About Floor Machines
Floor machines — also known as low-speed floor polishers or swing machines — are versatile tools used for scrubbing, stripping, buffing, and polishing hard floor surfaces in commercial facilities. Jordan Power Equipment carries 9 floor machine models from Clarke and Nilfisk Advance, priced from $40 to $5,705. These machines are widely used in schools, hospitals, office buildings, and retail environments for routine floor maintenance and deep cleaning. Two models are available for rental. Our team can help you select the right pad driver, brush, or bonnet for your specific floor type and finish requirements — call (866) 662-6710 or visit one of our 5 locations.
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Buyer's Guide
Commercial Floor Machines: Complete Buyer's Guide
A commercial floor machine is the most versatile tool in any facility maintenance program. With the right pad or brush, one machine can strip old finish, scrub embedded soil, apply new finish, and buff to a shine. This guide covers the four main types, pad selection, and how to choose the right machine for your floor care program.
Types of Commercial Floor Machines
17" Single-Speed
The workhorse of commercial floor care. 175 RPM for scrubbing, stripping, and buffing in restrooms, hallways, and medium-sized rooms. Advance Pacesetter 17HD is a top seller.
20" Single-Speed
More coverage per pass for larger open areas. 175 RPM for the same scrub/strip/buff tasks as the 17" but with greater efficiency on open floors.
Variable-Speed
Adjustable RPM (175–350) for maximum versatility. One machine handles stripping at low speed and buffing at high speed without changing machines.
Automatic Scrubber
Combines scrubbing and squeegee drying in one pass for maximum efficiency. Walk-behind and ride-on models available for facilities that need daily wet scrubbing.
How to Choose the Right Floor Machine
1. Pad Size
17" for restrooms, tight spaces, and areas with furniture. 20" for open hallways, classrooms, and large rooms. Larger pads cover more area per pass but are harder to maneuver in tight spaces.
2. Task
Stripping: black pad + stripper chemical. Scrubbing: green/blue pad + neutral cleaner. Applying finish: white pad (dry). Buffing: red pad. Bonnet carpet cleaning: bonnet pad + carpet detergent.
3. Cord vs. Battery
Corded machines are most common for floor care — consistent power, no runtime limit. Battery models are available for cord-free operation in areas where cords are a hazard.
Related Equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a commercial floor machine used for?
A commercial floor machine runs at 175–350 RPM and is used for scrubbing, stripping, buffing, and applying floor finish on hard floors. With the right pad or brush, the same machine can perform multiple floor care tasks.
What is the difference between a 17" and 20" floor machine?
A 17" machine is more maneuverable and better suited for smaller areas, restrooms, and around furniture. A 20" machine covers more ground per pass and is more efficient for open hallways and large rooms.
What pads do I use for stripping vs. scrubbing vs. buffing?
Stripping: black or brown pad. Scrubbing: green or blue pad. Buffing/polishing: red or white pad. Always match pad color to the task — using a stripping pad for buffing will damage the floor finish.
What brands of floor machines does Jordan Power Equipment carry?
We carry Advance, Clarke, Karcher, and Nilfisk floor machines — from compact 17" models for restrooms to heavy-duty 20" machines for large commercial facilities.
Can a floor machine be used on carpet?
Yes — with a bonnet pad, a slow-speed floor machine can perform interim carpet maintenance. This is a common technique for hotel corridors and office buildings between deep extractions.