[sksnls]

I am looking to up grade my current porty but there are so many around that I was looking for some advice. I currently have a craftex grace which has been fine whilst I started the business up 2 and half years ago but as I become busier I would like to upgrade to a more powerful machine. My biggest concern with getting a more powerful machine is the weight. I don't want to buy a new machine only to find I struggle to lift into the van or find it impossible to bump up sets of stairs etc.
I have looked at the jag but that seems although light it is fairly bulky, airflex storm and the ninja although I know ashbys customer service is pretty poor. I have used the ninja before and I like the fact it has a built in heater and is a very compact machine. I know the jag is one of the most powerful machines on the market also solutions is fairly local to me so I could always go and try before I buy.
I know that the jag and airflex can be used from the van but I do so many jobs where this is not possible due to parking etc.
Thanks

[heritagecleaning]

Regarding getting it in and out of the van, I have a set of these -

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Folding-Telescopic-Wheelchair-Mobility-Scooter-Channel-Ramps-Disabled-/111242099598?pt=UK_Health_Beauty_Mobility_Disability_Medical_ET&var=&hash=item19e68bbb8e

Works a treat

[rycalshaw]

cleansmart are now supplying an upgraded version of the mini, it now has a 200psi pump along with the dual 3 stage vacs, very handy for flats etc..
 

[david@zap-clean]

I struggled for a long time deciding which upgrade machine to buy! Weight/loading onto my van was a big concern for me too.

In the end I decided performance, quality and reliability were more important than weight.

I'd heard that as long as the (heavier type) machine has top loading wheels it really shouldn't be a problem getting it on the van - now I know this to be true.  Though a wheelchair type ramp might make it even easier (yet to be tested by me...).

The modern high-power machines don't need to be taken up stairways, just run long hose lengths.. AND, if you really really need to cart it upstairs, use your old lightweight machine (I'm keeping mine).

[derek west]

Have you considered alltec, give chris thomas a ring, great guy and always very helpful with no pushy sales techniques.

[Richard Cole]

I would keep your Grace for flats and difficult to get to jobs and look at new machine for general jobs etc.  I have the smaller Sabrina 5000 and its great for small jobs when i don't want to lug my Storm around.

I have a Storm and it is very good but you should also look at Solutions new machines, there is a thread on here which gives some info, just try to ignore some of the more bias views from those who have nothing better to do than slag of Solutions.

If you are not too far from Solutions why not go down and try out a few, also you could also try to contact other C.C.'s near you but not competing with you to see if you can come and try their machines, assuming that you can find some using machines that fit your criteria  

[john martin]

I am looking to up grade my current porty but there are so many around that I was looking for some advice. I currently have a craftex grace which has been fine whilst I started the business up 2 and half years ago but as I become busier I would like to upgrade to a more powerful machine. My biggest concern with getting a more powerful machine is the weight. I don't want to buy a new machine only to find I struggle to lift into the van or find it impossible to bump up sets of stairs etc.
I have looked at the jag but that seems although light it is fairly bulky, airflex storm and the ninja although I know ashbys customer service is pretty poor. I have used the ninja before and I like the fact it has a built in heater and is a very compact machine. I know the jag is one of the most powerful machines on the market also solutions is fairly local to me so I could always go and try before I buy.
I know that the jag and airflex can be used from the van but I do so many jobs where this is not possible due to parking etc.
Thanks

The machines weight distribution and loading features are more important than overall weight .   
Look at Ashbys newer machine the Enforcer , Huge and impressive but easy to maneuver with large wheels and easy to load load on its back  . If you like heat it has both an immersion and an inbuilt inline available .   You will also be impressed by the performance guaranteed and build quality is as good as it gets .

Similarly Alltec have a range of very high quality powerfull machines with all the heater options available ..
 
Airflex ... Most choose the storm and external heater ...  but the Airflex custom with Electros motors in series and inbuilt inline heater is worth looking at .

And ...  as mentioned test the I-xtract from solutions    ...   who knows it might just tick all the boxes for you .

[sksnls]

Have you considered alltec, give chris thomas a ring, great guy and always very helpful with no pushy sales techniques.

I did speak to the guy from alltec at the tacca day and I did have a look at the machine he had there but to be honest I felt it was too heavy and awkward even to which he admitted he wouldn't  want to take it up even more than a couple of steps.

[Mike Halliday]

If you live near solutions then deal with them, nothing better than having local support.

[Ian Gourlay]

Regarding getting it in and out of the van, I have a set of these -

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Folding-Telescopic-Wheelchair-Mobility-Scooter-Channel-Ramps-Disabled-/111242099598?pt=UK_Health_Beauty_Mobility_Disability_Medical_ET&var=&hash=item19e68bbb8e

Works a treat

Thanks for info I had looked on ebay but only found motor bike ramps . these do not look too heavy but strong enough

[jim mca]

If you want ramps try the ramp people I have a set for my pressure washer

[heritagecleaning]

I got the six foot ones as I recall Ian. Yes, they're light and perfectly strong enough. You just need to make sure you have them the right distance apart, but that's just a matter of lining the machine up straight and checking.

[Griffus]

Alltec Advance 600 is what I have and it's great.

Had it up to four flights, though not by choice 

Actually, I had it to 13 storeys, but that was with the help of a lift.........

When working high just use longer hose through a window on the floor on which you're working. A remote plug and job done.

I have recently loaned it out to a CC who had a six week old Ninja that was buggered. Ashby's made hime drive down to them rather than recommend anyone locally. This was an 8 hour round trip.  I did have a problem a couple of years back (self inflicted). I called Alltec and they recommended someone local which no doubt saved me a small fortune.

He loved the Alltec, he did mention the weight but in five + years this hasn't caused me one problem.

[*Hector*]

I had a set of taxi ramps from a black cab when I used a porty.