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How To Choose a Commercial Floor Sweeper

23, Dec. 2024

How To Choose a Commercial Floor Sweeper

Commercial Sweeper Selection Guide: Choosing the right machine for your facility

Choosing the right sweeper is essential when it comes to maintaining cleanliness and order in your facility. The task of selecting a commercial sweeper can be overwhelming, considering the numerous options available in the market. However, you can make an informed decision with a clear understanding of your facility's needs and some key factors to consider. This article serves as a comprehensive guide, providing insights into how to choose a sweeper that best suits your facility's requirements. By considering various aspects such as floor type, size of the area to be cleaned, and specific cleaning needs, you can ensure efficient and effective sweeping operations, leading to a cleaner and safer environment for all.

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Factors to Consider in Commercial Sweeper Selection

Assessing the Size and Surface of the Cleaning Area

The cleaning surface area is a pivotal consideration in the sweeper selection process. For larger cleaning surfaces, ride-on machines provide greater coverage and efficiency. Whereas, walk-behind equipment may suffice for smaller or more intricate spaces. An assessment of the area, including the size of aisles and doorways, will inform the choice of suitable equipment to navigate these spaces for efficient floor cleaning.

It's equally important to consider the type of flooring you're dealing with, ensuring that the machinery is compatible with surfaces ranging from concrete to carpets. Many sweepers have various brush options that are preferred for certain surfaces. For example, a heavy-duty stiff brush may be recommended for concrete because it will resist wearing better than a lighter-duty brush. However, the heavy-duty brush may be too aggressive for other surfaces and could damage the floor. Additionally, a soft natural bristle brush may be the right choice for carpet, whereas a stiffer brush could damage the carpet fibers.

If you have any questions about the right brush for your flooring, consult the manufacturer. In some cases, warranties can be impacted by using the wrong brush type. In addition, always test equipment in an out-of-the-way area where floor damage will have minimal impact.

Identifying the Type of Debris and Dirt in the Area

Sweepers aren't one-size-fits-all regarding the materials they're designed to pick up. Certain machine functions and brush characteristics are required to clean effectively.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a sweeper:

Type of Debris

Heavy Debris - Heavy debris, like stones or construction debris, may require stiffer brushes in order to pick it up.
Wet Debris - Some sweepers can be used to pick up wet debris. Those machines will often have a bypass function that prevents moisture from entering the vacuum system.
Light Debris and Dust - A softer brush can facilitate cleaning light debris and sweepers equipped with a vacuum system will help draw dust into the filter and debris bin. When collecting dust, a sweeper should be equipped with a filter shaker function.

Key Considerations in Commercial Sweeper Selection

Cleaning Efficiency and Speed

Efficiency and speed are the cornerstones of any cleaning operation. Small-area walk-behind sweepers excel in maneuverability, making them adept for spaces riddled with tight corners and obstructions'where rapid directional changes are frequent.

Trident Sweeper Productivity Rates

Model

Area Cleaned Per Hour (Square Feet)

SW18 - 18" Push Sweeper

27,980

SW20 - 20" Battery Powered Push Sweeper

24,490

SW20T - 20" Traction Drive Battery Sweeper

27,980

SW24R - 24" Ride-On Sweeper

54,900

SW28R - 28" Ride-On Sweeper

97,950

Main Brush Types and Availability By Model

Using the right brush is critically important to ensure efficient cleaning and to protect the surface cleaned. In this section we identify the brushes available for each Trident sweeper and discuss their application. There are no tools required to change the brush on any Trident sweepers, so users can change the brush when they move to a new area.

Description

Light Duty Polypropylene

Standard Duty Polypropylene

Heavy-Duty Outdoor Brush

Natural Fiber

Application

Hard floors where scratching is a concern

Suitable for most surfaces, good for wet applications

Outdoors, concrete, or wet applications

Carpet

SW18

N/A

Standard

N/A

SW20/20T

Optional

Standard

Optional

SW24R

N/A

Standard

N/A

Optional

SW28R

Optional

Standard

Optional

Other Options and Specifications

In this section, we will outline some of the other options and specifications that might impact your decision making process. These options include filtration, damp debris pickup, shaker type, and debris bin size.

About cleaning damp debris

Many sweepers can handle damp debris, but to protect their vacuum systems and filters from damage, the custodian has to operate the machine correctly. For the SW20/20T, the custodian pulls a lever to block airflow to the vacuum system. For the SW24R and SW28R, the operator presses a button on the control panel to turn off the vacuum system.

About filter materials

Paper - Good filter efficiency and lowest replacement cost.
Polyester - Better filter efficiency, better dust release.
Cloth / Fabric - Better filter efficiency, higher filter surface area, good dust release, washable.
Tetratex - Best filtration, best dust release, high surface area, washable.

