ADVICE & OPINION checks. Full inspections should


also be scheduled along with annual servicing. (But


remember, whatever the floorcare machine, the service schedule needs to be shortened if the equipment is subject


to extreme conditions or usage – or insufficient preventive maintenance).


All spinning parts – such as brushes, disc pads, wheels, gears – must be checked, and lubricated, if required. Alignment of moving parts should also be inspected, and electrical cables need to be checked for wear and tear.


We recommend that solution and recovery tanks are rinsed through with clean water after every use. This is essential to


remove chemical residues and dirty


water, and to minimise the risk of cross-contamination. It also lessens the chance of damage to filters due to blockages and residue. Don’t forget: tanks should be left open to air-dry because replacing the lids when internal surfaces are damp can encourage bacteria. Similarly, brushes and pads need to be rinsed properly too.


Again, if keeping to a scheduled maintenance regime is unrealistic, then when spring cleaning, include some cleaning time for your equipment too. It’s timely, as after the winter season, automatic scrubbers will be due a thorough check over whether they’ve been working hard all winter long or hibernating in deep storage.


Start by giving your automatic scrubber a good overall clean with mild detergent and plenty of clean water. Check for wear on the squeegee blades, or dry-rot from salt, replacing blades as necessary.


New disc pads or cylindrical brushes may also be required. If a cylindrical


twitter.com/TomoCleaning A returned machine with a filter clogged with debris.


brush scrubber was stored with the brushes down, the chances are they will have flat spots and will no longer clean effectively.


Batteries: If your machine’s batteries have not been holding a good charge, you’ve been forewarned. To get the maximum life out of your batteries, they need to be maintained properly – daily, weekly and monthly. One of the worst things that can happen to a battery is for it to be discharged too far. An electronic low-battery cut-out that prevents this from happening is a useful machine feature.


A sound preventive maintenance programme will not only help assure the quality of cleaning, it will also catch these minor matters before they turn into major problems.


If you have lead acid batteries, check them with a hydrometer. Distilled water should then be added, when needed. Sealed batteries are maintenance-free – as far as the battery is concerned. However, you still need to check that connections and cables are tight and clean. The integrity of the battery can be checked with a load test.


Never leave deep-cycle batteries in a unit that will not be used for extended periods of time – without placing them on charge occasionally.


Although these can be cycled down to 20% charge, the best option – balancing lifespan and cost – is to keep the average cycle at about 50% discharge. All batteries will self- discharge over time and it is important to keep them maintained.


Follow the instructions on charging time to ensure a complete battery charge, and avoid top-up charging, which will cause damage and shorten battery life.


Batteries and battery-operated equipment should be kept away from heat sources when stored, as high heat kills batteries. And, remember to always wear safety glasses when servicing batteries.


So, if your staff think doing things by the book (i.e., the manufacturer’s manual) seems slavish, or a waste of time, they need to think again. Preventive maintenance instructions are based on many hours of testing and use in the field. If the guidance for your equipment is missing or unclear, ask your supplier or the manufacturer. A reputable partner will be eager to avoid premature equipment failure. The benefits of a proactive maintenance regime should be clear to the budget-conscious facilities manager or contract cleaner:


www.truvox.com


31


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44