How to find the right Rotary Floor Brushes & Pad Drivers AI guide
Written by an AI model from its trained knowledge.
What the AI looks for in Rotary Floor Brushes & Pad Drivers
- Clutch plate compatibility
- The driver or brush must use the same clutch plate or attachment system as the machine. Many use a universal clutch plate, but check the bolt pattern. A wrong clutch plate will not lock onto the machine.
- Diameter
- Match the driver or brush size to the machine size, for example a 17 inch or 20 inch machine. An oversized brush strikes the guard, and an undersized one leaves swirl marks and loses coverage.
- Brush filament
- Use polypropylene for general scrubbing, nylon for carpet shampooing, and grit-impregnated filament for aggressive scrubbing or grout. The filament decides aggressiveness and whether the brush is safe on carpet.
- Pad driver face
- Choose short bristles or hook face to grip pads, with a center lock for centering. Poor grip lets the pad slip off at speed.
- Speed rating
- High-speed burnishers need drivers rated for their rpm. Low-speed drivers can flex or fail at burnishing speeds.
Brands that matter
- Malish: Large range of rotary brushes and pad drivers.
- Clarke: OEM drivers and brushes for Clarke machines.
- Pioneer Eclipse: Drivers built for its high-speed burnishers.
What to avoid
- Grit brushes on carpet or soft floors
- Drivers without a clutch plate when the machine needs one
- Worn drivers with flattened bristles that no longer grip the pad
Questions
Do I need a pad driver or a brush?
Use a pad driver to run floor pads for stripping, scrubbing or buffing. Use a brush for direct scrubbing of textured floors, grout or carpet shampooing.