How do you use a floor buffer?

The versatility of a buffing machine is what makes it a key piece of any commercial or professional cleaners’ toolbox. You can use a floor machine for:

• Bonnet cleaning carpets
• Remove all floor coatings
• Scrubbing floors
• Cleaning of tile and grout
• Remove wax from floors
• When equipped with the correct type of motor, grinding floors can be achieved
• Cleaning, scrubbing & stripping baseboards

Are all floor polishers the same?

Not all floor machines can be used in the same way. Floor machines can be used for different purposes and have greater versatility. This is something you should consider when looking to purchase a floor machine.

You will also need to have the right accessories and tools for your specific job. For example,

• If you are looking for carpet bonnet cleaning you will need to hire a bonnet driver.
• You will need a tile or grout cleaner and you will want a tile/greaser cleaning pad and brush.
• A floor grinder is a machine designed to grind a surface.

A floor buffing machine can be very versatile. However, you need to choose the right tools to accomplish the job you desire.

What’s the difference between Floor buffers and polishers?

Burnishing or polishing is not as popular as spray buffing. The speed of a burnishing machine is much quicker than that of buffing. Burnishing is basically removing the top layer of the floor to give it a shiny look.

A floor polisher works in the same way as a buffer to create a smoother floor surface that looks cleaner and shinier. Polishing can affect the material’s quality by adding extra protection to it.

Both make the floor shiner overall. Polymer floors tend to have dents that cause a duller appearance. To smoothen the floor, you can use a buffing tool.

Burnishers vs Floor buffers – See the Difference

Two common methods for maintaining and cleaning hard floors in your facility are buffing and burning. If done correctly, buffing and burning will keep hard floors in great condition. It is also easier and takes less time.

There are two types of janitorial equipment: buffers and burnishers. Different tasks require different buffers and burnishers, so it’s important that you use the correct machine to do the job. The wrong machine can damage your equipment and floor if it is used for a specific cleaning task.

What’s the difference between a floor buffing machine and a burnisher?

There are many differences between floor buffing machines and burnishers, including their speed and motion and the floor maintenance processes they perform.

What is the best way to know if you need a burnisher or floor buffer?

Undoubtedly, the best way to know what you need is to understand the task, this is key to selecting the best machine. For example

• Do you want to remove the floor? You’ll need a buffer.
• Do you want to find the most effective and efficient method of restoring a floor‘s shine? You’ll need a burnisher.

What is a floor buffer?

To perform specific cleaning procedures, buffers work at a low speed of 175-300 RPM.

The pad is protected by a buffer that rests on top of the pad. This ensures 100% contact. The machine should not be placed on its hind wheels.

The operator must be in complete control of the machine as it turns from side to side. This is why the “side-to side” nickname was given.

Different types of buffers

Depending on what type of motor and gearbox they use, buffers may achieve different results.

Energy Source

Basic cord-electric buffers can be used for all purposes. To operate, cord-electric buffers must be plugged into a power outlet. As the cleaning process progresses, you will have to move and reconnect the power cord.

Typically, electric cords run between 50 and 75 feet in length.

Gearbox

A gearbox gives power and stability that allows the floor pad to be rotated in a smooth motion. They are also available in single, double, and triple-planetary versions.

The power distribution of the pad driver is not balanced between single and double planetary gearboxes. Triple planetary gearboxes, on the other hand, provide greater torque and control.

Size

Most buffers offer cleaning paths that are between 13 and 20 inches.

Most buffers are 20 inches in size.

Your facility’s type and size will determine the size that you need.

What’s a floor burner?

Floor burnishers are a type of power tool that is used to burnish or polish a floor in order to restore its original beauty.

Burnishers drive the machine along straight while resting on the wheel.

Most machines only touch the floor about half the time, however, some more advanced models have better contact between the pad and the floor.

Tips: Selecting the correct floor pad is crucial for each machine’s success.

Different types of burnishers

You can buy burnishers in either traditional or entry-level models (basic), as well as advanced models.

Depending on the power output and type of burner, each one can produce different results. The power source is what determines machine power and pressure.

Basic Burnishers

• Size

A basic burnisher’s most popular cleaning route is 20 inches.

• Energy Source

Basic models are powered by cord electricity.

• Cord-Electric

Because of their low price, the cord-electric burner is the most popular. They produce less downward pressure than either a battery- or propane-powered machine due to the limited power supply allowed by a facility’s electric outlets. Typically, electric cords run between 50 and 75 feet in length.

The electric model may be the most affordable, but it can cause productivity to drop if you have to stop and move the cord to another outlet.

Advanced Burnishers

• Advanced Features

The more advanced models can be more costly, but they offer extra features such as automatic height adjustment and dust control.

• Size

Advanced burnishers provide a wider range of cleaning options, ranging from 12 to 36 inches.

• Automated Height Adjustment/Pad Pressure

Consider how your machine will work when you are choosing a burnisher. You will need to adjust the pressure pad manually to get the right amount. Manual adjustments can lead to operator errors, more mistakes, and even damage to the floor.

Pro tip: A higher pad pressure doesn’t necessarily mean more shine. It is not a good idea to adjust the pad pressure in order to increase downward pressure. This can damage your floor, and reduce the machine’s useful life.

If possible, choose a machine with gas shocks that automatically balance and adjust the pressure on the floor.

• Dust Control

Dust Control is used to remove dust particles from the polishing process. This helps improve indoor air quality and decrease the need for dust mopping.

Because they draw dust off the floors and place it in an enclosed bag, dust control machines can be considered to be more eco-friendly. The dust control bag that you use for everyday maintenance should be replaced at the very least once per week if your dust control burner is being used.

• Noise Control

Low decibel machines can be used to maintain the machine during normal business hours, without disturbing the occupants.

• Energy Source

Advanced burnishers can be either propane- or battery-powered. Some models with cord-electric power may have advanced features.

When compared with cord-electric burnishers, propane and battery-powered burnishers are able to increase productivity by up to 30%.

• BATTERY-POWERED

Because they are cordless, battery-powered burnishers can be carried around with you and offer more power, portability, and productivity. This type of battery-powered burnisher can also be ridden-on or walk-behind.

• Walk-Behind

Walk-behind burners powered by batteries can be used in the same manner as electric and propane machines.

• Ride-On

The ride-on burnishers are the same as traditional ones, but the operator can sit down and control the machine using his hands. These are useful for larger areas than 2000 square feet, where small burnishers might not be efficient.

The battery-powered machines are limited in their ability to charge, so make sure that they have enough power and can accommodate your needs.

Battery-operated machines can run on a single charge for approximately 3 hours, but this can vary depending upon the model and manufacturer.

PROPANE

The best burnishers are propane-operated. They require either a battery or a plug-in starter to turn the motor on.

An internal combustion engine is used to power propane machines. This can present safety risks. Propane motors may emit toxic gases and create an unpleasant odor that can cause respiratory problems. Propane-operated burnishers must only be used indoors.

Propane can be extremely explosive so it should always be handled with care to prevent a fire hazard. A 20-pound, 5-gallon propane tank should last for 18-22 hours.

Finally, you can reduce the time it takes to clean your floors and save money by using commercial floor buffs and rubishers.