Portable for upholstery only

[kevinj6121]

Any of you TM owners use a portable for upholstery?

Looking to get a portable who's only real purpose is to clean upholstery

I have a TM but to be honest i'd rather not fire it up just for upholstery

So i want something lightweight and easy to get in and out of my van

Don't want one of those little 3 or 4 gallon spotters either

Heat is the one thing i can't decide if i want or not in whatever portable i decide to go with, i'm leaning towards no heat as I believe hot tap water in the tank would work just fine

I'm also aware of the fact that if i do get a heated portable i'll be sacrificing vac power
Although it'll only have a 100 psi pump so this compensates for some

However, since this portable will only be used for upholstery it doesn't have to be a powerhouse on suction

You just don't need as much Lift & CFM on upholstery as you do on carpet
Dual 2 stage vacs would most likely be fine, i'm not going to be running the thing from my truck so there will be no long hose runs.

 

[Mikey P]

Product Page | KleenRite (New Site)

www.kleenritemfg.com

 

[Mikey P]

Galaxy™ 5 Portable Carpet Extractor

Galaxy 5 portable carpet extractors are mid-sized carpet cleaning machines ideal for auto detailing and carpet maintenance cleaning.

www.edic-usa.com

 

[BIG WOOD]

You won't save any time setting up a portable vs a tm if you use your tm every day.

And you'll lose space in your van

I could see using a portable if the furniture is being brought to you, but I don't see any advantage of using a portable if you have a tm.

And with the short hose on the portable, you won't see any difference in vacuum.

Why don't you want to fire up the tm for portables? Money is better when cleaning a 3 cushion couch vs cleaning 2 bedrooms. And don't bring up wasting gas. Dumbass People buy $5 starbucks coffees and complain about paying $3/gallon of gas that makes them money here.

 

[Desk Jockey]

That Galaxy looks like a good size. You can clean alot with 5 gallons.

 

[Cleanworks]

Take a look at Esteam portables. The E-600 is a 6 gallon machine with a 150 psi pump and optional heater. You can clean an average 3 seat sofa with cushions before having to refill. If you need a larger one, go with a standard Ninja with heat. 10 gallon machine that has been around for many years. Very reliable and light for it's size. Go with the 150 psi pump, 2-2 stage vacuums and heater. Great machine for upholstery. Look it up at esteam.com.

 

[Cleanworks]

You won't save any time setting up a portable vs a tm if you use your tm every day.

And you'll lose space in your van

I could see using a portable if the furniture is being brought to you, but I don't see any advantage of using a portable if you have a tm.

And with the short hose on the portable, you won't see any difference in vacuum.

Why don't you want to fire up the tm for portables? Money is better when cleaning a 3 cushion couch vs cleaning 2 bedrooms. And don't bring up wasting gas. Dumbass People buy $5 starbucks coffees and complain about paying $3/gallon of gas that makes them money here.

A portable is more controllable, especially if you're doing fine fabric cleaning. You can fine tune your solution easier than in a truck mount.

 

[kevinj6121]

Galaxy™ 5 Portable Carpet Extractor

Galaxy 5 portable carpet extractors are mid-sized carpet cleaning machines ideal for auto detailing and carpet maintenance cleaning.

www.edic-usa.com

that's a nice little unit, only if it had a larger capacity recovery and solution tank. i'd like to have at least 6 gallon on both but preferably 10 gallon

 

[kevinj6121]

Take a look at Esteam portables. The E-600 is a 6 gallon machine with a 150 psi pump and optional heater. You can clean an average 3 seat sofa with cushions before having to refill. If you need a larger one, go with a standard Ninja with heat. 10 gallon machine that has been around for many years. Very reliable and light for it's size. Go with the 150 psi pump, 2-2 stage vacuums and heater. Great machine for upholstery. Look it up at esteam.com.

ok that Esteem E-600 is a nice little machine 6 gallon waste and recovery tanks would be the minimum tank size's i would go with and at only 62 pounds it makes if more attractive.

I'd be more inclined to go with the standard Ninja with heat and 150 psi due to larger tanks size, its heavier but I like that it is tall that way i can face the back end to the rear/back of my van, lift and slide in on the handle

 

[Mikey P]

that's a nice little unit, only if it had a larger capacity recovery and solution tank. i'd like to have at least 6 gallon on both but preferably 10 gallon

Than get the 10 gallon version.

