Cleaning technology encompasses all professional machines and equipment used for cleaning floors, surfaces, machinery and workpieces. Key areas include high-pressure cleaners (cold and hot water models, up to 500 bar) and steam cleaners for areas with high hygiene standards.
For surface cleaning, scrubber-dryers (ride-on and walk-behind models), industrial sweepers and dry vacuum cleaners are used. Industrial vacuum cleaners (including wet/dry models) are suitable for workshops and production environments. Parts washers clean workpieces, machine parts and tools using solvents or aqueous cleaning agents.
Leading manufacturers include Kärcher, Nilfisk, Hako, Tennant, Comac, Wetrok, Numatic, IPC, Cleanfix and RUWAC.
Cleaning technology is used by cleaning service providers, in industrial production, logistics, the food sector, the hotel and catering industry, and in public facilities such as railway stations, hospitals and schools.
Frequently asked questions about second-hand cleaning equipment
What types of machines does cleaning equipment include?
Common types include scrubber-dryers (ride-on and walk-behind), vacuum sweepers, high-pressure and hot-water cleaners, wet/dry vacuum cleaners, carpet and upholstery cleaners, as well as industrial washing and parts cleaning systems. Ride-on machines are used for large areas, whilst walk-behind machines are used in confined spaces. The choice depends on the size of the area, the floor covering and the type of soiling.
What should I look out for when buying a second-hand scrubber-dryer?
Key factors include the condition of the brush or pad drive, the suction bar and suction lips, the functionality of the clean and dirty water tanks, and the operating hours. For battery-powered machines, the condition of the battery is often the key factor determining the machine’s value. A test run will show whether the cleaning result is streak-free and whether the suction bar picks up all the water.
How do I assess the condition of the batteries in battery-powered machines?
Batteries are often the most expensive wear-and-tear part in battery-powered cleaning machines; the decisive factors are the battery type (lead-acid, gel, AGM or lithium), age, charge cycles and the actual remaining runtime. Ask to be shown the actual running time per charge rather than just being told the rated capacity. Old, deeply discharged or sulphated batteries significantly reduce cleaning performance.
What should you check on second-hand high-pressure cleaners?
Check the condition of the high-pressure pump, seals and valves, the operating pressure achieved and the flow rate; for hot-water units, also check the burner and heat exchanger. Operating hours and the water quality used during previous operation affect the wear and tear on the pump. A drop in pressure or a pulsating jet indicates worn valves or seals.
Which tests and standards apply to cleaning equipment?
Electrically powered equipment is subject to periodic testing in accordance with DGUV Regulation 3; ride-on machines are additionally subject to UVV testing by a qualified person. The standards in the DIN EN 60335 series apply to electrical safety. Ensure that the CE marking is present and that test and maintenance records are available, particularly for equipment used intensively in a commercial setting.
How do I correctly calculate the area coverage?
The decisive factor is the realistically achievable area coverage per hour under your specific conditions, which depends on the working width, travel speed, tank capacity and set-up times – not just the theoretical specification. Choose a working width that suits your aisles and any obstacles. A machine that is too large is uneconomical in winding areas, whilst one that is too small is inefficient in large halls.
Which wear parts incur running costs?
Parts that need to be replaced regularly include brushes and pads, suction lips, filters, seals and, for battery-powered machines, the batteries. Check the availability and price of these wear parts for the specific model before you buy. A cheap machine from a discontinued model can end up being expensive due to spare parts that are difficult to source.
What faults are often overlooked in second-hand machines?
Worn suction lips and filters, blocked suction channels, leaky tanks, and damaged chargers and on-board control units are frequently overlooked. Residual dirt and odours in the waste water channels also indicate a lack of maintenance. When inspecting the machine, open the tanks and suction compartment and run the machine under real-world conditions.
How are second-hand cleaning machines transported?
Hand-held machines are easy to load; ride-on machines may require ramps or a forklift, depending on their weight, and should be transported with their tanks emptied. For battery-powered machines, the batteries and charging infrastructure must also be taken into account. Arrange the handover location, loading and a brief induction directly with the supplier.
How can I arrange a demonstration of the machine before purchasing it?
You can contact the seller directly via the contact function in the advert, without any intermediaries, and request a demonstration, a battery test, and maintenance and inspection certificates. machinery-market.eu is purely a marketplace, so please clarify the condition of the machine and arrange a demonstration directly with the seller. Initial contact is made by email via info@machinery-market.eu.
How can I find the right cleaning machine?
The multilingual listings can be filtered by manufacturer, year of manufacture, condition, price and technical specifications such as working width, tank capacity or operating hours. Each listing specifies the year of manufacture, condition, location and technical specifications, making it easier to compare new and used equipment across Europe. Verified sellers are marked as ‘verified’.
Is financing available for cleaning equipment?
For many listings, you can submit a no-obligation hire-purchase or leasing enquiry and discuss the terms with the seller or their finance partner. As payment and purchase are not handled via the platform, you arrange the price and handover directly with the seller. Particularly with battery-powered equipment, it is worth recording the battery condition in writing before finalising the deal.