For floor care professionals who rely on high-quality equipment to drive their business, there could not be a better time to upgrade. With an impressive selection of new ride on automatic scrubbers on the market today, consider your options before you submit your next big bid.

Ride-on floor machines come in an array of styles and varieties, and they are trending toward smaller machines with wider cleaning capacity. Of these newer machines, some are built efficiently enough to run on battery power, but few have mastered the combination of compact design and wireless performance. Traditionally, these battery-powered floor machines are quick, often completing an average cleaning cycle in less than half the time of conventional walk-behind scrubbers. This boost in productivity is welcome in an industry where time is money, but the machines can be bulky and difficult to maintain.

As with other battery-powered technologies, these machines must be large enough to house a number of heavy, bulky batteries. Mastercraft’s Sauber machines aim to reverse this trend by presenting more compact, maneuverable machines to the market. They feature a tight turning radius and a narrower chassis, allowing the machines to glide through hallways and corridors while cleaning right up to the edge of the flooring surface. They apply a heavy 160 pounds of brush pressure, but they are still stable with a four-wheel chassis. The true value of the machines is in their cleaning capacity. Self-adjusting brushes find the right position and level automatically, ensuring an even, efficient cleaning every time.

With technology advancing at such a rapid rate, floor care professionals are delighted to find other impressive innovations within their industry. Battery powered scrubbers and automatic floor scrubbers have been available for many years, but some manufacturers are taking these machines to a new level of sophistication.

Mastercraft’s Variotech series, for example, gives its operator the flexibility necessary to clean areas of variable sizes by offering an adjustable-width cleaning surface.  They added another level of precision and control with a patented technology they call U-Turn. The brush heads float freely on a telescopic base that allows the operator to rotate them up to 200 degrees in either direction. If dying batteries are a hindrance to your workflow, the Variotech will also let you swap out the expelled batteries for fresh, charged ones on the fly. No more waiting for the machine to recharge on the job.

Efficiency is becoming an industry standard, an according to ISSA’s most recent survey of industry trends for 2012, energy is still king. The Variotech is remarkably efficient for its size and effective cleaning area, with high-efficiency, low horse power motors.

There are plenty of standard floorcare machines that are powered by batteries. Owners of these machines benefit from a wireless cleaning experience, never having to stop to move power cables from place to place. Newer machines such as the Mastercraft Sauber Ride-On Scrubber offer just as much cleaning power as their wired counterparts. The machine comes in two scrubbing path sizes, 30 inches in the RA 800 and 34 inches in the RA 900. Its batteries offer a competitive 4-hour use on each charge, making it possible to complete a large surface area on one charge. Since the Sauber is fifty percent faster than a comparably sized walk-behind scrubber, it can compete well in terms of coverage. If you need more time per charge, look into other options in the battery-powered floor machine market.

If maximum battery life is your top priority, consider the growing market of robotic floor machines. The popular Roomba from iRobot is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of floor machines that operate without direct human control. Automatic industrial scrubbers such as the Robo 40, for example, can clean more than 12,000 square feet of floor without human action. A trained custodian can oversee the machine’s operation. The Robo 40 is controlled by a smart navigation system that is informed by a number of sensors on the device. The best part about robotic scrubbers such as this is its battery life. The Robo 40 can operate for 6 hours on a single charge, taking only 4 hours to charge completely.

As with all floor equipment, keeping them in like-new condition through ongoing maintenance will improve machine life. By establishing a routine maintenance schedule for your equipment, you can also increase the life of your batteries. Caring for batteries is simple. In order to keep them running at their full capacity and potential, always check on them periodically and store them properly. If your machine is used regularly, the batteries can remain intact. If you only use it periodically, consider disconnecting your batteries between uses. Always store your battery-powered equipment in a safe, cool place, as heat exposure can damage batteries.

If your batteries have water levels, check them regularly. Also ensure that any connections between your batteries and the floor machine are secure and clean. A dirty or corroded connector can mean trouble for the batteries. If you have standard acid batteries (most machines do), charge them completely on a fixed schedule to ensure long-term battery life. Always charge the batteries completely prior to use, and do not over-charge them.

