8 Things to Consider When Buying a Ride-On Carpet Sweeper
Jun 28, 2024
Carpet and floor care are among the most time-consuming tasks a custodial team has to deal with. Floors are often one of the dirtiest surfaces to clean, and their large size means that this job takes a long time. Large ride-on sweepers can cover large areas in a short period of time, which increases productivity and reduces labor costs.
That's why many custodial teams choose ride-on carpet sweepers to clean surfaces. But these machines may not be right for every facility. If you're considering buying a ride-on sweeper, consider the following points so that you can clean more effectively, quickly, and at a lower cost.
1. Environment & Storage
Is the location suitable for an oversized machine? Ride-on sweepers are best suited for single-story buildings (unless there is a freight elevator), facilities with wide open areas and long hallways, and those that have ample storage space when the machine is not in use.
Ideal facilities include convention centers, hotels, hospitals, airports, casinos, large universities, and warehouses. Upright vacuums may be better suited for areas with many small rooms, narrow hallways, and a lack of adequate storage space. Many manufacturers also offer more compact, more maneuverable Self-Contained Carpet Extractor that can get into tighter areas for optimal cleaning.
2. Power Supply
Battery operation allows for longer run times and the freedom to operate away from an electrical outlet. This is an ideal way to save time and money when cleaning floors. Eliminating cords also helps reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents within your facility, allowing you to efficiently clean spaces while minimizing workplace injuries. Battery-powered machines also improve air quality. Cleaning equipment that uses fuel emits exhaust fumes. Battery-powered sweepers don't produce exhaust fumes, helping to maintain air quality for employees and visitors. Battery-powered sweepers have another benefit. They are quieter, which means you can sweep at any time of the day or night without interruption.
3. Surface and Debris Type
Ride-on sweepers with adjustable brush heights are versatile and can remove a variety of debris from carpets and hard floors. Various models are designed for indoor and outdoor use. Carpet sweepers can also remove large debris from the floor that may be too large to handle with a walk-behind sweeper or vacuum cleaner.
4. Ease of Use
Use a high-power dump configuration to dump collected debris for increased ease of use. Alternatively, choose a low dump configuration with a telescoping handle for increased ease of use for operators of all heights. You'll also want to look for an intuitive operator interface for simple operation. Some ride-on sweepers offer a button to start cleaning and a memory function that stores machine settings.
5. Maneuverability
Look for a sweeper with high maneuverability and a tight turning radius to clean in more congested areas. Some sweepers come with an easily accessible onboard vacuum wand attachment. This makes it easy to retrieve small debris and clean in tight spaces without having to get out of the vehicle.
6. Filtration
Excellent dust collection helps maintain health and safety while protecting your facility's assets from dust or damage. Choose a ride-on sweeper with a multi-stage dust collection system to ensure you maintain indoor air quality by controlling dust generated during the sweeping process.
7. Carpet Fibers
Make sure your ride-on sweeper is equipped with technology that effectively captures carpet fibers for maximum efficiency.
8. Maintenance
Save time and money by making sure you regularly check routine maintenance items. Look for a ride-on sweeper with easily identifiable yellow maintenance touch points, which make pre-inspections and routine maintenance quick and easy. Also, look for a ride-on sweeper with brushes that are designed to be easily and quickly removed for inspection and replacement without the need for additional tools.
Carpet Sweepers vs Vacuums:
Size and productivity are definitely factors to consider when choosing between a carpet sweeper and a vacuum. But it may also be helpful to understand how these machines work. Both use brushes and vacuums/suction to remove debris and dirt. The brushes on a vacuum agitate the debris, and the machine's suction picks it up. Ride-on sweepers utilize brushes to sweep the debris into a hopper. The suction controls the dust created during the cleaning process.
In large buildings, ride-on sweepers can efficiently clean floors where productivity is key. For smaller, compact spaces that require a lot of maneuverability, a vacuum may be the best choice.