 

[kevinj6121]

You won't save any time setting up a portable vs a tm if you use your tm every day.

And you'll lose space in your van

I could see using a portable if the furniture is being brought to you, but I don't see any advantage of using a portable if you have a tm.

And with the short hose on the portable, you won't see any difference in vacuum.

Why don't you want to fire up the tm for portables? Money is better when cleaning a 3 cushion couch vs cleaning 2 bedrooms. And don't bring up wasting gas. Dumbass People buy $5 starbucks coffees and complain about paying $3/gallon of gas that makes them money here.

Well you do have a very valid point
"Dumbass People buy $5 starbucks coffees and complain about paying $3/gallon of gas that makes them money here."

I used portables for many years, in fact i just bought my very 1st TM brand new last year and love it.
I'm not really concerned with set up time of the portable as after using one for as long as i did i'm pretty quick at it.

In fact i could probably get set up and ready to go just as quick with the portable as with the TM
My number one reason is saving wear and tear on the more expensive TM

The other thing is that my TM uses a heat exchanger, and when the water gets to hot it dumps some of the hot water in order to keep it from getting too hot, this is how its designed. When its dumping i lose pressure/psi and i have to wait which slows me down.

This is not a problem when i am cleaning carpet as it doesn't dump as my carpet wand is a two jet and 4 flow

But my upholstery tool is only a one jet and doesn't move enough water fast enough to keep the TM from dumping, plus i clean carpet obviously at a higher psi

 

[Mikey P]

Well you do have a very valid point
"Dumbass People buy $5 starbucks coffees and complain about paying $3/gallon of gas that makes them money here."

I used portables for many years, in fact i just bought my very 1st TM brand new last year and love it.
I'm not really concerned with set up time of the portable as after using one for as long as i did i'm pretty quick at it.

In fact i could probably get set up and ready to go just as quick with the portable as with the TM
My number one reason is saving wear and tear on the more expensive TM

The other thing is that my TM uses a heat exchanger, and when the water gets to hot it dumps some of the hot water in order to keep it from getting too hot, this is how its designed. When its dumping i lose pressure/psi and i have to wait which slows me down.

This is not a problem when i am cleaning carpet as it doesn't dump as my carpet wand is a two jet and 4 flow

But my upholstery tool is only a one jet and doesn't move enough water fast enough to keep the TM from dumping, plus i clean carpet obviously at a higher psi

Maybe you just need a better upholstery tool

May I recommend the sapphire scientific

 

[Willy P]

Stay away from internal heat machines. The heat builds in the motor cavity and cooks your other components. Immersion heaters heat the fresh tank before cycling into the pump , again putting that pump over the recommended operating max heat at 135 degrees tops. Go inline heat instead 1500 watts should be plenty.

 

[kevinj6121]

Maybe you just need a better upholstery tool

May I recommend the sapphire scientific

i just came across a hydramaster triggerless continuous flow upholstery tool. that may solve the problem of my TM dumping cause not moving enough water fast enough. If only i knew someone who could lend me one to try 1st

 

[Desk Jockey]

i just came across a hydramaster triggerless continuous flow upholstery tool. that may solve the problem of my TM dumping cause not moving enough water fast enough. If only i knew someone who could lend me one to try 1st

Not bad tool but the Sapphire is much lighter in weight. Something that makes a difference when cleaning multiple pieces.

The Sapphire may be more of an investment but it can keep you out of trouble (dry tool) and not wear you out.

 

[Willy P]

Product Page | KleenRite (New Site)

www.kleenritemfg.com

I have one of these but a dual corded unit at 220 degree thermostats 3250 watts 15 and 13 amps. The standard thermostat is 190 but I set mine up.

 

[kevinj6121]

Product Page | KleenRite (New Site)

www.kleenritemfg.com

View attachment 108808


I have one of these but a dual corded unit at 220 degree thermostats 3250 watts 15 and 13 amps. The standard thermostat is 190 but I set mine up.

Good idea, that's a nice little heater. Edic makes nice machines and have the external heater option

 

[Willy P]

The kleenrite is built like a brick outhouse. I've had mine for 15 years and only replaced 7 dollar thermostats or 12 dollar switches.Also consider two 5.7 two stage vacuums in series instead of the single vac

 

[BIG WOOD]

Well you do have a very valid point
"Dumbass People buy $5 starbucks coffees and complain about paying $3/gallon of gas that makes them money here."