Refinishing wood floors is a messy job. Stripping, sanding, sealing, waxing and polishing wood floors takes a good deal of time and a considerable amount of equipment. Professionals know to expect a good deal of dust in any high square-footage floor restoration. They also get used to stopping the job to cleanup periodically, often sweeping, mopping or vacuuming. By having a commercial vacuum on hand that is designed for dust control, you can control airborne dust and reduce clean up time.

The Dynavac is designed to clean up dust particles that are created during a sanding or finishing phase. Its value comes from a high-capacity tank that holds eight gallons of dust, along with a powerful motor. A special coated filter and shaker system allows you to remove dust throughout the project, saving you time normally spent cleaning or replacing filters.

With a dust control vacuum, you can decrease job time and maximize the efficiency of your crew. The Dynavac can easily be emptied on the fly, making more room for dust. You will also save money on filters.

After the job is finished, consider recommending a high-capacity vacuum to your client. They can also be used to control incidental dust as it accumulates without damaging the finish. Having a capable vacuum on hand will increase their ability to maintain the look and feel of their new floor. This is particularly valuable in retail spaces where proprietors or property owners will be motivated to keep their floors looking shiny and new.

Wood floors are magnets for dust. Almost as soon as you clean it, more dust will begin to accumulate. This is why dust control is almost a separate issue from cleaning wood floors. It is essential to the maintenance of wood surfaces, and your clients will benefit from a quick education on floor care.

Keeping floor surfaces dust free is more than a simple cosmetic issue. Dusty floors are slippery, and they can be a safety hazard to people in socks or soft-soled shoes. They are also unsanitary. Dust mites, often overlooked as a cause of various health problems related to unclean air, can thrive in environments where dust is allowed to fester.

Establishing a plan for routine care is essential to the long term health of newly finished wood surfaces. Discuss a cleaning plan and be sure to recommend an interval between deep cleanings and refinishing. This interval will depend on the type of space and its intended use, along with its size and the foot traffic the owner expects per year.

Stone floors are expensive, and anyone willing to make such an investment in their floor needs to be aware of the maintenance requirements unique to stone. Stone is a popular choice because of its aesthetic quality. Whether the surface is marble, granite, travertine or any other natural stone variation, property owners have a responsibility to keep them looking the way they do when they are new. By promoting routine maintenance of stone floors between cleanings, you can add value to your business and ensure that the floors will look great every time you attend to them.

These simple tips might seem redundant or too elementary to share, but it is easy to forget these floor care basics. Offer a gentle reminder of the following tips, or create a floor care “cheat sheet” of maintenance tips.

Use Soap, Not Detergent
Remind your client that they should never use detergents on stone floors. Simple dish soap or a castile soap is ideal for mopping, and it will not leave a residue if rinsed properly. To maintain a lustrous finish, never use a vinegar-based cleaner on stone. To remove mold or mildew, a solution of bleach and hot water will do, but always avoid mixing bleach and ammonia.

Use Door Mats and Rugs
By properly placing mats and rugs, your clients can drastically reduce the amount of dirt, grit and sand that is tracked onto their floors. Staging mats at high-traffic entry points and identifying the best placement for rugs and runners can help protect the finish on stone flooring without making it any less beautiful.

Lift, Don’t Drag
When moving furniture around on stone, it is important to lift and place it in its desired location. Dragging furniture across stone can damage it. Encourage your clients to arrange their furniture when enough spare hands are available to do it properly.

Vacuum Often
Sweeping stone floors is an easy way to get rid of dust, but it is not ideal for the finish. Instead, recommend using a vacuum to remove particles that could scratch surfaces. Some floor care machines actually vacuum as a part of their cleaning process, so it might be best to recommend routine professional cleaning for large, commercial surfaces.

Establish a Maintenance Plan
Most commercial spaces and large homes are too much for a property owner or manager to maintain on their own. The value you provide with your services is welcome, and you can ensure that you meet those expectations by using the best tools available. A comprehensive stone care system from On Floor makes quick work of refinishing, polishing or burnishing concrete, tile and stone floors.

With a wealth of eco-friendly cleaning options at your disposal, how do you decide what is best? For some, cost is the biggest determining factor in buying supplies and selecting a cleaning method. For others, it is important to maintain a responsible footprint, meaning that whatever they do should have a low profile in its impact on the earth. Most people are turning to newer cleaning products and chemicals that are labeled as green products. While there are serious steps being taken toward manufacturing chemicals that have less of a damaging impact on our environment, cleaning with steam vacuums has always been an eco-friendly solution.

