Tools of the VLM professional..

[Mikey P]

If a new cleaner was dead set on not owning a truckmount (finances, morality or location issues) what would a new cleaner need to be able to handle most anything..


IMO the list would include..

• Cimex
• 17" OP machine with a straight handle and a clean karma. Usable with 100% cotton pads
• CRB with renovators/crud catchers
• Portable extractor able to clean 50 feet from the unit with at least 300 psi
• Small spotting unit like the EDIC Bravo
• Upholstery tools and 2 jet low profile wand
• Waterclaw
• 175 w/1.5 hp with shampoo brush and driver
• mountains of synthetic and cotton pads and bonnets
• A couple of vacuum cleaners, maybe a pile lifter.

and a small cargo van to lug it all around..

 

[Mikey P]

or another approach would be the same small van and..

• Dwell Pro as the primary cleaning method
• Zipper
• Wand and uph/hand tools
• Tile spinner/wand/hand tool
• Rotary Extractor

and..

• Cimex
• CRB with renovators/crud catcher
• Small spotting unit like the EDIC Bravo
• Waterclaw
• 175 w/1.5 hp with shampoo brush and driver
• mountains of synthetic and cotton pads and bonnets
• A couple of vacuum cleaners, maybe a pile lifter.

 

[mirf]

So would you use the dwell pro over the portable?

 

[Lee Stockwell]

So would you use the dwell pro over the portable?

Dwell Pro is probably better for larger jobs, or high production.

 

[D Luke]

I just did a pile of Cimex work today. $1058. Nothing for a lot of you guys, but doesn't happen very often for me.

I'm not joking, a Shark Rotator lift away is worth its weight in gold for VLM. So versatile. Awesome for edging and detail work. I don't use it to straight up vacuum jobs, because it's lifespan would probably not be all that stellar in a commercial environment.

 

[jcooper]

Portable extractor able to clean 50 feet from the unit with at least 300 psi

A porty cleaning at 300 psi! You better add a couple of fans to this list......

 

[Mikey P]

can't wait to try that Dwell Pro with a HOSS....

 

[grizzley]

If a guy was starting out, and actually starting out right with just bare minimal equipment I would actually suggest:

1. A 175 or even a dual speed. At least 3 drivers. Bristle, brush, and a dirt napper.
2. A Steamin Demon, several days of use. Lets say 40 cottons, and 40 MF.
3. A spotter like a mytee lite, Edic, or whatever, along with a small water claw.ac
4. At least 2 vacuums. Royal, sanitare, shark...........( vacuum's arent created equal, its not what they pick up, its what they leave behind that should be judged) and is very important in the vlm world.

Then let the business reinvest in itself to purchase additional needed equipment that translates into more efficient production.

But for a new guy, the #1 thing he should get is an education. I'm not referring to a "bought" certification, but a true understanding of what he wants to accomplish.

 

[Mikey P]

Interesting list Tim..

I would have thought an OP would be on your minimaLIST...

 

[grizzley]

Interesting list Tim..

I would have thought an OP would be on your minimaLIST...

I run OP's. I like Op's. But I was referring to a guy who is trying to break into the biz, and just needing bare bones equipment to get the job done. Thats why I put in to let the biz invest in itself to buy more equipment. OP, cimex, and crb's just to name a few. Naturally, the list above isnt the ideal package.......but it will get the job done, and get the job done well. The equipment list is never ending. Every year, it seems my equipment list has grown and my van is busting at the seams.

 

[Mikey P]

What van do you use?

 

[grizzley]

I have a caravan crew cargo. Has probably more room than the earlier transits, but think its time for an upgrade.............Been looking at the nissan's.

 

[Mikey P]

the NV200 or the Keebler Elves Special?

 

[grizzley]

NV

 

[Cleantechsk]

Can't agree more. if I'm out doing vlm work and more then one type of floor type I have things piled on top of things in my caravan. Really sucks!

 

[thecleaningdude]

To start you would need:

-Commercial vacuum (Sanitaire is a good choice to get going)
-175 machine
-Oreck Orbiter
-Dirt napper
-Corded or battery sprayer
-Small or full size spotter
-Water claw
-Arsenal of pads
-Multiple, quality chems
-Strong pitch along with some guts*

Use your proceeds for:

-CRB
-Wheels down OP
-Full size porty

 

[thecleaningdude]

You could also start with commercial only and chop that list down by half....

 

[Jimmy L]

And don't forget a used "frazzled" toothbrush for that fine detail work along baseboards or stairs grooves.

 

[NobleCarpetCleaners]

• Cimex

17" for sure, buddy has one now, I get to use it now.....=)

• 17" OP machine with a straight handle and a clean karma. Usable with 100% cotton pads

optional, very, IMHO

• CRB with renovators/crud catchers

optional and spendy, those freeking things are way over priced

• Portable extractor able to clean 50 feet from the unit with at least 300 psi

yep, gonna need it

• Small spotting unit like the EDIC Bravo

there are other brands out there but EDIC is proven

• Upholstery tools and 2 jet low profile wand

totally like my Hydrokinetic and my Sapphire

• WaterClaw

a portable will run the spotter model, but the big daddy which I also have is truck mount all the way

• 175 w/1.5 hp with shampoo brush and driver

absolutely

• mountains of synthetic and cotton pads and bonnets

John's cotton pads at BonnetPro are real absorbers

• A couple of vacuum cleaners, maybe a pile lifter.

Proteam 15" and yep a Kleanrite Pile Lifter would kick the shit out of a bunch of traffic lanes



A cleaner trying to do without the truck mount and yet offering a bunch of fill in residential is gonna be sorry. Not that I don't think you can't fake it with bonnets and encap and very little moisture, but a decent TM in the arsenal is gonna speed up the real hammered jobs and those stairs. I've been working in back of enough guys now who have been running around with 175's/driver/pads now that I can say with confidence there's a level of soiling where a pump up sprayer and pad should not enter. I've seen it where a customer has had that level of service for a couple years a then I hit it with my whole program and they're stunned. Not saying they're shitty cleaners, just saying ya gotta know when to bring the right caliber when you go hunting.

 

[Mikey P]

That's Scott, great responces

 

[grizzley]

Damn I'm going to sound like a broken record, but I think we all have stunned our customers......Its just sweeter when another method was used prior to. My only complaint that I have is soooo many people are jumping on the vlm wagon without learning much about it. Its not hard, hell, its easy, but its not intended for everything, and that's what many dont understand........or care...........or both.

 

[Steamin McFadden]

175 and full assortment of pads. A good vac, ,small light weight porty for spotting , and upholstery. Oreck orbiter for stairs. done deal

IF I was going to go after lots of commercial a cimex, or wheel down OP with spray system

 

[Desk Jockey]

For commercial I like a good backpack, residential a good bagless upright vacuum, a 175 is good, OP machine or a Cimex are better for production, small pad machine for stairs. Assorted pads, cotton, combo, microfiber depends on what you're cleaning. Vacaway has great chems and excellent spotters, but most of the brand name Encap solutions actually work very well.

 

[jcooper]

If I was really a "bdcc" wanting to only encap/vlm....

Floor machine, some bonnets and a gallon of ricks juice...