Orbital vs. traditional single-brush: how they work and the advantages of each one.

Traditional single-disc machines fall into 4 categories, each with its own cleaning application.

These categories are mainly based on the machine's rotation speed.

Low-speed machines, for example, operate at up to 200 rotations per minute and are used for scrubbing floors.

High-speed models rotate twice as fast: up to 400 times per minute. They' re great for polishing floors to restore their shine.

If you want to both scrub and polish, opt for a dual-speed single-disc machine. These models allow you to switch from low speed to high speed.

And finally, last but not least, the ultra high-speed single-disc machine. With a speed of no less than 1,500 revolutions per minute, this machine delivers a high-gloss finish to your floor.

If you'd like to learn more about these four types of single-disc machines, be sure to read our detailed article on the blog.

Despite the differences in rotation speed and application, they all work on the same basic principle.

Each single-disc machine has a pad that moves in a circular motion. When the pad is fully in contact with the floor, you're treating a uniform surface.

When the user pushes or pulls the machine's handle, only part of the pad touches the floor.

Depending on which part of the pad is in contact with the floor, the machine will move left or right.

The amount of force applied to the handle determines how fast the single-disc machine moves in that direction.

That's how these machines can achieve results you could never match by hand.

1 Traditional single-disc machines pose a safety risk

The circular movement of the pad creates a safety risk for two reasons:

Cable issues: a single-disc machine uses a power cable. If that cable gets under the pad, the machine pulls it in extremely fast. This can cause you to trip and fall, and may even result in property damage. In the best-case scenario, the cable gets tangled and yanked out of the socket In the worst case, the cable is damaged and the socket gets ripped out of the wall.

Risk of slipping: if you start the machine and the pad isn't perfectly aligned, it may suddenly slip to the left or right. Many walls and objects have already been damaged this way.

2 Traditional single-disc machines waste liquid

On top of that, the circular motion just isn't efficient for cleaning with water.

The pad acts like a centrifuge, flinging water and cleaning solution outwards. As a result, some of the water is actually used to clean the floor, but the rest is often wasted.

3 Traditional single-disc machines are hard to handle

If you use a single-disc machine regularly, you'd better be in good shape and have plenty of strength.

It's not exactly easy to handle, and keeping it under control is essential, both for the safety of the cleaner as well as for that of other people, walls, and objects nearby.

4 Traditional single-disc machines have limited cleaning power

Since you have to tilt the machine to move it left or right, only part of the pad makes contact with the floor.

That means you never use the full surface of the brush or pad, and it takes longer to clean the same area.

Fortunately, there's now an alternative that offers all the cleaning capabilities of traditional single-disc machines, but without the drawbacks: the orbital single-disc machine.

The secret behind the orbital single-disc machine lies in the two movements that the pad performs simultaneously.

On the one hand, there's a rotating motion, like a traditional single-disc machine, at 90 rotations per minute.

In addition to that, it vibrates no less than 1,400 times per minute.

BOMA's Disco Orbit model also applies 50 kilograms of brush pressure, thus ensuring greater contact with the floor.

This greater mechanical force makes cleaning faster and more efficient.

Need a visual example? Check out the following slow-motion videos.

1 Orbital single-disc machines are maneuverable and safe

The combined motion of an orbital single-disc machine gives it excellent stability during use.

Your brush stays in full contact with the floor, giving you complete control over the direction of the machine at all times.

As a result, you exert significantly less force on an orbital model than on a traditional professional machine.

What's more, this type of machine doesn't jolt or skid when you start it. The result is a safer environment for people, walls, and equipment.

Additionally, the cable is no longer at risk of getting caught under the disc, since the disc stays in constant contact with the floor. This means the cable can no longer end up beneath the disc.

2 Orbital single-disc machines use less water and cleaning product

The circular motion of a traditional single-disc machine causes water and cleaning solution to get pushed out due to centrifugal force In fact, the disc rotates at no less than 160 revolutions per minute.

An orbital single-disc machine rotates only 90 times per minute. As a result, water isn't expelled, thus helping to reduce waste.

3 Orbital single disc machines are versatile

With traditional machines, the model you need depends on how you plan to use it. For example, polishing requires a different rotation speed than cleaning.

An orbital single-disc machine scrubs or polishes depending on the brush or pad you attach to the machine.

An orbital model can easily handle all the tasks performed by different types of traditional single-disc machines.

4 Orbital single-disc machines offer powerful cleaning performance

In addition to being safer, an orbital single-disc machine is also more effective.

This is because the disc stays in constant contact with the floor. Combined with 1,400 vibrations per minute and 50 kg of brush pressure, this results in exceptional mechanical cleaning power.

Ultimately, you'll clean the same surface faster with an orbital model than with a traditional single-disc machine.

Ergonomics and safety are becoming increasingly important in professional cleaning.

That's why the benefits of orbital models also meet today's needs. So these machines are definitely the future.

Any other questions or comments? Feel free to contact us without any obligation. We'll be happy to assist you! You can also use our contact form.