Many commercial and industrial environments heavily rely on their floor cleaning machines to keep their retail and work environments clean and safe. Thus, ensuring all cleaning equipment is in working order is of the utmost importance. Sometimes, machines are underperforming despite efforts to maintain their machine; at this point, you may be concerned about buying a new machine. However, an alternative route that will save you lots of money is to consult an experienced floor scrubber service team who can assist you in seeking out machine parts and meeting various repair requirements. Before you consult such a team, it is essential to ensure that your machine requires their attention; you can do this by evaluating the following criteria that indicate your floor cleaning machine needs repair or service.
(1) Poor Suction
Firstly, a critical indicator that you may need to repair your floor cleaning machine is that you find excess water, including pools of water on the floor and in the recovery tank of your machine. Water pools are a common sign that the machine is experiencing poor suction. Additionally, you can listen to the vacuum motor. If you hear a grinding or high-pitched whine sound, this would be indicative that your machine is not suctioning correctly and likely requires a new motor.
Furthermore, suppose you do not hear abnormal sounds from your motor but still see water pools. In that case, there are other explanations to consider that can be addressed by a licensed professional. But first, be sure to check the following areas for leaks or blockages:
- The recovery tank: specifically check the float cage to ensure it is debris-free and has one or, depending on the machine, both plastic balls within its cylindrical screen. A clogged float or dislodged ball can lead to a blockage between the tank and vacuum motor, which can inhibit suction.
- The lid on the recovery tank: ensure that it is adequately sealed; if it comes off during cleaning, it could mean there is an air leak causing sub-optimal suction.
- Vacuum hose and attached fitting: should be checked for clogs or leaks. You can do this by removing the vacuum hose from the squeegee assembly and lowering the squeegee deck. Then turn on the vacuum motor to test the suction power and check for subsequent blockages or pinholes. If a clog exists, it will require an expert flush; however, if there is a leak, you may need to get a new hose.
(2) Reduced Run Time
Secondly, if you notice your machine is no longer running as long as it used to or should, that is indicative that your machine is experiencing battery issues. Typically reduced run times are seen in machines that are required to perform at maximum power or motors that have to work harder due to being in constant use or having debris caught in scrub brushes, i.e. wholesale grocery distribution facilities. Also, ensuring fluid levels in flooded lead-acid batteries are maintained is important. Also, know that factors such as temperature, humidity, and age all result in increased water usage; thus, the machine needs to be accommodated appropriately given its operating conditions.
Regardless of the frequency of use, checking the battery and proper maintenance of a floor scrubber is always a priority and will pay off by providing maximal run time. If you are unsure how to maintain your machine properly, consult a trained floor scrubber service technician, as they know how to ensure maximum battery life for cost-effectiveness and optimal productivity.
(3) Trouble Moving Forward or Reverse
Poor mobility of a machine is another indication that consulting a professional floor scrubber service team may be required. Specifically, if your floor scrubber is struggling to move forward or backward it could be due to a broken part, mechanical or technical issue. Part replacement is usually required at this point and is a part of proper machine maintenance.
A complete lack of mobility could be due to the battery, as it is the power source of every part of your machine. Often if one part of the machine takes too much power, other pieces suffer, and the machine’s overall efficiency is compromised. If this is the case for your machine, consult an experienced service team.
(4) Vacuum Motor Won’t Turn Off
If your vacuum motor does not turn off, this is another indicator that a floor scrubber repair team needs to be contacted. Motors may stay on due to the vacuum motor staying engaged despite the raised squeegee assembly. Sometimes merely resetting the floor scrubber may resolve the issue, but if not, you may have to contact a professional.
(5) Leaky Floor Scrubber
Lastly, a leaky machine is indicative that you should schedule a service appointment. It does not matter if the leak is coming from the hose, tank or brush deck; it will not be long before you see other performance issues and thus, addressing the leaking earlier is essential. Furthermore, any leaking can compromise your machine’s ability to function and the safety of individuals in your facility.
Overall, it is essential to recognize when your machine is not operating as it should and when it is compromising the efficiency of your business and the safety of your employees or customers. By being proactive and ensuring proper machine maintenance, you can save money and many headaches.
At FLOOR SCRUBBER TORONTO, we proudly service all of Canada, offering new & like new (refurbished) floor cleaning machines from top-of-the-line brands such as Tennant, Nobles, Mendel, and many more!
Call or email us today, and our team will be delighted to help answer any questions and assist with all inquiries! At FLOOR SCRUBBER TORONTO, it’s our pleasure in helping our customers achieve a better, faster, more efficient clean.
