by Dan Elliott, on December 24, 2021 at 2:57 PM
When it comes to finding the right industrial cleaning tool, your options are not necessarily one-size-fits-all. If you’re in the process of looking for an industrial scrubber, you might want to put that on hold for a moment.
Why, you ask? Because you may find that an industrial sweeper better suits the needs of your warehouse, especially if you value a solution that…
- Is mechanically simpler
- Lasts longer
- Costs less in labor
What’s the Biggest Difference Between a Sweeper and a Scrubber?
We know we don’t have to share the importance of a clean facility with you. If you’re here and reading this, you probably already understand that keeping your floors clean means you prioritize keeping your employees healthy, your product high quality, and your business compliant.
We typically find that customers in your position are, by default, looking for a scrubber. Based on the name alone, this makes sense. If you want your floors to be as clean as possible, why sweep when you can scrub?
Well, the fact is, the majority of businesses simply don’t need a scrubber UNLESS the application is for cleaning up oil, grease, and similar compounds. If that’s your case and you are indeed in the market for a scrubber, please contact us today and we’ll help you find the best one for your needs.
Below, we’ll cover the other differences between the two a little further with each point.
1. Sweepers Are Mechanically Simpler Than Scrubbers
Basically, sweepers utilize powerful brush bristle movement to clean floors. Scrubbers utilize a system of both a squeegee and brush which require water and possibly specific chemicals to operate. This makes the design of sweepers more simplistic, which contributes to a number of the points that follow.
But the most important one among them is that sweepers are easier to use for this reason. This is why we like to recommend sweepers as the best option for beginners. It doesn’t require any chemicals or water to operate and it doesn’t require a full clean down after operation.
Since the sweeper is easier to simply bring out, turn on, and use, it will get more usage, and your floors will be cleaner on a more consistent basis.
2. Sweepers Last Longer Than Scrubbers
For the reasons directly above, more simple machinery means fewer parts that break down or require maintenance. As a side benefit, any maintenance that is required on industrial sweepers will be simpler and less time-intensive, generally speaking, saving you time and money.
Even under the harshest conditions, sweepers outlive scrubbers, and most have been known to operate for decades at a time under regular low-effort maintenance.
3. Sweepers Are More Cost-Efficient Than Scrubbers, Labor-Wise
We don’t need to tell you about the high cost of labor during this strange time. So, you can appreciate the fact that the sweeper’s simplicity brings with it a lower cost of labor. Imagine handing a broom to one of your employees and asking them to clean the entire warehouse floor? How long will it take? Hours? Days?
With a sweeper, your team can handle the floor in only a short amount of time. Not only does that reduce the cost of labor on your end, but it also helps your team to be and feel more productive. At least certainly more so than if they’d been pushing a broom around all day wondering why they ever took the job in the first place! By saving so much time and labor costs, the machine quickly pays for itself.
4. BONUS POINT: Sweepers Are In Stock Now at Mid-Columbia Forklift!
In a time of a supply chain crisis, you won’t have to worry about extensive lead times. We’ve got great sweepers in stock right now, including the Factory Cat Model 34 Walk-Behind and the Factory Cat TR Rider.
If you’re at all concerned that a sweeper won’t be able to clean your warehouse floors, keep in mind that sweepers have been used for decades in mines, brick manufacturing plants, and rugged steel mills, just to name a few. If you’re not convinced, we’ve got a great video for you featuring the TR:
Each of these models comes with a 3-year warranty, a lifetime filter that filters to 1 micron (made of poly felt, not paper), and an average life span of 15-20 years (for the walk-behind).
Need Help Choosing the Right Sweeper or Scrubber? We Can Help.
Not sure if you should choose the walk-behind or ride-on? Or if you should buy or rent? If you have any questions whatsoever, Mid-Columbia Forklift and MidCo Material Handling are here to help. Our industrial cleaning machine experts will help answer any question you have and guide you to the solution that fits your needs. Contact us online or by phone:
Auburn: 253-854-5438
Pasco: 509-547-7413
Wenatchee: 509-663-9009
Yakima: 509-457-5137
Further Reading:
Factory Cat GTR: Heavy Duty Industrial Floor Cleaning Machine
When to Buy Walk-Behind Vs. Ride-On Industrial Cleaning Equipment
Why Does My Warehouse Need A Cleaning Plan?
