Keeping your commercial floor machine in good working condition is essential for several reasons:
- It helps to ensure that your floors are clean and presentable.
- It can help extend the life of your equipment.
- It can save you money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs.
When you buy a commercial floor machine, you’re investing. But that doesn’t mean it will last forever with just a little maintenance here and there.
You need to actively monitor and care for your commercial floor machine if you want it to continue working at peak performance for as long as possible. Commercial floor machines are large pieces of equipment that use different chemicals and heaters to clean and restore the appearance of various types of floors.
They’re not something you can just put in the corner and forget about until the next time they need cleaning. If you want yours to keep running efficiently, follow these tips to maintain your commercial floor machine so that it lasts for years.
Why Do You Need To Maintain A Commercial Floor Machine?
Commercial floor cleaning equipment such as floor scrubbers, buffers, and polishers are built to withstand the daily rigors of commercial cleaning. But that doesn’t mean they don’t require some maintenance to keep them running at peak performance.
Over time, the moving parts on a floor machine can become worn down, impacting the quality of your cleanings. Additionally, the build-up of dirt and grime on the machine can lead to problems with its functions.
That’s why it’s crucial to perform regular maintenance on your commercial floor machine to keep it running smoothly.
When Should You Maintain Your Commercial Floor Machine?
Most commercial floor machines have a schedule for recommended maintenance tasks that should be performed at specific intervals. This schedule is typically based on how often the machine is used.
For example, if you use your commercial floor machine daily, you’ll need to perform maintenance tasks more frequently than if you only use it once a week. Additionally, some commercial floor machines require more frequent maintenance than others.
Consult your owner’s manual or the manufacturer to determine the recommended schedule for your specific model.
What Kind Of Maintenance Does A Commercial Floor Machine Need?
The type of maintenance your commercial floor machine needs will vary depending on the model and make. However, some general maintenance tasks should be performed on all commercial floor machines regularly, such as:
Cleaning
Over time, dirt and grime can build up on your commercial floor machine, impacting its performance. Be sure to clean the machine regularly, especially in areas like the brushes and pads.
Dirty water on the solution tank of the floor scrubber can also lead to problems, so be sure to empty and refill it as needed.
The squeegee blade, brushes, and pads are on a commercial floor scrubber.
Calibrating
Most commercial floor machines must be calibrated periodically to ensure they work correctly. This process involves making sure the brushes and pads are the correct size and shape for your machine and checking the pressure settings, so they are in top shape.
Inspection
Take the time to inspect your commercial floor machine regularly, looking for signs of wear and tear. If you notice anything that doesn’t look right, contact a professional for repairs. A repair service can also thoroughly inspect your machine to identify any potential issues.
Lubrication
Most commercial floor machines require lubrication at specific intervals. This helps to keep the moving parts working properly and can extend the life of your machine.
Walk-behind floor scrubbers typically need to be lubricated every 50 hours, while ride-on floor scrubbers require lubrication every 100 hours.
Replacement Parts
Wear and tear are inevitable with any type of commercial floor machine. Eventually, you’ll need to replace certain parts, such as brushes and pads.
Consult your owner’s manual or the manufacturer to determine what parts need to be replaced and how often. The recovery tank on a floor scrubber may also need to be replaced periodically.
Maintenance Tips For Floor Cleaning Machines
Janitorial equipment should be cleaned and well-maintained regularly to ensure peak performance. Here are some tips to help you keep your commercial floor machine running smoothly:
Monitor And Check Your Equipment Regularly.
One of the best ways to maximize the efficiency and lifespan of your commercial floor machine is to monitor its performance regularly. In the early stages of use, check pressure gauges, recovery tanks, chemical levels, and heating elements to determine if everything is in order.
Follow up by recording the readings and noting if anything seems amiss. After each use, clean your machine thoroughly to remove all traces of chemical deposits and dirt. Be sure to give the external parts a visual inspection as well.
Look for signs of damage or wear, such as cracks in plastic parts or fraying in the wiring. Also, check the machine for areas where dirt or debris may be caught between the moving parts.
Change Your Filters Regularly.
When you clean your machine after each use, check and replace any filters or cloths that come in contact with the cleaning solution. If you’re using a cyclonic machine, check to see if the filter needs to be replaced after each use.
If you’re using disposable cloths, replace them after about five uses. For the dust collection bag, replace it with a new one after about 20 uses. Other debris, such as hair, can also build up in the vacuum hose. To clean it, disconnect the hose and use a brush to remove any blockages.
Check And Add Chemical Solution Frequently.
Chemicals are a crucial part of the cleaning process. Be sure to regularly check the levels of your commercial floor machine’s cleaning solution. If it becomes too low, you risk damaging your machine or not cleaning the floors thoroughly.
If it’s too high, you’ll waste money. If you’re using a chemical dispenser with a level indicator, check it after each use. If you’re using a bucket, clean it out and replenish the cleaning solution after about five uses.
When cleaning your machine, check for leaks in the hoses that lead to the chemical tank. If there are any leaks, replace the hose immediately.
Battery Charge And Care
If your commercial floor machine is battery-operated, charge it after each use. Depending on the type of battery, you may need to charge it for eight hours or overnight. If you notice the battery isn’t holding a charge as long as it used to, it may be time to replace it.
Rotate Belts
As you’re cleaning your commercial floor machine, take a moment to rotate the brush rolls. This will help ensure they are not becoming warped or frayed. If they show signs of wear, replace them.
The same goes for the belts that drive the brush rolls. Check them regularly for signs of wear and tear. If they’re showing signs of damage, replace them.
Add Lubrication Points
As you’re cleaning your machine, be sure to check for lubrication points. Look for areas such as the hinges on the tank or the axles where the brush rolls are attached.
Some of these areas may be beginning to collect dust and dirt. If you notice this, clean them thoroughly and apply a light silicone spray coating to prevent this from happening again.
Rotate Your Commercial Floor Machine’s Brushes
As you check for lubrication points, also check the brushes on the rotating floor head. Replace them if they are starting to fray or show signs of wear. You can buy replacement brushes online or at your local commercial floor machine supplier.
Remember, these brushes are used to scrub away dirt, grime, and tough stains from your floors. As they are used, they begin to fray and lose their effectiveness. By rotating your brushes every month, you can ensure they stay in good shape and are ready when you need them.
Clean The Machine After Each Use
As you clean your machine after each use, be sure to clean all the external parts as well. This includes the handles, pump, and tank. Make sure to use a cleaning solution that is made just for commercial floor machines.
You can find this at most commercial floor machine suppliers. When you clean the machine, check for any leaks in the hosing. If you find any, replace them immediately.
Check & Change The Oil
Your commercial floor machine needs oil to run properly like any other machine. Check the oil level after each use. If it’s low, add a new bottle. If it’s high, clean off any residue to avoid damaging the machine. Check the level with each oil change if your machine takes synthetic oil. If it takes conventional oil, then check it every few months.
Rotate Your Hosing And Use Fresh Pads
It’s not uncommon for the hosing on your machine to become clogged with dirt and grime over time. Make sure to check the hoses regularly for signs of clogging.
If the hosing clogs regularly, try switching to a lightweight rubber hose. As you check the hosing, also check the floor pads. If they’re worn down, it may be time to replace them with new ones.
Conclusion
Commercial floor machines are used to clean and restore the appearance of many different types of floors. Because they’re machines, you need to actively monitor and care for them if you want them to last. With proper care and maintenance, your commercial floor machine will last for years and provide great results for your floors.
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