3,700 hour Mastermatic 4100 or new Steambrite 18hp or?

[Outnumbered]

Newbie here. I've been looking to get into a TM for a total cost under $10k including hoses, reels, wand, etc. I've already got a good truck and cargo trailer.

I'm having a difficult time finding anything decent (I know, my budget is low). But I really don't want a portable. I'm going to do tile and carpet.

I recently found a 1996 vintage Steam Way Mastermatic Galaxy 4100 LX with original owner/operator. Machine and tank only for $2,500. Will likely need a new motor soon (18hp VG) and who knows what else. Runs good now with 3,700 hours. All original except the pressure pump.

I'm on the fence about going this route or getting a BRAND NEW entry level TM like the Steambrite 18hp, Chemtex, or E-Z or???

What would you do?

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[Outnumbered]

Since I need to move on the Steam Way before it is gone I thought I would bump this up.

Should I buy a beater Steam Way 4100 or a new EZ/Steambrite Scout/Chemtex/etc?

Bueller...?

 

[bob vawter]

You oughta buy my Brand New Steam Genie PTO Direct Drive...that's what you outghta do

 

[Outnumbered]

You oughta buy my Brand New Steam Genie PTO Direct Drive...that's what you outghta do

I'd have to put a v-8 in my trailer :wink:

Just for comparison, how much for a turn-key system installed if I were to get my own van? I'm looking to do residential and light commercial. Need 1200 psi too so I can run a Turbo tile tool too.

Thanks for the reply

 

[diamond brian]

I would absolutely stay away from Chemtex, Steambrite, Namco, and the rest of that crowd. I know it's tempting, but stay away.

Nick at EZ is known for building a good basic machine for a decent price. Lots of folks on this board don't like him, but IMO he's got a good machine for the $. There's another guy named Duane Oxley with a good reputation for the same.

Bob Vawter rebuilds old Steam Genies. Maybe he has a slide-in. I used to have one and they are also a very good and basic machine if you don't mind propane/kerosene(I stress basic for anyone new to this trade).

In my opinion, it takes at least 18 hp to get decent performance for 0-200ft hose runs.

I don't think the SteamWay sounds like much of a deal. I've seen better recently. I bet there are some guys here with really nice slide-ins for sale.

 

[Jim Martin]

there is a guy here in Tucson that runs Nicks machine............

I talk with this guy most the time and he loves his machine........

and he got it for a good price........
He also told me Nick came down here and did all the install for him........

I know very little about Nick but I do know
the guy here running his machine is very happy..........

what part of AZ are you in....maybe you can hook up with him and take a look at it

 

[diamond brian]

Check out Crowley's low-hour avenger at The Swap Meat"!

 

[Outnumbered]

there is a guy here in Tucson that runs Nicks machine............

I talk with this guy most the time and he loves his machine........

and he got it for a good price........
He also told me Nick came down here and did all the install for him........

I know very little about Nick but I do know
the guy here running his machine is very happy..........

what part of AZ are you in....maybe you can hook up with him and take a look at it

I'm in Phoenix--about 2+ hours from Tucson. I really would like to get a new machine. I think I will get in touch with Nick and Oxley and see what they can do for me. I'll hold on the SW for now.

Thanks for the input.

 

[bob vawter]

Brian..UNTRUE!....I don't rebuild old Steam Genies.....i build everthing including the frame ...new 47 blower, pump, gauges all belt and wiring is new!
They come complete wit a Stainless Steel waste tank...

I completly believe in the standardized component system build of the Steam Genie Direct Drive...

For $8000.00 installed...you can't beat it!

I even have a EconOgenie with a used 45 in it for $5000.00

They sold for $16,995.00 from the distributors


Oh and i don't do slide-ins as i hate to work on lawnmower motors...

 

[Jay D]

Check craigslist. I have one on there in Dallas. And I believe Jim Eckman has a sweet one on there to in Reno, nv. He has a bruin with like low hours looks like a good price too. But don't try to haggle with Jim or the price goes up.