Owner Operators Do You have a Back up?

SixShooter · Jul 2, 2014

Willy P said:
I sell results. It's just that simple. 90% of my business is repeat and referral. I must be doing something right with my porty.
I do have all the spare parts. Vacuum motor, pump, switches,thermostats etc. I don't carry them on board, but at home.

I have no doubt you do a great job with your porty.

My question is really more towards truckmounters that show up one day with a porty. Do the customers care?

Zee · Jul 2, 2014

SixShooter said:
I parked the vans out front of my shop in an industrial complex.

The thieves broke into my shop through a skylight and knew exactly where to find the keys to the vans and some cash and knew where the video cameras were, etc.

Definitely an "inside job". I'm 90% sure I know who did it. An ex employee. There are too many details to tell yo why I think this. The problem is proving it.

So I don't think this was related to the other thefts in So Cal. But who knows?

Man, I'm sorry to hear this....

Hope you recoup everything through insurance.

Mark Saiger · Jul 2, 2014

Sorry to hear about this situation. Just plain sucks!

I cannot imagine what I would do if both my Butlers were stolen.

I have 2 Butlers, couple portables, access to Cimex....

My second Butler was purchased to be a back up, but then it ended up being needed just about everyday, and a lot of times, both Butlers on most jobs we do.

There have been times I have thought about adding a 3rd, but then I would need someone I feel very comfortable with running it.

Big truck rigs just won't fit our model as too many rugged remote areas we clean in, terrible cold winters (more box to try and keep heated while running) and our local DOT agents hardly let a big truck by them without pulling them over daily. Just too busy to monkey around with that.

Hope you get some really nice equipment back soon!

Mike Draper · Jul 2, 2014

I have a sniper rifle if you need to borrow it.

Desk Jockey · Jul 2, 2014

Hell if they'd just tell me a time I'll pull a couple of trucks outside the fence and leave them running.

Of course they will be the dented and scratched one's. :icon_twisted:

$1,000.00 deductible but might be would be worth it, to get a couple of nice new trucks. :shifty:

Sorry to hear that Bill. It does sound like an inside job!

Art Kelley · Jul 2, 2014

Ed Valentine said:
I'll bet that some of them carry an extra 12 pack!

best to all;

Ed Valentine

cross-american.com

Ed is onto the answer. That really is the best idea of all. I have a Ford Ranger with a matching bed cap that can hold all the porty equipment I use on jobs, and considering how many porty jobs I do every year(maybe 500) you would think I would be happy to just use that Ranger. But no, when my Pro1200 breaks down (mostly the Chevy Express), I prefer to just reschedule my work for the day, even though I might not fire up the TM for any of those jobs. A twelve pack of craft beer and a day off is good for the soul.

SixShooter · Jul 2, 2014

Captain America said:
2 truckmounts...use them interchangeably
Tweeked naamco's with kero heat. 30 hp. & 33 hp generac...45 blowers
Belt driven easy to work on.....use electric pumps 1.5 gallons per min...easy to replace...home depot..carry an extra inthevan
Haven't been to a truckmount shop to have them worked on in over 5 years
Just get the local mechanic to replace belts and the generac lawn mechanic to install engine...pressure washer guys work on heater
The cap

That electric pump.

Is that what you are rinsing with?

If yes then I need that pump right now.

Can I get all the specs you got on that?

Art Kelley · Jul 2, 2014

SixShooter said:
I have no doubt you do a great job with your porty.

My question is really more towards truckmounters that show up one day with a porty. Do the customers care?

It really has more to do with your own perception than your customer. The very first time I decided to try my new AH Plus porty system was at a customer's house I had used my TM maybe 20 times in as many years. I thought she would freak when I didn't turn on my TM after setting up and bringing in all my hoses. There was just this annoying high pitched whine from the dual 3 stage vacs in the machine outside. She just closed her eyes and took a nap (it was a 4 PM job and she had worked all day). I woke her up when I was done to get paid, and she laughed that the "white noise" put her to sleep. Job turned out great and she was as usual happy. I have found this to be true on more than 99% of the jobs where I have used the porty instead of the usual TM; they don't give a crap what machine you use, just do the job and get the **** out. If the job turns out same with either system,(it does) it really doesn't matter.

Derek · Jul 2, 2014

SixShooter said:
Do you mean you would rent a portable in a pinch?

i don't do HWE...VLM only.

i see now that you're looking for other HWE'ers advice.

SixShooter · Jul 2, 2014

OK

This Saturday night at midnight. Can I get the address?

Doc Holliday said:
Hell if they'd just tell me a time I'll pull a couple of trucks outside the fence and leave them running.

Of course they will be the dented and scratched one's.

$1,000.00 deductible but might be would be worth it, to get a couple of nice new trucks.

