The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Floor Scraper
As a professional flooring company, we can confidently say that when it comes to removing old flooring materials like tiles, linoleum, or carpet, having the right floor scraper can make all the difference.
Choosing the right floor scraper will not only save you a ton of time and effort but also ensure that the job is done correctly without causing damage to the subfloor.
This guide is designed to help both homeowners and contractors who are unfamiliar with the many different kinds of floor scrapers available in the market.
We will explore with you the importance of selecting the right floor scraper, discuss the different types of scrapers available, link the different places where you can buy these, and most importantly help you decide between a hand scraper and a powered one based on your project needs.
Table of Contents:
Why It's Important to Choose the Right Scraper
If you are a homeowner or contractor, choosing the right floor scraper can be the key to completing the job quickly or taking forever. Here are some reasons why:
Efficiency: The right floor scraper can significantly speed up the removal process, saving you time and effort.
Damage Prevention: Using the wrong scraper can damage the subfloor, leading to costly repairs, and you don't want that, believe me.
Ergonomics: Choosing a scraper that is comfortable to use can reduce fatigue and strain on your body during the project.
Effectiveness: Different types of floor materials may require different scraper designs for optimal removal.
Types of Floor Scrapers
There are several types of floor scrapers available, each designed for specific purposes:
Hand Scrapers: Hand scrapers are manually operated tools with a sharp blade for removing small areas of flooring like adhesives or residues. Based on my research, prices for hand floor scrapers range from $10 to $126. It's important to note that these prices are just estimates, and actual prices may vary depending on the specific product and where you purchase it.
Long-Handle Scrapers: Long-handle scrapers are ideal for larger areas and provide more leverage, making it easier to remove tiles, vinyl, and other flooring materials. The price range for long-handle scraper goes from $32 as one of the cheapest and $49 the most expensive.
Power Scrapers: Electric scrapers, also known as power scrapers, use a motorized blade or attachment to quickly and efficiently remove flooring materials. They are best suited for larger projects or tougher materials. Based on my online research, electric floor scraper prices can range from approximately $1,899.99 to more heavy-duty ones for $46,495.83.
Hand Scraper vs. Power Scraper: When to Choose Each
Hand Scraper: Opt for a hand scraper if you have a small area to work on like removing the carpet of your room, need precision control, or prefer a more budget-friendly option. Hand scrapers are also suitable for delicate materials or areas where noise or vibrations need to be minimized.
Power Scraper: We recommend choosing a power scraper for larger projects, particularly if you are working on tough materials like thick vinyl or industrial-grade adhesives. Electric scrapers are more powerful and can complete the job faster than manual tools. If you're planning to remove tile flooring from more than two rooms in a property, we recommend renting a heavy-duty floor scraper instead of buying one, as purchasing a scraper for a one-time project can be quite expensive. You can rent those for in Home Depot or Durante Equipment.
Our TOP 3 Heavy-Duty Electric Floor Scrapers
Below, we will compare what we consider the top 3 Power Scrapers currently available in the market in 2024. Beginning with the first product:
In position number one we have the Husqvarna BMS 220P Floor Scraper
1- Husqvarna BMS 220P Floor Scraper
The BMS 220P is a propane-powered ride-on floor scraper that excels in medium and large applications.
It can remove a wide range of flooring materials, including hardwood, ceramics, linoleum, vinyl, carpet, adhesives, glue, and tiles.
The operator can comfortably sit on a seat and control the machine using user-friendly levers for forward/backward movement and blade adjustments.
For precise steering and maneuverability, the BMS 280P offers independent wheel control.
With its cordless design, you gain greater mobility on job sites, maximizing your productivity.
Price starts at $31,995.00.
Husqvarna BMS 220P Floor Scraper SPECIFICATIONS
MOTOR | |
Output power | 25 hp |
Power source | Propane |
Working width | 27 in |
OPERATION | |
Type of operation | Ride-on |
DIMENSIONS | |
Product size length | 59 in |
Product size width | 24 in |
Product size height | 52 in |
Weight | 2,245 lbs |
VIBRATION | |
Vibrations handlebar | 0.5 m/s² |
In our opinion, the Husqvarna BMS 220P is considered the best floor scraper because it is powered by propane, providing uninterrupted operation for contractors who need extended hours of productivity without the need to recharge batteries. This makes it an ideal choice for continuous and efficient work.
2- National 5700DL Battery Powered Ride-On Floor Scraper
This machine comes with twelve AGM 180-amp hour batteries, hydraulic steering, and a compact design.
The Dual Lift (DL) feature allows operators to adjust the blade pitch and angle while remaining seated.
