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.

 

[Will D]

Thanks so much for all the great info Mikey! I wouldn’t say I’m all in, but it’s not a hobby either. My primary profession is teaching, but I’ve got four kids… and carpet cleaning helps me make ends meet. I have a third job ans well, and balancing all those things has been a hard challenge to navigate. Still, I’m super grateful to have carpet cleaning- it’s an incredible way of supplementing my income. I don’t think my Dad did it perfectly, but he has an incredible work ethic, and his customers picked him over the other guys for decades. His biggest hurdle was efficiency, and I’m sure there are ways I could improve. Looking forward to learning more from all you guys!

I’ve got some follow up questions-

1) I think I’m ok with a bigger machine if it means I don’t have to dump and fill all the time. Are there three cords on it? That is a lot… but manageable in the types of buildings I’m working. I’ll have to think about that… Have you had any problems with the suction or the pump? Let me know more about your machine and how much you’d like for it if you’d really consider letting it go.

2) I thought bigger diameter hoses meant more cfm- but I’m new to that conversation. The CFX-ZX claims to handle 200’ of 2” hose, but I don’t know… My current machine are set up for 1.5”. Can you tell me why 1/2”? Just interested.

3) I’ll definitely look into that Hole Glide- thank you! Does your opinion on jets change with the adjustable pump at all? I’ve had great success with that wand, and I also have multiple 3 jet wands that have done great too. Help me understand if you can.

I’ll definitely look into your other recommendations too Mikey- thanks so much!

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.

 

[BIG WOOD]

Why isn't getting a truckmount an option?

Can you tell us the average length on these commercial jobs you have that measure from where you park your van to the farthest from the entrance? If it's over 250ft, I understand if you don't want to invest in a $45k machine for just 3 contracts.

BUT...

 

[Will D]

Why isn't getting a truckmount an option?

Can you tell us the average length on these commercial jobs you have that measure from where you park your van to the farthest from the entrance? If it's over 250ft, I understand if you don't want to invest in a $45k machine for just 3 contracts.

BUT...

 

[Will D]

Yeah, it’s just that I’m only cleaning about 5-7 hours a week. Definitely would consider it if I were cleaning full time.

 

[hogjowl]

Reading comprehension isn’t Matt’s strong suit.

 

[Will D]

Reading comprehension isn’t Matt’s strong suit.

To be fair, it was a really long post

 

[hogjowl]

Yeah, you can usually get away with that only once here. Afterwards we start bitching about it.

 

[Will D]

Yeah, you can usually get away with that only once here. Afterwards we start bitching about it.

Noted

 

[Mikey P]

I think I’m ok with a bigger machine if it means I don’t have to dump and fill all the time. Are there three cords on it? That is a lot… but manageable in the types of buildings I’m working. I’ll have to think about that… Have you had any problems with the suction or the pump? Let me know more about your machine and how much you’d like for it if you’d really consider letting it go.

Used once and been sitting for 12 years. If you can figure out how to get it to you without any headaches, you can have it.

2) I thought bigger diameter hoses meant more cfm- but I’m new to that conversation. The CFX-ZX claims to handle 200’ of 2” hose, but I don’t know… My current machine are set up for 1.5”. Can you tell me why 1/2”? Just interested.

This industry loves to (over) exaggerate performance claims.
Bigger hose does not create more CFM, bigger vacuum motors do.
I'll let @Cleanworks Ron and @Willy P, our resident Porty experts explain it to you.

3) I’ll definitely look into that Hole Glide- thank you! Does your opinion on jets change with the adjustable pump at all? I’ve had great success with that wand, and I also have multiple 3 jet wands that have done great too. Help me understand if you can.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7YH2ZRFmiQ&t=2s




Hole glide speed up the (slow) air of a (portable) system.

Faster air travels deeper into the carpet pile.

What happens when you purse your lips tighter and tighter when you whistle?

 

[hogjowl]

The closer you get to buying a glide

 

[Mikey P]

The closer you get to buying a glide

at least give your boring predictability some effort.

 

[hogjowl]

No, no … that kinda stuff requires nothing more than awareness.

 

[Will D]

This industry loves to (over) exaggerate performance claims.
Bigger hose does not create more CFM, bigger vacuum motors do.
I'll let @Cleanworks Ron and @Willy P, our resident Porty experts explain it to you.





View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7YH2ZRFmiQ&t=2s




Hole glide speed up the (slow) air of a (portable) system.

Faster air travels deeper into the carpet pile.

What happens when you purse your lips tighter and tighter when you whistle?

This is all super helpful- thanks Mikey- already learning a ton! Let me reframe my question just a bit. Are there any portables that have an auto-solution and auto-pump out, that also have good suction and a strong pump? The ability to clean without dumping and filling water all the time is pretty high on my wish list. Does such a thing exist? I just saw that Rotovac’s Monsoon has both auto pump/fill on their 500psi portable, with two 15 amp cords, which is as close as I’ve found. @Cleanworks and @Willy P, what do you think? Thanks for your willingness to help- I really appreciate it!

