What is a Commercial Sweeper?
All businesses share the same goals of maintaining high standards for hygiene and cleanliness while maintaining operation efficiency.
Routine cleaning can become a massive time suck, though, with traditional push brooms being inefficient. The truth is, they don’t do a great job of cleaning, either, leaving behind plenty of dirt and debris. The good news? Investing in a commercial floor sweeper machine can help.
What is a commercial sweeper, though, and why is it worth adding to your arsenal?
This beginner’s guide will answer all your floor sweeper questions, from the different types of machines to common applications, budget considerations, and tips on choosing the right solution.
Let’s cut to the chase, though. Reach out today if you’re ready to upgrade your cleaning results and productivity. SweepScrub is your trusted choice for a commercial floor sweeper from the most trusted brands in the industry. Find out why today!
What is a Commercial Sweeper?
So what is a commercial sweeper exactly? These machines quickly remove dust, dirt, debris, and even larger materials from floors in large, high-traffic areas.
While traditional methods such as brooms and vacuums have their place, they just don’t cut it in larger areas where productivity is of the utmost importance. Sure, they’ll still work well in the nooks and crannies - but warehouses, factories, schools, and gyms need more efficiency.
That’s the appeal of a sweeper. They’re equipped with rotating brushes or a combination of brushes and suction systems to sweep up debris and store it in a collection bin for easy disposal. Here’s an overview of all the key components:
- Sweeping system
- Suction system
- Filtration system
- Filter cleaning system
- Debris hopper
- Dumping system
Each of these systems works in synergy to pick up debris in a manner that allows for easy disposal when the job is finished. The end result is clean, tidy, and most importantly, safe floors.
These machines work best on hard surfaces like concrete, tile, and asphalt but some models can also be used on certain types of carpet. Across all these scenarios they serve the same purpose of saving time and reducing manual labor.
Different Types of Commercial Floor Sweepers
The reason any application can benefit from investing in a floor sweeper is because there are so many different types available. Whether you’re trying to clean massive warehouses or work through tight corridors, you’ll have no trouble finding the optimal machine for your needs.
Walk-Behind Sweepers
These compact, highly maneuverable machines are perfect for smaller spaces or areas with obstacles like furniture or shelving.
They’re usually battery-powered with rotating brushes working to gather debris into a collection bin. These sweepers are great for retail stores, small warehouses, office spaces, schools, and many other applications.
Ride-On Sweepers
These larger, more powerful machines are designed for the most extensive floor areas. The main difference is the operator gets to sit down while the machine does the manual work. They just steer it in the right direction and control its operation.
This makes ride-on models perfect for large factories, shopping malls, and distribution centers where covering a large surface area quickly is important. They’re most often powered by batteries, but some models may use diesel, propane, or another fuel source.
Manual Sweepers
If you don’t have particularly large spaces to clean but still want to improve cleanliness and efficiency, a rudimentary manual sweeper might be exactly what you need.
These don’t require a power source. Instead, the movement of the machine along the floor is what turns the brushes and collects debris. They’re really cost-effective, but basic - you may find they fall short depending on the size of your facility and the extent of debris to clean.
Sweeper Scrubber Combos
There’s a unique type of machine that offers the best of both worlds - the floor sweeper scrubber. These sweep the floor of dirt and debris before scrubbing with a chemical cleaning solution for the most efficient, effective cleaning results imaginable.
This means if you have not just dry messes but also deep-seated stains, you can take care of them in a single pass without having to waste time or invest in two separate pieces of equipment.
We have a more detailed guide on what are sweepers and scrubbers used for in our blog if you’d like to learn more about this style. But speaking of use cases, what is a commercial sweeper used for most frequently?
Common Applications for Commercial Floor Sweepers
We mean it when we say just about any operation can benefit from investing in a commercial floor sweeper. Ask yourself: do you have frequent messes that can cause reputational or safety issues? Is productivity important to you?
If you answered yes to either of these questions, you need a floor sweeper! Here are some of the most common applications for these revolutionary cleaning machines.
- Warehouses and Distribution Centers: Debris, dust, and dirt accumulate quickly in these settings, but sweepers maintain clean, safe aisles and floors, reducing the risk of accidents from slips or forklift debris.
- Retail Stores and Shopping Malls: Constant foot traffic means keeping floors free of dirt and litter is of the utmost importance. Sweepers quickly and efficiently clean shopping areas, providing customers with a safe, pleasant experience that keeps them coming back for more.
- Manufacturing and Industrial Facilities: These environments generate significant dust and debris, especially if they rely on heavy machinery. Keep these areas clean and safe with a sweeper, improving workplace hygiene and minimizing risks simultaneously.
- Parking Lots and Outdoor Spaces: Ride-on sweepers with larger debris collection capacities are perfect for parking lots, garages, and walkways. They can handle everything from dust to leaves, trash, and gravel, maintaining a clean and welcoming environment.
- Schools and Educational Facilities: These require consistent cleaning to maintain hygiene and safety. Commercial sweepers keep hallways, cafeterias, and gym floors free of debris, reducing allergens and preventing accidents.
- Healthcare Facilities: It goes without saying that maintaining cleanliness and hygiene is critical in these settings. Sweepers with HEPA filters can collect fine dust particles and allergens to ensure clean floors and a safe, sterile environment for patients and staff alike.
