Let it Shine
December 1st 2010

The latest Ultra High Speed polishers are taking the flooring industry by storm. SEBO’s commercial sales manager Derek Smith reveals what to look for when seeking the sleekest, shiniest floors.

Kicking the traditional mop and bucket route to touch, today’s UHS (Ultra High Speed) Floor Polishers are revolutionizing the floorcare industry, producing super shiny floors in record time, and with first-rate results. Previously those with a hard floor, be it wood, marble, granite or vinyl, had two options when it came to cleaning. They could invest heavily in a cumbersome rotary polisher, which would require prior vacuuming and washing before polishing could take place, or they could simply drag out the mop, which would soon dull a shiny surface, leaving it flat and lifeless.

Ultra High Speed refers to any polisher that spins at more than 1000rpm (rotations per minute), dramatically accelerating the cleaning process and achieving exceptional shine. Thanks to recent improvements in technology, it is now possible to vacuum and polish hard floors using one compact unit that can be easily maneuvered by a single person.

However, it is important that those seeking to invest in the latest UHS technology make an informed purchase with regards to both value and functionality. The first point to consider is the floor area in question. If you are looking to polish the floor of a shopping centre then a large ride-on model with its own power source is an expensive but essential option. High capacity halls, such as sports halls and major auditoriums, will also require a fairly substantial walk-behind model with a minimum polishing disk width of 45cm. All other spaces – hotel receptions, shops, offices, nursing homes, schools, hospitals and of course domestic residences – will benefit from a more compact UHS Polisher which can cope with awkward spaces, narrow corridors and restricted access. For example, SEBO’s Dart UHS Polisher has a polishing disk of just 30cm diameter and weighs a mere 8kg and is no harder to use than an upright vacuum cleaner.

One of the main difficulties of UHS technology is that its accelerated spin speeds (SEBO’s Dart UHS Polisher operates at speeds up to 2000rpm) mean that a heavy machine cannot be supported by the polishing pad. To avoid the polisher boring a hole straight through the floor, the majority of UHS Polishers on the market use an adjustable jockey wheel or other arrangement, which takes the weight of the machine off the polishing pad. However, in doing so, manoeuvrability is often seriously restricted. After many years of R&D investment, SEBO has developed a unique patented torque monitoring system that always gives just the right amount of pad pressure for the floor it is on, enhancing flexibility and making operation effortless. Breaking boundaries in UHS development, this new technology can be seen as the future of usability and the secret to achieving a high quality finish.

Investing in a model that will vacuum as it goes, will also save money with regards to labour costs, literally halving the time taken to clean and polish floors. Two-in-one models, such as SEBO’s Dart UHS Polisher which combines vacuum and polisher in one compact unit, will offer the versatility to cater for any small-to-medium floor area that heavy machinery cannot accommodate. It is also possible to buy a polisher attachment, which is attached via a simple one-button push and slide action, so that the vacuum cleaner can be used independently from the polisher – a major boon for those with both carpet and hard floors to maintain.

Finally, the choice of polishing pad is a critical factor. Conventional pads, that require the addition of a chemical polish, provide a high gloss shine by creating a new surface coating. However, this can be a lengthy multi-stage process even when just maintaining the floor let alone stripping off an old surface. Those looking to achieve a serious shine with minimum effort should opt for the latest diamond impregnated pads that rely solely on the mechanical action of the spinning polishing pad and don’t require any additional chemicals to achieve stunning results. By taking the time to source the best product for both floor coverage and ease-of-use, it’s possible to enjoy seriously shiny floors without breaking the bank.

For further information on SEBO, please call 01494 465 533 or visit www.sebo.co.uk.

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