Abstract: A floor cleaning machine with a base, a control handle and a joint that permits that permits the handle to be pivoted in arbitrary directions relative to the base. The joint has first and second joint elements that are each attached to a corresponding of the base and the control handle. The first joint element has an envelope in the shape of a ball socket and is received into the second joint element. The first joint element is pivotable relative to the second joint element about a stationary fulcrum. The center of the envelope is non-displaceable relative to the second joint element. Grooves, which run in an arcuate manner, are provided on one of the first and the second joint elements, while corresponding engagement parts are provided on the other one of the first and the second joint elements and extend into corresponding ones of the grooves.