Product Review: Powerboss Armadillo 9X Industrial Sweeper

A dirty job site isn’t just an eyesore; it’s a safety hazard.

Slips, trips, and falls account for as much as 30% of all workplace accidents. Metal shavings, excessive dust, and stray debris increase the risk. Sweeping is a vital step in preventing these accidents. However, not all industrial floor sweepers can handle tough working environments.

Enter the Powerboss Armadillo 9X Industrial Sweeper.

This powerhouse conquers harsh environments with ease. Its combination of durability, ease of use, and simplified maintenance makes it an excellent choice for debris-heavy industries. Yet, it’s not perfect for every job.

Read on to learn the pros and cons of the Armadillo 9X.

Key Features

Here are three features that set the Armadillo 9X apart.

• PowerSwing Engine. The 9X’s engine pivots 180 degrees, making maintenance faster and easier.
• All Weather. Agricultural steel and weatherproof hydraulic controls allow the 9X to work in punishing conditions, making it great for Washington weather.
• Maximized Hopper Capacity. The RTR feature moves collected debris forward to better utilize hopper space during operation.

Best Suited For: We recommend the Armadillo 9X for debris-heavy environments such as heavy-duty manufacturing, parking and outdoor maintenance, mining, and other severe environments.

Not Recommended For: The 9X is overkill for lower-debris applications such as warehousing and food storage.

Specifications

Product Name: Armadillo 9X Industrial Sweeper
Manufacturer: Powerboss USA
Cleaning Width: 64 inches (single side brush) or 80 inches (dual side brush)
Main Sweeping Broom Length: 48 inches
Side Broom Diameter: 26 inches
Height to Steering Wheel: 55.5 inches
Height with Overhead Guard: 81 inches
Length: 105 inches
Weight: 3,500 lbs
Turning Radius: 110 inches
Working Gradeability: 16%
Hopper Size: 22 cubic feet
Hopper Debris Capacity: 1,500 lbs
Hopper Material: Agricultural steel
Power Source: Kubota LPG, gas, or diesel engine

Pros

The Armadillo 9X is a heavy-duty floor sweeper machine for punishing environments.

Durability

The 9X can take a beating.

The agricultural-grade steel and weatherproof controls help it withstand harsh weather, but its design also addresses dusty environments. It boasts dual synthetic dust filters that remove particulate larger than three microns. Additionally, two powerful shaker motors keep the filters from clogging during cleaning operations. Likewise, the reliable Kubota engine and oversized curb-climbing tires keep the 9X rolling even in tough conditions.

This floor sweeper can withstand even the most demanding applications.

Easy Operation

The 9X is easy to operate.

Intuitive operator controls simplify operations, minimizing training requirements. The operator has a full view of the debris hopper, making it easy to monitor capacity. When it’s time to empty the hopper, the hydraulic arms can lift it up to 60 inches. Additionally, the onboard dumpster allows hand collection of large debris while sweeping.

These straightforward operational features get your associates behind the wheel and cleaning faster.

Customizable Safety Features

Different environments need different safety features.

The Armadillo 9X excels in a variety of punishing conditions. However, not every environment poses the same risks. Consequently, the 9X offers several optional safety upgrades. Common choices include:

• Overhead guard
• Fully enclosed cabin
• Heat and AC
• Safety lights
• Back-up alarm
• HEPA
• MERV

Whether battling high-particle environments or harsh weather, the 9X offers options to keep your operators safe.

Cons

The Armadillo 9X industrial floor sweeper is a powerhouse, but it isn’t for everyone.

Dirty Jobs Only

Features like the aggressive twin filter shakers and 1,500 lbs capacity hopper make the 9X perfect for dirty jobs. However, cleaner sites don’t require the Armadillo 9X’s power. Smaller units may be more cost-effective for these applications.

Produces Emissions

The Armadillo 9X features a Kubota internal combustion engine.

Consequently, this industrial floor sweeper produces engine exhaust. This can create air-quality concerns in some indoor spaces. Proper ventilation and a suitable HVAC system are essential when using the 9X indoors.

That said, indoor operations that require such a powerful sweeper generally have appropriate air-quality systems in place.

Take Away

The 9X is a tough, hard-working machine, but bigger isn’t always better.

If your applications subject your floor sweepers to harsh weather, challenging environments, or heavy particulate exposure, the Armadillo 9X might be a good fit. However, less severe applications don’t require its power and rugged durability. So, how do you choose?

That’s where our experts can help.

Our team has real-world experience to identify which industrial cleaning machines are best for your application. Whether you need sweeping, scrubbing, or both, we can identify the most cost-effective solution to fit your process.

Let us help your facility shine.

To learn more about the Armadillo 9X or to request a quote, contact us online or visit one of our locations.

Auburn 253-854-5438
Pasco 509-547-7413
Wenatchee 509-663-9009
Yakima 509-457-5137

Further Reading
Warehouse Cleaning Checklist & Plan
3 Reasons Why Sweepers Are Better Than Scrubbers for Your Warehouse
7 Time-Saving Cleaning Tips for Food Processing Facilities