Columbus Ride-On Scrubber Dryer Cleaning Machine

Columbus ARA 85|BM 120 Ride-On Scrubber Dryer Cleaning Machine is a professional battery-powered ride-on floor scrubber dryer designed for efficient and continuous cleaning of large commercial, industrial, and institutional floor areas. Manufactured by Columbus, a German specialist in professional cleaning machines, the ARA 85|BM 120 combines high cleaning efficiency, compact dimensions, powerful suction, precise electronic water dosing, and comfortable operation to provide reliable floor cleaning performance in demanding environments.

The ARA 85|BM 120 is designed to clean large floor areas efficiently while maintaining excellent manoeuvrability. According to the official Columbus specifications, the machine has an 850 mm working width and a 980 mm suction width, with a theoretical maximum coverage of 5,100 m² per hour. Its compact dimensions of 1,490 × 880 × 1,260 mm make it particularly suitable for facilities where large cleaning capacity is required but available operating space is limited. Columbus also specifies a turning circle of approximately 1.95 metres, helping operators work effectively around furniture, equipment, and other obstacles.

One of the major advantages of the ARA 85|BM 120 is its large 120-litre solution tank combined with a 140-litre recovery tank. Columbus states that one full tank allows approximately two hours of continuous cleaning without interruption, depending on operating conditions. This makes the machine particularly useful for large facilities where frequent stops for refilling and emptying would reduce productivity.

The machine features an electronic water-dosing system as standard equipment. This system supplies the appropriate amount of cleaning solution according to the cleaning requirements, helping reduce unnecessary water consumption and improve cleaning efficiency. An optional electronic chemical dosing system is also available for applications where precise control of cleaning chemicals is required. Columbus explains that this optional system can help use only the necessary quantity of chemicals, supporting both operating-cost control and more sustainable cleaning processes.

The ARA 85|BM 120 is equipped with two brushes operating at 180 rpm with a brush pressure of 36 kg. This combination provides effective mechanical cleaning action while allowing the machine to handle demanding commercial and industrial floor-cleaning applications. The brush and pad-holder system can be coupled and uncoupled conveniently at the touch of a button, helping operators change cleaning tools quickly and efficiently.

Powerful suction is another important feature of the ARA 85|BM 120. The suction system provides up to 110 mbar low pressure and an airflow of up to 32 l/s, helping remove dirty water efficiently from the cleaned floor. Columbus designed the machine with a curved squeegee tool and powerful suction system to achieve streak-free floors that can be walked on immediately after cleaning. This is particularly valuable in commercial facilities where floors need to be returned to service quickly.

The machine uses a 24V electrical system and has a maximum total power rating of 2,395 W. Its traction motor provides a maximum travelling speed of 6 km/h, allowing operators to move efficiently between cleaning areas while maintaining controlled operation. The ARA 85|BM 120 can be configured with different battery options, including gel batteries, and an integrated charger is available as an option for convenient charging directly from the machine.

Operator comfort has also been considered in the design. Columbus highlights the machine’s low access height, open cockpit design, spacious foot area, and ergonomic riding position. These features are particularly useful during long cleaning shifts because they make getting on and off the machine easier and provide good visibility around the cleaning area. The machine also offers all-round visibility and an optional Comfort Plus driver’s seat for applications requiring extended operating periods.

Safety and maintenance are supported by several design features. The ARA 85|BM 120 includes large inspection openings that make it easier to clean both tanks thoroughly and support HACCP-compliant cleaning procedures. The machine also has an LED light at the front to improve visibility while moving and working. Its compact ride-on configuration is designed for efficient operation in densely furnished areas, while its climbing ability allows cleaning on slopes of up to 12% according to Columbus.

The ARA 85|BM 120 has an empty weight of approximately 209 kg and a maximum operating weight of up to 596 kg with the specified 240 Ah battery configuration. Its combination of compact construction, large tank capacities, high theoretical coverage, electronic water dosing, powerful suction, and ergonomic operator design makes it a strong solution for professional contract cleaning and large-area floor maintenance.

The Columbus ARA 85|BM 120 Ride-On Scrubber Dryer Cleaning Machine is therefore well suited to warehouses, factories, logistics facilities, shopping centres, supermarkets, airports, hospitals, educational institutions, hotels, public buildings, industrial facilities, and other large premises that require efficient and reliable floor cleaning. With German manufacturing quality, practical operating features, and a design focused on productivity, the ARA 85|BM 120 provides a professional solution for demanding floor-cleaning operations.

Key Features

• Professional ride-on scrubber dryer.
• Made in Germany.
• 850 mm working width.
• 980 mm suction width.
• Theoretical coverage up to 5,100 m²/h.
• 120-litre solution tank.
• 140-litre recovery tank.
• Up to approximately two hours of continuous cleaning per full tank.
• Electronic water-dosing system as standard.
• Two brushes.
• Brush speed of 180 rpm.
• Brush pressure of 36 kg.
• Powerful suction system.
• Suction pressure up to 110 mbar.
• Airflow up to 32 l/s.
• Maximum travelling speed of 6 km/h.
• Compact turning circle of approximately 1.95 m.
• Automatic brush pick-up system.
• Quick-Fill system.
• HACCP-compliant tank inspection and cleaning design.
• Ergonomic ride-on configuration.
• Low access height.
• LED front light.
• Optional integrated charger.
• Optional electronic chemical dosing system.
• Optional silent version.
• Optional Comfort Plus driver’s seat.
• Designed for large commercial and industrial floor areas.

Applications

• Warehouses
• Factories
• Logistics centres
• Distribution centres
• Shopping malls
• Supermarkets
• Airports
• Hospitals
• Hotels
• Schools and universities
• Government buildings
• Industrial facilities
• Commercial buildings
• Large public facilities
• Professional cleaning companies