Equipment upgrade- Is this a good plan?

[Will D]

Hello everyone, this is my first post (sorry it’s long!), and I’m excited to hear your advice. I’m 36 years old and have cleaned carpet both residentially and commercially for the last ten years or so, though only ever as a side-hustle. Everything I know I learned from my Dad, who also cleaned carpet on the side (30 years), and while I suspect many of you won’t agree with the recycling CFR portable extractors we’ve always used, we’ve had very happy customers all along the way. I’ve decided to stop taking residential jobs and now have just three commercial customers, which is all I can handle, and I hope to keep those customers for a very long time.

With that background out of the way, I’m ready to upgrade my very old equipment, and before I pull the trigger I’d like to run my plan by pros that understand what I’m trying to accomplish (thanks in advance!). I don’t want to invest in a truck mount, so a great portable extractor is what I’m looking for, and while I might upgrade tools down the road I plan to only use a wand for now. I’ve always loved the recycling machines because they keep me from emptying and refilling so often. Still, I’m ready to move on from those because I understand the contradiction of cleaning with recycled (dirty) water.

Having said that, my plan is to buy a Rotovac Ranger. It’s a CFX-ZX dual vac with auto pump-out (220-240” of water lift, not sure the cfm), attached to a 27 gallon Ranger base tank. The base tank has an adjustable 1200psi max pump with auto fill, so essentially, I could connect it to hot water from a faucet and clean all day with auto pump out to a toilet or drain, never needing to stop to empty and refill. The CFX-ZX claims to be able to run 200’ of hose, though I would start with maybe 50-75’ (my current hoses are maybe 15-20’).

Here’s what I need to know:
1) Do you see any flags with the Rotovac Ranger 1200psi? One day I might add the Rotovac 360i rotary tool, which could be run by the CFX-ZX even without the Ranger base tank/pump. The CFX-ZX weighs less than 50 pounds- would be a breeze to transport between jobs. The Ranger base would ensure I could get to every part of the giant buildings I’m cleaning, even where I couldn’t connect to a faucet.
2) What diameter vacuum hose should I use? I’m currently running 1.5”, should I switch to 2”?
3) What PSI should I run the pump at? I have a four jet wand, and I can’t remember what size jets I have on it. I’ve found lots of varying opinions on this, but I’d be interested to know your thoughts. Please throw out the jet sizes you’d recommend too so I can make sure that what I have is good.
4) I’m looking at upgrading to a Hydro-Force injection sprayer for my pre and post sprays. Would you recommend anything different?
5) What am I missing? Is there another portable system that I should consider instead? I know… a truck mount would be awesome, but it’s not in the cards any time soon…

Thanks for your help everyone! Please forgive my ignorance- Dad is the only one I’ve ever learned from, but he’s been out of the game for a while. I really need to find other professionals who could guide me a bit, and I’d very much appreciate your thoughts.

-Will

 

[Mikey P]

I have lots to comment but it's time for bed so I'll get to it tomorrow

 

[Mikey P]

1) Do you see any flags with the Rotovac Ranger 1200psi? One day I might add the Rotovac 360i rotary tool, which could be run by the CFX-ZX even without the Ranger base tank/pump. The CFX-ZX weighs less than 50 pounds- would be a breeze to transport between jobs. The Ranger base would ensure I could get to every part of the giant buildings I’m cleaning, even where I couldn’t connect to a faucet.

I have one (which Ill sell you for dirt cheap) and it's too big, and needs too many cords with the base being used. The top portional has limited potential but would probably be a wise things to have on board if you dont want a truckmount.
2) What diameter vacuum hose should I use? I’m currently running 1.5”, should I switch to 2”?

NO.
1/2" with Portables.

3) What PSI should I run the pump at? I have a four jet wand, and I can’t remember what size jets I have on it. I’ve found lots of varying opinions on this, but I’d be interested to know your thoughts. Please throw out the jet sizes you’d recommend too so I can make sure that what I have is good.

Ditch the 4 jet, Portable dont have the flow to use them effectively. 1 or two jets only. And use a Hole Glide whenever possible.

4) I’m looking at upgrading to a Hydro-Force injection sprayer for my pre and post sprays. Would you recommend anything different?

A hydroforce isn't going to be time and energy conducive with a portable.


5) What am I missing? Is there another portable system that I should consider instead? I know… a truck mount would be awesome, but it’s not in the cards any time soon…


Are you all in or is this a part time beer money hobby?


IMO, get a PEX 500 portable, a 10" CRB, a OP machine, an electric sprayer and attend Mikey's Fest in April (www.mikeysfest.com) where I'll put you in contact with the very best in this industry to learn from our mistakes, and within those 3 magical days the rest of your cleaning career will be clearly defined and sorted out, assuming you can take direction well, which most most carpet cleaner can not.



Your Dad didnt do you any favors, sadly enough, but you found the Truth here, I hope you can hear it.

 

[hogjowl]

I didn’t actually read Mikeys post but I bet I can sum it up by saying he tried to sell you a wand, disked the Rotovac portable and mentioned an OP machine you need.