Learning Center

Disk heads spin flat pads or brushes at about 250 to 300 RPM with high down pressure, so they suit smooth floors, polishing and stripping. Cylindrical heads run counter-rotating rollers at 600 to 800 RPM and sweep debris as they scrub, so they suit grout, texture and uneven floors. Orbital heads oscillate and strip finish without chemicals.

The different types of floor scrubbers sort three ways: how you run the machine (micro, walk-behind, stand-on, ride-on or robotic), what scrubs the floor (a disk, cylindrical or orbital deck) and what powers it (cord, battery or propane).