13 · Floor Care

Floor Polisher

Also called Floor buffer · Swing machine · Rotary floor machine · Burnisher

A rotary floor machine that cleans, buffs, waxes and restores the shine on hard floors.

Electric (corded)

Overview

A floor polisher is one large disc turning flat against the floor. Change the pad or brush and the same machine scrubs, strips, waxes or buffs.

Buffing and polishing vinyl, tile and stone, scrubbing with brushes or pads, stripping and re-waxing. Offices, stores and schools are the usual settings.

It steers by handle height, which is what catches people out. Raise the handle slightly and the machine swings one way, lower it and it swings back. Small movements are enough, and holding the handle level keeps it turning on the spot.

Start in the middle of the room, away from walls and furniture, until the swing is under control.

Catalogue specifications

PRODUCT OVERVIEW MOD# M171-3
Pad Speed 175RPM
Motor 1HP
Transmission All Steel Triple Planetary Gear Box
Voltage/ Power Cord 120V / 60Hz 50' - 14/3
Pad/ Brush Size 16" - 17"
Weight (lbs) 97
Standard 1 hp floor machines are perfect for jobs with a lower power demand. These machines deliver aggressive cleaning power for scrubbing, stripping, and buffing any hard floor job. Pad Drivers and Scrub Brushes not included.
Patented rotationally molded one-piece housing reduces noise and vibration for improved operator comfort
Heavy-duty all steel dual and triple (HD Models) planetary transmissions stand up to the most demanding work
Ultra high output motor maintains the power and torque necessary for the toughest floor care requirements
All metal handle housing, tube and trigger assembly provides long lasting durability
Thumb activated safety interlock switch prevents accidental start-up

Best uses

Buffing and polishing vinyl, tile and stone
Scrubbing with brushes or pads
Stripping and re-waxing
Offices, stores and schools

Troubleshooting

Find a symptom

Machine jumps or runs away

Checks to try, in order

Check the pad is centred on the drive block.
Hold the handle at waist height with a relaxed grip.
Replace a pad that's worn unevenly.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

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Leaves swirl marks

Checks to try, in order

Clean or change the pad.
Use the right pad colour for the task (buffing vs scrubbing).

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

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Tool won't switch onShared · Electric (corded)

Likely causes

Tripped GFCI or breaker
Lock-off button
Damaged cord
Dead outlet

Checks to try, in order

Check the outlet works and reset any GFCI / RCD that has tripped.
Release the lock-off button or safety switch before squeezing the trigger.
Inspect the cord and extension lead for cuts, crushed sections or damaged plugs.
If running from a generator, make sure it's running and its breaker hasn't tripped.

A damaged cord or plug means the tool is out of service. Tag it and return it — never tape a cord.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

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Keeps tripping the breakerShared · Electric (corded)

Likely causes

Circuit overloaded
Undersized extension cord
Blunt accessory

Checks to try, in order

Plug into a circuit with nothing else heavy running on it.
Use a shorter, heavier extension cord. Long, thin cords starve the motor and trip breakers.
Don't force the tool — a dull bit, blade or disc makes the motor draw more current.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

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Overheating, burning smell or heavy sparkingShared · Electric (corded)

Checks to try, in order

Stop and unplug the tool.
Check the motor vents aren't blocked with dust.
Let it cool, fit a sharp accessory and let the tool's weight do the work.

Heavy sparking from the vents or a burning smell that returns points to worn brushes or a failing motor — workshop only.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

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Safety

For electric (corded)

Inspect the cord and plug before every use. Use a GFCI/RCD outdoors or near water.
Unplug before changing blades, bits, discs or pads.
Wear eye protection, and a dust mask when cutting, grinding or sanding masonry.