As mentioned last week, HydraMaster has a new owner

[Nate The Great]

My speculation is that the former owner(s) expected money to flow in without any investment on their part. COVID disruption lingers when you're trying to run just on profit from sales - particularly when sales are dependant on parts you can't get without some upfront investment. I haven't heard any of this from insiders, just reading between the lines of what competitors say.

Investors actually wanting to run a business understand investment, as this group's letter clearly shows. A lot of good people at HM, they'll be fine.

If I remember correctly reading you guys beta-tested a X-drive, how did that work out? I've seen one going for cheap..

 

[hogjowl]

Crickets…

 

[Mr Brightside]

My speculation is that the former owner(s) expected money to flow in without any investment on their part. COVID disruption lingers when you're trying to run just on profit from sales - particularly when sales are dependant on parts you can't get without some upfront investment. I haven't heard any of this from insiders, just reading between the lines of what competitors say.

Investors actually wanting to run a business understand investment, as this group's letter clearly shows. A lot of good people at HM, they'll be fine.

They need to really focus on a big machine that is comparable to the 870
Get a California compliant mid level liquid cooled machine
Focus most of their energy on the CDs and a option for the newer vans like transit that’s not an x drive

 

[The Great Oz]

If I remember correctly reading you guys beta-tested a X-drive, how did that work out? I've seen one going for cheap..

We had an early Beta unit that was used to dial in the control systems, so I can't say what the road ready version was like. I do know the guy assigned to it wanted us to keep it.

The transverse engine in the Transit (and maybe narrower width) doesn't allow for a simple mechanical PTO drive like the GM version. Steamway and Prochem were unsuccessful with hydraulics, which is why HM is working with electrics. At some point this may be the base for any PTO, as the current GM van will go away sometime.

 

[Brian H]

At some point this may be the base for any PTO, as the current GM van will go away sometime.

I am hoping they continue making them for the next few years, at least until I retire!

 

[Cleanworks]

We had an early Beta unit that was used to dial in the control systems, so I can't say what the road ready version was like. I do know the guy assigned to it wanted us to keep it.

The transverse engine in the Transit (and maybe narrower width) doesn't allow for a simple mechanical PTO drive like the GM version. Steamway and Prochem were unsuccessful with hydraulics, which is why HM is working with electrics. At some point this may be the base for any PTO, as the current GM van will go away sometime.

Hydraulic units just need better engineering. Hydraulics run a lot of heavy machinery without problems with proper maintenance. Larger oil reservoirs and better cooling will solve many problems.

 

[hogjowl]

Judging by the engineering of other big named units I figure this industry attracts the lower performing engineering students from the worst schools.

 

[The Great Oz]

Hydraulic units just need better engineering. Hydraulics run a lot of heavy machinery without problems with proper maintenance. Larger oil reservoirs and better cooling will solve many problems.

It might cost so much to do it "right" that no one would buy one.

 

[Lee Stockwell]

Judging by the engineering of other big named units I figure this industry attracts the lower performing engineering students from the worst schools.

Some "engineers" ride in the caboose!

 

[Andy]

the oil industry has vac trucks. So does the pooper pumpers (septic tank pumpers). They can look to them for ideas.

 

[Nate The Great]

I remember seeing Keith Studerbaker show a truck that was hydraulic powered for a roofing or pressure washing company I think? I assume it was a Sapphire unit over a HM..

 

[Mr Brightside]

called hydramaster again today for information on ordering the rubber 90* hose that goes from the bottom of the blower to the salsa unit and no answer or return call

I just need to at least know what the heck it is size wise or how to replace it something

 

[FredC]

called hydramaster again today for information on ordering the rubber 90* hose that goes from the bottom of the blower to the salsa unit and no answer or return call

I just need to at least know what the heck it is size wise or how to replace it something

This one?

000-052-917 ELBOW, 3” SILICONE HI-TEMP 4 PLY

 

[hogjowl]

I still haven’t received the unloader rebuild kits I ordered forever ago. I think EVERYBODY is having shipping/supply problems. I wish I could figure out who to be pissed off at, so I could feel better about it all.

 

[Mr Brightside]

I still haven’t received the unloader rebuild kits I ordered forever ago. I think EVERYBODY is having shipping/supply problems. I wish I could figure out who to be pissed off at, so I could feel better about it all.

This one?

000-052-917 ELBOW, 3” SILICONE HI-TEMP 4 PLY

I think that is it but I have no idea to be honest sounds like my mechanic finally got ahold of someone and is ordering it
I REALLY want them to succeed I hope they do

 

[FredC]

I think that is it but I have no idea to be honest sounds like my mechanic finally got ahold of someone and is ordering it
I REALLY want them to succeed I hope they do

well if that's it it isn't a hard part to get. In fact, you can probably pick one up at most auto or marine stores depending on the leg length needed.

