A Guide to Commercial Sweepers

Commercial floor sweepers are an essential piece of industrial cleaning equipment that most industries and sectors will have in their arsenal. But if you’re new to owning a business or have been given the task of ensuring the cleanliness and tidiness of the premises that you manage, then you might not be aware of exactly what a commercial floor sweeper can do for you. It can be daunting when looking for industrial cleaning equipment, because there are many options on the market, but Multy Lift are here to help. Here’s everything you need to know about commercial sweepers:

What are commercial floor sweepers?

Commercial floor sweepers are known by several different names, including: industrial floor sweepers, commercial sweepers, industrial sweepers and more. However, no matter what they’re referred to as, they all do the same thing – sweep. The name may suggest that they’re nothing but a glorified electric broom, but you’d be mistaken.

Instead they should be looked at as a top-of-the-range, heavy-duty vacuum clean that can be used in vast spaces and in many different settings. From construction and agriculture to retail and leisure, there aren’t many commercial spaces that are without a commercial floor sweeper.

They come equipped with large brushes and brooms that rotate to sweep the dirt and dust up off the floor. They also have a vacuum function within them also, meaning that anything that is swept up will not be released back into the air again. Where they do not scrub or deep clean the surface, as a scrubber dryer would, it does make for a quick and easy solution to ridding your premises of loose dirt and grime.

How does a commercial sweeper work?

A commercial floor sweeper operates effectively by combining a wealth of functions to ensure the quick and easy removal of even the most stubborn types of dirt and dust. First of all, you have the sweeping mechanism. As the name might suggest, this is the part of the machine that does the sweeping. It has a set of brushes and brooms inside that rotate and come into direct contact with the floor simultaneously. It therefore sweeps the dust and dirt into a central collection area for easy pick-up later.

We then come onto its dust control capabilities. Many modern commercial floor sweepers have this feature in order to prevent dust from being propelled around the room as the floors are being swept. It does this through utilising its filters and vacuum system. As the brushes and brooms get the wok, the vacuum feature will suck up the dust being generated, preventing it from being released back into its surroundings.

The dust that’s collected gets sucked up into the collection container, much like the drum of your vacuum at home. This is where all of the dirt and debris is collected. It will sit in there, contained securely so that dirt and debris cannot escape. This collection chamber should be emptied after every use.

But what about its manoeuvrability? A floor sweeper can be operated by any member of your staff, although some basic level of training will be needed if it’s a ride-on sweeper, which is something we will get onto in a moment. A typical industrial floor sweeper can be easily operated by pushing it around the surface area in either circular motions or in straight lines. It’s designed to be lightweight and can be easily used when navigating around obstacles and tight spaces.

What are the different types of industrial floor sweepers?

There are many different types of industrial floor sweeper on the market, with the most popular ones being either pedestrian industrial floor sweepers or ride-on commercial floor sweepers, both of which are available from us here at Multy Lift. Each of the commercial floor sweeper available have their own capabilities and functionalities, which is why it can be daunting to choose just one model. As long as you’re choosing a machine that’s right for you, you’ll be able to reap many different benefits. So which types of floor sweeper are available on the market today? Let’s go through them all:

• Walk-behind floor sweepers – these are also known as pedestrian floor sweepers, and they’re operated by simply pushing them along the surface by walking behind them. They can be used for both small and vast areas but they’re also incredibly versatile, being used in a variety of different settings

• Ride-on floor sweepers – also a popular option when it comes to floor sweepers, these ride-on sweepers are perfect for incredibly large areas as the machine can be operated by simply sitting on the seat provided. Considered to be more powerful and efficient than walk-behind sweepers, they make for a productive addition to any industrial cleaning fleet

• Compact floor sweepers – as the name would suggest, these are ideal for small or compact spaces. Often used in walk-in freezers and fridges, for example, these are, generally, pedestrian sweepers. They require little-to-no training to operate, but they’re far more effective when compared to a traditional vacuum cleaner that would be available to even domestic customers for light soiling

• Battery-powered floor sweepers – battery-powered floor sweepers are, as the name would suggest, powered by batteries. This makes it far easier to use and it’s less labour-intensive when compared to manual floor sweeper alternatives. They’re often considered to be more powerful than its manual counterparts, which is why it’s become a popular addition to any commercial premises

• Autonomous/robotic floor sweepers – equipped with autonomous cleaning technology, these are one of the more expensive types of floor sweeper on the market, simply because they can be programmed to go around and clean an area autonomously. Following a pre-programmed root, it frees up the time of other workers whilst ensuring the cleanliness of your workplace

What are industrial sweepers used for?

Industrial floor sweepers are used for a wide range of different applications and in a variety of different sectors and industries. However, there are many ways in which industrial floor sweepers can be utilised. From more specific jobs to general cleaning tasks, floor sweepers can be used for a whole manner of different things, including:

• To carry out routine floor maintenance – the sole purpose of a floor sweeper is to ensure the tidiness and cleanliness of the floor surface in the workplace. Commercial floor sweepers make up part of that routine floor maintenance plan along with other pieces of industrial cleaning equipment, such as scrubbers
• For effective dust and debris collection – you’ll never be left with dusty or dirty floors again if you use a commercial floor sweeper regularly without your business. Not only does this make a great first impression on new-starters, visitors and customers, but it also makes your commercial property safer for your employees to work in and around
• In commercial and industrial settings – commercial and industrial environments alike can benefit from the implementation and use of a commercial floor sweeper. No job is too big or small for either ride-on or pedestrian floor sweepers, so no matter which one you choose, you’ll be in excellent hands
• On construction sites – you might think that construction waste is too big and bulky for floor sweepers to handle, but think again. Commercial floor sweepers can handle many different types of waste, from the largest of debris to the smallest of waste. This means that the construction industry has nothing to lose and everything to gain by choosing a commercial floor sweeper for their premises
• At airports and transportation facilities – it’s imperative that these types of properties are kept clean and debris-free. Whether it be lost items or scattered food, a floor sweeper will be able to restore the floor surface back to its safe and clean condition once again. Not only is this important when it comes to maintaining a great image, but it’s also paramount for the safety of everyone who is navigating through there, whether they be on foot or otherwise
• In educational organisations – when it comes to educational organisations, such as schools, colleges and universities, something that is at the forefront of everyone’s priority is safety, and that’s exactly what a floor sweeper can provide – a safe learning environment that is free from trip hazards and dirt. When combined with the use of scrubber dryers, you’ll always have a clean premises for everyone to enjoy, from staff to students
• In leisure centres and sporting facilities – much like educational organisations, the safety side of things is important when it comes to leisure and sporting facilities. It also needs to be a clean and debris-free place, including gyms and sports halls. This is because many people will use floor space to do their workouts, so ensuring a dust-free surface for everyone to use is paramount, and a commercial floor sweeper can help you to achieve that
• In retail – retail needs to be a safe place where everyone can walk freely without the worry of coming across trip, slip and fall hazards. An industrial floor sweeper also makes the environment safer for your workers, who require a workplace setting that can be navigated through with absolute peace of mind, and this includes not tripping or slipping on debris that is left on the floor

What are the key features of commercial floor sweepers?

Commercial floor sweepers are known for having a variety of features that are useful to both the operator and the owner of the premises. Being ergonomically-designed and easily-manoeuvrable, there’s not much that a floor sweeper doesn’t offer the user. So what key features does a commercial floor sweeper have available, exactly? Let’s take a closer look:

• It can cover an extensive path and aisle width – a floor sweeper has the ability to cover wide and vast areas, depending on the model you choose. As such, this saves time and increases productivity throughout your premises, as you won’t have to keep going over the same area to achieve the same results
• It comes with a generously-sized collection container – the collection container is used to collect the dirt and dust that is vacuumed up off the floor. Its large size, depending on the type you choose, allows for large areas to be swept without taking a break in the task
• It ensures exceptional dust control – just because the brushes and brooms sweep the dust, it doesn’t mean that it propels the dust upwards or outwards. Equipped with a vacuum that works simultaneously with the brushes, this means that dust will never be released back out into the environment
• It’s easy to manoeuvre – floor sweepers, regardless of the type of machine you choose, are incredibly easy to manoeuvre around the premises, whether it be a vast area or a tight space. This, in turn, makes it an efficient piece of commercial cleaning equipment
• Its battery life is impressive – when powered by batteries, you’ll never have to worry about the machine running out of charge mid-use. As such, you’ll be able to perform hours of cleaning and sweeping without being interrupted
• It’s a durable machine – commercial floor sweepers are durable and long-lasting, especially when you combine its overall design and sturdiness with ultimate and regular maintenance and care
• It comes with a wealth of accessories and attachments – there are many different accessories and attachments that are available with commercial floor sweepers. This makes them an incredibly versatile piece of cleaning equipment that can be used by anyone and in any setting
• It has low noise levels – with low noise levels, industrial floor sweepers can be used indoors as well as outside, depending on the model you choose. Not only is this better for your workers, but it’s also a huge advantage to the operator, who will likely have more involvement with it at any one time, in close proximity
• Its maintenance and servicing is low-cost and straightforward – maintaining, cleaning and caring for a floor sweeper is an incredibly straightforward task, and anyone can do it. We’ll talk about the maintenance of an industrial floor sweeper in a moment, but it’s something that can be quickly done after every use or at the end of each day
• Depending on the manufacturer, it can come with warranties and customer support – this is something that you should discuss with your industrial cleaning equipment dealer, however, there are many models available and, typically, they do come with warranties for your peace of mind should, in the unlikely event that, anything go wrong

How to maintain your industrial sweeper

Maintaining an industrial floor sweeper is a simple task, especially if you set out a routine and a schedule for its overall maintenance and care. Its maintenance is an integral part of commercial sweeper ownership. It helps to ensure its integrity and elongates its lifespan. Not only is this a cost-effective solution in the long run, but it also means that you’re never without an industrial floor sweeper to keep your premises clean. So, how do you maintain an industrial floor sweeper? Here are a few hints and tips for anyone who owns a commercial floor sweeper, whether electric or otherwise:

• Clean your sweeper daily, or after every use as they can become dirty and dusty over time, causing blockages to occur in key parts and components
• Empty and clean the collection container after every use
• Inspect the brush and/or broom to ensure nothing is stuck in there that could cause damage to the machine or its inner-workings
• Replace dust filters as recommended by the manufacturer
• If battery-powered, inspect the battery on a regular basis so as to extend its lifespan
• Inspect the hose and connections for clogs and damage
• Ensure regular scheduled maintenance of the machine is in place
• Repair any problems as soon as they’re found

Multy Lift are pleased to offer commercial cleaning equipment to a wealth of industries, including floor sweepers and scrubber dryers. We have over three decades of experience in the industry, providing clients throughout the UK with top-of-the-range warehouse equipment, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers and more. If you would like further information about how we can help you today, get in touch with a member of our expert team – we’re always pleased to hear from you.