Other Sweeper Features

Model

SW18

SW20

SW20T

SW24R

SW28R

Primary Filter

None

Paper

Polyester

Polyester (standard)

Cloth (optional)

Pre-filter (Optional, Carpet Only)

Stage 2 Filter

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Warehouse Floor Sweeper.

None

HEPA (Optional)

None

Paper (Optional)

Polyester (Standard)

Fabric Pocket (Optional)

Tetratex Pocket (Optional)

Stage 3 Filter

None

HEPA

Damp Debris

Yes

Yes. Pull lever to block airflow.

Yes. Pull lever to block airflow first.

Yes. Turn off vacuum system first.

Shaker

None

Manual

Electric

Debris Bin Capacity (Liters)

105

Onboard Vacuum Wand

Standard

Hillyard can help you select the right equipment

Hillyard, a prominent nationwide janitorial supply manufacturer and distributor, prides itself on providing personalized and expert guidance to help businesses choose the most suitable floor sweepers for their unique facility needs. With a team of local experts, Hillyard ensures that customers receive insightful recommendations based on their specific requirements and the nature of their floor surfaces. These experts are well-versed in the latest advancements in cleaning technology and are dedicated to assisting clients in making informed decisions to clean at the lowest total cost.

Complete the "I'm Interested" form at the bottom of this page, and a Hillyard representative will reach out to assist you in choosing the ideal floor sweeper for your facility. Benefit from our expertise and industry-leading solutions to enhance your cleaning efficiency.

The Best Floor Cleaning Machine for Warehouses [DEMO ...

Commercial floor cleaning machines aren't one-size-fits-all. No surprise there. But if you've only been looking at industrial floor scrubbers, take a few moments to consider an industrial sweeper instead.

Why? Because industrial scrubbers are more than most operations need. Industrial sweepers do an excellent job keeping warehouse floors clean, and they:

Last longer
Cost less to own
Are easier to operate

Industrial Scrubbers vs. Sweepers

Most people start out looking to buy an auto scrubber. Based on the name alone, it makes sense. If you want your floors to be as clean as possible, why sweep when you can scrub?

The fact is, the majority of businesses don't need a scrubber UNLESS the application is for cleaning up oil, grease, and similar compounds. If you have a grimy work environment or need to disinfect floors, choose a scrubber instead of a sweeper.

The vast majority of warehouse operations can use an industrial floor sweeper to get their floors clean. These high-powered machines are easier to use, have a lower cost of ownership and they get the job done.

Check out the video below. This Factory Cat sweeper eliminates dust and debris in a single pass.

Here are three reasons why sweepers are the best commercial floor cleaning machine for most warehouses.

1. Industrial Sweepers Are Easier to Use

To get floors clean, scrubbers use:

Water
Chemicals (usually)
A squeegee
and a brush system

With a sweeper, all you have to do is turn it on and go. When equipment is simple and easy to use, floors get cleaned more often.

2. Sweepers Last Longer Than Industrial Scrubbers

Commercial sweepers typically outlast scrubbers, even under harsh operating conditions. Generally speaking, sweepers can last for decades if they are maintained properly. They also require less maintenance than scrubbers, so you'll have more uptime.

3. Sweepers Are More Cost-Efficient Than Scrubbers or Manual Sweeping

We don't need to tell you about the high cost of labor. If you have a big space to keep clean, a commercial floor cleaning machine will quickly pay for itself.

The average person can clean 4,000 - 5,000 square feet of flooring per hour.
With a walk-behind floor cleaning machine, they can clean 13,000 sq. ft./hr.
A single employee can clean up to 100,000 square feet of flooring per hour with a ride-on sweeper

Unlike auto scrubbers, commercial sweepers don't require any chemicals or water to operate. They also don't require a full clean down after operation ' a labor cost that can add up overtime.

Lastly, because warehouse floor sweepers are simpler machines, they require less maintenance and have fewer parts that need replacement. Put another way: industrial sweepers cost less to own.

Industrial Sweepers for Sale and Rental in Washington State

If you're 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).

Not sure if you should choose a sweeper or scrubber? Deciding between walk-behind vs. ride-on cleaning equipment? Try before you buy. We rent commercial scrubbers and sweepers in a variety of sizes.

Please contact us if you have any questions whatsoever. are here to help. Our industrial cleaning machine experts will take the time to get to know your business and help you make an informed buying decision.

Auburn: 253-854-
Pasco: 509-547-
Wenatchee: 509-663-
Yakima: 509-457-

Further Reading:
Factory Cat GTR: Heavy Duty Industrial Floor Cleaning Machine
Product Review: Factory Cat 34 Walk Behind Floor Sweeper
When to Buy Walk-Behind Vs. Ride-On Industrial Cleaning Equipment
Why Does My Warehouse Need A Cleaning Plan?

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