I used portables for many years, in fact i just bought my very 1st TM brand new last year and love it.
I'm not really concerned with set up time of the portable as after using one for as long as i did i'm pretty quick at it.

In fact i could probably get set up and ready to go just as quick with the portable as with the TM
My number one reason is saving wear and tear on the more expensive TM

The other thing is that my TM uses a heat exchanger, and when the water gets to hot it dumps some of the hot water in order to keep it from getting too hot, this is how its designed. When its dumping i lose pressure/psi and i have to wait which slows me down.

This is not a problem when i am cleaning carpet as it doesn't dump as my carpet wand is a two jet and 4 flow

But my upholstery tool is only a one jet and doesn't move enough water fast enough to keep the TM from dumping, plus i clean carpet obviously at a higher psi

I'm concerned about why it's dumping so much water. what model tm do you have?

 

[kevinj6121]

I'm concerned about why it's dumping so much water. what model tm do you have?

I have the hydra master boxer 318 with 36 blower 65 gallon recover tank and 70 gallon fresh water tank. and uses a heat exchanger for hot water which works very well, I bought it brand new and it works just fine and i do like it for carpet and tile & grout. However when doing upholstery it does dump a lot of water. Its suppose to dump if water gets to hot, thats how its designed so its working as it should. I don't have the dumping to much while doing carpet or T&G as both my spinner tool and carpet wand have two jets and water is almost constantly being moved/used.

But with the single jet upholstery tool and not moving as much water as fast it does dump to keep from getting to hot to often for my liking. I could try not turning the heat up so high and see if that helps i guess as i don't need the water as hot for upholstery.

It may also be a problem with my internal jet upholstery tool cause it will totally stop spraying at times as well

 

[BIG WOOD]

It may also be a problem with my internal jet upholstery tool cause it will totally stop spraying at times as well

Is there a filter on the QD attached to the upholstery tool?

I saw that your 318 doesn't have an exhaust diverter like the other hydra master models. I agree with you on it dumping the water. If you have the PMF internal jet tool, that little spray jet inside has been stopped up one time in all the years I've had mine, and it's a pain to clean out, so I hope the clog is in the filter for your sake. If I were you, I'd check out that upholstery tool before I bought a portable machine, but you know portables better than I do.

 

[Jack Zipper Zerkie]

The portable allows you to clean at your pace. Lately I use a mit or a horse hair brush with encap cleaner and water to extract. The heat in south Fl is really hot and running the truckmount at a lower speed is questionable . So the porty and the peoples elect works just fine. Faster is not always better especially at cleaning prices today. Nice & easy clean. jz

 

[steve_64]

One thing I like about my butler is the low speed for furniture.
I woukd only consider a porty for furniture if I had someone else to run it while I'm doing something else.

 

[Walrus Gumboot]

i just came across a hydramaster triggerless continuous flow upholstery tool. that may solve the problem of my TM dumping cause not moving enough water fast enough. If only i knew someone who could lend me one to try 1st

We use the Hydramaster tool and love it so much we dumped the SS tool.

 

[encapman]

The Sandia 6-Gallon unit would be perfect for what you're describing. Heated, 100 PSI, Single 3-Stage Motor, 1 Cord. Sandia extractors are rock solid dependable. And they're easy to open up and work on if you ever need to service anything.

Let me know if you're interested. I'll be happy to order one in for you at a very good price.

 

[Kenny Hayes]

Kevin, I’m certain the continuous flow tool is your answer. I have basically the same setup with that tool. My machine dumps very little when running low. I’d rather do that than carry a porty in a van

 

[Desk Jockey]

We use the Hydramaster tool and love it so much we dumped the SS tool.

Which one? The long handle one?

 

[Walrus Gumboot]

Which one? The long handle one?

Yeah. DM3 Hi-flo

 

[Desk Jockey]

Yeah. DM3 Hi-flo

I found it to be too awkward. Handle is just way too long. I guess we all like something different.

 

[Cleanworks]

I'm not a fan of continuous flow tools. Every truck mount guy needs a porty for the odd job you can't reach. Just makes sense to use a heated portable for upholstery. You use the customers electricity and water, no machine running outside making noise and burning gas, better control over your solutions. What's not to like?