These are just a few of the many scenarios in which a commercial floor sweeper can help.
We have more resources on specific cleaning applications in our blog like how to clean school floors, how to clean commercial tile floors, how to clean commercial kitchen floor, how to clean concrete floors, how to clean a commercial freezer floor, how to clean a warehouse floor, how to clean rubber gym floor, and more.
How Long Do These Machines Last?
With all the use you put your machine through it’ll take on quite a bit of wear and tear. Proper floor sweeper maintenance will go a long way in enhancing longevity, but still, certain components will start to go bad with age.
So, how long can a floor sweeper battery last? This is usually the most costly component to replace, and you can expect anywhere from 2-5+ years of use from yours depending on how you care for it and the technology behind the battery.
Other components, like pads and brushes, will need to be replaced more frequently. The vacuum system is its own story. We often see machines as a whole last well over a decade depending on the manufacturer and the owner’s usage patterns, though.
Not all manufacturers create the same quality of equipment, though. It’s worth paying a bit more for the best industrial floor sweeper to get a longer useful life and thus a more impressive ROI. Speaking of which, are these machines really worth the money?
Is it Worth the Investment?
A really solid push broom can cost anywhere from $20-50. What is a commercial floor sweeper going to run you? The cheapest manual models start at a few hundred dollars.
The average battery-powered machine will cost a few thousand dollars, with ride-on models easily exceeding $10,000+. For context, the most expensive machine in our catalog right now is priced at $80,000.
The point is, these are expensive. But trust us when we say they’re worth every penny. You can often tie a direct ROI to this investment, too.
Think about what the machine is doing for you - reduced labor costs, faster cleaning times, and the ability to maintain a consistently high standard of cleanliness. This can save you money while helping improve your reputation among customers who visit your business.
Remember, the right approach to floor maintenance also preserves your flooring and helps you avoid costly replacements there as well. All things considered, yes, these are worth the investment. You can finance the purchase if you’re worried about the price tag, too.
Choosing the Right Commerical Sweeper for Your Floor Type and Messes
If you’re ready to see for yourself what a difference a commercial floor sweeper can make in your arsenal, it’s important to do your research. Weigh your options and make sure the machine meets your needs and is compatible with your flooring type.
Different types of concrete, vinyl, finished wood, and tile all have different characteristics. The last thing you want is to cause more harm than good and damage the flooring.
On the other hand, different types of messes call for different levels of suction and sweeping. Consider what you clean up the most - is it dust, dirt, leaves, or something heavier?
From there you can start to consider the size and layout of your facility to determine how big a sweeper you need and whether a ride-on or walk-behind model will suit you best.
It’s not just about choosing the biggest machine within your budget. In some cases, a bigger machine will actually be suboptimal - like if you need to prioritize maneuverability in tight spaces. A walk-behind model with a smaller cleaning path width will be a better choice.
Always do your due diligence before buying a machine to make sure the manufacturer in question is known for producing high-quality, reliable equipment.
You can’t go wrong with brands like Tennant, Viper, Clarke, Karcher, Tornado, or Nilfisk. Check the warranty details on any machine you’re considering to make sure your purchase is protected.
As far as where you actually buy your commercial sweeper, look into customer reviews that speak to the level of support available. The last thing you want is to have trouble accessing help when troubleshooting your machine or navigating a warranty claim.
The good news? Your search for a commercial walk behind floor sweeper or industrial ride-on sweepers for sale backed by world-class customer service ends here at SweepScrub!
Get in Touch With SweepScrub to Learn More and Elevate Your Cleaning Process!
Our company has come to be known as the #1 choice for all things commercial cleaning. We offer the best selection from the most trusted brands in the industry at low prices with top-tier service every step of the way. What more could you ask for?
Whether you’re in need of a compact walk-behind sweeper for small spaces or a powerful ride-on machine for industrial areas, we’ve got you covered. You can also consider one of our commercial floor scrubber models or a sweeper scrubber.
Either way, you’re elevating your cleaning process with the most efficient, high-performance machines on the market. We have close working relationships with the industry’s most trusted manufacturers so we always have the latest and greatest at unbeatable prices.
If you want to learn more about how a sweeper can save you time, money, and stress, or you’re ready to hear a few product recommendations, get in touch. Our team is on standby ready to help. Take advantage of our hassle-free financing today!
Wrapping Up Our Beginner’s Guide to Commercial Sweeper Machines
So, what is a commercial sweeper? In closing, these machines are the key to unlocking peak productivity and cleanliness across a wide variety of industries and applicatons.
They don’t just move dirt and debris around like a traditional broom does. Instead, they suck it up in a single pass, leaving surfaces looking impeccable while protecting against health and safety risks associated with dirty floors.
In short, these are one of the best investments you can make in your cleaning arsenal.
Our blog has more resources on topics like how to fix a floor sweeper, sweeping vs vacuuming, factory floor cleaning, how to change pads on floor scrubber, and a whole lot more.
But remember that whether you’re looking for the best floor scrubber or the best walk-behind floor sweeper, this is your one-stop shop. With the best equipment at the lowest prices backed by exceptional service, it doesn’t get any better than SweepScrub!
Streamline your cleaning process today.