How to Choose a Reliable Floor Scrubber

Selecting a high‑reliability floor scrubber is essential for businesses aiming to maintain spotless, safe, and presentable floors without wasting time or money. At ONYX, we know exactly what matters—from machine type and power source to durability and support—so you can choose with confidence.
DX20 / DX20T
Battery Autoscrubbers
Understand Your Space & Usage Needs
Start by assessing your cleaning environment:
- Area size: Small retail shops or offices typically require compact walk‑behind scrubbers, while warehouses and large facilities benefit from ride‑on models.
- Floor type & debris: Smooth surfaces do well with rotary brushes and pads; rugged or debris‑heavy environments may need cylindrical or orbital scrubbers.
Evaluate Machine Walk‑Behind vs. Ride‑On
- Walk‑Behind Floor Scrubber Ideal for tight spaces and multi‑level buildings, these are easier to maneuver—perfect for hallways, classrooms, or commercial kitchens.
- Ride‑On Floor Scrubber Best for high‑traffic, open areas. Operators sit and cover more square footage faster—great for large warehouses, malls, or campuses.
Choose the Right Power Source
- Battery‑Powered: Offers mobility and fewer cords. Batteries (lead‑acid, AGM, lithium-ion) typically last 2 to 4 hours per charge and endure hundreds of cycles. All ONYX battery powered equipment use AGM or Lithium Ion batteries only.
- Corded/Electric: Unlimited runtime but ideal only where power outlets are accessible.
- Gas/Propane: Offers maximum power but involves emissions and higher maintenance.
Brush Type & Pressure
- ONYX floor scrubbers come equipped with durable brushes for deep scrubbing, but they also support a wide range of soft pads designed for light cleaning, buffing, and polishing—covering a wide range of applications.
- Rotary brushes handle general cleaning, while cylindrical brushes perform better on exotic tiled floors such as LVP/LVT tiles, uneven floors, and debris‑heavy settings.
- Adjustable brush pressure helps you balance cleaning effectiveness vs. pad wear. ONYX scrubbers have adjustable brush/pad pressure.
Ease of Use & Maintenance
- User‑friendly controls and intuitive systems ensure staff adapt quickly.
- Accessible maintenance—easy‑to‑remove squeegees, brushes, and tanks—lowers downtime.
Floor Scrubber Longevity & Reliability
A durable machine pays for itself:
- Top‑tier scrubbers last 5–10+ years with proper care.
- Check for robust warranties and strong after‑sales support, including readily available parts.
Engineered for Optimal Productivity
Productivity performance is typically measured by the amount of square feet a machine can cover per hour. When purchasing an ONYX floor scrubber, be sure to consider these specifications. Higher rates of coverage (square foot per hour) require fewer operators. Improved productivity also means less frequent stops to drain and refill your ONYX floor scrubber. Remember to compare how long the floor scrubber runs on a single charge—and how quickly it takes to recharge.
Product | Performance | Average Run Time |
Up to 24,000 sq ft/hour | 3–4 hours | |
Up to 24,000 sq ft/hour | 3–4 hours | |
Up to 32,000 sq ft/hour | 4–5 hours | |
Up to 32,000 sq ft/hour | 4–5 hours | |
Up to 32,000 sq ft/hour | 4–5 hours | |
Up to 35,000 sq ft/hour | 3–4 hours | |
Up to 56,000 sq ft/hour | 5–6 hours | |
Up to 56,000 sq ft/hour | 5–6 hours | |
Up to 56,000 sq ft/hour | 5–6 hours | |
Up to 65,000 sq ft/hour | 5–6 hours |
Eco‑friendly Features
Consider machines that conserve water, minimize chemical use, and operate quietly—ideal for noise‑sensitive environments like hospitals or schools.
Budget & Total Cost of Ownership
- Initial Cost vs. Long‑Term Value: Investing in reputable brands may cost more upfront but reduces maintenance, downtime, and replacement needs.
- Consumables & Service: Include expenses for brushes, pads, batteries, and parts in your budget planning.
Why Choose An ONYX Floor Scrubber?
ONYX floor scrubber machines are designed to be fast, simple, and reliable. Our machines are adaptable and built to operate in almost any environment. When you choose our floor scrubber machines, you’re choosing high productivity, simplicity in operation and maintenance, and a machine designed to last. All of these factors reduce downtime and improve efficiency. .
Get Started Today
Ready to optimize your cleaning strategy with a reliable floor scrubber? Contact ONYX now for a free needs assessment and tailored recommendation. Ensure your floors shine with minimal effort and maximal efficiency with ONYX floor scrubbers.