Martijn Wouters, sales manager for surface and floors at Husqvarna Benelux since the start of this year after being director of sales at Blastrac Benelux, shows us the range. Before he does so, he takes a detour to the ‘step machines’. This is necessary because you can’t see one without the other.
‘In some cases a Walk-Behind is the only solution. Think, for instance, of works which have to be carried out on a storey. In that case we offer a smaller model which can be dismantled. Our smallest in the series, the BS 75, is easy to dismantle and is especially suitable for smaller projects. Think of the removal of wall-to-wall carpet or PVC, for instance. Then, there’s the BS 110, which cannot be dismantled and has more weight and somewhat more power, although it is still manageable and two people can lift it up. I refer to these machines because it’s important for floor fitters to realise that ride-on machines aren’t the solution for everything since weight is a restriction.’

From stripper to grinder
With the Ride-On machines, Martijn Wouters starts with the BMS 150, which is the smallest Ride-On stripper in the range.
‘Here, we’re talking about a weight of 400kg, which you can raise to 600kg. This BMS 150 is driven by 220 volts, with a smart reel, so that you never cut the leads by accident. It’s very suitable for smaller rooms and ideal for places where you can’t put too much pressure on the floor. Think here of the renovation of flats or care homes where there’s a maximum weight limit of 800kg in lifts. You can always get this machine upstairs for a project.’

‘A heavier machines is the BMS 220, with weights up to 1100kg and ideal for more difficult floors. Think here of the removal of elements such as tiles, epoxy, or chipboard. The BMS 220 is driven by battery and can run for between six and eight hours on a full battery. And so, this Ride-On machine lasts for a whole working day.’

‘The last sit machine which I want to mention is the powerful BMG 2200, a grinder which you sit on. The BMG 2200 has a grinding width of 2.20 metres, possesses a fully integrated system with a dust suction unit, and can be operated by remote control. And so, you can also walk alongside the machine. Here you notice that the dust suction and pre-separator protrude at the rear and that you can use this machine for much more than just grinding. Amongst other things, for instance, you can freshen up floors (e.g. cleaning, polishing, renovating) or you can remove levelling layers or coatings. If you have to do a lot of square metres, this is the ideal machine because it’s highly efficient.’

BMP 4000: a Stand-On
In closing, Martijn Wouters also mentions the BMP 4000. Strictly speaking, this isn’t a Ride-On, but it does have all the benefits of one.
‘This BMP 4000 is actually a milling machines which you stand behind on a sort of platform. This machine is now also available with remote control and is deployed for the removal of top layers, which are literally shattered by a series of tiny hammers.’