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Choosing the Right Floor Scrubber

April 15, 2024

When it comes to choosing the right floor scrubber for your facility, industrial floor scrubbers offer three distinct options - orbital, disc, and cylindrical models. Each of these floor scrubbers is designed to tackle different cleaning challenges and achieve varying levels of cleaning results. Factors such as the layout, size, and flooring material of your facility can greatly impact which model works best for you. Understanding the unique features and benefits of each type of floor scrubber can help you optimize your cleaning routine, save labor hours, and achieve superior cleaning results that meet the specific needs of your facility.


Cylindrical Scrubbers

Cylindrical scrubbers feature two tube-shaped brushes positioned parallel to each other. The front brush rotates forward, while the rear brush rotates backward, enabling the rear brush to collect small debris and deposit it into a hopper located behind the scrub head.

Image Source: Kodiak Equipment https://www.kodiakequip.com/k12-series

The key characteristic of a cylindrical scrubber is its high rotational speeds, typically ranging from 600 to 800 RPM, making it perfect for cleaning uneven or rough surfaces. 

These machines are particularly suitable for large commercial and industrial spaces like production warehouses where debris accumulation is minimal, reducing the need for pre-sweeping, enhancing the productivity of your team, and reducing labor costs.

Benefits of Cylindrical Scrubbers

  • Eliminates Dust Mopping
  • Simultaneously Scrubs & Sweeps
  • Superior Tile & Grout Cleaning
  • Excellent Performance on Rubber Surfaces
  • Ideal for Removing Warehouse Debris

Disc Scrubbers

Disc scrubbers feature two flat pads equipped with horizontally spinning brushes that effectively clean the floor's surface. The brushes rotate at speeds of up to 300 RPM while water is dispensed to the center of the discs. Compared to cylindrical scrubbers, disc scrubbers apply more pressure to the ground and consume less water during the cleaning process.

Image Source: Kodiak Equipment https://www.kodiakequip.com/k12-series

The adaptability and cleaning effectiveness of disc scrubbers on sleek surfaces result in decreased solution flow rates, leading to substantial cost savings in labor, water, and chemical solutions. The squeegee blades and brushes can be rotated or flipped without tools, allowing maximum usage prior to replacement.

These machines are ideal for cleaning flat and smooth floors, and are typically used in industries where pre-sweeping is a standard cleaning practice such as healthcare, education, and retail facilities.

Benefits of Disc Scrubbers

  • Brush / Pad Selection
  • Lowest Maintenance Cost
  • Improved Cleaning on Irregular Floors
  • Brushes Individually Driven for
  • Unmatched Performance

Orbital Scrubbers

Orbital scrubbers feature a rectangular scrub head, combined with a powerful 1.5 HP motor that delivers efficient cleaning performance and aluminum construction for long-lasting durability. These machines also come with adjustable handle heights for ergonomic use, variable speed settings for customizable cleaning options, and a large solution tank for extended cleaning sessions without frequent refills.

Image Source: Kodiak Equipment https://www.kodiakequip.com/k12-series

This orbital floor scrubber typically operates at a speed of around 175 to 350 RPM. This speed range allows for effective cleaning and scrubbing of various floor surfaces while ensuring efficient performance. With the adjustable speed settings, users can customize the RPM based on the specific cleaning requirements and floor types, providing versatility and optimal results. The controlled RPM helps to agitate and lift dirt and grime from the floor surface, delivering thorough cleaning in a timely manner. 

Ideal for daily cleaning, deep grout cleaning, and removing commercial floor finish without chemicals, this machine covers even the most difficult areas to reach like corners and along edges.

Benefits of Orbital Scrubbers

  • Restore Dull Epoxy
  • Reduce Slip & Fall Potential
  • 70% Reduction in Water Usage
  • Consistent Results - No Swirl Marks
  • VCT Prep & Re-coat

Whether you opt for a cylindrical, disc, or orbital scrubber, investing in the right equipment can make a significant difference in the efficiency and effectiveness of your cleaning routine. Orbital scrubbers offer efficient and speedy cleaning for large areas, while cylindrical scrubbers are versatile for different surface types. Disc scrubbers, on the other hand, provide a simple and easy to use solution for smaller floor areas. Consider the size of the area, the type of flooring, and the level of cleaning required to select the best floor scrubber that meets your needs and ensures a clean and sanitized environment.

Be sure to check out Atlas Toyota’s variety of floor cleaning equipment here: https://shop.atlastoyota.com/inventory/new-equipment/floor-cleaning/?page=1

Happy Scrubbing! 


Whether you opt for a cylindrical, disc, or orbital scrubber, investing in the right equipment can make a significant difference in the efficiency and effectiveness of your cleaning routine.

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