Its slim design makes it perfect for maneuvering through residential doorways, while its powerful torque ensures efficient commercial flooring removal.
The 5700DL scraper can operate continuously for 8 to 12 hours without requiring a battery recharge or electrical cord support.
One-year manufacturer’s warranty on parts and labor.
Price starts at $46,495.83.
National 5700DL SPECIFICATIONS
MOTOR | |
Power Supply | Battery |
OPERATION | |
Type of operation | Ride-on |
DIMENSIONS | |
Width | 24.5" |
Height | 50" |
Length | 63" |
Weight | 2,470 lb |
Removable Weight | 185 lb front |
Weight (machine only) | 2,222 lb |
OTHERS | |
Speed | up to 120 ft/min |
Voltage | 115 |
Frequency | 60 Hz |
In our opinion, this machine is ideal for flooring contractors who handle mostly residential projects. Its capabilities are impressive, as it can precisely remove almost any type of floor, including wood a ceramic. The hydraulic steering makes maneuvering in tight spaces super easy.
We extensively tested the machine on different tile surfaces and thick carpets for a continuous period of 10 hours, and it successfully completed the job with enough battery remaining to reload it onto our trailer.
Our operators found the seating position of this machine more comfortable compared to the Husqvarna BMS 220P.
3- Bartell Global Terminator T2500Pro Floor Scraper
The Terminator 2500PRO boasts a unique control-valve system featuring a single-control joystick with variable speed, allowing on-the-fly adjustments of the swivel-head jaw.
Despite its heavy weight, the T2500PRO is designed to fit easily through standard doorways.
This propane-powered floor scraper is a powerful machine built with wheel motors used on our Terminator 5500PRO as well.
With this machine, you can effectively remove even the toughest flooring systems in the market, with a travel speed of 300ft per minute, and with precision hydraulic controls and zero° turn radius.
Price starts at $33,075.00.
Bartell Global Terminator T2500Pro SPECIFICATIONS
MOTOR | |
Power Output | 25hp - Kohler |
Work Width* | Up to 26” |
Max Speed* | 300 ft/min |
DIMENSIONS | |
Width | 54” |
Height | 26.5” |
Length | 58.5” |
Weight | 2,012 lbs |
Weight (Machine Only) | 1,697 lbs |
PRODUCTION RATES | |
Carpet | 4,000 ft²/hr |
VCT/VAT | 4,000 ft²/hr |
Sheet Vinyl | 4,000 ft²/hr |
Glued Hardwood | 2,000 ft²/hr |
Elastomeric | 2,400 ft²/hr |
Ceramic Tile | 1,900 ft²/hr |
Although not the cheapest option among the three discussed in this blog post, this machine offers impressive performance.
Initially, we found the concept of using a single joystick to control the floor scraper a bit challenging, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes comfortable and easy to use.
The main reason we ranked this machine in third place is the brand's customer service. Unfortunately, we had a less than satisfactory experience when requesting replacement parts and repairs.
Overall, this machine performs just as well as the Husqvarna BMS 220P.
Our Cheap Option for Electric Floor Scrapers
The Tomahawk 8" Power Floor Scraper
While the Tomahawk 8" Floor Scraper may not be among the top-rated options on the market, it's important to consider that you get what you pay for.
In our opinion, it is an ideal machine for removing various materials such as ceramic tile, commercial carpet, glue down hardwood, rubber, sports surfaces, VCT, and vinyl without breaking the bank. Just keep in mind that this machine will serve you well as long as you treat it with some love and don't expect it to perform like new if used excessively.
Their website highlights the motto "Work Smarter, Not Harder" and features like a multi-purpose blade, large transport wheels, and a foldable handle. We'll leave this up to you below listing all the features of this pretty affordable floor scraper.
MOTOR | |
HZ | 3/4 HP 115V |
Voltage | 11A |
Power Supply | Electric UL Approved |
DIMENSIONS | |
Width | 38” |
Height | 24” |
Length | 42” |
Weight | 150 lbs |
OTHERS | |
Speed | 1725 RPM Hertz |
Blade Options | 4 in. - 12 in. |
Cutting Angle | 3 Adjustable Positions |
In conclusion, when choosing between floor scrapers, whether powered ones or hand scrapers, it is essential to be honest with yourself about your specific needs and consider your budget. Understanding the scope of your project and the level of efficiency required will guide you towards the most suitable option for your situation. Prioritizing practicality and cost-effectiveness will ensure that you make a safe and sound decision tailored to your circumstances. At the end of the day, this is just a guide made by flooring professionals that we understand their needs.
We wish you good luck in your next project.
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