Branching off from the boss!
Printed From: Carpet Cleaning Forum
Category: Carpet Cleaners Discussion
Forum Name: Portable Carpet Steam Cleaning Machines
Forum Description: Discuss anything relating to portable carpet cleaning machines
URL: https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2797
Printed Date: 12/October/2025 at 4:44pm
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Topic: Branching off from the boss!
Posted By: Eaglemania2k
Subject: Branching off from the boss!
Date Posted: 01/August/2006 at 10:00pm
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Hey guys,
first, I have been reading these forums and I don't know if i've gained more knowledge or laughed more! You guys really make learning fun!
Anyway, I've been cleaning carpets here in Atlanta, Goegia for about two years. I am looking to branch out on my own because quite frankly, 30% aint cuttin it anymore. I swing a mean wand! (had to, most of my work was apartment communities so you have to hustle to make any money, and lets not forget the 30%). I know how to do all major repairs (seams,spot dyes,etc) know how to identify stains, and I LOVE THE BUSINESS. I THINK I'M READY TO GO OUT ON MY OWN.
Here's the problem,my funds are extremly tight. I really need to start off by using a porty and possibly a buffer or something similar. I know that the chemicals do most of the work but I really need some dependable equipment untill I can afford a truck mount (I've actually only used tm all of my career and have never used a tm). I actually went thru training with kiwi only to see how the buffer process worked. Two days of free labor only to find out that they use some of the cheapest buffers money can buy.
I need it straight up, what porty and what buffer (and any other machinery) should I invest in. My hot buttons are:
Dependability- I really don't won't equipment flipping breakers and cutting off on me. Should I really invest in a generator.
Heat- Key component in the cleaning process (you guys know that).
A good clean- Most of my business will be real high end homes and high end apartment communities. The only commercial work that I may pick up will be doctor offices and a few Gold's gym. My goal is to offer the best of both worlds, a good wet steam clean with a buffer finish using an acidic rinse. Believe it or not I have people that will actually pay for it.
I've checked out both cross-american.com and http://www.kleenkuip.com - www.kleenkuip.com and they both have great equipment. I'm just really confused on which way to go.
The salesmanship is there. I have sold cars and i'm currently a licensed real estate agent. I love to talk, but most importantly, I want to be able to offer a quality job that will EARN me repeat business and plenty of refferals. I TAKE PRIDE IN MY WORK.
Help me out guys!
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Replies:
Posted By: jtuseo
Date Posted: 01/August/2006 at 11:32pm
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Tell your boss to suck your ass with a crazy straw ------------- WWW.PREFERREDCARPETCLEANING.COM |
Posted By: Eaglemania2k
Date Posted: 02/August/2006 at 1:12pm
| lol-That's what i'm trying to do big guy! Any advise on equipment (porty and buffer clean) would be greatly appreciated. I did read a couple of forums where some guys said money was'nt an object. Thats not my case. I think right now I have more balls than dough. |
Posted By: Michael
Date Posted: 02/August/2006 at 1:46pm
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Eaglemania: I'd first recommend going to your local distributors and seeing what kind of stuff they have available. The reason being, if you're going to be using them for servicing your equipment sometimes--diy is great, but sometimes you need to think of the warranty--you'll probably want to get something they distribute. If nothing else, that trip will shorten your list, so instead of having the world (according to the Internet) to choose from, you have a just a few. I'll bet you can get feedback on those few. In any case, if you've been reading here a lot, then you know that a lot of people here seem to really like the Recoil 3. I use a Ninja, which also gets good press here. I haven't heard much positive about other brands on this forum. There are so many buffers out there, it's ridiculous. The price range is even more ridiculous. I got the Hawk buffer, because it's dual speed (175/300), and it has a 5-year warranty that specifically greenlights its use on carpet. So, I'd listen to what the distributor says about different buffers he can get for you, and then look carefully at the warranties for each. Get the one that disty likes and has a warranty that makes the most sense for your application. Much more over $1000 is pretty pricey. If DIY is really your thing, then there's always Ebay. |
Posted By: carpetologist
Date Posted: 02/August/2006 at 2:17pm
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Sounds like you need a lot of hand-holding and advise.
