Truckmount Carpet

I agree that Truck-mounted units are not for everyone, but I would oppose those who think that the maintenance aspect is far too difficult. I would say that with the new generations of Truck-mounted systems, maintenance is as difficult as maintaining the car you drive to the office. With 10-15 minutes a day, our company has kept a 10 year old machine and (I'm not lying) a 30 year old unit on the road. The 30 year old unit has been through 10 different vehicles, and there have been some off-days, but you could get that with any type of machine. If one wants to be the ultimate professional, I would strongly consider a truck-mounted unit. I don't think it takes a rocket-scientist to operate them nowadays, just a little bit of commitment on a daily basis. The heat and suction generated from these machines can and will leave portable equipment far behind. There are obvious limitations two truck-mounted systems (ie high rise buildings, parking accesablitity, so portable equipment should still be available, but I would strongly recommend truck mounted systems as my choice

 

I can't imagine not cleaning with my Cleanco

I live in North central B.C. and we don't have many high rises, I just use heaters inside the van during winter (no shop yet).

maintenance on pto's is minimal IMO.

cleaning is much easier with a TM

I have a question for all you dedicated truckmount operators.  How much more a square foot are you getting for your truckmount than you got for your portable.  And how much a square foot more does it cost you to operate your truckmount compared to a portable?  Is it the truck that gets you your work, your price your refferals are you making more or do you really know?

I'll give you one case I had a while back.

I showed up to the customers place and the first thing he wanted to see was the truckmount. Before me a POG came along and the customer nearly flipped, so he told me. Turned the guy away.

Another case was a customer wanted to see what kind of van I was driving and the truckmount.

I cannot justify the cost of a portable when a lot of people (homeowners) will not do business with a carpet cleaning company that doesn't use a truckmount out here.

Just like Steampile, I too can count on one hand the number of buildings I can't reach in my area with the TM.

 

As for an answer to Doug's question earlier

 

"I have a question for all you dedicated truckmount operators.  How much more a square foot are you getting for your truckmount than you got for your portable."

I could charge the same and still make more money because I can get the job done in far less time in my opinion.

Not trying to insult portables.

But even at 400 feet I feel I have better suction than a portable,and better heat.

Curious what machine has 1 heat exchanger?

all the machines I've looked at had 2

TM's I've worked with (about 8) were Cleanco's and AquaTech's

I have cleaned with a cd and you will find if you are using a rx20 or rotovac what ever at the truck you will be lucky to maintain between 190 and 200 degrees. with heat exchangers.  The same will be true if you are cleaning with wands  the heat may even be less.

In my city, apartments are the major source of work.  The property managers require truckmounts on all jobs.  I believe the guy operating the cleaner is most important though.  I think I could do a better job with a rug doctor, than a monkey with a truckmount.  But  put me on a truckmount and look out.  Portables can do a great job, but What the customers perceives is way more important.  In my opinion, the respectable companies all use truckmounts, but of course, there are employees who don't care about doing a good job. 

I do like heat exchangers, provided the tech can stay moving.  I'm trying to get rid of my propane burners, I've almost had a tech blow himself up lighting the thing, a little cream fixed his face.  Almost blew myself up once, no burns that time, just sounded like the 4th of July. 

One last thought, I hate spending money but have learned to start with good stuff.  It's frustrating fixing equipment when there's work to be had.  Ever have to rig up an interesting contraption to finish a job?   I had to finish a restuarant I was doing out of town with a furniture detailer because my wand tipped over and the quick connect broke off.  Note to self: carry another wand!

ps.  I hate hydramaster!  those mix tanks drive me nuts when the float sticks and my van  becomes the titantic.