[AuRavelling79]

Just a thought …..you are insured on the wife’s car for business use aren’t you?

good point

Darran

Yes we both are.

[AuRavelling79]

You seem to be making a comment based on the fact that you don't know the facts of my claim.

Why would you do that?

So what were you hoping for with your OP if not comments and opinions?
Everyone to tell you how inspiring you are?

The fact you’ve apparently limited the facts you’ve shared whilst posting all about your situation on a public forum is more on you rather than the co
As it goes though, I’d probably do something similar to what you've done; especially if I was looking to fix up an insurance write off.
As has been said, something is better than nothing.

Comments and opinions are most welcome. Questions too.

Is a comment saying 'if you say so" after the very point has previously been explained helpful to anyone?

[Stoots]

Backpack shouldnt be that much slower than van mount just harder work.  Time lost filling it up is time gained not having to pull hose round obstacles and back in.

[Splash & dash]

Backpack shouldnt be that much slower than van mount just harder work.  Time lost filling it up is time gained not having to pull hose round obstacles and back in.

Van mount will always be much quicker in most situations, especially on regular work ware you know exactly ware you are going , I started with a back pack years ago and it’s much harder work and considerably  slower lifting it in and out of the van filling it etc reeling in 100 meters of hose  takes 45 seconds maximum you can’t fill a back pack and put it into a vehicle that quick and depending  the size of the house 23 ltr won’t be enough water so would have to go back to the van to re fill .

[AuRavelling79]

Backpack is slower. And more hard work.

Other than a stop gap between vans I wouldn't entertain the idea.

But. I could see the use of a backpack in the van (always bungeed to a small folding sack truck) and a barrel for an unusual hard to access job.

But I would avoid such jobs normally.

[Stoots]

Backpack shouldnt be that much slower than van mount just harder work.  Time lost filling it up is time gained not having to pull hose round obstacles and back in.

Van mount will always be much quicker in most situations, especially on regular work ware you know exactly ware you are going , I started with a back pack years ago and it’s much harder work and considerably  slower lifting it in and out of the van filling it etc reeling in 100 meters of hose  takes 45 seconds maximum you can’t fill a back pack and put it into a vehicle that quick and depending  the size of the house 23 ltr won’t be enough water so would have to go back to the van to re fill .

Yes and no ive worked with backpacks as well. If youve got good parking and a clean pull from the van, i.e you can park with rear doors facing the right way and dont have to pull round cars, bins, plants etc then a van mount is quicker but theres a number of jobs on my round that would be easier and faster with a backpack.  Its really not that slow with a fast fill that maybe takes 20 seconds to fill the backpack up.

[james peters]

back packs are a must have to carry on board.  they are an important tool to have for some jobs...... like stoots says tho ..... fast fill from the tank and away to go

[deeege]

back packs are a must have to carry on board.  they are an important tool to have for some jobs...... like stoots says tho ..... fast fill from the tank and away to go

They are definitely not a must have. I’ve managed for 12 years without one and would turn down any job that required one.

[Smudger]

Just goes to show the differing needs of us window cleaners

back pack to me is not essential - but I use it to apply chemicals

I did have a mid terrace town house that required a back pack - no other way - but after 2 cleans the agro it caused was enough to bin the job

Darran

[JandS]

Same here.....got two Gardiners backpacks.....never used either for regular window cleaning.....use one for fsg etc chemicals and the other for cleaning the windows after a fsg clean.

[Splash & dash]

back packs are a must have to carry on board.  they are an important tool to have for some jobs...... like stoots says tho ..... fast fill from the tank and away to go

I agree they have there uses especially for chemical applications, but I don’t understand why ones take on work ware there is access issues and it needs a back pack you are never going to earn decent money with this type of work , far better off getting work slower without theses issues , we don’t use backpack s for  any of our work and haven’t done for over 20 years .

[james peters]

back packs are a must have to carry on board.  they are an important tool to have for some jobs...... like stoots says tho ..... fast fill from the tank and away to go

They are definitely not a must have. I’ve managed for 12 years without one and would turn down any job that required one.

I use them to apply chemicals.     when my son works with me, he uses a back pack while I use the reel. works faster for us this way

[Splash & dash]

back packs are a must have to carry on board.  they are an important tool to have for some jobs...... like stoots says tho ..... fast fill from the tank and away to go

They are definitely not a must have. I’ve managed for 12 years without one and would turn down any job that required one.

I use them to apply chemicals.     when my son works with me, he uses a back pack while I use the reel. works faster for us this way

If he was with you all the time would probably be easier and faster to add another pump, controller and reel I found that much better all round when I had someone with me as I expanded , now all vans have two fixed reels it’s so much more efficient and doesn’t cost that much to fit .

[james peters]

back packs are a must have to carry on board.  they are an important tool to have for some jobs...... like stoots says tho ..... fast fill from the tank and away to go

They are definitely not a must have. I’ve managed for 12 years without one and would turn down any job that required one.

I use them to apply chemicals.     when my son works with me, he uses a back pack while I use the reel. works faster for us this way

If he was with you all the time would probably be easier and faster to add another pump, controller and reel I found that much better all round when I had someone with me as I expanded , now all vans have two fixed reels it’s so much more efficient and doesn’t cost that much to fit .

possibly . hes with me 3 days a week , but hes off to uni next month
he has had the option of a reel but  the truth is he just finds a back pack easier , I suppose hes got used to it and got it to a fine art.
he works from the side of the van and I work from the back.
he has a good length of pole hose , so he can do a standard small semi without moving the back pack.
mind you , he is only 20..... after work I will fall asleep on the sofa , and he will go for a run . 
when I work on my own its from a reel .
I was just trying to explain the value of a back pack .... for what they cost I think they are a great bit of kit.

[AuRavelling79]

Well I'm getting the knack of it now. And so far there is one parking issue job where I shall take it with me (as I have it anyway) even when the van is back on the road.

As for the van, the front end  (from an i800 people carrier) is nearly rebuilt and the engine stays cool with the new radiators after half an hour on tickover.

The fans haven't kicked in but the heater works so not sure what that indicates because the temperature gauge doesn't want to go above 85/90 degrees.

My brother tested the front wiring loom and repaired a connector on it and the lights indicators and horns work.

Having a week away in the caravan from tomorrow but hopefully booking for MOT the week after and paint in September.

Also going to renew the floor rubber/tray/paint in the back as the ply is rotten in places.

[Stoots]

There's a few situations on my round I use a backpack.

3 instances on my round where I have 2 houses either side of a main road. It's much quicker to clean 1 house with the hose then whip the back pack out and run across the road to do the other than have to go turn round and park at the other side and get all the gear out again.

[AuRavelling79]

Used my backpack as a replacement for the van for hopefully the last time this afternoon.

I found it quite knackering but I was able to get about £200 a day from it with a refill of four barrels half way through.

Most days this last week I was fiddling about with the van so tended to do about 4 hours and about £140/£160 with the back pack.

There is one job I shall take it for due to possible parking issues.

It's been useful but I really don't recommend it!