There is a lot of hype about green cleaning methods. Businesses struggle to maintain a level of quality in cleaning that’s matches their commitment to social responsibility. It’s no secret that major cleaning

supply manufacturers are labeling chemicals as green or eco-friendly to encourage sales. The fact is, most of these supplies are not what they claim to be. In a recent study, only 5% of a vast number of such products actually were “green”.

Cleaning with steam is as environmentally conscious as it gets. No chemicals are needed, although they do improve results, and steam has been a powerful cleaning agent for a long time. Steam cleaners work with much less detergent than other floor machines, and they integrate cleaning and vacuuming into one seamless process. Mastercraft offers a series of powerful cleaners that combine the sanitizing power of steam with powerful suction. A steam vacuum cleaner can deliver first-class cleaning in many applications, from showers and tile floors to carpets and rugs. The DS-7 has an impressive capacity that will help your staff complete jobs more quickly.

There are added benefits to owning a commercial steam cleaner. With large capacity and extremely long power chords, these machines lessen the work load for the operator and help you finish jobs faster. With adequate suction, these cleaners can also clean and dry a floor in one pass, making them particularly valuable in situations with tight turnaround.

Cleaning carpet floors in a hotel is a good example. Harsh chemicals leave residue and buildup in carpets, and they can also contribute to a lingering odor. In spaces that need to be cleaned and ready to be used in the same day, there is no time for drying. With a carpet steam vacuum, you can ensure that your client’s carpets will be dry when you complete the job.

Beyond dependability, durability and its ability to get serious jobs done on deadline, a commercial steam cleaner like the Mastercraft DS-8 can even be used as an alternative to pesticides in some applications. If you are considering a steam cleaning solution for your arsenal of floor care equipment, take a serious look at these value-adding machines.

Concrete floor polishing is vital to the success of some businesses. Maintaining safe floor surfaces that are also beautiful adds value to businesses with concrete floors. As a contractor or business owner, you know that proper floor care requires qualified staff and the right equipment.

Floor polishers come in a number of styles and configurations. Many businesses make this investment at one point or another, because they are long-lasting and can easily be retrofitted to accomplish other tasks. If you have the staff and equipment on hand, including floor polishing pads and other accessory items, your team is almost there. For any concrete floor resurfacing job, getting rid of the dust is a top concern. Make sure you are ready to handle this waste by having an industrial vacuum or concrete vacuum on hand. The Dynavac Dry Concrete Vacuum, for example, is a dry, cloth filtration vacuum that can hold either 8 or 10 gallons of dust, depending on the model you select.

Newer machines make complex jobs like concrete resurfacing much faster and easier to accomplish. The time savings come largely from the “toll free” solutions that have recently become available, as well as attempts to simplify the resurfacing process. What has traditionally required several machines and people to complete can now be accomplished with a single machine. If your equipment is older, consider upgrading it.

If you are looking for a 360 solution to resurfacing any concrete floor, Creteboss by Onfloor Technologies is a robust machine that literally replaces a crew of people with a single machine and operator. This is made possible by its tool-free maintenance design. Most maintenance can be accomplished by the operator without the need for specialized tools. It’s grinding and polishing deck is larger and more efficient than comparable machines. Its power is delivered by three independent, belt driven heads that pack 5 horsepower each. One machine operator can grind up to 5,000 square feet of concrete floor in a single work day. This is thanks, in part, to the Creteboss’ wide 54-inch grinding and polishing path. The grinding and polishing pads can be interchanged freely without the use of tools. This allows a single operator to throw on the 34-inch high speed burnisher with little headache.

The most impressive value that the Creteboss adds to a resurfacing job is its integrated filters that minimize dust and other debris. For interior jobs in tight spaces, a machine that handles hazardous concrete dust is invaluable. Cement dust has been shown by the EPA to contain numerous hazardous chemicals that are poisonous to animals and humans. The health benefits of eliminating this debris, along with the impact it makes on cleanup time, make these machines a great value for concrete floor polishing. The built-in filter is even self cleaning, allowing the operator to take less time cleaning and more time working.

