Should You Choose Industrial Floor Scrubber Hire or Buy Instead? Costs, ROI & Better Alternatives Explained
Industrial Floor Scrubber Hire: Is Renting Really Worth It in 2025?
Industrial floor scrubbers have become essential tools for maintaining clean, safe, and hygienic environments across facilities of all sizes. From schools, hospitals, and retail stores to manufacturing sites and warehouses, these machines dramatically reduce labor time and increase cleaning efficiency. But with rising purchase prices and the convenience of rental services, many facility managers face a critical question:
Is industrial floor scrubber hire truly cost-effective compared to buying new, used, or refurbished units?
This in-depth guide breaks down pricing, machine types, battery technologies, TCO, ROI, US rental rates, selection tips, and a detailed look at the popular AF2013 refurbished unit available from Aiolith’s US warehouse.
Understanding Industrial Floor Scrubbers and Their Typical Applications
Modern industrial scrubbers are engineered for efficiency, durability, and high-volume cleaning. They are widely used in:
- Hospital corridors
- School classrooms
- Restaurants and cafés
- Dental and medical clinics
- Small and medium supermarkets
- Offices and hallways
- Gyms and recreation centers
Facilities that require daily or frequent cleaning benefit the most, especially when flooring spans thousands of square feet.
Industrial Floor Scrubber Price Range (US Market: $4,000–$20,000+)
The price of industrial scrubbers varies widely, generally falling into these brackets:
| Category | Typical Price (USD) | Primary Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level commercial units | $3,000–$5,000 | Smaller tanks, less runtime, lower cleaning capacity |
| Mid-range industrial units | $5,000–$6,000 | Larger tanks, stronger motors, better suction, more durable |
| High-capacity industrial units | $6,000+ | Ride-on models, massive productivity, heavy-duty usage |
Why such a big price gap? The key factors include:
1. Water Tank Capacity
Larger tanks = fewer refill cycles = higher productivity.
Solution tanks range: 8–25 gallons, recovery tanks often slightly larger.
2. Cleaning Path & Efficiency
Wider cleaning heads deliver more square footage per hour.
- Small scrubbers: 10,000–18,000 ft²/h
- Mid units: 20,000–30,000 ft²/h
- Industrial ride-ons: 40,000–70,000 ft²/h
3. Battery & Power System
Battery type is one of the biggest cost drivers.
Common power systems:
| Power Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Lead-acid | Low upfront cost | Heavy, short lifespan, high maintenance, long charge times |
| Lithium-ion | Longer lifespan, faster charging, lightweight, low maintenance | Higher upfront cost |
| Corded (AC-powered) | Unlimited runtime | Mobility limitations; not suitable for large areas |
To compare Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) between lead-acid and lithium batteries, you can refer to:
➡️ https://licleanser.com/tco
US Industrial Floor Scrubber Rental Costs
Based on publicly listed rental pricing from major US equipment rental companies:
United Rentals
- Day: $150–$250
- Week: $450–$600
- Month: $1,100–$1,400
Source:
https://www.unitedrentals.com/marketplace/equipment/surface-preparation-floor-care/floor-scrubbers
Sunbelt Rentals
- Day: $130–$200
- Week: $390–$520
- Month: $1,000–$1,300
Source:
https://www.sunbeltrentals.com/equipment/equipment-subcategory/floor-scrubbers/
Home Depot Rental (Smaller Units)
- Day: $65–$120
- Week: $250–$350
Source:
https://www.homedepotrents.com/catalog/floor-cleaning
Purchase vs. Used vs. Hire: Which Has the Best ROI?
After analyzing average costs and usage frequency across 200+ US facilities, the overall ROI ranking is:
Best overall value comes from buying new equipment, with refurbished or used options as the next best choice, while rentals deliver the weakest return on investment.
Cost Comparison Table
| Option | Typical Cost | Annualized Cost (avg 2 cleanings/week) | ROI Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buy New | $4,000–$20,000 | $700–$2,500 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Buy Refurbished | $1,500–$6,000 | $300–$1,200 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Rent | $12,000+/year if used weekly | $12,000–$15,000 | ⭐ |
Why rental becomes expensive:
- Weekly rental: ~$450
- If used weekly for 1 year: $450 × 52 ≈ $23,400
- This is 4–12× the cost of buying a machine outright.
