[Robin Ray]

I'm still thinking of getting a truckmount, as work is getting to the point where it would be nice to have some more speed. (and I want a TM! )

After looking at all the TMs out there the Phoenix 450i looks like a good machine and they are the nearest supplier to me.
My other thought is a good second hand unit but that does worry me a little.
Then I noticed this from Woodbridge it looks like very good value https://www.worldwidecleaningsupport.com/cleaning-machines/truckmount-machines/chem-tex-power-max-18hp-truckmount-c-w-fresh-water-tank.html.

For those with TMs what are your thought on a unit which will primarily be used for domestic properties and light commercials probably wont go over 200ft of hose and will usually only go to about 100 - 150ft. I also want a unit which is relativly easy to understand when it comes to repairs.

Any thoughts?

[ShaunL]

I've used the 450i a lot and i found it performed well on domestics and commercials up to 300ft. Nice and easy access for maintenance but be prepared to put the time in to do your checks/filter cleans regularly. Worth seeing what 2nd hand machines they got. I Was a fan of the diesel maxx but you need to be an acrobatic to carry out maintenance.

[Richard Harwood]

Think there's a pheonix for sale on here with very few hours

[clive ware]

Robin,
without a doubt, go for the Phoenix. You will want the nearest supplier to you in case of breakdowns, servicing etc. Good machines and service by the guys there.

[Buckland]

robin - you need to go and get a good demo and use the machines and satisfy yourself that it will produce the pressure, heat and vacuum that YOU expect  - productivity is what you get with a tm and the downside is noise (esp. with 18 hp and air-cooled the chemtex machine will have lots of comments on its performance on the US site truckmountforums.com) and maintenance concerns i.e. vigilance in terms of wear and tear- a tm will give you the confidence to take on virtually anything that comes along or at least much more than you might take on being just porty equipped (def. don't sell the porty btw) some of the productivity gain is down to the fact that you really want/need to be better organised with a tm - you don't want to be stopping and starting - do all the right prep and then sweep right through with full heat and vac - one day in the future you will be doing a job with your tm that is going super quick and efficient and you will laugh about how you struggled before to get the same results or close to those results.

[Robin Ray]

Thanks,
I have read some bad things about the Chemtex on Truckmount forums which is a worry but they do look easy to work on.

I do have high expectations for a TM in terms of flushing ability , heat and dry times. John from Hydramaster/Phoenix tells me i will be able turn over three times as much in the same time with a TM and has offered me a demo so i will take him up on that. I'm in Cornwall on holiday in August anyway.

It will be nice to see what the actual difference is.

The noise has been a worry to me but most customers tell me how good my equipment looks at the moment so I can only imagine how much more impressed they should be with a TM.

[clive ware]

I had nothing but problems with my Chemtex. Maybe it was just a rogue one but it was the worst truckmount I have ever had.

[Simon Gerrard]

Thanks,
I have read some bad things about the Chemtex on Truckmount forums which is a worry but they do look easy to work on.

I do have high expectations for a TM in terms of flushing ability , heat and dry times. John from Hydramaster/Phoenix tells me i will be able turn over three times as much in the same time with a TM and has offered me a demo so i will take him up on that. I'm in Cornwall on holiday in August anyway.

It will be nice to see what the actual difference is.

The noise has been a worry to me but most customers tell me how good my equipment looks at the moment so I can only imagine how much more impressed they should be with a TM.

Hi Robin,
Mr Gotts will look after you.
Don't worry about noise,  noise is good, it gets you noticed and I have never had a complaint about it, except at night.
The great thing about tm's is productivity and superb quality, but the other thing is that it is not just a cleaning machine but a marketing machine too, especially if your competitors don't have one. People (rightly or wrongly) attribute the quality of the clean to that big machine in your van and because of that tend to stick with you , believing that they must be the very pinnacle of carpet cleaning (which they are for a whole variety of reasons)
If you get a new one, have it made for lpg, it will save you a bomb in fuel costs. If you want more insight in this you could join truckmounter where you will find lots of experienced  tm'ers to give you a broader perspective. (I'm not trying to poach you from here btw)

Simon

[Paul Moss]

I'm on my second Chemtex, great machines. It's only the nuggets that have problems with them 

[Tony Osborne]

Coming from the other side of this one.
I started with a TM which i love. I have recently added a porty to my arsenal as there are times when you just cant get near a property.
I couldn't believe the difference. Dont get me wrong i am happy with the results its just the time and effort required to get them. Plus the drying times are  i would say 4-5 times longer.
TM is an old prochem

[from edge2edge]

so what porty is it