And Mikey, I live in Indianapolis, are you driving or flying in for Mikey’s Fest? I’m brand new here and have no idea where you’re located. If you’re driving in and can bring that machine with you I’d be happy to buy it. Might be a way to tide me over, and at least get me out of my CFRs recycling units...

 

[Cleanworks]

This is all super helpful- thanks Mikey- already learning a ton! Let me reframe my question just a bit. Are there any portables that have an auto-solution and auto-pump out, that also have good suction and a strong pump? The ability to clean without dumping and filling water all the time is pretty high on my wish list. Does such a thing exist? I just saw that Rotovac’s Monsoon has both auto pump/fill on their 500psi portable, with two 15 amp cords, which is as close as I’ve found. @Cleanworks and @Willy P, what do you think? Thanks for your willingness to help- I really appreciate it!

And Mikey, I live in Indianapolis, are you driving or flying in for Mikey’s Fest? I’m brand new here and have no idea where you’re located. If you’re driving in and can bring that machine with you I’d be happy to buy it. Might be a way to tide me over, and at least get me out of my CFRs recycling units...

Just a couple of things. For commercial, you might think about getting into encap instead of hwe. You can do great work with a Trinity Phoenix with the right chemistry and pads. If you are stuck on hwe, the Rotovac monsoon or cfx machines produce great vacuum giving you the opportunity to use 1.5 inch hose or 2 inch hose on longer runs. I prefer to move the machine and use shorter hose. As Mikey says, a 2 jet wand will work better, a 4 flow will be all you need. Contrary to what Mikey says, an in-line sprayer like a Hydra-force will speed up your prespraying. I use a Hydra -Force both with the truck mount and portable. I usually use a 35 hose if 1.5 inches on most of my portable jobs. If I need to go longer, I switch to 2 inch with a 1.5 inch whip on the end. Usually 10 feet. I have been switching most of my commercial work to encap. If you go to the Mikey's Fest, spend some time learning how to use the Trinity Phoenix.

 

[Mikey P]

This is all super helpful- thanks Mikey- already learning a ton! Let me reframe my question just a bit. Are there any portables that have an auto-solution and auto-pump out, that also have good suction and a strong pump? The ability to clean without dumping and filling water all the time is pretty high on my wish list. Does such a thing exist? I just saw that Rotovac’s Monsoon has both auto pump/fill on their 500psi portable, with two 15 amp cords, which is as close as I’ve found. @Cleanworks and @Willy P, what do you think? Thanks for your willingness to help- I really appreciate it!

And Mikey, I live in Indianapolis, are you driving or flying in for Mikey’s Fest? I’m brand new here and have no idea where you’re located. If you’re driving in and can bring that machine with you I’d be happy to buy it. Might be a way to tide me over, and at least get me out of my CFRs recycling units...

I live in Northern Nevada

We will have a few local cleaners bringing support equipment and manpower.
As well as many manufactures sending supplies and equipment.

Amazing that your there, right?

You're about to get a 5 to 10 year head start to your business, congratulations!

 

[Jim Pemberton]

I live in Northern Nevada

We will have a few local cleaners bringing support equipment and manpower.
As well as many manufactures sending supplies and equipment.

Amazing that your there, right?

You're about to get a 5 to 10 year head start to your business, congratulations!

You'll be meeting the best of people there, both in business success and in being the best of human beings.

 

[Will D]

Just a couple of things. For commercial, you might think about getting into encap instead of hwe. You can do great work with a Trinity Phoenix with the right chemistry and pads. If you are stuck on hwe, the Rotovac monsoon or cfx machines produce great vacuum giving you the opportunity to use 1.5 inch hose or 2 inch hose on longer runs. I prefer to move the machine and use shorter hose. As Mikey says, a 2 jet wand will work better, a 4 flow will be all you need. Contrary to what Mikey says, an in-line sprayer like a Hydra-force will speed up your prespraying. I use a Hydra -Force both with the truck mount and portable. I usually use a 35 hose if 1.5 inches on most of my portable jobs. If I need to go longer, I switch to 2 inch with a 1.5 inch whip on the end. Usually 10 feet. I have been switching most of my commercial work to encap. If you go to the Mikey's Fest, spend some time learning how to use the Trinity Phoenix.

Thanks so much for this- SUPER helpful! Very grateful for the details, and yes, I’d totally be open to learning more about encap and the Phoenix at Mikey’s Fest.

 

[Mikey P]

This is all super helpful- thanks Mikey- already learning a ton! Let me reframe my question just a bit. Are there any portables that have an auto-solution and auto-pump out, that also have good suction and a strong pump? The ability to clean without dumping and filling water all the time is pretty high on my wish list. Does such a thing exist? I just saw that Rotovac’s Monsoon has both auto pump/fill on their 500psi portable, with two 15 amp cords, which is as close as I’ve found. @Cleanworks and @Willy P, what do you think? Thanks for your willingness to help- I really appreciate it!

And Mikey, I live in Indianapolis, are you driving or flying in for Mikey’s Fest? I’m brand new here and have no idea where you’re located. If you’re driving in and can bring that machine with you I’d be happy to buy it. Might be a way to tide me over, and at least get me out of my CFRs recycling units...

There are companies that will come pick it up at my house, put it on a pallet and deliver it to you...