DIV11/31: SCRUBBER DRIERS GET SMARTER (27 October 2011)

Issue Date: 27 October 2011
Ref: DIV11/31

Scrubber driers can be used in a wide range of floor cleaning applications. The TASKI by Diversey JFit system helps to control the use of cleaning product.

SCRUBBER DRIERS GET SMARTER

The latest innovations in scrubber drier design have enabled manufacturers such as TASKI by Diversey to develop machines for even greater floor care sustainability and efficiency.

One of the biggest trends in recent years has been to improve utility efficiency, reducing the energy and water used by cleaning machines. The latest generation of machine uses around 20 per cent less energy than the previous generation to clean a given floor area. This helps to improve productivity because larger areas can be cleaned before the tank needs to be refilled or, for battery machines, a recharge is required.

Battery technology has also advanced. Control systems use the power more efficiently and more energy is available in any given battery size which prolongs the working time between charges. Designers can also specify smaller batteries for compact machines safe in the knowledge these have enough energy to do meaningful amounts of work.

The performance of the pick-up mechanism is vital for keeping the floor clean and dry so that it can be walked on almost immediately. This is ideal for retail and daytime cleaning and other applications where public access needs to be maintained. It is doubly important in retail because wet floors attract dirt brought inside on trolley wheels. Larger TASKI by Diversey machines utilise an innovative and patented W-shaped squeegee that follows the floor profile and removes more than 99 per cent of water, even in curves and on difficult floors such as tiles with deep grouts or surfaces that are uneven or structured. Special squeegee blades, with a simple fitting and removal mechanism, and a direct suction line allow pick-up of small debris without clogging. Ride-on machines utilising a three-wheel layout ensure the squeegee remains in contact with the floor at all times without adjustment.

Another design trend is to control more closely the way the cleaning chemical is used. TASKI by Diversey, for example, incorporates its patented Cleaning Solution Dilution (CSD) system into the larger walk-behind and ride-on machines in the range to save up to 50 per cent of cleaning solution compared to comparable conventional machines. CSD automatically matches the amount of solution being used to the machine’s speed. No puddles are left on the floor, even when slowing to turn corners. Further sustainability benefits and cost savings are achieved if the machine is equipped with the TASKI by Diversey JFit dilution control system. This accurately delivers cleaning product direct to the pipes supplying the scrubber mechanism. Consistent solution is ensured for optimum cleaning performance. There is no need to prepare solution before starting work, or to rinse the tank afterwards, which eliminates product wastage and saves time before and after the shift.

Ergonomic design principles ensure that machines are efficient to use. The controls are similar, as far as possible, across all machines in the TASKI by Diversey range. This promotes operator familiarity so that users can switch between different models more easily, which can be a factor in large-scale and contract cleaning operations utilising multiple machines. Commonality of controls also helps to minimise training requirements when operators switch from one machine to another. Other ergonomic design features which help to improve operator comfort and safety on ride-on machines include low step height for easier access, adjustable seats and convenient control layout. The best machines offer good all-round view of the machine and working area. Low noise levels are better for the operator and help make the machine better suited for daytime cleaning operations where building occupants are present.

On-board computer management systems oversee the cleaning operations and support better configurability. The latest TASKI by Diversey machines, for example, have an innovative Start/Stop function that allows all settings including solution flow level and brush pressure to be stored at the push of a button at the end of a cleaning operation. These settings are automatically used when the machine is restarted so that cleaning can commence immediately. This reduces the time needed to prepare a machine when starting work or moving between areas.

Diversey also ensures its machines are easy to maintain. All parts needing frequent maintenance checks, such as squeegee, brushes and filters, are coloured yellow for easy identification and simpler operator training, and can be removed without tools. Tanks are accessible to promote easy visual checks, maintenance and clean-down. The use of advanced materials and long life components promotes machine uptime while minimising service and repair costs. Commonality of spare parts wherever possible across the range simplifies maintenance tasks and improves first time fix rates for engineers. On the larger TASKI by Diversey machines the squeegee and brush coupling/uncoupling mechanism ensures these components can be removed hands-free which enhances operator safety, especially in applications where broken glass or other sharp items might be collected during cleaning.