BiSSEll BigGreen BGFS5000 Portable Two Brush Floor Scrubber & Polisher, 13" W x 7" D x 44" H, White & Green

BiSSEll BigGreen BGFS5000 Portable Two Brush Floor Scrubber & PolisherGiven so many low customer ratings for this machine, we were apprehensive about buying one. As it turned out, our machine has none of the problems cited by so many others. Perhaps Bissell’s Chinese manufacturer redesigned a few parts to work better?- machine is a virtual clone of the Sears floor cleaner that we owned and loved for 25 years (which eventually failed – and no parts are available for it).- the brand new BFGS500 arrived fully assembled with all parts (all of the listed pads and the pad clips). There’s nothing to do except remove the plastic wrap and cardboard – and use it.- these new models no longer require a customer to install a “switch box” that so many complained about. An on/off switch is built-in. It’s only one speed, but we only used “high” on that old Sears scrubber.- the 8-notch brushes snap (with a firm push) securely onto the hub at the machine’s bottom. For spare stiff brushes, search Amazon on “Koblenz 6 Inch Scrub Brushes with 8 Notch Hub 4502332"- the liquid container on our machine is fine. It doesn’t leak and it snaps into the machine’s chrome post, lining up perfectly with the slot on the open-close controller.- the 35' cord should be sufficiently long for most jobs – it’s almost too long for us.- we bought it to clean our Azek deck – much easier than cleaning by hand.- negatives... some of the plastic parts should be thicker / stronger – such as the green liquid container cover (reads “Heavy duty - commercial”) – that part is fragile.... machine will tip over backwards, so it has to be held onto or rested on something.... OK for occasional homeowner use, but no way is this a “commercial” quality machine. It wouldn’t last.... avoid buying a “used” machine. New is better, will have fewer issues, and will last longer.

I purchased this same machine from Sears 20 years ago. It finally gave up the ghost this year and replacement parts were not available so this seemed like a good replacement. Fortunately I have an engineering background and always check out machines before I fill them with fluids and go to work.Clearly there is no quality control at the factory in Mexico where this was assembled. The design is simple and worked for years on the old machine but the lever that opens the ball valve on this machine that allows fluids to flow onto the brushes simply does not work. The parts are sized incorrectly and the flow valve cannot be opened. It is beyond me why every machine that comes off the line is not checked for this vital function that is central to the value of the product. I would rate a minus 5 if i could.

I have vinyl floors that look like wood. I have used other cleaners throughout the 9 years we have been here. From steamers, a Bissell floor cleaner, to wet moping and dry mopping afterward. Nothing was getting them clean. I have a daughter in wheel chair & dogs. It gets dirty. I was like I’m going to have to replace these floors in next couple of year. Well this was my last cleaner I was going to buy. I wanted one that had scrubbers but not evasive enough to ruin my floors. This thing works!! If you need a cleaner for hard floors get this!! I’m seeing magic before my eyes. Getting them back to the original color!! You can see in picture the cut off.

The Bissell BigGreen BGFS5000 works great once you get the hang of it. It’s powerful, cleans well, and feels solidly built. We’ve used it on multiple floor types and it handled everything like a champ.That said, the instructions were pretty vague and not very helpful. It took some trial and error to get everything set up and running properly. Once we figured it out, though, it’s been smooth sailing.If you’re okay with a bit of a learning curve, this is a great machine that delivers excellent results.

Pros: The motor seems well made and is powerful. It is easy to use, is fairly lightweight and its easy to fill and install the solution container. The cord is very long, which saves you from having to stop and unplug/replug the unit in while using. Did a good job cleaning and buffing, if you have the patience to frequently fix the pads if using them. See below...Cons: For the price point and the fact that its advertised as a "commercial" floor cleaner, I'm not happy about the performance of the pads. The pads really need some kind of grommet around the hole to keep the pad on securely and prevent the hole from stretching or becoming misshapen. Both the tan and the buffer pads that I used (per the directions for my application) frequently bunched up and/or fell off because the they are held on to the brushes with a plastic "pin" that goes directly through the pad. The hole into which the pin goes stretches out, causing the pads to bunch up and/or fall off. I had to stop cleaning and buffing several times to unbunch and/or reattach the pads. I only got one use out of the tan pad as the edges frayed and a considerable amount of material wore off the pad. This wasn't for a particularly large area either -- a 24x6 three season porch with a hardwood floor. I tried the pads on both the rug and floor brush. It made no difference. So the end game is, if you want to use the pads, plan on stopping often to fix them while using as well as buying replacements.Also the instructions that come with the unit say there should be an additional polishing brush and a gray buffing pad, neither of which is included or mentioned in the write up. There are also incorrect instructions/illustrations (for instance, Figures C and D are mislabeled). They need an update... that doesn't include a 1950s housewife who looks like starting up her floor cleaner is akin to the deli restaurant scene from When Harry Met Sally.