If you’re in the floor demolition industry, I am sure you know what a floor scraper is. Floor Scrapers are extremely valuable and using the right one can drastically increase your capacity to remove many types of flooring quickly and efficiently. But how do you figure out which one is best for the job you are working on? It may seem like an easy question at first, but just like any piece of equipment, not using the right one can end up costing you a lot of wasted time and money.

In this blog, we will discuss a few things to pay attention to when comparing different floor scrapers so that you can be sure to find the right scraper for your business.

SPECS

The specifications of a floor scraper are important, but there are a few specs that are important to pay close attention to when doing your research.

Although most specs are important to consider, the follow 3 should have a definite impact on your selection process:

• Travel Speed
• Weight
• Horse Power

These 3 specs are not only important to look at on an individual basis, but as a whole. Because a floor scrapers effectiveness is based on a combination of factors, it is important to have a proper balance between specifications. For example, if you were looking at a machine that had a really great travel speed and horse power, but didn’t have the weight behind it, the ability to remove flooring would be greatly decreased, regardless of the travel speed and horse power.  

How can you tell if a spec good or bad?- You’ll notice as you are researching different manufacturers that generally, there is a common spec range between comparable floor scrapers. If one scrapers spec is drastically off what the average is between different comparable floor scrapers, it may be an indication that it won’t be the best option for your job. Unless however, there is a specific reason for it. For example, some companies have lighter machines on purpose for the sake of getting them onto elevators.

Depending on your application, there may be other spec are important for the type of jobs you are typically doing, but generally speaking, remember to focus on these ones as well because they tend to have the greatest impact on effective flooring removal.

FEATURES

Floor Scraper Features are often beneficial perks but can also be very over-rated. Many manufactures tend to push features on contractors that may sound cool but don’t really solve any problems, don’t add any significant value to how the machine functions, and don’t increase production rates. Yes, they may be cool or can be useful, but don’t get distracted by the shiny stuff; make sure to pay attention to how much value the extra features offer.

When looking at the features of each scraper, always be asking yourself if the feature is actually helpful for your business. If it’s not, don’t let it influence your buying decision. It will lead you down the wrong past and could lead to not a great investment. Focus on features that are related to easy-operation of the machine, better and faster floor removal and easy transport functions. Features can be either a waste of your time and money or they can help increase productivity and efficiency, so keep an eye out for the ones that will be a benefit to your business.

PRICE

When looking at price, it can be very easy to gravitate towards the less expensive machine, for obvious reasons. Sometimes cost savings is the right way to go, but it’s important that price is not the only factor being considered when investing in a piece of equipment. You want to make sure that the value of the investment will benefit you long term.

If you are looking at a machine that has all the features you need, the specs look in line with or better than the competition, and it is the cheaper machine, you have found a winner. Just remember to make sure that you are not sacrificing quality and productivity to save a few dollars. In the long run, a cheaper machine that is not up to the task will end up costing you way more than what you saved on the initial purchase. Floor scrapers have the ability to drastically increase your profit margins so don’t make a short-sighted decision just based on price.

On the flip-side, don’t be afraid of a cheap price as long as everything else checks out. As manufacturing gets more sophisticated, opportunities for cost-savings can be real benefit. Just be sure that you are not compromising on performance.

In conclusion, if you remember to compare the important specs and features that each floor scraper offers, you will be able to see which one is perfect for your business. Make sure that you take the time to do the research and make an educated decision.