In the field of professional and industrial cleaning, efficiency is everything: optimising time, reducing costs and ensuring high-quality results are key priorities for any business. This is where the industrial combination machine comes into play: a solution designed to sweep and scrub in a single pass. In this article, we will explore what a combination machine is, how it works, the advantages it offers and how to select the model that best suits your operational needs.
Table of contents
- What is a combination machine for cleaning?
- How it works
- The advantages of an industrial combination machine
- Main application areas
- How to choose the right combination machine
- The Comac combination machine
- Frequently asked questions
What is a combination machine for cleaning?
An industrial combination machine is a professional cleaning solution that integrates the functions of a sweeper and a floor scrubber into a single unit. In practice, it can sweep solid debris, scrub the surface with detergent solution, and immediately dry the floor, leaving it clean and safe in just one single pass.
A combination machine is the most effective answer in situations where high productivity, time optimisation and cost efficiency are required, as it reduces the number of cleaning steps and therefore lowers water, detergent and energy consumption.
How does it work?
The real strength of a combination machine lies in its ability to operate as both a sweeper and a floor scrubber, performing a complete cleaning cycle through a single coordinated action.
The front sweeping brushes collect debris, dust and solid residues; immediately after, the central scrubbing brushes wash the surface by applying and distributing a detergent solution. Finally, the rear squeegee vacuums the dirty water, leaving the floor completely dry and ready to walk on.
The result is not simply the sum of two functions, but an operational synergy that doubles efficiency compared with using a separate sweeper and scrubber dryer, while significantly reducing cleaning time.
To see the cleaning process in action, here is the video of Combimac, the Comac combination machine designed to sweep, scrub and dry in a single pass.
The advantages of an industrial combination machine
Using an industrial combination machine offers numerous benefits, both operational and economic. From efficiency to sustainability, let’s explore the key advantages that make the combination machine a strategic solution for nearly any professional cleaning environment.
Efficiency
One machine, two integrated functions for greater efficiency. A combination machine eliminates the need for separate passes with a sweeper and a floor scrubber, reducing cleaning times and increasing productivity during every shift. Managing a single machine also means fewer pit stops for the operator and one simplified training process to learn all operating functions effectively.
Savings
A combination machine helps reduce time, costs and waste at every stage of the cleaning process. A single pass to sweep and scrub means higher productivity and lower operating costs, while the smart technologies typically integrated into these machines optimise the use of water, detergent and energy, ensuring effective and sustainable cleaning even on large surfaces. And there’s also the added benefit of purchasing one machine instead of two, resulting in further cost savings.
Deep cleaning
Thanks to the combined sweeping and scrubbing action performed in a single pass, the combination machine delivers superior results even on heavily soiled or high-traffic surfaces. Surfaces are left not only visibly clean, but free of residues and immediately ready for use.
Safety and operator comfort
Latest-generation combination machines are designed to provide safe and comfortable working conditions, reducing operator fatigue and improving the overall user experience. Managing a single machine for both sweeping and scrubbing also simplifies manoeuvring, improves control during operation and reduces the risk of accidents or operational errors.
Sustainability
Latest-generation combination machines are equipped with innovative technologies that optimise the use of water, detergent and energy. This reduces consumption, waste and indirect emissions, supporting a more sustainable cleaning process that aligns with environmental needs and corporate responsibility principles.
Main application areas
Industrial combination machines are used in all environments where large surfaces must be kept clean, safe and immediately accessible.
Their versatility makes them suitable for both routine maintenance cleaning involving light daily dirt and deep cleaning of heavier residues typically found in industrial settings.
Combination sweeping–scrubbing machines are particularly recommended for:
- Production plants and industrial areas, where they help maintain order and safety without interrupting work cycles.
- Logistics centres and large warehouses, where fast intervention and long operating autonomy are essential.
- Airports, stations and multi-storey car parks, thanks to their ability to cover large spaces even in areas with continuous traffic.
- Shopping centres and public spaces, which require consistently clean and dry floors in a short amount of time.
- Sports facilities, exhibition halls and trade fairs, where rapid turnaround between events is crucial.
Overall, wherever productivity, safety and high cleaning quality must be achieved at the same time, a sweeping and scrubbing combination machine represents the most effective and efficient solution.
How to choose the right combination machine for industrial cleaning
Choosing the most suitable combination machine for industrial cleaning means finding the right balance between performance, size and operating environment. Every setting has specific requirements to achieve optimal results in terms of efficiency and cost management.
Here are the main factors to consider when selecting the best combination machine:
- Surface area: the machine’s hourly productivity must be proportionate to the size of the area to be cleaned.
- Type of dirt: combination machines are ideal when both solid debris and adhered dirt need to be removed, as they allow sweeping and scrubbing in a single pass. For light dust or heavier debris, it is important to evaluate suction performance and brush pressure to ensure optimal results.
- Frequency of use: daily use requires a robust, reliable machine with simple maintenance and wear-resistant components.
- Size and manoeuvrability: consider the width of access points, the presence of obstacles, and whether the area requires tight turns or work in confined spaces.
- Power supply: the choice between battery-powered or diesel versions mainly depends on the environment and operational needs. Battery-powered combination machines are particularly suitable for indoor areas or locations sensitive to noise and emissions.
Another essential aspect is the actual hourly productivity and the capacity of the tanks: higher values mean greater autonomy and fewer work interruptions, improving overall productivity.
To help you evaluate your options, you can explore all Comac combination machines and compare their features and performance to identify the model that best fits your needs.
If you’d like to learn more about selecting industrial cleaning equipment, don’t miss our article on when and how to choose an industrial floor scrubber.
Combimac: the Comac combination machine
Combimac is Comac’s new combination machine, integrating a sweeper and a floor scrubber into a single system that allows sweeping, scrubbing and drying in one pass. Equipped with side brushes and counter-rotating cylindrical brushes to collect all types of debris, and a scrubbing deck with four disc brushes, it ensures perfectly clean and immediately dry surfaces.
Ideal for areas up to 60,000 m², Combimac offers productivity, autonomy and consistent performance, making every industrial cleaning operation more efficient and cost-effective. It is perfect for industrial facilities, logistics centres, car parks, exhibition areas and large public spaces, where fast and continuous cleaning with consistently high performance is required.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on the model, but on average the Comac Combimac combination machine can reach a theoretical productivity of up to 16,000 m²/h, with 300-litre tanks for both the solution and the recovery.
Routine maintenance for a combination machine is simple but essential to ensure long-term performance.
At the end of each working day, it is recommended to:
- Empty and clean the recovery tank, along with the solid waste filter.
- Check the condition of the suction filter and clean the suction duct, squeegee assembly and solution filter.
- Inspect the wear of the brushes (disc, cylindrical and side) and replace them when they are worn out.
- Empty the debris hopper and check its dedicated filter.
The replacement of consumable components, such as brushes and squeegee blades, depends on the frequency of use and the type of surface being cleaned, but in general it is good practice to carry out periodic checks to maintain high performance and cleaning quality.
Comac combination machines are designed to ensure a low noise level, generally below 70 dB(A) (sound pressure level measured according to ISO 11201), allowing them to be used even in indoor or noise-sensitive environments.
This post is also available in: Italian
