How to Troubleshoot a Floor Sweeper: 5 Common Issues + Solutions

May 16, 2024

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How to Troubleshoot a Floor Sweeper: 5 Common Issues + Solutions

Any business that uses a floor sweeper machine understands the powerful impact it can have on maintaining your facility in a timely manner.

Maintaining a clean and tidy space is essential, and a reliable floor sweeper can make this task a breeze. However, like any piece of equipment, floor sweepers can encounter issues that disrupt their efficiency.

A malfunctioning or broken floor sweeper can reduce your ability to maintain your facility properly.

There are several potential causes of floor sweeper machine issues. Being able to troubleshoot these issues can prevent the need for a service technician, saving you time and money.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of troubleshooting five common problems you might face with your floor sweeper. With these practical solutions, you can quickly get your sweeper back in action and ensure your floors stay spotless. Let’s dive in!

5 Common Issues with Floor Sweeper Machines

Some of the most common issues with floor sweeper machines are:

Floor Sweeper Does Not Turn On
Main Brush Not Spinning Properly
Machine is Sweeping Unevenely
Side Brush Ineffective
Drive System Is Not Working

1. Problem: Floor Sweeper Does Not Turn On

When you want to use the floor sweeper, and it doesn’t turn on, it creates an immediate problem. There are three main potential causes for the floor sweeper to not turn on:

Power Source Issues
Overheated Engine
Debris Hopper Full

Possible Cause: Power Source Issues

Depending on the power source for your floor sweeper machine, it may not start for various reasons.

Cord-Electric Power Source Issues

Possible Cause: Not Plugged In

If your floor sweeper will not turn on, check that the machine is plugged into the wall outlet. The plug may have fallen out or have been placed in a faulty outlet.

Extension cord, old and probably not safe anymore, isolated on white

The Fix: It may seem silly, but a lot of times, the cord may not be fully plugged in, or the outlet may be broken. Double-check that the issue is not originating from the wall outlet rather than the floor sweeper. Test the outlet by plugging in a second device to check for power. If the second device does not receive power, the wall outlet is not working. If the second device does receive power, the problem is not with the wall outlet.

Possible Cause: Cord Damage

If the machine still does not work, you must check that the cord is not damaged. Look for any obvious wear and tear on the cord. Damaged or frayed power cords may be preventing the machine from getting power.

Power cords are commonly damaged from improper storage and use.

Cords should be stored according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Most machines will have a cord hook to wrap the cord around. Do not leave the cord unwrapped in storage.

When in use, the operator must carefully maneuver around cords so that the sweeper does not run over the cord. Cords that are run over become damaged and pose a safety risk to the user. To avoid running over the cord, the operator should start the machine closest to the outlet they are using as a power source and then work away from the plug.

Ripping the power cord from the outlet will cause the prongs to become bent and can cause the plug to separate from the cord. Your cord should have 3 prongs.

The Fix: Check the power cord for bent prongs, missing prongs, or frayed areas. If the protective covering of the cord or prongs is damaged, the cord will need to be replaced by a certified technician. Do not attempt to repair the cord without contacting the machine manufacturer or your distributor.

Machine service and maintenance should only be performed by a certified technician.

Battery-Powered Power Source Issues

For a floor sweeper machine powered by a battery, there are a few simple reasons your machine may not turn on, which are easily remedied.

Possible Cause: Faulty or Improper Connections

If the issue is not with the battery being fully charged, check the battery connections.

The Fix: First, check if the battery connections are properly attached. If the battery is connected correctly and the floor sweeper machine still doesn’t turn on, the battery may be dead.

Possible Cause: Dead Battery

For a battery-powered floor sweeper, test the batteries to make sure they are charged.

If the batteries are charged, and the connections are tight, and the machine is still not turning on, the problem should be reviewed by an authorized service technician.

If none of these troubleshooting tips were able to help identify why your floor sweeper won’t turn on, contact an authorized repair center for help identifying and resolving other possible causes.

Gasoline or Diesel Powered Power Source Issues

Possible Cause: No Fuel

The Fix: Fuel powered floor sweeper machines won’t turn on if they are out of fuel. Make sure that the machine has been refueled.

Possible Cause: Overheated Engine

Sometimes, if a machine has been running for an extensive period of time, the engine may overheat. This is more common on fuel-powered floor sweepers.

The Fix: Allow time for the engine to cool down and try again. You should also clean the filter on the machine.

If the engine requires other fluids, such as coolant or oil, you should also check those levels are appropriate once the engine has cooled down.

Possible Cause: Debris Hopper Is Full

Your floor sweeper machine may have a safety feature that prevents it from turning on if the debris hopper is full.

The Fix: Ensure that the debris hopper is empty.

2. Problem: Main Brush Not Spinning Properly

The main brush is essential to a floor sweeper properly cleaning. When it’s not spinning correctly, it won’t clean effectively. This is commonly due to debris, but the belt on the brush may also be an issue.

Possible Cause: Debris Buildup

Debris can get caught in the main brush as well as in the belt, restricting or preventing movement of the brush.

The Fix: Clear debris from the brush and the belt.

Possible Cause: Improperly Sized Belt

Sometimes, the belt may be too tight or too loose, preventing the brush from spinning correctly.

The Fix: Ensure the belt is properly adjusted. Refer to your manual for instructions on how to adjust the belt for your machine.

If the problem persists, contact a repair technician to resolve the issue.

3. Problem: Machine is Sweeping Unevenely

Possible Cause: Brush Alignment Issues

Sometimes, the main brush on a floor sweeper sweeps unevenly. This is likely due to the brush being out of alignment.

The Fix: Ensure that the brush is aligned correctly, and the brush should sweep evenly. You may need to consult your manual to make these adjustments.

4. Problem: Side Brush Ineffective

The side brush is a key feature of a floor sweeper machine, pushing debris in front of the machine to be swept up. When it is not working properly, you won’t get the best clean.

Possible Cause: Improper Adjustment

The most common reason the side brush is not adequately collecting debris is because the bristle height is off.

The brush might need to be adjusted up or down for optimal sweeping capabilities. The bristles should not be lying flat on the floor.

The Fix: Use the brush adjustment to lower or higher the bristles to the correct height.

5. Problem: Drive System Not Working

Some floor sweeper machines are propelled by a drive system. When this stops working, it can be difficult to move the floor sweeper machine. The drive system relies on a belt to move forward.

Possible Cause: Improper Belt Adjustment

If the tension on the belt is not properly adjusted, the drive machine won’t work. These belts will generally loosen over time so you should check them regularly to ensure they remain tight.

The Fix: Tighten the belt following the manufacturer’s guidelines.

If this does not resolve the issue, contact a service repair technician for further assistance.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to troubleshoot a floor sweeper is a necessary skill for diagnosing and fixing common issues. However, a preventative care and maintenance program is the best way to ensure you get the most out of your floor sweeper machine.

A preventative care and maintenance plan includes regular inspections and timely repairs.

Equipment specialists from Imperial Dade have decades of knowledge and can offer guidance creating a preventative care and maintenance program for your floor sweeper machines.

For a free consultation to help reduce equipment downtime and improve operational efficiencies, contact your local Imperial Dade.