How Long Can a Floor Sweeper Battery Last?

Your floor sweeper is a powerful tool for cleaning effectively and efficiently, whether you use it in your own buildings or run a cleaning business serving other customers. 

But, nothing is more frustrating than having your process interrupted by a dead battery - especially if you don’t have a spare on hand. This can be easily avoided by remembering to charge your battery and maintaining a log of how much you’ve used it.

That being said, how long can a floor sweeper battery last between charges? More importantly, how long do floor sweeper batteries last before dying completely and needing to be replaced? 

A fully charged floor sweeper battery can typically last between 4 to 8 hours of continuous use, depending on the battery type and the machine's workload. As far as lifespan, you can reasonably expect batteries to last between 2-5 years depending on the technology.

There are so many factors influencing battery performance and longevity, though. We’ve created this quick guide to cover everything you need to know about the floor sweeper battery lifespan, including tips on preserving battery charge and prolonging battery life. 

When the time comes, SweepScrub doesn’t just have the best industrial floor sweeper machine collection - we also stock all the parts you need to keep your equipment running smoothly, including batteries! Browse our catalog or get in touch for assistance finding a replacement.

Understanding Battery Types for Floor Sweepers

The biggest determinant of how long your battery will last - both in terms of charge duration and lifespan - is the technology in question. So, let’s quickly introduce the 4 most common styles for floor sweeper batteries:

Lead Acid Batteries

One of the most common and cost-effective battery types for floor sweepers. They consist of lead plates submerged in a sulfuric acid solution, which facilitates the chemical reaction needed to produce electricity. 

These batteries are known for their reliability and affordability. However, they require regular maintenance, such as checking electrolyte levels and performing periodic equalization charges, to ensure longevity and optimal performance.

AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) Batteries

A type of sealed lead acid battery that uses absorbent glass mats to hold the electrolyte in place. This design makes them spill-proof and low maintenance.

They’re more resistant to vibration and shock compared to traditional lead acid batteries, making them a durable choice for floor sweepers that operate in rough environments. AGM batteries also offer better charge acceptance and faster charging times.

Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) Batteries

This advanced form of AGM batteries uses thin, pure lead plates to increase energy density and performance. The thin plates allow for more surface area, which enhances the battery's power output and efficiency. 

TPPL batteries are known for their high-cranking power, long cycle life, and excellent charge retention. They’re ideal for floor sweepers requiring frequent use and consistent power delivery.  They have a faster recharge rate and can handle deep discharge cycles better than others, too.

Gel Batteries

This is another type of sealed lead acid battery that uses a gelified electrolyte instead of liquid acid. The gel consistency makes these batteries highly resistant to vibration, shock, and temperature extremes. 

Gel batteries are virtually maintenance-free and are also less prone to sulfation, a common issue that can reduce battery performance over time. They’re great for floor sweepers used in environments with varying temperatures and conditions.

How Long Can a Floor Sweeper Battery Last Between Charges?

Now, let’s get to the first question at hand pertaining to battery efficiency and performance. How long can a floor sweeper battery last between charges? 

Factors Affecting Battery Duration

There are a few factors influencing how much work you can get done between charges, including:

• Battery Type: Lead acid, AGM, TPPL, and gel batteries each offer different performance levels.
• Machine Usage: Frequent starts and stops, the weight of the machine, and the type of surface being cleaned can all impact battery longevity.
• Maintenance Practices: Regular charging and appropriate storage can extend battery life. Poorly maintained batteries may lose charge more quickly.
• Battery Age: Even with regular maintenance, all batteries will degrade and hold less charge over time. A new battery will last longer between charges than an older one.
• Operational Conditions: Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity can also affect battery performance. Batteries tend to last longer in moderate conditions compared to extreme heat or cold.

So, How Long Can a Floor Sweeper Battery Last?

On average, a floor sweeper battery can last between 2 to 6 hours on a single charge. This range depends on the factors mentioned above. 

For instance, a well-maintained AGM battery used in optimal conditions may provide longer run times, whereas a lead acid battery in a high-demand environment may need recharging more frequently.

How Long Do Floor Sweeper Batteries Last Before Dying Completely?

Turning our attention to floor sweeper battery lifespan, how long do the different types of batteries last before dying and needing to be replaced? 

Factors Affecting Battery Longevity

Again, the type of battery you have, your usage patterns, and maintenance efforts all play a role in determining floor sweeper battery longevity. We’ll help you set your expectations for different battery types momentarily, but here are the other factors at play:

• Usage Patterns: Batteries used in high-demand environments with frequent deep discharges will wear out faster than those used in less demanding conditions.
• Maintenance: Regular charging, proper storage, and timely maintenance can extend the lifespan. Conversely, neglect and improper handling can shorten battery life.
• Environmental Conditions: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can adversely affect battery longevity. Batteries stored and operated in moderate climates tend to last longer.
• Charging Practices: How a battery is charged also plays a role in its longevity. Consistently allowing batteries to fully charge and avoiding partial charges can help prolong their life.