 

[Mr Brightside]

well if that's it it isn't a hard part to get. In fact, you can probably pick one up at most auto or marine stores depending on the leg length needed.

that is it today and luckily it still works fine the way it is but if it was something else I would be out a van and not have any help that would suck
also I don't want to or have the time to drive a van around looking for someone that maybe could fix it for me when I need it out working

 

[Mikey P]

It is/ was... a hydraulic 870 of sorts, still in action somewhere for their inhouse roof cleaning and sealing service.

I remember seeing Keith Studerbaker show a truck that was hydraulic powered for a roofing or pressure washing company I think? I assume it was a Sapphire unit over a HM..

I looked for a video, butnonly found this from the same era... I miss those days


View: https://youtu.be/YOlmJm9lo0o?si=UmQxzG007oqT5IHi

 

[Nomad74]

Can you do a video on replacing the clutch slave cylinder on a 1984 Honda Magna V65. Thanks.

 

[ICleanCarpet]

I have an XDrive from Hydramaster. After a year of use the engine failed. I have now been without my machine for approximately 6 months. When I inquire about the parts I’m not given any clear time frame or date. I have lost my ability to bring in income yet I am still required to make my payments on the machine and the van it sits in. I just got a letter yesterday that if I don’t pay my past due 2 months of Mortage my house will go into foreclosure. When I reached out to hydramaster ,prior to the buyout, to ask for assistance on the matter I was told I just have to wait. Well just waiting is about to have me loose my house and leave my 2 children and me homeless.
*Single Mom in Pennsylvania

 

[FredC]

Well just waiting is about to have me loose my house and leave my 2 children and me homeless.

I'd probably try something else then....

 

[Willy P]

View: https://youtu.be/KqmoJYYpDCw?si=7FeBINHZ03DHa4XZ

Is that Frank Zappa?

 

[Willy P]

3.0's HS wont let me comment.



But Ill liven up this boring thread with pics of our 100 year deck project

View attachment 124450 View attachment 124451 View attachment 124452 View attachment 124453 View attachment 124454 View attachment 124455 View attachment 124456 View attachment 124457 View attachment 124458 View attachment 124459

Yogi is going to do some canoeing!

 

[BIG WOOD]

I have an XDrive from Hydramaster. After a year of use the engine failed. I have now been without my machine for approximately 6 months. When I inquire about the parts I’m not given any clear time frame or date. I have lost my ability to bring in income yet I am still required to make my payments on the machine and the van it sits in. I just got a letter yesterday that if I don’t pay my past due 2 months of Mortage my house will go into foreclosure. When I reached out to hydramaster ,prior to the buyout, to ask for assistance on the matter I was told I just have to wait. Well just waiting is about to have me loose my house and leave my 2 children and me homeless.
*Single Mom in Pennsylvania

Is your setup still under warranty?

 

[hogjowl]

Speaking of engineering in our industry, a fellow moron told me yesterday that it cost him over $1000 to replace his blower belts in his 870.

 

[Cleanworks]

I have an XDrive from Hydramaster. After a year of use the engine failed. I have now been without my machine for approximately 6 months. When I inquire about the parts I’m not given any clear time frame or date. I have lost my ability to bring in income yet I am still required to make my payments on the machine and the van it sits in. I just got a letter yesterday that if I don’t pay my past due 2 months of Mortage my house will go into foreclosure. When I reached out to hydramaster ,prior to the buyout, to ask for assistance on the matter I was told I just have to wait. Well just waiting is about to have me loose my house and leave my 2 children and me homeless.
*Single Mom in Pennsylvania

I wouldn't be waiting, probably be hiring a lawyer.

 

[FredC]

During my lunch break at the job I got so I didn't lose my house....


maybe even make enough to fix my "ability to bring in income" and sort the rest out later



inb4 "you don't know my situation"

 

[Mr Brightside]

I have an XDrive from Hydramaster. After a year of use the engine failed. I have now been without my machine for approximately 6 months. When I inquire about the parts I’m not given any clear time frame or date. I have lost my ability to bring in income yet I am still required to make my payments on the machine and the van it sits in. I just got a letter yesterday that if I don’t pay my past due 2 months of Mortage my house will go into foreclosure. When I reached out to hydramaster ,prior to the buyout, to ask for assistance on the matter I was told I just have to wait. Well just waiting is about to have me loose my house and leave my 2 children and me homeless.
*Single Mom in Pennsylvania

Is the van and x drive paid off?