$64,000.00 Question?

Just to clarify - you can have all the vacuum in the world, but without airflow its nothing but a static negativ pressure - like holding a hand for your mouth while inhaling.

From my own experience on all sides of these issues, I would have to respectfully disagree with your reasoning, Steve. And, hopefully in a helping way.

To me, my experience has proven that we are in the "extraction" business, literally. The word; Extraction is defined as some sort of; VACUUM.
Therefore, VACUUM---or the amount of it---is more important than anything else, period.

Keeping in mind also, that we are limited in the amount of energy (amps/watts) electrically, I will put more eggs in that VACUUM basket.

A single vacuum motor with 200 - 400 psi is not enough and will ultimately slow you down. "EXTRACTION" once again. And, you will indeed use MORE water; thus fill and empty machine more often!

I think common sense has proven to me that you want GREATER "EXTRACTION"--water coming out; than "PRESSURE"--water going in, in an effort to have much better results in terms of cleaner, long lasting carpets, greater soil recovery, and in cutting labor costs.

Looking back 35 years when I started, using a single 3 stage machine was a hugh mistake, IMHO and experience.

And, since I am still sitting here some 35 years later with some success, I would have to say that my opinion has been a proven one.

Finally, in the end, whatever decision you make, you will learn a lesson. And, hopefully, it will not be a detrimental mistake like the one I made.

The very best and hope my comments help in the final thinking process.

Ed Valentine
cross-american corp.

Dumping and refilling is a pain in the ass...BUt, its not the only reason to get a TM. Tm = More suck,more heat,faster cleaning and basically more of everything....

And emptying and refilling depends on how soil the carpet is and how much of a soaker are you.


Hope I helped some :) SO, I can be done with my good deed for the month.