easy to use and are ideal for small areas such as convenience stores, small retail stores, or offices. They do an excellent job cleaning in small spaces but use only a few gallons of water.
Compact floor scrubbers, such as 17-inch or 20-inch walk-behind scrubbers, are very effective for a variety of applications. They are ideal for small retail stores, cafeterias, offices, convenience stores, drug stores and parts stores, or any small area of hard surface that needs to be cleaned. Also, they are easier to get in and out of tight spaces than larger scrubbers. However, they can only clean a 20-inch path at a slow speed. This equates to cleaning approximately 5,000 to 10,000 square feet per hour. For many smaller floors, this size is more than enough.
24-inch or 26-inch floor scrubbers are suitable for many facilities. This type of floor scrubber can clean approximately 10,000 to 20,000 square feet per hour. These mid-sized floor scrubbers are ideal for small grocery stores, cafeterias, auto repair or machine shops, and warehouses. This size of floor scrubber is one of the most popular models due to its versatility. Many floor cleaning and concrete polishing contractors prefer 24-inch to 26-inch floor scrubbers.
Larger sizes of walk-behind floor scrubbers are typically between 28-inch and 34-inch. These floor scrubbers can clean approximately 20,000 to 30,000 square feet per hour, making them ideal for large retail stores, grocery and warehouse-style stores, large warehouses, and aircraft hangars. They are able to cover large areas quickly and feature large solution and waste tanks, saving time and trips to the water source. These machines are the best choice for those with ample floor space.
When cleaning approximately 50,000 square feet or more, consider choosing a ride-on floor scrubber. Ride-on floor scrubbers can clean significantly more floor space per hour, and operators are more likely to use the scrubber more frequently, keeping the floors well-maintained.