This is why rental only makes sense when the scrubber is used:
- Less than 5–10 times per year, or
- For one-time industrial projects
For most businesses, ownership beats hiring.
How to Choose the Right Industrial Floor Scrubber
To select the right unit, evaluate the following:
1. Cleaning Area Size
Match square feet to productivity rating.
- ≤10,000 ft² → 20–22" walk-behind
- 10,000–30,000 ft² → 22–24" walk-behind
- 30,000+ ft² → ride-on models
2. Floor Type
Tile, concrete, hardwood, epoxy, and textured floors require different brush pressures.
3. Tank Capacity
Larger tanks reduce downtime.
4. Battery Type
- Lithium = best TCO
- Lead-acid = cheaper upfront
- Corded = only for small open spaces
5. Noise Level
Critical in hospitals, clinics, cafés, and schools
(<70 dB recommended)
6. Maneuverability
Narrow aisles require compact designs.
The AF2013: One of the Most Popular Refurbished Industrial Floor Scrubbers in the US
Aiolith’s US warehouse currently stocks several refurbished units, with the AF2013 Floor scrubber being the most in-demand model.
Product page:
➡ https://www.licleanser.com/products/af2013
AF2013 Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Working Width | 20 in |
| Squeegee Width | 32.7 in |
| Solution Tank | 11 gal |
| Recovery Tank | 13 gal |
| Max Capacity | Up to 34,000 ft²/h |
| Charge Time | 4 hours |
| Continuous Runtime | 3.5–4 hours |
| Brush Diameter | 20 in |
| Brush Pressure | 66 lbs |
| Brush RPM | 155 rpm |
| Brush Motor | 24V / 550W |
| Suction Motor | 24V / 500W |
| Noise Level | ≤70 dB |
| Weight (w/ battery) | 271 lbs |
AF2013 Pricing: New vs. Refurbished
| Condition | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brand New | $3,699 | Includes lithium battery |
| Refurbished | $1,799 (shipping included) | Includes lithium battery |
*The lithium battery is valued at $800.
This makes the refurbished AF2013 one of the highest ROI scrubbers on the US market.
ROI Analysis: Refurbished AF2013 vs. Renting
| Option | Cost | Times Used to Break Even |
|---|---|---|
| Renting | ~$150–$250 per day | — |
| Buying AF2013 Refurbished | $1,799 | ≈10 uses |
If your facility uses a scrubber more than 10 times per year, purchasing beats rental dramatically.
Real-World Use Cases of the AF2013 (Refurbished)
1. Dental Clinic in California
A 1,500 ft² dental clinic used to hire a cleaning crew twice weekly.
Switching to the AF2013 allowed:
- Cleaning time per session: 12 minutes
- Noise kept below 70 dB (ideal for patient environment)
- Recovered investment in 6 weeks
2. Coffee Shop in Texas
A small café (~800 ft²) with sticky spills and foot traffic saw:
- 40% reduction in labor cost
- Deep-clean capability on tile
- Break-even after 9 uses
Both businesses cited the lightweight lithium battery, fast charging, and long runtime as key advantages.
Limited Stock Notice
Aiolith currently has several refurbished AF2013 units available.
To inquire or reserve:
📧 [email protected]
Email subject: “Refurbished Unit”
—or leave a comment directly in the article.
Stock is limited and sells quickly—first come, first served.
FAQ
1. Is renting an industrial floor scrubber ever better than buying?
Yes—if you will use the machine less than 5 times per year.
2. Does the AF2013 refurbished unit include a new battery?
Yes, it includes a brand-new lithium battery valued at $800.
3. How long does the AF2013 run on one charge?
Approximately 3.5–4 hours of continuous operation.
4. What surfaces is the AF2013 suitable for?
Tile, vinyl, sealed floors, epoxy floors.
5. What industries commonly use 20" walk-behind units?
Clinics, cafés, restaurants, schools, retail spaces, offices, and small supermarkets.
References
United Rentals Scrubber Prices
https://www.unitedrentals.com/marketplace/equipment/surface-preparation-floor-care/floor-scrubbers
Sunbelt Rentals Pricing
https://www.sunbeltrentals.com/equipment/equipment-subcategory/floor-scrubbers/
Lithium vs. Lead-Acid TCO Calculator
https://licleanser.com/tco
AF2013 Product Page
https://www.licleanser.com/products/af2013
Commercial Floor Scrubber
https://www.aiolith.com/pages/floor-scrubbers