When purchasing floor care equipment, identify the right size machine for the job. Too large of a machine may be cumbersome to use in crowded spaces. To identify the size, first evaluate the square footage and density of the facility. Density depends on how cluttered with obstacles the space is, for example, how many desks are in an office area. The denser a space is, the greater the need for smaller equipment.

When cleaning dense, tight areas such as restrooms, office buildings and classrooms, cleaning crews require small machines. Manufacturers offer walk-behind models with deck widths as low as 17 inches. These walk-behind models allow users to easily reach corners, back up and maneuver around fixtures.

Manufacturers are also developing micro ride-on machines small enough to fit through doorways. These machines can turn 360 degrees for on-the-spot maneuverability and when used in small spaces can decrease worker fatigue and increase productivity.


posted on 10/1/2010