Battery-powered professional cleaning equipment isn’t a new concept. Their traditional corded counterparts held the advantage in terms of cost, efficiency and ease of operation. These pieces of equipment were powered by traditional sealed lead-acid (SLA) battery cells. In addition to having higher upfront costs, they were also heavier, and in some cases, they lacked the adequate run time to meet the needs of the equipment. (If a floor scrubber is tied up in the charger during a shift, what good is it?)
It's no secret that lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries held the solution to many shortcomings of the sealed lead-acid battery. Li-ion has longer run times, higher efficiency and can last up to seven years. However, the high upfront costs of Li-ion outran the benefits they held in comparison to SLA or even the standard corded power source. Hence, cordless, Li-ion powered cleaning equipment was a great concept relegated to the back of the supply closet.
That’s about to change. Pricing for Li-Ion batteries has come down and forecasts indicate the trend will continue. Cordless cleaning equipment deserves a second chance, because in terms of cost and functionality, it’s well worth it. Here’s a look at why.
Ease of use
Corded vacuums and walk-behind scrubbers had staying power because they had access to an endless power source. But this mode does have its downsides in terms of maneuverability. Moving the cord and keeping it away from the work area, planning ahead to find the next power source, and backtracking to redo areas after switching power sources all interfered with safety and efficiency. Cordless technology eliminates these obstacles, freeing up the operator to focus on the job at hand and be more productive.
Less maintenance and handling
Given the inevitable high usage rate of cleaning equipment, maintaining SLA batteries comes with its share of headaches. Too many instances of deep discharges, or failing to maintain a schedule of full saturated charges, can shorten its life. Even minor deviation from the maintenance plan (which can happen all too often given the high demands on the cleaning crew) can hasten a battery’s expected capacity loss, which puts a necessary piece of equipment out of commission. Li-ion batteries are easy and intuitive to maintain, without the need to train staff on complex charging processes, and while maintaining the correct electrolyte levels.
Work without interruptions
Fast-charging Li-ion batteries mean that fewer pieces of equipment are sidelined and idled at one time at the charging station. This means operators can plug in their equipment during lunch breaks and return to work with a ready-to-go piece of equipment. Because Li-ion batteries last several times longer than traditional SLA, that means scrubbers, vacuums and sweepers can keep going about as long as they’re needed on the floor to get the job done. With an intelligent battery-operating system, you can remotely monitor battery charge and health so you can plan the day with precision.
A safer way to work
Finding Li-ion enabled replacements for motorized equipment eliminates many hazards in the workplace. They eliminate the need for engine maintenance, the handling and storage of fuel, and improve indoor air quality. For any piece of cleaning equipment, less maintenance means less handling, which minimizes operator-incurred breakage and mechanical issues, keeping equipment in good working order and operating safely.
Long-lasting Li-ion batteries can reduce maintenance and lower costs, while improving the safety and productivity of a cleaning operation.
Discover more about how Inventus Power is transforming the professional cleaning industry. Contact us today to discuss your application needs or connect with one of our team members at the upcoming Interclean Amsterdam Online event on November 3-6, 2020.
