If you manage sidewalks, schools, malls, or busy public spaces, you know how stubborn gum can be. Specialized gum removal machines make the job quick, usually 10–20 seconds per spot. Both butane-powered and electric (battery-powered) models use heat plus a biodegradable detergent to dissolve gum fast. The key difference is where and how you’ll use them.
Performance & Usability
Cleaning Speed: Both remove gum in 10–20 seconds per spot.
Surfaces: Concrete, asphalt, pavers, wood, tile, and, with the soft brush, even carpets and fabrics.
Electric (Battery): Works indoors or outdoors, quiet, and emission-free.
Butane (Gas): Outdoor use only due to emissions; offers extended runtime.
Power & Runtime
Electric Backpack: ~80 minutes per charge; 90–100 minutes to recharge.
Butane Backpack: Up to 8 hours per canister set; refueling is instant, just swap canisters.
Temperature Notes: Extreme cold can reduce electric runtime (battery); butane performance can vary in very cold conditions, yet is generally reliable for extended outdoor use.
Cost & Consumables
Electric Model: $4,899 USD
Butane Model: $3,999 USD
Includes (both): Lance, backpack, starter detergent, and brushes.
Consumables: Biodegradable detergent & brushes (stainless steel and nylon) for both. Butane adds ongoing gas canisters. Electric may need battery replacement after years of use.
Service Packs: Available through Clean Direct; quantity discounts available (shipping cost is the biggest ongoing consideration).
Maintenance & Durability
Lifespan: Multi-year with proper care (similar to well-maintained commercial units in the field).
Routine Care: Clean the lance after use, replace brushes when worn, keep detergent topped up.
Butane-specific: Monitor fuel fittings.
Electric-specific: Maintain healthy battery charge cycles.
Parts Availability: Brushes, batteries, chargers, canisters, and detergent packs are stocked by Clean Direct with fast shipping.
Training & Safety
Training: Simple controls and ergonomic backpacks, most staff can be trained in minutes.
Electric Safety: Emission-free, quiet, and safe indoors (schools, malls, transport hubs).
Butane Safety: Outdoor-only due to exhaust gases; store canisters safely.
Both can be used in public areas, as long as butane models remain outdoors.
Support & Warranty
Warranty: Standard manufacturer’s coverage. View warranty policy.
Support: U.S. support is centralized through Clean Direct in North Carolina with rapid shipping for parts and consumables.
Support is provided through Clean Direct’s U.S. base in North Carolina, with fast shipping for parts. In other regions, remote support is available now, with local service expected in the next two years. Demos, virtual or in-person, can be arranged.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Category
Electric (Battery Backpack)
Butane (Gas Backpack)
Cleaning Efficiency
Removes gum in 10–20 seconds, emission-free; safe indoors & outdoors
Removes gum in 10–20 seconds; outdoor use only due to emissions
Surfaces
Concrete, asphalt, pavers, wood, tile, carpet (with soft brush)
Same surfaces, but not recommended indoors
Runtime
~80 minutes per charge
Up to 8 hours per canister set
Recharge / Refuel
~90–100 minutes to recharge battery
Instant — swap gas canisters
Purchase Price
$4,899 USD
$3,999 USD
Consumables
Biodegradable detergent + brushes; optional extra battery
Detergent + brushes + butane canisters
Ongoing Costs
Detergent & brushes; eventual battery replacement
Detergent, brushes, ongoing gas canisters
Maintenance
Minimal: clean lance, replace brushes, maintain battery cycles
Minimal: clean lance, replace brushes, check fuel lines
Durability
Multi-year lifespan with proper care
Multi-year lifespan with proper care
Training
Intuitive controls; staff trained in minutes
Same — simple, ergonomic controls
Safety
Quiet, no emissions; safe indoors and in public areas
Safe outdoors; emissions mean not for indoor use
Best For
Schools, malls, airports, transit stations, indoor/outdoor areas
Sidewalks, streets, outdoor venues, long-runtime jobs
Warranty
Standard manufacturer warranty; extended options available
Standard manufacturer warranty; extended options available
Support
Remote support via Clean Direct; fast parts shipping
Same
Key Takeaway
Electric = Indoor + outdoor versatility, quiet & green.
Butane = Outdoor powerhouse with up to 8 hours of runtime.
Both models deliver top performance, the best choice depends on your work environment and budget.
