Leasing vs Buying Floor Scrubbers: What’s the Better Choice?

Investing in a floor scrubber can improve cleaning efficiency, reduce labor costs, and extend the life of your floors. But should your facility buy a machine outright or lease one through a financing program?

Both approaches have benefits and trade-offs. This guide compares leasing vs buying so you can choose the option that best fits your budget, staff, and long-term goals.

Quick Comparison: Leasing vs Buying

Leasing a Floor Scrubber

Leasing works much like a car lease: you pay a fixed monthly fee to use the machine for a set term (often 24–48 months).

Benefits of Leasing

• Lower upfront cost → Start cleaning right away without tying up capital.
  

• Predictable budgeting → Fixed monthly payments help with cash flow.
  

• Up-to-date equipment → Upgrade to newer models at the end of the lease.
  

• Maintenance coverage → Many leases include service agreements.
  
  

Considerations

• No ownership → At the end of the lease, you return the machine or buy it at residual value.
  

• Higher total cost → If you keep renewing, you may spend more over 10 years than if you bought.
  

• Contract limits → Leases may restrict hours of use or require approved service providers.
  
  

Best For

• Facilities with tight budgets or short-term cleaning contracts.
  

• Organizations that value newer equipment every few years.
  

• Businesses that prefer predictable monthly expenses over large capital outlays.

Buying a Floor Scrubber

Buying means making a one-time investment in a machine you own outright.

Benefits of Buying

• Lower long-term cost → Once paid off, there are no monthly expenses.
  

• Full ownership → You can use the machine as long as you like.
  

• Resale value → Used machines can be sold or traded in.
  

• More flexibility → No lease restrictions or service requirements.
  

Considerations

• Higher upfront cost → Machines can range from $3,000 to $20,000+.
  

• Maintenance responsibility → Repairs, parts, and service are the owner’s burden.
  

• Risk of obsolescence → Technology may advance, leaving you with an older model. This is very rare.
  
  

Best For

• Facilities planning long-term use (7–10+ years).
  

• Organizations with steady budgets and capital available.
  

• Contractors who want to build asset ownership into their business.

Cost Example

• Leasing a $10,000 scrubber: $280/month for 36 months = $10,080 (plus possible fees).
  

• Buying the same scrubber: $10,000 upfront; used 8 years = ~$1,250 per year.
  

👉 Leasing may save money in the short term, but buying often wins on long-term value if you plan to keep the machine.

FAQs

Can you lease-to-own a scrubber?
Yes. Some vendors offer lease-to-own programs, allowing you to apply monthly payments toward eventual ownership.

Are leased machines always new?
Not always. Some leasing programs use refurbished machines, so it’s worth asking.

What about tax benefits?
Leasing payments can often be deducted as a business expense. Buying may qualify for depreciation under Section 179 (consult your tax advisor).

Conclusion

• Lease a scrubber if cash flow, flexibility, and access to newer models are your top priorities.
  

• Buy a scrubber if you want to minimize long-term costs, build assets, and don’t mind maintaining the machine yourself.
  
  

Both options can make sense the right choice depends on your budget, facility size, and long-term cleaning strategy.