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AUCH Floor Scrubbers & Polishers: FPH17 vs FSH18

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Commercial Floor Cleaning Guide
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AUCH FPH17 and FSH18 Compared

The AUCH FPH17 and FSH18 are designed for different commercial floor-care jobs. The FPH17 is a corded rotary machine for scrubbing, polishing, waxing and low-pile carpet cleaning. The larger battery-powered FSH18 scrubs hard indoor floors and uses a vacuum and squeegee to recover dirty solution.

Testing statement: Firebusters has not personally tested these machines. This guide is based on current supplier specifications and the published FSH18 instruction manual. Confirm all specifications, accessories and warranty conditions before ordering.

Important distinction: The FPH17 is not a scrubber-dryer and does not list a recovery tank or vacuum system. The FSH18 is designed to dispense solution, scrub the floor and recover dirty liquid through its squeegee and vacuum system.

Verified Specification Comparison

FeatureAUCH FPH17AUCH FSH18
Machine typeRotary scrubber and polisherWalk-behind scrubber-dryer
Power220–240V corded, 1200WBattery-powered
Cleaning path43cm/17-inch490mm brush width
Squeegee widthNot fitted830mm
Tank capacity12L solution tank50L solution and 55L recovery
Brush speed175 RPM180 RPM
Published noise level52dBBelow 65dB
Cord or runtime12m power cordSupplier-listed 3–4 hours
Published coverageNot listedUp to 1,750m²/hour
Product dimensions42 × 55 × 125cm83 × 122 × 95cm
Product weight44kg138kg
Included accessoriesPad driver, hard-floor brush and carpet brushBrush, squeegee blade, charger and tool bag

The FSH18 coverage and runtime figures are supplier ratings. Actual productivity will depend on floor condition, obstacles, turning, refilling, recovery-tank emptying and operator technique.

AUCH FPH17 17-Inch Scrubber and Polisher

The FPH17 combines a 1200W motor, 17-inch cleaning path and 12-litre solution tank. Its sealed gearbox rotates the brush or pad driver at 175 RPM. The supplier lists a 52dB noise level and a 12-metre power cord.

The package includes a hard-floor brush, low-pile carpet brush and pad driver. Application-specific polishing or waxing pads may need to be purchased separately.

Where It May Fit

  • Commercial premises needing scrubbing and polishing functions
  • Sites with suitable power outlets and manageable cable routes
  • Low-pile carpet cleaning with the correct brush and cleaning product
  • Facilities wanting a smaller machine than a full scrubber-dryer

Important Limitations

  • There is no listed recovery tank, squeegee or vacuum for collecting dirty solution.
  • The operator must manage the 12-metre electrical cord throughout the job.
  • At 44kg, unloading, stairs and transport require planning.
  • Floor, pad, brush and cleaning-chemical compatibility must be confirmed before use.


Check the AUCH FPH17

AUCH FSH18 Walk-Behind Scrubber-Dryer

The FSH18 combines a 490mm scrubbing path with an 830mm squeegee. Its 550W brush motor and 450W vacuum motor support scrubbing and dirty-water recovery during the same pass.

The supplier lists 50-litre solution and 55-litre recovery tanks, a brush speed of 180 RPM, adjustable brush pressure of 17–20kg and coverage of up to 1,750m² per hour.

A polishing pad can be used for buffing according to the supplier, but the pad is sold separately. Confirm the correct pad, chemical and operating procedure for the floor concerned.

Battery specification discrepancy: The current supplier specification table states “2 × 24V/100Ah”, while the product description states that the machine uses two 12V/100Ah batteries. Confirm the exact battery configuration, system voltage and charger requirements with the supplier before purchase or replacement.

Where It May Fit

  • Large indoor areas with sealed hard flooring
  • Warehouses, shopping areas, schools and commercial facilities
  • Sites where cord-free operation is important
  • Regular cleaning programs requiring dirty-water recovery

Important Limitations

  • The machine weighs 138kg and requires suitable delivery, unloading and storage arrangements.
  • The 830mm squeegee width must be considered when measuring doors, aisles and lifts.
  • The manual states that it is for cleaning indoor hard floors.
  • The manual prohibits operation on slopes exceeding 5%, which it identifies as approximately 3 degrees.
  • Battery charging, inspection and eventual replacement add ownership responsibilities.


Check the AUCH FSH18

Which Machine Is the Better Fit?

Consider the FPH17 If:

  • You need to scrub, buff, polish, wax or clean suitable low-pile carpet.
  • A power cord can be routed safely through the work area.
  • You do not require integrated dirty-water recovery.
  • A 44kg machine is more practical for your transport and storage arrangements.

Consider the FSH18 If:

  • You maintain larger areas of indoor hard flooring.
  • You need scrubbing and dirty-solution recovery in one pass.
  • Battery operation is preferable to managing a power cord.
  • Your doors, lifts, storage area and transport equipment can accommodate a 138kg commercial machine.

