[Green Clean Direct]

A business I acquired has around a dozen carpet cleaning machines which are past their best and I would like to replace them.

I am not overly concerned with cost, but there has to be a decent return but commercial durability is key and service, if required, must be available.

Likewise, a supply of consumables at decent prices allowing for a profitable mark up is essential.

Happy to discuss any thoughts and ideas.

[Paul Moss]

I would need a lot more info before I could advise the best way for you to go. It depends on what your cleaning ,how often and how many staff are needed. A replacement with a truckmount or even two may be a better option or maybe you may need some LM equipment.
For example I have one contract that I clean yearly worth about £15k and that gets cleaned with LM using a hbot and a cimex .

[Green Clean Direct]

I'm sorry I realise I should have explained better.

I don't do any cleaning. I bought a chain of stores which have historically rented out carpet cleaners as a sideline. However, these cleaners have seen better days and could do with replacement.

Now I know you professionals probably hate Rug Doctor  and the like but lets say they don't take on new rental clients anymore (I think they are trying only to serve the likes of Sainsburys etc.) so I need machines which customers can use easily and which is commercial grade for longevity.

A Google around brings up many names, some known, such as Rug Doctor, Bissell, Karcher etc. and some not well known, at least to me.

Whichever unit we go for has to be a unit your average Joe can use so nothing overly complicated.

[David Deer]

I would have to say either the VCW-06 Carpet Washer or the Bissel Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine 48F3ER
They are both compact and lightweight and do the job without overwetting.

[Buckland]

And after all the VCW 06 provides "unbeatable carpet cleaning - cleaner, drier, faster" "the ultimate solution for cleaner carpets" according to errr well its Vax that actually say this, you don't think they are biased do you?

[David Deer]

To be honest these are supposed to be 'commercial' products. Having used them both I can say that the Vax is a nice little spotting machine and does do a decent job (certainly better than the rug doctor) without overwetting on carpets.  Setup is simple and it almost comes completely to bits for cleaning. It is lightweight and ideal for the home hire market, just put solution in the tank and off you go.
The big green machine is similar in use to the RD but extracts more water and can be used in either direction. It seems a little more durable (as it cannot be stripped down completely for cleaning) but time will tell.
As you are hiring these out to the home user their simplicity an ease of use is a bonus. From that perspective the big green machine seems more suited for rental as it is more 'idiot proof'.
I would contact Vax and Bissel and get a demo done at your place of business. Also look at other hire places and see what they offer, pop in and look at the condition of hire machines in their shop.