Although the floor scrubber has come a long way in the last 60 years, one thing remains the same: they need maintenance.
The same four maintenance needs of the original floor scrubbers still exist today. Let’s take a look at these four issues and address ways to prevent them from getting out of control.
Issue 1: The floor scrubber is not putting down water
- Check to make sure there is water in the tank. Never just assume that someone else filled it.
- Clean the water solution tank and the filter to make sure there is nothing clogging the way. These should be cleaned regularly to prevent clogging.
- Check the pump (if applicable) and the solenoid to make sure they are getting power. If there is power flowing and one of them is still not working, that component will need to be replaced.
- Check the switch on the dashboard to make sure that it’s operating correctly. Most floor scrubbers use a switch to control the water flow.
- The final step is to check the computer board. If the board is not working then power cannot flow to the pump, solenoid, or switch and will prevent water from coming out.
Issue 2: The Floor Scrubber Is Not Picking Up Water
- Check to make sure the hose is securely attached to the squeegee assembly and the recovery tank. A loose hose can prevent complete water pickup.
- A break in the vacuum hose can create a loss of suction which results in water not being picked up. Check the hose for any holes or cracks. Even a small puncture can cause bad water pick up.
- A worn or dirty squeegee will prevent water from being picked up, leaving streaks of water behind. Checking to see if the squeegee needs to be replaced or simply cleaned can be a quick and simple fix.
- Check to see if the squeegee assembly is level. It’s possible that it has been bumped out of place, creating a gap between the squeegee and floor.
- Make sure the hose is not clogged. By doing a back flush on the hose after each use you will prevent future clogs.
- If there is decreased suction but no leaks in the hose, clean the debris tray as well as the recovery water tank. Doing this after each use will prevent suction loss. Check to make sure the float in the recovery tank is not stuck in the closed position. This will also create a loss of suction.
- Clean the lid gaskets. When the gaskets get dirty it can prevent water pick up. Cleaning the gaskets after each use will prevent this issue in the future.
Issue 3: The floor scrubber is not cleaning correctly
- Are you using the correct pad and changing it often? If you can answer yes to these questions then consider changing pad types (more or less aggressive) to get the desired result.
- Check the pressure settings. If you have too much or too little pressure in combination with the pad type can have an adverse effect.
- Read the label on the cleaning chemicals. Some cleaners have chemical components that are too harsh for the type of floor you are cleaning and can actually remove the finish.
- Make sure your scrubber is being properly maintained. A dirty machine will not clean effectively. Create a daily preventative maintenance schedule to keep the scrubber cleaning it’s best.
- Evaluate the type of squeegee and pads you have in relation to the finish. Some finishes require a more dense type of squeegee or a less aggressive pad.
Issue 4: The floor scrubber is not moving
- Testing the amp draw is a good place to start when the machine is not moving forward or backward.
- Test the batteries to make sure they are charged. If they will not hold a charge they will need to be replaced.
- Make sure you are using the correct batteries for the scrubber. Because the scrubber requires a significant amount of power means that using the wrong batteries can result in a faster drain.
- Check the battery charger to make sure it’s working correctly. It’s not uncommon to have perfectly good batteries that cannot charge due to a defective charger.