Neither machine should be selected solely by cleaning width. Floor type, drainage, access, electrical arrangements, chemical compatibility, operator training and consumable availability can be equally important.

Critical Floor-Cleaning Safety

Wet-floor warning: A squeegee and vacuum can reduce the amount of liquid left behind, but they do not guarantee that a floor is immediately dry or safe. Control pedestrian access, use suitable warning signs and inspect the surface before reopening the area.
  • Only trained and authorised operators should use the equipment.
  • Read the exact manual supplied with the machine before assembly or operation.
  • Wear non-slip footwear and any protective equipment required by the chemical label or safety data sheet.
  • Keep hands, feet, loose clothing and hair away from rotating components.
  • Turn the machine off and isolate its power source before changing brushes, clearing blockages or performing maintenance.
  • Never use flammable cleaning liquids or operate near flammable liquids, gases or combustible dust.
  • Never mix cleaning chemicals unless the chemical manufacturer expressly permits it.
  • Follow the chemical manufacturer’s dilution, ventilation, handling and disposal instructions.
  • Test the selected brush, pad and chemical on an inconspicuous area first.

Additional FPH17 Electrical Precautions

  • Use a compatible, earthed and RCD-protected electrical supply.
  • Inspect the plug and cord before every use.
  • Do not use the machine with a damaged cable or electrical fitting.
  • Keep connections dry and route the cable away from the rotating brush.
  • Do not run over, crush or sharply bend the power cable.

Additional FSH18 Battery Precautions

  • Use only the charger specified by the manufacturer.
  • Charge in a dry area away from rain, water, heat and ignition sources.
  • Do not use a charger with a damaged cord or plug.
  • Inspect batteries, cables and terminals for damage, overheating or loose connections.
  • Disconnect the battery wiring and charger before maintenance.
  • Battery servicing and replacement should be performed by appropriately trained personnel.

Access, Delivery and Storage Checks

  • Measure the narrowest doorway, aisle and lift.
  • Confirm the safe working load of any lift or loading equipment.
  • Check product and packaged weights before arranging unloading.
  • Plan how the machine will be moved between floors.
  • Provide secure, dry storage away from public access.
  • For the FSH18, provide a suitable battery-charging location.
  • For the FPH17, map safe socket and cable routes through each cleaning area.

Maintenance Considerations

  • Empty and rinse tanks after use in accordance with the manual and local disposal requirements.
  • Clean brushes, pads and squeegee components before residue hardens.
  • Inspect the FSH18 recovery system, hoses and squeegee blades.
  • Inspect the FPH17 power cord, plug and brush or pad attachment.
  • Do not wash either machine with a high-pressure water jet.
  • Replace worn or damaged components with manufacturer-approved parts.
  • Follow the published service and battery-care schedules.
  • Record servicing, repairs and replacement consumables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can both machines clean carpet?

No. The FPH17 package includes a brush intended for suitable low-pile carpet. The FSH18 manual describes that machine as an indoor hard-floor cleaner.

Does the FPH17 collect dirty water?

The supplier does not list a vacuum, squeegee or recovery tank for the FPH17. It should not be treated as a scrubber-dryer.

Does the FSH18 leave floors instantly dry?

Its vacuum and squeegee recover dirty solution, which can reduce residual moisture. The operator must still inspect the floor and control access until it is safe.

What is the FSH18 slope limit?

The current instruction manual says not to operate the machine on slopes exceeding 5%, shown in the manual as approximately 3 degrees.

Will the FSH18 fit through a standard doorway?

The listed product width is 83cm and the listed squeegee width is 830mm. Measure every doorway, lift and narrow access point before ordering rather than relying on a general definition of a standard door.

What battery system does the FSH18 use?

The supplier page currently contains conflicting descriptions. Its specification table states 2 × 24V/100Ah, while the descriptive text states two 12V/100Ah batteries. Confirm the correct configuration directly with the supplier.

Has Firebusters tested these machines?

No. This comparison is based on published product information and the FSH18 instruction manual.

Final Assessment

The FPH17 is the more versatile choice for facilities requiring rotary scrubbing, polishing and suitable low-pile carpet cleaning. Its lower weight and smaller physical size may make it easier to store, although its electrical cable and lack of dirty-water recovery must be considered.

The FSH18 is better aligned with regular cleaning of larger indoor hard-floor areas. It offers battery operation, bigger tanks and integrated solution recovery, but its 138kg weight, 830mm squeegee width, battery maintenance and strict slope limit require careful site planning.

Before purchase, confirm the exact battery configuration, warranty, consumables, spare parts, floor compatibility and delivery arrangements in writing.

Sources

Sources checked 4 September 2026. Product specifications, package contents, availability and warranty conditions can change.

© Firebusters. General information only. Always follow the current manufacturer instructions, flooring requirements, chemical safety information and applicable Australian workplace-safety requirements.