The angle at which a scraper blade meets the floor has a major impact on how efficiently it can cut through or lift material. The correct angle allows the blade to glide beneath flooring with minimal resistance, improving productivity and reducing wear on both the machine and the tooling.
On a ride-on scraper, blade angle is controlled through adjustments to the slide plate height and pitch. Depending on the model, this may be done manually or from the operator’s seated position.
Adjusting Blade Angle from the Seat
National’s Dual-Lift technology introduced a major improvement to ride-on scraper design by allowing operators to fine-tune the blade angle while seated. This is especially valuable because concrete slabs and subfloors are rarely perfectly level. Being able to make small adjustments on the move, whether passing over shallow spots, humps, or ridges, helps maintain efficiency and improves overall return on investment.
Steep Blade Angles
A steeper blade angle is ideal for carpet blades and self-scoring blades, where soft goods removal requires more aggression. This applies to both walk-behind and ride-on scrapers.
Historically, older walk-behind carpet and VCT removal machines allowed very limited adjustment, often a “set it and forget it” arrangement. National’s Rogue walk-behind scraper changed this by introducing infinite blade angle adjustment, bringing the benefits of Dual-Lift technology into a compact machine.
Shallow Blade Angles
A shallow blade angle is best suited for hard-goods removal, whether you’re using a shank or a heavy-duty blade. When removing materials such as timber, tile, or parquet, the aim is to slide underneath the flooring rather than strike it head-on.
To do this effectively, set the back end of the machine so it sits only slightly lifted from the floor. This positioning helps the shank or blade slip beneath the material cleanly, improving productivity and reducing impact on the subfloor.
The Power of Proper Blade Positioning
Machines that offer precise, infinite blade adjustment allow operators to match the angle to the material, floor condition, and removal method. This not only extends the life of your tooling but also reduces operator fatigue — a major advantage on long or difficult jobs.
Thoughtfully engineered machines and tooling make floor scraping more efficient, more controllable, and more predictable.
Click here to learn more about National’s innovative UK-compatible scraping equipment and technologies.