no time to lug in big heavy crap.... on to the next job... plus people don't want to pay more for it....

I have the Rotovac with a 200PSI machine (with heater).  And I also have the latest training DVD which spells out more about the recommended use of the machine.

What I saw on the DVD was a strong message that pointed to using the wand on most residential jobs.  The rotovac is for heavier areas and basically a great optical illusion when conveying to your customer how much better you are than your competition.  Bring it out to impress and get a sales pitch going. 

A new message regarding the wheel in front of the machine was also passed on.  Avoid it.  Lifting the heads reduces the vacuum and therefore leaves you with wetter carpets which can produce a wicking effect and brown out carpets.

The way this new information was presented was by letting the viewer know that carpet technicans tell them how they are using (and not using) the rotovac and these are the techniques they claim to be using.  Wands are faster, period.

with the good chems you can cut right through the soil in those restaurants. i did a banquet hall in mississauga last week and used a non butyl degreaser + an extracsolution powder that cut straight into the grease.

I have a 12 gallon porty so there it can be done and is done every day.

GabbaDJ how much $$$ are you willing to spend?

Don't make much cleaning restaurant carpets.

How much carpet do you think you will clean per month?

GabbaDJ,

I would reccomend Cross American's Portable Truckmount Equipment. The Recoil 3 HP is a good machine that will last you a long time. It has a 17 gallon fresh water tank and 15 gallon recovery tank. You can get 40 gallon auxilary tanks and the Recoil will draw straight from the 40 gallon fresh water tank ( you'll need the extra water capacity using a Rotovac or you'll be dumping and filling a lot).

The Quad 4 Pak comes with the Recoil 3 HP, 150' vacuum hose, 150' solution hose and a Power Booster (Vacuum booster). The Booster allows you to clean out to 200' from the Recoil. You can leave it in the van and clean with it (I do 95% of the time). The Recoil is about the same size as most portables so it is easy to lift in and out when needed. I lift mine by myself with no problems.

Cross American's chemicals comes in a 1/2 gallon super concentrate that makes 5 gallons of concentrate. They last a long time and work well. They are probably the most economical chemicals you can buy.

I run mine off a generator in the van so I don't have to run cords. If you run cords, only one needs a 20 amp plug, the other needs only a 15 amp plug (120 volt 60 hertz) so popping breakers is never an issue. One plug in the kitchen and one anywhere else. I would recommend a 7500 watt generator, it will run the 3 vac motors,the pump and the vac booster with no problems. They come with an adjustable 350 psi pump. I think the new ones can be had with a 500 psi pump (not sure).

I bought mine through a distributor named Jan Sullins in Oklahoma city. A good guy who will save you a little money. I have talked to Ed Valentine (owner of Cross American Corp) several times and he is very helpful. The owner answers the phone.

Jan Sullins can be reached at kt2189@cox.net

Ed Valentine at www.crossamerican.com

Good luck in your business,       

Mac