When I had my carpet cleaning business I had both diesel and gas carpet cleaning machines. From management point of view, diesel in the bigger units is good way to go. Very reliable over very long periods.
The main diesels in the slide in were Perkins, Kubota [both 3 and 4 cylinder models] and Isuzu. [Both 3 and 4 cylinder]. They just went on and on.
As far as the question as to why the manufacturers use smaller hp engines in their diesel models. Can’t speak for other manufacturers, but can give you the experience with PowerClean. Take the Genesis. In it’s gas version it runs a 68hp engine. The diesel version runs a 52hp Isuzu diesel. On paper it is less hp, but in actual fact you will not notice any performance lacking due to the less hp. In fact it is around the other way.
If running one wand I can have that diesel ticking over not too much above idle at 1500rpm’s and load it up and it just keeps on going. You can work it all day long at that rpm and have good heat. But if you want sizzling heat with one wand, take the revs up to 2000rpm. 2500rpm for dual wand. You can take it to 2850 rpm if needed. But we find our customers are running it under 2000rpm. At these rpm’s the economy is even better again. You will defiantly not be lacking heat with the Genesis Diesel. In fact it may have more heat than the gas version and that is saying something as the gas Genesis has always been known for it’s high solution cleaning temps.
The point is the diesel has enormous torque. At 52hp compared to 68hp, it goes in favor of the diesel.
Isuzu have an oil change interval of 500 hours.
If you ever get to check out the Diesel Genesis, do two things. After it has been running for a few hours, put your hands on the cover and surround panels. You will notice something different to most machines. The panels are not hot, they are cool. There is very little ambient heat build up around the diesel Genesis. Second thing to do is put your hand on the main frame. Virtually no vibration, which is unique for a diesel.
Yes, you can duct the mufflers through the floor. Both through the side or rear mount.
Jim may come on later and show some pictures of how this is done in rear or side mounts.
Andrew, if you have that much diesel soot around your machine, I would say you have a diesel glaze up on your pistons.
Gary.