There’s a lot of talk online about floorcare tools for businesses. What is the best all-in-one solution for a rising business? How do you shop for a burnisher? There are plenty of resources that describe floorcare machines in detail and offer insight on how to shop for them. But what should a business-owner do once they buy the right machine? While most machines will come with a number of proprietary attachments and accessories, there is a wealth of opportunity in accessories alone that can add considerable value to your equipment.

Once businesses have made a decision to invest in the right equipment, they may be surprised at the number of accessories available for their new machines. The right accessories can vastly improve the effectiveness of floorcare equipment. In some cases, a simple attachment may revolutionize the way you use it. Take an industrial scrubber or sander, for example. By equipping it with any number of attachments, the tool can effectively treat several surfaces from cleaning to finishing, including concrete floors, hardwood, stone and decks.

Stripping quality floors requires the perfect accessory to make sure there is no damage to the actual floor. Particularly in the case of hardwood floors, you must select the right attachment to protect the natural finish of the wood. Onfloor provides a nice selection of Diamabrush accessories ideally suited for almost any job. From hardwoods to industrial concrete, they have meticulously engineered their scrubbers for specific applications. They offer impressive value, and each Diamabrush comes in a set of three. Concrete polishing also requires precision, and Onfloor’s selection of Phenores concrete polishers ranges from 50 to 3,500 grit. They are also available in thin and thick varieties, with the thick pads being designed for both dry and wet use.

For stone, a high-quality resin is useful to grind, smooth and polish. These accessories are particularly versatile because they can be used when wet or dry. As with other polishing or sanding accessories, resins are available in a variety of grit gradients, trending from coarse to very fine in ascending order. A 120 grit stone resin, for example, is much coarser than an 800-grit resin. For metal surfaces, try a diamond disk. Your grit will depend on the hardness or density of the metal surface. For softer metal surfaces, use a finer grit.

Decks are often overlooked when it comes to floorcare maintenance, but they are many times a business’s first impression. Onfloor’s deck scrubbing brush and quality sand paper pads are perfect for cleaning and refinishing worn out exterior decks. Older decks will also have a tendency to warp or show deck cupping over time. The Gold Diamond Deck Plate effectively flattens older decks and prepares them for sanding and refinishing. The deck will look brand new, and the walking surface will be perfectly even.

Once you have made the decision to purchase a floorcare machine, do not stop there. You have just scratched the surface of its potential!

Homeowners shudder at the sound of gushing water. Someone as simple as a leaky valve or broken gasket can release hundreds of gallons of water from a faucet or appliance. People with large amounts of carpet have the most to lose when it comes to unexpected leaks. Once they have identified the source of the water and sealed, damage control is a top priority. Experts always recommend hiring a professional for water removal, particularly when large amounts are involved (more than a few inches). Thus, it is essential to have the best tools in your arsenal to reduce the risk of permanent carpet damage in these situations. Simply carpet cleaning is not enough.

After identifying the complexity and magnitude of the problem, you will need to start removing the water immediately. In some cases, the amount of water may be so great that a carpet extractor is needed to help draw it out and clean the damaged area. Mastercraft’s Rebel Box Extractors are particularly convenient because their clear dome lids make monitoring the cleaning solution easy. These unique machines spray cleaning solution deep into the fibers of the carpet while removing the dirty solution with powerful suction. The cleaning action is simultaneous and consistent.

Once the carpet is clean, it is important to dry it as soon as possible. Commercial air movers are an effective way to draw moisture out of carpet more quickly. Mastercraft’s airmovers offer versatile operation, with three different standing positions. The powerful motor gets power from an extra long, twenty-five foot power cable. The fan can operate at three speeds, giving you extra control when you need it most.

In some climates, the humidity in the air will make it even more difficult. By using multiple machines at once, you can maximize their utility and decrease drying time, even in high humidity. Mastercraft’s airmovers are designed to interlock and work in tandem.

TIP: Air movers are particularly beneficial for service industries that require a quick cleaning turnaround. Carpeted hotel rooms, for example, often must be cleaned and dried in a matter of hours.

Some of the most embarrassing carpet stains come from water. Besides the obvious detriment water damage can have to a home, the lasting cosmetic effects can be just as painful. If the source of the leak was in a bathroom, the water carried into the adjacent bedroom’s carpet might be filled with chemicals, or in some cases waste, that can leave unsightly stains embedded deep in the carpet.

