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If you are like me, your stair buffer pads don’t last very long due to the plate tearing them up, especially the new micro fiber pads. Lately, our micro fibers have actually been binding up as well. Weird. Anyway, to try and solve the problem, we grinded down the plate so it is flate and attached large loop heavy duty velcro strips across the whole plate. Have done a couple test runs and it appears to hold the pad really well, but will release the pad when you pull it off without pulling/destroying the loops (and don’t have to worry about broken teeth on the plate). Just throwing it out there in case you are running into the same issues we are. Can always test it on an old plate that is missing all of it’s teeth and not of use anymore. That’s what we did.
Devlin,
You are always offering great, positive stuff on the board. Your knowledge and proactive approach here helps us all. Thanks!
Bryan,
Thanks. Same goes to you! Unfortunately, I can’t take credit for this idea. It was my employee’s idea. I’ll let everyone know how the plate works out after more time testing.
I have an old plate that I plan to experiment with. Great idea!!
Thanks ddevlin. I tried this with the new micro fiber pads and it works great. Only thing you have to watch out for is you have to shut the buffer off when you switch steps as the pad will go flying without pressure on it.
we use the regular buffer on the stairs . i bought and tried the stair buffer and hated it ! now it sits in my basement . the regular buffer has always cleaned the stairs better for me
Jason, that has got to be dangerous and a huge safety issue using the regular Nobles/Minuteman buffer on a flight of stairs. Its tough enough hauling the buffer up a flight of stairs and I cannot imagine using it to clean a 13-15 step staircase. If the Oreck stair buffer does not clean to your satisifaction I would recommend extracting the stairs with your UM. Just my two cents…
I think the Oreck works just fine. Stairs usually come out better for me than wall to wall. Put a little elbow grease into it. Before I use the Oreck I scrub the stairs down with the hand scrubber and always finish with a towel. Great results every time.
I have yet to find a large enough velcro hook that will work with the pads. I fight the pad/drive plate thing on every step. It has a poor driver system IMO. I have used the buffer to do stairs but the Oreck is safer and easier to use. I have used a hand brush and towels to clean 2 or 3 steps.
I think the two biggest problem people have with the stair buffer is the type of pads and a worn drive plate. The drive plate needs to be replaced when the pads no longer adhere. The type of pad makes a big difference in cleaning performance. I have the woven turf stair pads and love them. I know a guy that had some woven turf pads that were very floppy and would bunch up under the drive plate. Mine are more stiff and work well. I feel the regular green stripe or thin white pads do not work near as well. I have trouble with the microfiber pads bunching up under the plate.
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