Orbital floor scrubbers are little known professional cleaning machines, sometimes only considered by professionals with long experience in the cleaning field. It is thought that an orbital scrubber dryer should only be used in some specific situations, particularly difficult or for extraordinary floor maintenance activities. This is a common place to debunk as in reality the orbital scrubbing machines are particularly suitable for daily maintenance cleaning activities. So, let’s see how an orbital floor scrubber works and why it is often convenient to choose it.
What is an orbital floor scrubber and how does it work?
Starting from the basics, it is worth remembering what a floor scrubber is and how it works, also referring to the definition provided by Wikipedia.
This is to understand that the basics of the orbital machines are the same as those of traditional scrubber dryers. They are machines designed to mechanize floor cleaning operations in order to obtain professional cleaning while reducing efforts, costs and times. But how does an orbital scrubbing machine work? Compared to the traditional ones with disc or cylindrical brush base, the orbital scrubbing machines are equipped with an orbital scrubbing head that uses a micro-vibration movement.
This “micro orbital” movement exerts a lot of energy on the floor and in a short time it allows to have not only optimal cleaning results but also a polishing effect that preserves the surface shine. In general, these scrubber dryers have a rectangular base, but there are also versions with a roto-orbital base such as Vispa XL.
Why use an orbital floor scrubber?
Orbital technology was initially applied to scrubbing machines in order to make them suitable for specific tasks, such as deep cleaning and wax removal. Over time they have become extremely versatile and therefore suitable for carrying out even the lightest operations such as daily maintenance cleaning. Today orbital floor scrubbers can work on any type of flooring thanks also to the wide choice of accessories that have been specifically designed for this technology. In fact, on the market there are many pads compatible with these scrubbing machines to meet different cleaning needs.
6 advantages of orbital floor scrubbers
Now we know how an orbital scrubbing machine works and it’s time to understand why it is often convenient to choose it. Among the major advantages of using an orbital scrubbing machine it is important to remember:
- Reduction of the cleaning solution consumption.
- Reduction in the time spent for pit stops.
- Saving of the chemical product and the consequent reduction of costs related to cleaning operations.
- Increase in safety and ease of use as in some cases they can work effectively even without the use of chemical.
- High versatility thanks to the availability of different pads to make them suitable for any type of floor and environment.
- High performances that make them particularly suitable also for deep cleaning.
Why are orbital floor scrubbers so effective?
Usually orbital scrubbing machines have a higher pressure on the brushes. There is also the possibility of having an extra weight that contributes to a greater effectiveness in removing dirt. In fact, one of the most important benefits of these scrubber dryers is the possibility of significantly increasing operator productivity. Not only that, but thanks to the high number of oscillations they are faster than normal disc machines. In addition, the versions equipped with rectangular pads guarantee uniform cleaning even on the sides of the scrubbing base, reaching the most difficult corners.
What is the difference between a disc brush base and an orbital base?
Scrubbing machines equipped with one or more disc brushes require side splash guards as the movement of the brush inevitably creates small water splashes. Furthermore, on the sides the disc brush touches the floor with a few bristles and for a very short time obtaining a less uniform cleaning result than the central area. The floor scrubbers with orbital base, on the other hand, do not create lateral splashes and the cleaning result is homogeneous throughout the surface, along walls and with a rectangular pad even in the most difficult corners.
Among the main differences, it is also worth mentioning that the effectiveness of the mechanical action of the orbital base, combined with the use of abrasive pads, allows the reduction, and in some cases the elimination, of the use of chemical products.
How to choose the right orbital floor scrubber
As with standard scrubber dryers, the market offers many different models of orbital floor scrubbers. For this reason, it can be difficult to choose the right one. In general, even for orbital machines we have some tips to consider when evaluating the purchase or rental of a scrubber dryer:
- floor area;
- floor type;
- type of dirt;
- ergonomics and ease of use;
- available optional and accessories;
- type of power supply.
If from these first considerations the choice falls on a scrubber dryer with orbital base, it is important to do a little bit of research of the models available on the market and contact an expert who can advise you on the best solution. In fact, there are both walk-behind and ride-on scrubbing machines, and two types of orbital bases: rectangular or round.
Comac’s orbital floor scrubbers
Over the last years, Comac has introduced orbital technology in the floor scrubbing machine range, offering different models to meet many cleaning needs. In the range there are both walk-behind (like Vispa XL, Antea or Vega) and ride-on machines (like Innova).
However, in addition to their performance, Comac’s orbital scrubbers stand out for their maneuverability, compactness, high rpm. Last but not least, their lightness that does not preclude power but allows you to reduce battery consumption by making transportation easier. Furthermore, less nominal power guarantees more autonomy, and consequently less charge cycles and longer battery life.
Comac orbital floor scrubbers can be used both for maintenance and deep cleaning, thanks to the vibration and rotation of more than 2000 rpm for each orbit of the base. Moreover, by using the appropriate accessories, they can polish the floor, obtaining a brilliant and long-lasting result. They can also remove wax from the surface to allow subsequent treatment, sometimes even without the use of chemicals.
A key aspect is the comfort for the operator, which is why all Comac orbital floor scrubbers are equipped with an anti-vibration system designed specifically for this application. The system is located on two different levels to have a double absorption and guarantee greater operator comfort.
Regarding Innova 70BTO, that is equipped with a larger base, Comac has developed a special unlocking system for the pad holder that allows a quick and easy change of the pad.
As always, we would like to remind you that these are some suggestions. The advice is to contact an expert who can help you in choosing the orbital scrubbing machine that best suits your needs. A worldwide network of Comac Authorized Dealers is ready and waiting to help you.
Contact us for further advice and support in choosing the best professional cleaning solution.
This post is also available in: Italian