If you were in Toronto Kleen Kuip would be your answer. Suggest you find a local carpet cleaning specialty store in your area, not necessarily a janitorial store. Pay the difference, it's cheaper in the long run. ------------- Kleen Kuip Supply Mart Inc. http://www.kleenkuip.com - New & Used Professional Carpet Cleaning Machines, Restoration Equipment, Training, Service and Supplies |
Posted By: Eaglemania2k
Date Posted: 02/August/2006 at 5:53pm
| Thanks guys for the advise. I have been looking on ebay a lot lately as well as your website Carpetologist. The reason being, there's only two real carpet cleaning distibuters in my area, so the selection is limited as well as OVER PRICED! I'm going to keep my eye on your website in the meantime carpetologist. OH DECISIONS, DECISIONS! |
Posted By: kennyp2112
Date Posted: 05/August/2006 at 10:09pm
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Hi,
I have a nice TMI Rhino for sale. Comes with 3-2 stage vacs...heat...and 150 psi pump. Used 3 times at my house. My back can't take it anymore.
I'd take $1550.00 ...if you were interested.
Email me.... mailto:blueribboncarpet@yahoo.com - blueribboncarpet@yahoo.com
Ken
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Posted By: duckcountry
Date Posted: 15/August/2006 at 12:23pm
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I live in Oregon and have done exactly as you recommended. My supplier is CRS in Portland and I drive the 110 miles each way to learn more about techniques, the latest chemicals and what is out there in the way of new technologies. I took my IICRC training there as well. I am sure that Kleenkuip is AT LEAST as good at holding its customer's hands as my 'partner' is. I feel confident in saying that because I learn from the vast knowledge Carpetologist provides on this board. |
Posted By: Ed Valentine
Date Posted: 15/August/2006 at 12:42pm
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Gentlemen;
I believe that any product is only as good as the people (sales company) who stand behind it. That has been a proven fact.
You can't go wrong with either Kleen Kwip Supply, or Cross-American Corp., period.
And, that is also a proven fact.
Good Fortune to all;
Ed Valentine
http://www.cross-american.com - www.cross-american.com
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Posted By: Steamy
Date Posted: 15/August/2006 at 5:25pm
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Hey Eaglemania2k,
I'm about 70 miles north of you in North GA. I know of a decent distributor in Ala. that is fairly helpful. As far as portys go, I like the Ninja units. As for bufffers, I use a Viper brand for scrubbing and bonnet stuff and I like it. I used to clean carpets in the ATL area too. I would not want to say the nameof the company here, but it does start with a "V". Have you ever used a portable? It will feel a lot different than what you are used to. Let me know if you want to know the name of the dist. in Ala., or if you need anything. I'm always willing to help a fellow cleaner.
Matt
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Posted By: Superglide Ken
Date Posted: 15/August/2006 at 9:45pm
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Since you are in the Atlanta area, I would suggest you go and see Duane at Accellerated. He sells mostly TM's and chemicals, but would know where you could get a good deal on a Ninja machine. I use them myself and know the can be found for as little as $500 used in good condition in your area.
Ken ------------- Inventor of the Teflon Wand Glide and the Turboteck Rotary Air Duct Cleaners for TMs. |
Posted By: Eaglemania2k
Date Posted: 27/August/2006 at 11:16pm
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Hey guys thanks for all the advise, i actually found a good deal on a recoil-2 with a heater. paid $300.00 with shipping. Seems like a nice machine to start with. Can you beef this baby up? I'm still on the lookout for a good buffer. Hopefully I can upgrade my equipment in about 6 months. I think i've already landed my 1st commercial job with Gold's gym, was'nt too hard considering i work out there daily. You guys are really great,thanks sooo much for all of your expertise. May God continually bless each and every one of you
Oh yeah! Take a look at my poll on the chemstractor! There are so many experts on this website I hope the inventor of this machine is'nt one of them!
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Posted By: jpv65
Date Posted: 21/December/2006 at 4:40pm
| how did you find a recoil 2 for $300? |
Posted By: doug
Date Posted: 21/December/2006 at 4:48pm
It's hot?? I don't mean the water either? ------------- Just My opinion |