My next truckmount?

[Russ T.]

Hi guys,
Even though I was on here a while ago (years) I just recently started to consider the value of MB. I appreciate the different angles everyone seems to be competing in our industry with.
Back in '08 I sold my first carpet cleaning company in Montana and moved to Iowa, where my wife is from. I had some cash and didn't want to go into debt for new equipment. I ended up buying a Chem Tex Panther 20 new and putting it in a Chevy E1500. I've been happy for the most part with the machine but we about doubled our sales last year and I'm considering what to do next. I've known quite a few guys who struggled with the clutch drive units so I might be leaning toward another slide in. Should I lease or buy? Brands? Most of my chems are from Interlink and I'm sure they would want to sell me on plenty equip. It needs to be easy for me to maintain as I'm a couple hours from there. Thanks for any info!

 

[Chris A]

I've run 3 hydramaster clutch drives including my current 09 which has about 3000 hours on it now with no major issues. I grease my u joints every couple hundred hours and pump and blower oil. Overall I've been happy with them although I may look at a liquid cooled slide in next time just due to the stress the cds puts on the engine/trans. If I get 6-7000 hours and 150k outta this rig I may reconsider.

 

[Mikey P]

Welcome back!

Are you looking for a truckmount to replace the ChemTex? or a second complete set up?

If we knew what don't you like about it we could make suggestions easier.

Will you be using the new set up or will a employee?

Do you have a person in mind?
Would you trust him or any tech to be responsible enough to use a fuel fired machine?

Ask Ken Snow about how much trouble he has with his fleet of clutch driven Butlers before swearing that system off.
Many fleets love the Hyrdamaster CDS units for all the space they leave for you in the fan for equipment.
The Sapphire Pro1200 is a seriously well built contender as well.
The clutch would be the last thing I would be worried about assuming a qualified and very experienced installer does the work.

 

[Kevin B]

Overall I've been happy with them although I may look at a liquid cooled slide in next time just due to the stress the cds puts on the engine/trans.

I am wondering how it puts stress on the tranny?

 

[Russ T.]

Thanks guys.
I've got my eyes open for my first real (hopefully full time) employee. I'm actually terrified at the thought of almost anyone else heading out on my van to work. I've been alone in a rig for years and have become pretty comfortable with that. I think the transition will begin by working with the new guy for a while, together on a truck. Our high level of service sets us apart from the competition and I want to do my best to maintain that. That said, I want a machine that's simple, reliable, HOT (wish the Panther was hotter). I have run CDS from Hydramaster when I worked for other companies and don't remember it being a problem...but it was "the kid" running the machines and I've always been pretty conscientious I've noticed some fans of the Judson on here and don't doubt they are good units but I've used a propane system before and it always freaked me out. I'm frugal, wife says cheap, so I need to feel like I'm getting a good value. Would consider used from the right source but open to suggestions. Prochem has always been a big player on our industry but I've never used their machines, same with Sapphire Scientific. I started on a Butler back in '99 in NC...seemed fine, but I was brand new to the game. I worked for Stanley Steemer shortly after that and can't remember what they run but think they are CDS? I'm tempted to go with a big Titan from Hydramaster or one of the big ones from Sapphire or Prochem because we are growing as a business. But again, I'm cheap and don't want to spend 30K on something that squirts and sucks hot water. Thanks for any help.

 

[Russ T.]

The unit will be an additional set up. The Panther cleans fine and is probably worth more to me than anyone else. It only has about 800 hours on it.


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[ThaBeast]

There is no better setup than a pto unit ime

 

[Chris A]

I am wondering how it puts stress on the tranny?

Heat buildup and parts still spinning while in park.

 

[Russ T.]

Is it important that a clutch drive be installed in a new, or almost new van? I kind of like the idea of being able to easily separate but maybe I'm overlooking some things...

 

[Jim Martin]

I got a Sapphire 570ss and love that machine...very well built and all the heat you can handle....

 

[Vinnie]

Get yourself a JudsonC4, the mach. will out last you.

 

[Sapphire Savant]

If you are still considering the possibility of a clutch drive unit, you might find this article on MB's Main Page of interest: http://mikeysboard.com/2012/12/23/s...-technology-in-a-time-proven-slide-in-design/

 

[Russ T.]

Thanks Sapphire! That was a helpful read. I do like what I'm reading/seeing about the company. Is there any particular van those need to be mounted in? Does it need to be new? What's the best way to get a good deal on one? Im willing to travel. I'm not ready just yet, just like to be prepared. Thanks again!

 

[hogjowl]

There is no reason to select your next unit based on componets or power sources. Most units made today, no matter if they are slide ins or CDS units, are well made and function well for their owners. Of course, there are a few duds out in the market, but for the most part you will be happy with whatever you purchase. The thing to focus on is support and ease of maintenance and repair.

Buy local, if you can, and build up a relationship with your supplier, if possible. If you can't, then either learn to be a mechanic, or purchase a CDS like a Butler.

 

[Kevin B]

Get yourself a JudsonC4, the mach. will out last you.

Koehler makes a good engine, but it won't outlast me...it's air cooled

 

[BradFenstermaker]

Big question is do you know your way around a wrench??? If your 2 hrs from supplier, you better be able to fix it yourself. Break downs never happen while your slow. They need attention when your slammed with work.

The simpler the better for me. Do your homework and demo the units. Find out for yourself not just hearing over the web.

 

[Russ T.]

Thanks Brad. I have learned my way around quite a few repairs, because I've had to. That was one reason I chose the Chem-tex...simplicity. I guess my only complaints are...not enough heat, dumps hot water in waste tank if I set the wand down for @ 30 seconds, it's loud, and I wish I had higher pressure/suction for tile. Other than those complaints, the machine has paid for itself many times over and it only has about 800 hours on it. It is going to be hard to demo units however, given the 2 hours to closest dealer (Interlink). Thanks!