Typical Lifespan of Floor Sweeper Batteries

So, how long can a floor sweeper battery last across different technologies? Here’s a general estimate:

• Lead Acid Batteries: 2 to 5 years.
• AGM Batteries: 3 to 5 years.
• TPPL Batteries: 7 years or more.
• Gel Batteries: 18 to 24 months. 

Signs Your Battery Needs Replacement

The last thing you want is to get caught in the middle of an important cleaning cycle with a dead battery, and then have to wait a few days for a replacement to arrive. So, you need to remain vigilant for the common signs your battery is failing, such as:

• Reduced Run Time: If your floor sweeper battery isn't holding a charge as long as it used to, it may be nearing the end of its life.
• Difficulty Charging: Similarly, batteries that take longer to charge or don't reach full charge are often on the decline.
• Physical Damage: Visible signs of damage, such as cracks, leaks, or corrosion on the terminals, indicate it's time for a replacement.
• Performance Issues: Slower speeds or less suction power often point to a failing battery.
• Age: If the battery is approaching or has surpassed its typical lifespan, it’s wise to consider a replacement to avoid unexpected downtimes.

Tips for Preserving Battery Charge and Prolonging Battery Life

While there’s no getting around the need to charge batteries and eventually replace them, you can take steps to protect the performance and longevity of your floor sweeper battery. Here are some of the best ways to preserve charge and life.

Proper Charging Techniques

Many issues associated with battery degradation are the result of improper charging.

Always allow the battery to charge fully. Avoid partial charges, as incomplete charging can lead to reduced battery capacity over time. We also suggest recharging the battery before it fully drains. Deep discharges can shorten the overall lifespan of the battery.

It’s imperative that you’re using the right charger as well. Even if the charge you’re using technically fits, it could be doing more harm than good. Incompatible chargers can damage the battery or reduce its efficiency.

Remember to charge the battery in a cool, dry place too. Like we said earlier, extreme temperatures can affect charging efficiency and battery lifespan.

Regular Maintenance Practices

A bit of preventative maintenance can save you from a more costly floor sweeper repair down the road. It can also push better performance from your battery for longer.

Regularly check for corrosion or buildup on the battery terminals. Clean any corrosion with a mixture of baking soda and water, and ensure connections are tight.

Lead-acid batteries specifically need proper electrolyte levels maintained. Top up with distilled water if necessary, but avoid overfilling. They also need equalization charges performed as recommended by the manufacturer to balance the charge across all cells, extending battery life.

If storing the battery for an extended period, keep it fully charged and store it in a cool, dry place. Periodically recharge stored batteries to maintain their health. Even if you don’t use it, power could be siphoned away from it.

Periodically test the battery's voltage and overall health using a multimeter or battery tester. This helps identify potential issues early so you can get a replacement battery ordered.

Efficient Usage Strategies

Battery optimization aside, it’s a good idea to get in the habit of using your floor sweeper as efficiently as possible. Here are some tips:

• Plan Your Cleaning Routes: Reduce unnecessary stops and starts as efficient use of the machine conserves battery power.
• Avoid Overloading: Do not overload the floor sweeper with excess weight as this can strain the battery and reduce its lifespan.
• Use Eco Modes: If your machine has these modes, use them to extend battery life during less demanding cleaning tasks.
• Minimize Idle Time: Turn off the machine when not in use as prolonged idle time can drain the battery unnecessarily.
• Monitor Performance: Pay attention to the machine's performance. If you notice a decline in power or efficiency, it might indicate the need for maintenance or battery replacement.

Get Replacement Floor Sweeper Batteries at SweepScrub!

Eventually, all good things come to an end. Even the longest-lasting battery styles, charged correctly and maintained to perfection, will need to be replaced. 

When that time comes, remember that SweepScrum has you covered, whether you’re looking for the best walk behind floor sweeper battery or the best industrial floor sweeper battery. 

All our equipment - from replacement parts to the actual ride on sweepers for sale or commercial walk behind floor sweeper models - is sourced from the most trusted brands in the industry, like Tennant, Nilfisk, Clarke, and more.

This means you can rest assured you’re getting an efficient, long-lasting battery that will help you clean better, faster. Plus, our customer service team is always available to help you find the replacement battery you need.

You can also upgrade your cleaning regimen with one of our commercial floor scrubbers for sale or even a sweeper scrubber machine for the best of both worlds. This is your one-stop shop for all things commercial cleaning - shop now or get in touch for one-on-one assistance!

Closing Thoughts on Floor Sweeper Battery Lifespan

So, how long can a floor sweeper battery last? While there are so many moving pieces like the technology of your battery, usage patterns, and more, we hope this guide has left you with a clear understanding of what you can expect - and more importantly, what you can do to preserve and improve performance. 

Find additional resources on floor cleaning equipment in our blog, like the difference between a sweeper vs vacuum, factory floor cleaning, how to clean indoor concrete floors, how to clean rubber gym floors, how to use a floor scrubber machine, and more.

Otherwise, the only thing left to do now is put our tips on battery care into practice to make yours last longer - both between charges and for its lifespan as a whole. 

Just remember that when you inevitably need a replacement battery, SweepScrub has you covered with the top technologies from the most trusted brands in the industry. Invest in efficient batteries to avoid downtime today!