[Elfyn]

I'm thinking of buying a new extraction machine soon and wanted to hear what people thought of their machines. Top of my list at the moment is the Airflex Storm Does anyone use one?

[neil 47]

elyfn

I have the mini which has been a great machine the only downside I can see for the storm or and machine that size is the weight 50kg when you are busy 4 to 5 jobs a day humping it in and out will take it's toll .

[from edge2edge]

Elfyn I only use mine a couple of times a month as I Thermadry most jobs but yes its a heavy piece of kit and I see you are 59 from your profile ( I am 57) so its a very big point when considering a new machine.Saying that it really sucks the crxp out of carpets so there is a big plus(I just use normal warm water but the Magma Heater is on my list soon).....Alan(Swindon)

[stuart_clark]

If weight is an issue consider the jag, its lighter than most twin vac machines and more powerfull than most


Stuart

[Elfyn]

Yes, weight is a consideration, but as I've reached the age where I now used brain more than brawn it's not that big a consideration. I'm really looking for reliability and ease of use now. The Storm has a few points that I really like such as switches that are high up and loading wheels (not that important because I use a ramp), but I'd like to know about things like ease of cleaning, performance, durability etc. too.
With a bit of luck, this should be my last machine, so I want to get it right.

[neil 47]

For reliability I'd go for alltec their service is fantastic I've had one of thier machines 11 years only replaced 1 wheel 2 vacs and a pump in that 11years

[Elfyn]

I've had an Alltec (around 10 ears ago) and it was a good machine. I've also had a Scorpion and that was a very good machine (5 years and not one problem) - this next machine will be my 6th. I've looked at the new Jaguar, but they've now gone on to the bigger 8.4 inch vacs and I'm not sure how reliable they will be.

[stuart_clark]

I imagne the Altec would be the heaviest,  I had a Extracta Exell and that was  one heavy beast as it was fibreglass
if I were looking for a new machine it would be the Airflex the Jag or the Enforcer but not sure I would want to go back to a machine with its motors set in series


Stuart

[SimonW]

I just have Prochem range 120psi with dual-3stage vacs. Having fingers crossed that'll be enough for domestic! Please!
I wish to have eghm Storm, Enforcer or Jag. From my research and summing all opinions across this forum I'd pick Strom definitely.
I've also attended their cc course with Storm demonstration and it looks great I'll be honest here.

[Simon Campbell]

I have had a storm for 2 and half years and it's been a great piece of kit. Had to change one vacuum ( manufacturing fault ) and a rocker switch plus a service that it's. I have had it up second floor apartments on a few occasions. But so long as you have at least 50ft hose you only need to move to the front door

[john martin]

I've had an Alltec (around 10 ears ago) and it was a good machine. I've also had a Scorpion and that was a very good machine (5 years and not one problem) - this next machine will be my 6th. I've looked at the new Jaguar, but they've now gone on to the bigger 8.4 inch vacs and I'm not sure how reliable they will be.

Dam , i cant see Cleantalk anymore  , i wonder what fantasy performance figures they decide to give it .
I suppose no one was buying the 6.6 so time for a vac change and some hype .  What happened to the i-xtreme  , no sign if it anywhere .
The 8.4   ( 122178-18 ) I was going to stick some in the Enforcer in series  ( the Enforcer already has outer mounting bolts to accept an 8.4 btw )  I just couldn't find any 8.4 230v for less that like  300 or so , just couldn't justify that for a modest power increase )  Have a couple of 6.6 , must stick them in in series to see how that goes . 

[Elfyn]

I really am dithering about which machine to buy and there isn't a huge difference between them. 
The Alltec really is too heavy - 12kg more than the storm - I've had good experiences with Alltec in the past, but the weight could kill an old man like me.
I'm fairly impressed with the look of the enforcer - it has some really good feature, but some quirky bits too.
There isn't much, in my mind, between the Storm and the Scorpion. Weight has been mentioned, but it's only 2kg between them.
I honestly can't decide and I'd really would like to hear from you guys about the machine that you use.

[john martin]

I really am dithering about which machine to buy and there isn't a huge difference between them. 
The Alltec really is too heavy - 12kg more than the storm - I've had good experiences with Alltec in the past, but the weight could kill an old man like me.
I'm fairly impressed with the look of the enforcer - it has some really good feature, but some quirky bits too.
There isn't much, in my mind, between the Storm and the Scorpion. Weight has been mentioned, but it's only 2kg between them.
I honestly can't decide and I'd really would like to hear from you guys about the machine that you use.

I think there is no substitute for trying each machine if you get a chance  , i wouldn't get hung up on weight  , the Enforcer i have tilts back into the van with minimal lift effort  , and when its moving it feels effortless , like if your wheeling it to the site it just tilts on its big back wheels and glides across rough ground and up and down small steps .    I had a scorpion one time for a while and it handled like a broken shopping trolly in comparison .
Im sure the airflex can maneuver very well also .   I'v never  used the Alltec but i watched a local cleaning doctor tilt back  and lift it into the van without much effort .

[Lewis Newby]

I have a jag 6.6 and an airflex pro custom. not sure how much heavier a storm is

The jag is the lighter but loading/unloading and manouvring to jobs etc you would think its much heavier, its just not balanced well for me. The airflex is movable with 1 hand.

The jag wins on performance for sure, especially on long hose runs, the storm would be similar power (tho the jag has a flow through design to maximise cfm)  not sure how efficient the storms plumbing is but im sure it will be good vased on the overall quality and design of thier machines.

Lastly I have blown 2 6.6 motors in a year, im told they have changed now and the ones in it now seem ok.

[tim handley]

i bought a storm about 2 months ago, its everything i expected, powerfull, quiet, easy to move around, reliable (its my second airflex) and a real nice looking machine. re weight, i bought it so i could run longer hoses up stairs etc rather than manhandle it upstairs, and for this its been totally perfect. on a couple of occasions for  various reasons i have had to take it upstairs as a last resort and its not been a problem for me.........      id go and have a look/play with one mate!!! also the cleaning/drying results are very very good......

[stuart_clark]

Lewis

my Jag blow 6 vacume motors in a year, thats why I insisted they give me my money back or build me a new Scorpion !
Result I got a new scorpion, that was three years ago and the machine has been fine with no problems other than a pump head service kit

Stuart

[COLIN BRIGHT]

I am in the same dilemma about a good porty as a back up, so hopefully if everything works out, then there should be one of each at the TACCA day so we will see them all working side by side and decide the pros and cons

[Robin Ray]

If you are worried about the 6.6 motors you can get Storm with the HD Electro motors in now, I think Alltec also use them in their Evolution. However the problem with the 6.6 has been sorted, something to do with the casting being strenghtened. A Electro Storm should give 58 less CFM and 18 more inches of water lift than the 6.6.

I have an Airflex and I like it, it is easily moved around, my only gripe is the lid is a little flimsy but It wouldn't stop me getting another.

[Elfyn]

Thanks for the opinions guys - very much appreciated.
I think I'm going to have to go and look at some of the machines, but as I live out in the sticks it's a bit of a pain. The TACCA event might be a good one stop shop for me - when and where is it again?

[John Kelly]

Elfyn, full details of the TACCA day are at the top of the carpet cleaning section. I will be bringing a Storm with me as we sell Airflex's as well.