The Mercury Ultra D.C. 21-inch High-Speed Burnisher DC-21-1170 is purpose-built for large commercial floor programs where a brilliant, glass-like shine is the daily standard. Pairing a precision-balanced 1.5 HP D/C rectified motor with a 1170 RPM brush speed and a wide 21-inch apron, this burnisher closes out aisles, lobbies, and corridors in fewer passes than slower 1500-1700 RPM machines on softer finishes and leaves a deeper, longer-lasting gloss.
Built for
Supermarkets, big-box retail aisles, school hallways, hospital corridors, warehouse offices, and any facility running a routine high-speed burnishing program on VCT, vinyl, marble, terrazzo, sealed concrete, and waxed hardwood. Its 21-inch width-to-RPM combination is the sweet spot for janitorial crews that need real coverage without stepping up to a propane or battery machine.
Why the 1170 RPM brush speed matters
Higher RPMs are not always better. At 1170 RPM the burnisher melts and re-flows the top film of a high-solids acrylic finish without prematurely burning or hazing softer brands - the result is a brighter, more durable shine and longer recoat intervals. Corded D/C burnishers also start under load without breakers tripping, which is a constant headache with single-speed 175 RPM rotaries used as makeshift burnishers.
Construction and durability
The all-metal chassis adds weight directly over the pad, which translates to faster cut-in and longer-lasting brilliance compared with plastic-housed competitors. The 1.5 HP, 15 amp D/C rectified motor is specifically designed to eliminate the burnouts, voltage drops, and startup torque issues that plague conventional A/C burnishers on long extension runs. Six-inch non-marking operating wheels carry the burnisher, while separate 4-inch transport wheels keep finish-trapped dirt from being dragged onto the next floor. The non-marking full-wrap 21-inch apron protects baseboards and shelving end caps, and the dual non-conductive safety triggers prevent shock and require both hands on the handle for safe pad changes.
Specifications
- Brush speed: 1170 RPM
- Motor: 1.5 HP, 15 amp, D/C rectified
- Apron: 21-inch with non-marking full wrap
- Wheels: 6-inch non-marking (operating) + 4-inch (transport)
- Handle: Fully adjustable to 48 inches
- Power cord: 50-foot, 14/3 gauge safety cord
- Included: Flexible pad driver, power cord, dual triggers
Frequently asked questions
What pad should I use with a 1170 RPM burnisher?
Most janitorial crews run a tan, white, or natural-hair high-speed burnishing pad at 1170 RPM. The lower speed compared to 2000+ RPM machines is more forgiving of pad selection, so a white pad will still produce a high gloss on most modern acrylic finishes without burning.
Will this burnisher run on a standard 15 amp outlet?
Yes. The 1.5 HP D/C rectified motor is sized for a 15 amp circuit and includes the appropriate plug. The D/C rectified design is specifically chosen so the burnisher starts under load without tripping a 15 amp breaker, which is a common complaint with A/C burnishers and long extension runs.
How is this different from a 1500 or 2000 RPM burnisher?
At 1170 RPM the DC-21-1170 is gentler on softer finishes and is the right choice when you run a wider mix of finish brands or want longer recoat cycles. Stepping up to 1500 or 2000 RPM produces a slightly higher gloss on premium high-solids finishes but is more aggressive and demands a more disciplined pad-change schedule.
Can it handle wax, terrazzo, and sealed concrete?
Yes. The 21-inch apron, all-metal chassis, and 1.5 HP motor handle waxed VCT, marble, terrazzo, polished concrete, and sealed hardwood. For aggressive polishing on bare concrete, step up to a propane or higher-amperage machine.
What is the typical productive coverage?
At a steady walking pace a single operator typically burnishes 12,000-15,000 sq ft per hour on open aisles with the 21-inch DC-21-1170, slightly slower in cluttered retail aisles and faster in long hospital corridors.
Discount Cleaning Products is an authorized Mercury Floor Machines dealer. Orders ship from the manufacturer with full factory warranty support, and our US-based customer service team is happy to help match a burnisher, pads, and finish to the program you are running.