Sorry to hear that Bill. It does sound like an inside job!

Desk Jockey · Jul 2, 2014

2400 S. Kansas

You want a box or extended body? I hope blue is OK? :winky:

Desk Jockey · Jul 2, 2014

Art Art ART.....you are in denial. She didn't close her eye's she was crying herself to sleep in regret for calling a porty hack.

There is no fookin way the client feels she is getting value when you wheel in a portable. NO WAY.

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Hell, that's why many of those hacks leave the porty's in their trucks, a feeble attempt at impersonating a TM. It's just out and out deception on their part.

Its an industry myth that you can clean just as good with a porty if you take your time....started by a porty manufacturer no doubt. People don't live long enough for a porty to clean as good as a TM.

EASY Art I was just pulling your chain. :lol:

I believe you do quality work BUT you are far from the normal porty user. How many use a rotary or have enough power they are willing to set their clients home on fire.

Sorry I couldn't help it! :smile:

Art Kelley · Jul 2, 2014

You gotta break some eggs to make an omelet, Richard. But seriously, the porty is normally outside so when it catches fire it just puts on a show. Good for walk ups.

Loren Egland · Jul 2, 2014

I find it cheaper and more convenient to be my own distributor and just keep a few parts on the truck. Things like a fuel pump, transformer, extra hoses on the machine, coupler between engine and blower, etc. really anything that fails, I usually buy another just in case. Sure saves time and frustration for me and my customer.

There is also the likelihood that equipment that just sits around will fail the first time you use it in a while. Easier to just maintain one machine and truck.

SixShooter · Jul 2, 2014

Loren Egland said:
I find it cheaper and more convenient to be my own distributor and just keep a few parts on the truck. Things like a fuel pump, transformer, extra hoses on the machine, coupler between engine and blower, etc. really anything that fails, I usually buy another just in case. Sure saves time and frustration for me and my customer.

There is also the likelihood that equipment that just sits around will fail the first time you use it in a while. Easier to just maintain one machine and truck.

That's kind of my style too.

My record for changing a coupler is 20 minutes,but keeping one on the shelf is where I usually fail.

SixShooter · Jul 2, 2014

Loren Egland said:
I find it cheaper and more convenient to be my own distributor and just keep a few parts on the truck. Things like a fuel pump, transformer, extra hoses on the machine, coupler between engine and blower, etc. really anything that fails, I usually buy another just in case. Sure saves time and frustration for me and my customer.

There is also the likelihood that equipment that just sits around will fail the first time you use it in a while. Easier to just maintain one machine and truck.

Hey Loren,

I knew I remembered you. We actually spoke on the phone a long time ago. Are you still running a Steamway Powematic?
I used to own one down here in So Cal and for some reason I called you for some advice years ago. As I recall I had interrupted your dinner but you took the call and helped me out. Good to see you're still around.

Man if you are still running an old Powermatic you better have a lot of spare parts around. I finally gave up on mine. Can't remember what the last straw was but I know the generator had gone out so I was plugging into the customers house every job.

Couldn't beat that machine when it was running well though.

Mikey P · Jul 2, 2014

So Bill..

Out of all the sites you asked this question on, where did you get the best answers?

Dmreed4311 · Jul 2, 2014

I have a second Van/TM in the garage as a backup. It has no air conditioning but everything else works great.

SixShooter · Jul 2, 2014

Mikey P said:
So Bill..

Out of all the sites you asked this question on, where did you get the best answers?

Man,

Why ya gotta go there? The guys on all the sites have been great.

Mikey P · Jul 2, 2014

Lol..

Have we met?

Loren Egland · Jul 3, 2014

SixShooter said:
Hey Loren,

I knew I remembered you. We actually spoke on the phone a long time ago. Are you still running a Steamway Powematic?
I used to own one down here in So Cal and for some reason I called you for some advice years ago. As I recall I had interrupted your dinner but you took the call and helped me out. Good to see you're still around.

Man if you are still running an old Powermatic you better have a lot of spare parts around. I finally gave up on mine. Can't remember what the last straw was but I know the generator had gone out so I was plugging into the customers house every job.

Couldn't beat that machine when it was running well though.

Yes, I am still running the Powermatic. I see no reason to change at this stage of my cleaning career. Been running Steam Way truck mount since 1978. If I was younger, I am not sure what my next machine would be, since they don't make the Powermatic anymore.

GCCLee · Jul 4, 2014

Mikey P said:
Oh and since I bought the ERIC portable back in February my guys and I are amazed at how we got by with out it fit so long.

Every truck mount guy should have one around.

I took this advice and ended up Cleaning the 3rd floor of a Hospital. Big Hall and a few Suits.

Under no circumstances would they even let me try to get our Rig in the Elevator, and the dang windows in them places will not open!

Sweet Cherries Oh My!

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