There are plenty of DIY carpet stain removal ideas out there, but they rarely do the best job. By offering a reliable service in these times or urgent need, you can grow your business’s customer relationships long term.

Hurricane season is in full effect, and while the east coast has seen its fair share of damaging storms, the worst may still be to come. For people that own property, this is a troubling time. No one is immune to damages, either. Take Hurricane Irene, a nominal storm that made a lasting impact on residents in the north east. It ranks among one of the worst storms in the area’s history. Flooding that resulted in areas further inland and north put a new and unexpected burden on home owners.

Water removal is a serious business, because it must be done quickly and effectively. Unlike preventative maintenance or routine cleaning, helping someone clean up after a disaster is time –sensitive work. When working with clients to alleviate some of the effects of heavy flooding, consider discussing the possible effects of serious water damage with them.

There are plenty of reasons to be concerned about water damage. The risks standing water poses are ample, having both personal and financial implications. Health concerns are of primary importance to families and individuals in regards to their homes. Standing water is the perfect environment to spread many diseases and bacteria. It is also a prescription for mold. The Environmental Protection Agency produces resources designed to help educate the average person on the risk posed by mold.

Property damage due to water intrusion can be a devastating blow to property owners as well. Standing water ruins carpet and wood flooring, destroys furniture and stains dry wall. By removing water quickly and efficiently, you can help reduce the lasting effects of water damage to someone’s property. With the right vacuum, most carpet is salvageable, as long as the water is removed in timely fashion and the carpet is allowed to dry. This is the value contractors are able to offer in providing water removal services.

Many homeowners will assume that removing the visible water is enough to reduce the risk of property damage or mold formation. However, water will seep into enclosed spaces, such as door frames, baseboards or even crawl spaces. These areas are perfectly suited for mold growth, as they are isolated from sun light and maintain ideal temperatures. This invisible mold can slowly grow and cause widespread health issues in the home. Mold prevention is another value added service you can provide.

Removing water the right way requires the right equipment. A standard vacuum cleaner is not going to get the job done.  Use a heavy duty extractor or commercial vacuum equipment with an adapter capable of pumping out water. By arriving on site with the right tools, including various attachments and accessories needed to draw water out of hidden areas, you can provide peace of mind to your clients.

Just as the summer’s heat begins to fade, property owners in colder climates are almost ready to prep for winter. In order to get the most out of their furnace or boiler this year, homeowners or landlords will need a professional cleaning. A clean furnace maximizes fuel efficiency and it guarantees longer life out of blowers, as well as cleaner air in the home.

When talking to clients and potential clients about boiler and furnace maintenance, always be prepared to explain the benefits of routine maintenance, particularly at the beginning of the season.

• Prolong the life of your equipment, including the boiler or the furnace and the delivery system.
• Substantial cost savings due to reduced energy consumption.
• Improve indoor air quality throughout the year. By removing dust, soot, allergens and mold from a heating system, the resulting air quality in the home is vastly improved. This translates into a substantially improved quality of life, and it can influence long term health.

Indoor air quality is an issue in the United States on the national level. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, research shows that the air inside the homes and buildings of even some of the country’s most industrialized cities can actually be dirtier than the air outside. Most homeowners are concerned with the air quality in their cities, but few realize the potential hazards of poor indoor air quality. Since people in the United States spend most of their time indoors, maintaining a healthy quality of air in the spaces the work and live is of utmost importance.

By servicing boilers and furnaces to clean soot, you provide outstanding value to your customers. Communicate with them frankly about the risks of dirty air, both for them and for their children or tenants. By helping them understand the implications of a dirty boiler or furnace, beyond costing them more money, you can develop a more loyal client base.

If adding value to your services for your customers makes sense, then increasing the value you get out of your equipment is good business, too. Mastercraft, one of the premier manufacturers of vacuums and other floor care equipment, has an impressive offering of furnace vacuums. The Sootmaster product line provides exceptional value to contractors worldwide. These ultra-portable, efficient machines are powerful enough to do any job, while operating quietly.

If you are new to the industry, getting started is a breeze with Mastercraft’s handy accessory kits. They have conveniently packaged everything you need to get started in each kit, from paper filters to hoses and nozzles.