My Cleaning Technologies slide-in has been so dependable, it is getting ready for it's third van.
With over 22,000 hours, this machine has performed flawlessly for 25 years. I have never had to order any replacement or expensive parts from the original builder, Cleaning Technologies. I have been able to make any repairs needed myself.
Of course I have completely modified the original design over the years, but the machine frame itself is completely original, intact, and only needs a little cleaning and paint touch-up. The original heat source was a Little Giant 3HT. I replaced that with a SAVAGE LP heater 10 years ago. The SAVAGE LP heater has never been out of the van for any repairs in that time period.
There is very little vibration, or noise, when running (Honda 24 HP air cooled - original motors were Onan/Linimar 20 HP air cooled - Onan is no longer in business).
The single "B" blower belt will last for at least 4 years before replacing. The same with the single belt going to the Cat pump. Both belt changes are a 15 minute job.
It runs true dual wands using a Roots #4 blower, over-driven, and a uniquely designed vacuum system setup to maximize the blower's potential vacuum.
You do not need to put 2 slide-in's into a large box truck in order to run true dual wands. This setup will run dualies out to 300', each wand. That's 600' of vac line!
The high-pressure pump is a Cat, only needing 2 of them in 25 years. The first Cat lasted for 12 years before an unexpected freeze broke a connecting rod in the pump, so I put in a new one. Then I rebuilt the original broken Cat, and am using it elsewhere.
Of course a manufacture wouldn't want to sell these machines, because they would last too long.
I may start building this design and offering it to other cleaners who want a very dependable gasoline truckmount that will serve them well for many years, single and/or dual wands.
So my question is this.
If you could buy such a machine that would last that long, would you but it? Or is there a thing about always wanting something new, even though there is nothing wrong with what you presently have?
I think that's a good question, because many people buy a new car almost every year, just to have the latest and newest. When I purchase a car, it's for at least 10 years, and maybe more, as I am not out to impress anyone. But, I am about quality, and wanting the best as long as it really is the best for the purpose intended.
