drymaster with porty

Didn't you already post this?

Sorry for the double post, just trying to make sure I get as much info as possible.

cheers

Well I would first mention that I use 100 foot on almost every job.  So you will need more than 50 more like 150-200.  The rotary drimaster is a good tool on carpet that is already very clean.  If you are going to spend the money I would buy a more versitile piece of equipment like the rotovac 360.  Its lighter, its cheaper, it drys almost as fast. it does a much deeper and better cleaning job, and it can also do tile for only $300, if you ever to decide to.  Rx-20s rock, but they are cumbersome in a residence and leave the carpet wetter.  If you still want a drimaster I would check ebay.  I see them go for under a thousand all the time.  Worse case buy three used for the price of one new one.  You may also want to ask yourself why everyone is selling them. You will need a wand to cut around vents and sharp corners that are dirty and to get closer to woodwork and that goes with any rotary system.  What ever you decide make sure to wheel and deal with those dealers.  You would be surprised how low the prices can get if you push hard enough.

Edited by FuzzSucker - 07/January/2009 at 12:07am

as far as i know rotovac told me a new unit is 2200. some else said on here that they got one for 1500.??? maybe phone them and find out for sure.888-768-6822.

What part of SoCal?

O k,

so lets say I go with the rotovac.

Get 200 ft hose, what extractor should I choose, if its to be a truck mount.

What is the easiest unit to install, and what offers excellent suction,pressure, with heat, without breaking the bank??

One other question that may seem silly, but I clean a local gym, once a month.They have large carpet tiles....how will the rotovac handle them, and as I work a one man crew, and this job is after hours, how do I secure the premises, when I have a hose running in the door, and no way to lock it??

Has anyone owned a rotovac long term, do they know of any mantinince issues.Do they function ok on household power? FUZZ ???

A truckmount purchase is a big decision.  If your coming from orbital pad I would go portable to start.  This will give a better feel for what kind of results you should be expecting and what chems, tools etc...  You may find that you like the OP better, some folks do.  I carry the option of OP for offices or buildings and it works great, however not nearly as impressive looking and sounding.  The main downside of portables are the cords causing hassles, like breakers to go or tripping on them all day.  I would imagine running three plug sources (2 port, 1 roto) in a home or business would be huge pain.  Also they don't tend to carry the heat as well as most truckmounts.  Not to mention the limited pressure and pain of carrying it around.  The main downside to a truckmount is the cost.  The convenience can't be beat but they cost a ton to own and run and maintain and repair and the vehicle costs  and gas and whatever, the list goes on.  Then you got your wife yelling at you every time something breaks, bla bla money, bla bla you be spending,  bla bla trip to Europe.... Hum Anyway.

As far as installation goes, any slide-in is fairly easy.  Bolt the components down, a hose here or there, and a gas tap (optional on some) and your done.  If you buy a new one most places will install it for free. 

As far as brands go.  I mentioned Hydramaster or Prochem earlier, they are both distributed by Interlink and they have some great mechanics that work on anything they sell you.  Brand X wise,  I like steambrite or Blue Baron.  They are both made by a bunch of old carpet cleaners that know their stuff, those guys are really knowledgeable and are more than happy to try and talk you into a new machine for several thousand less than the name brands.  The main downside (very important downside) is going to be servicing the machine.  Unless you live where they live, your SOL.  You have to fix it yourself or take it to an interlink at $50-$80 per hour.  Ouch, there goes the money you saved.  Which ever way you go, keep in mind that if you want a big tree, carry a small axe.  Or is it walk softly and carry a big stick?

Fuzz

P.S. It should be fine on carpet tiles.  If it tends to buck a little, just turn down the speed.


Edited by FuzzSucker - 07/January/2009 at 12:08am