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When it comes to commercial washing machines, not all were created equal. There are many differences in different makes and models, but one big line that can be drawn is the difference between rigid mount and soft mount washing machines.

The short answer? Rigid mount washers have a solid metal base that must be chemically anchored to an Engineered Metal Plinth or over 6” of concrete floor. Soft mount washers have ‘shocks’ that reduce the powerful vibrations exerted on the floor. Soft mount washers are newer, easier to install, and more versatile, but more expensive. Rigid mount is tougher to install, face more regulatory limitations, and can damage your flooring, but are a bit cheaper.
Installing or replacing washing machines is an expensive decision, so you’ve got to ask the question: which washer is best for you? Rigid or Soft Mount?And what is the difference??

Learn the differences between a soft mount and rigid mount below – and the pros and cons for each.

Rigid Mount Washers

Rigid mount washers have been the norm for many years, and for good reason: they get the job done. The high amount of power contained in rigid mount washers may be good for business, but it also has some drawbacks.

Difficult to Fit

Rigid mount washers must be chemically anchored a concrete floor, and in some cases, they must be bolted to a concrete or steel slab, which is then bolted to the floor. The lack of shock absorption and the sheer amount of force exerted on the floor by vibrating rigid mount washers means that if they weren’t bolted down, they could easily cause the flooring to crumble. These necessities can make them difficult to fit. Incorrect or poor installation can also see these units rip up your flooring and do irreparable damage to the washing machine.

Limited Placement

Alongside having to be mounted on a steel slab on a concrete floor, rigid mount washers also cannot be placed above a basement, and cannot be placed higher than the first floor due to the force and vibrations. This limits the placement of the machines to the basement or ground floor of any establishment.

Soft Mount Washers

Soft mount washers are newer to the Industrial washing scene – and they appear to be taking it by storm. Not only do they not require a steel slab, they also reduce vibrations by 97%

Easy to Install

As mentioned above, soft mount washers don’t require steel or concrete slabs in order to work, and they vibrate a whole lot less than rigid mount washers, too. This means that they are much easier to install, and it opens up a lot of opportunities for utilising free spaces on upper floors, instead of being confined to the basement. Just place the washer down, level it up and you can walk away!

More Expensive

The main drawback of soft mount washing machines is their price – they are, on average, around 30% more expensive than rigid mount washers. In part, this is due to the shock-absorption technology that is included. Unlike rigid mount washers, a cradle and springs are built in to isolate the drum from the sides of the washer. These extra materials contribute to the increased price.

If you’re unsure about which washer is the right fit for you and your business, don’t hesitate to contact our team of professionals today. We’re ready to help you make the decisions that are right for you.