Burnishers vs. Buffers: Choose the Right Equipment

When it comes to maintaining and enhancing the appearance of yourMan using a floor buffer in a hallway. floors, floor burnishers and floor buffers both play crucial roles. While they share certain similarities, understanding their distinctions is key to selecting the appropriate equipment for your specific floor care needs. In this blog post, we will delve into the similarities and differences between floor burnishers and floor buffers, shedding light on their ideal applications.

Similarities:
Floor burnishers and floor buffers are designed to elevate the look and shine of various floor types. Utilizing rotating pads or brushes, both machines effectively clean and polish surfaces. Additionally, they can be operated manually or with the assistance of electric or battery-powered motors. These shared attributes make them indispensable tools for maintaining clean and attractive floors.

Differences:
The primary disparity between floor burnishers and floor buffers lies in their speed and purpose. Floor buffers are typically lower-speed machines, ranging from 175 to 350 RPM (rotations per minute). They excel in tasks such as deep cleaning, scrubbing, and floor stripping. Floor buffers are highly effective at removing dirt, stains, as well as old wax or finish.

On the other hand, floor burnishers operate at higher speeds, typically between 1000 and 3000 RPM. Their primary objective is to enhance the shine and gloss of already clean and well-maintained floors. Floor burnishers achieve this by expertly polishing the surface and smoothing out imperfections. They are particularly suitable for routine maintenance and delivering a lustrous finish.

Ideal Applications:
Floor buffers are invaluable in situations requiring deep cleaning or floor stripping. They are particularly effective at eliminating stubborn dirt, stains, and accumulated wax buildup. Commercial settings with high-traffic areas or heavily soiled floors often benefit from the use of floor buffers.

Floor burnishers, on the other hand, excel in maintaining and enhancing the appearance of floors in well-maintained areas. They find frequent application in retail spaces, hospitals, schools, and office buildings, where they deliver high-gloss finishes on clean floors. Floor burnishers provide a professional look, enhance the reflective properties of the floor surface, and create a smooth and polished appearance.


In conclusion, while floor burnishers and floor buffers both serve the purpose of floor maintenance, their speeds and primary functions set them apart. Familiarizing yourself with these differences will empower you to choose the right equipment for your floor's specific needs, ensuring optimal results and long-lasting shine.

Interested in learning more about Burnishers and Buffers? Contact your local Sales Representative or reach out to our Equipment Sales and Service team here.