How to Evaluate the Types and Uses of Industrial and Commercial Floor Sweepers

Cleanliness has become a major priority for commercial and industrial entities alike. The pandemic elevated consumer expectations for the businesses they frequent, and regulations for industrial settings continue to escalate in intensity. For example, a recent survey noted that 88% of consumers said that they evaluate the cleanliness of businesses they frequent, while 86% said they would like to see proof that a business is cleaned regularly . Meanwhile, a 2021 report by the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) noted that the pandemic had ushered in health-based cleaning protocols that will remain priorities across many sectors . As cleaning has increasingly become a consumer and regulatory concern, it has transformed from an operational necessity into a competitive advantage..

One way of capturing this advantage is by using effective tools and technologies to raise the standard of cleanliness in your facility. Among the more indispensable of these tools are floor sweepers, which help you keep your facility floors dirt- and debris-free.

Walk-behinds or ride-on sweepers — what’s the difference?

Industrial and commercial floor sweepers break down into two major categories: walk-behind sweepers and ride-on sweepers. The main difference between the two is self-explanatory — walk-behind sweepers are pushed by an operator to pick up dirt and debris, whereas ride-on sweepers are larger machines operated by a driver.

Generally, distinguishing between use cases comes down to the size of the facility in question. Walk-behind sweepers are better suited for smaller environments and tight spaces where maneuverability is key — any space under 4,000 square feet is ideal — whereas ride-ons are more practical for large spaces. Ride-ons also tend to have more powerful motors and brush systems, allowing them to cover more ground in less time. But they’re also usually more expensive.

Where to use floor sweepers

The upshot of all these factors — walk-behind sweepers are particularly effective in environments such as small warehouses, retail spaces, and office buildings. They are well-suited for areas with narrow aisles and limited floor space. Small commercial enterprises are also usually better served by walk-behind sweepers, as well as the hospitality, healthcare, and education industries that often have narrow spaces and tight squeezes. On the other hand, ride-on sweepers are more suitable for large warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and expansive retail spaces — think industries such as logistics, automotive manufacturing, and public transportation hubs.

Understanding rotary brush and vacuum technology

Sweepers use two different mechanisms to clean floors: rotary brushes and vacuums. Rotary brushes use rotating cylindrical brushes to lift and collect dirt — which is particularly useful for dirt and heavier debris. Vacuums of course use suction to collect finer particles. Some of these vacuums can use HEPA filters to ensure that finer, more dangerous particles get picked up. Most sweepers use a combination of both these systems to ensure large and small debris get dealt with.

Having the option for large and finer particle pickup is helpful for industries where air quality is of the utmost importance, such as medical or pharmaceutical facilities, food processing environments, or cleanrooms.

Key industrial & commercial sweepers key features

Power source options

Floor sweepers can use multiple power sources — these are typically electric, battery powered, and gas powered. Electric sweepers offer consistent power and don’t require much maintenance — but they need access to power outlets, which limits their range. Battery-powered sweepers have greater mobility and can be used indoor and outdoors. They’re quiet and more environmentally friendly, but require charging — and that charging becomes more frequent as batteries age, depending on the battery type. Finally, gas-powered sweepers give powerful performance with long operations time, but because of their emissions and noise, they’re usually not best for indoor applications.

Cleaning efficiency and capacity

Evaluating the efficiency of a sweeper machine means looking at factors such as brush size, suction power, and hopper capacity. Larger brushes will obviously cover a larger area, and more powerful suction will help gather debris more effectively. The size of a hopper is also important, as the larger they are, the less frequently you need to empty them, allowing for more continuous operation.

Choosing the right one for you

The many variables in choosing a floor sweeper shouldn’t feel overwhelming. A quick consideration of the needs of your industry and application should make it easy to narrow your choices. For example, for large warehouses and distribution centers, a ride-on sweeper that’s battery powered is probably best — as it can cover a large area without producing emissions indoors. The S20, a particularly flexible and capable mid-size industrial ride-on sweeper, fits this need perfectly. It offers high performance, durability, and a choice between battery or internal combustion power, making it Tennant’s largest battery sweeper. With its large hopper capacity and sweeping path in a compact, maneuverable platform, and an option for HEPA filtration, it’s ideal for challenging industrial applications.

For a smaller retail spaces or a quieter operation, battery-powered sweepers are likely the best choice. The S680 and S880 are two easy-to-use battery-powered small commercial ride-on sweepers that excel in smaller indoor spaces. Both are quiet and compact but capable enough to handle difficult soils and debris. The S880, in particular, features a high-dump hopper to streamline debris handling.

Whatever your need, thinking carefully about your priorities should make it clear what sweeper will help you take care of the job.

Ready to take your cleaning to the next level?

Needing more help thinking through floor sweeper options? Tennant is here to help. Whether you are requesting a product demonstration or a quote, ordering parts, or making a service appointment, Tennant professional representatives are ready with answers to your questions, and we look forward to showing you how much we appreciate your business. Contact the Tennant team today to learn more.

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Ready to take your cleaning to the next level?

Whether you are requesting a product demonstration or a quote, ordering parts, or making a service appointment, you've come to the right place. Tennant professional representatives are ready with answers to your questions, and we look forward to showing you how much we appreciate your business.