Ease Janitor Fatigue With Ride-on Auto Scrubbers

Once an end user has made the decision to invest in a ride-on floor care machine, he or she must choose between a sit-down or stand-on version. The size and layout of the facility, as well as the health of the operator factor into this final purchasing decision.

For employees who are nearing the end of their career or for those who cannot stand for extended periods of time, a ride-on machine may be preferable.

“There is less fatigue when you sit down versus stand up,” says Amig.

Wenzlick recalls a hospital that purchased a sit-on rider because one of their employees had health concerns.

“He was going to be forced to retire because of his health concerns; he couldn’t stand for too long,” he says. “When they purchased a sit-down rider he was able to retain his job. They moved the responsibility of floor care to him, and he was able to continue working and be very productive.”

Due to their larger size, sit-down riders are better suited for large, open areas.

“A stand-on unit has a smaller footprint and is more maneuverable,” says Wenzlick. “But in an open warehouse where you need capacity and not maneuverability, a sit-down unit works well.”

Despite their size, sit-down units have a lower profile than stand-up units, making them more suitable for buildings with low ceilings. Wenzlick recalls a long-term care nursing facility that had problems with its stand-on equipment due to its ramps and low ceilings.

“The rider actually had to duck to avoid obstructions, like exit signs, hanging from the ceiling,” he says. “Now they’re required to wear hard hats. In situations like this, it may be better to have a sit-down unit.”