[boldy1304]

hi guys/gals

ive cleaned carpets as a side thing for a few yrs always owned a small craftex machine as it was only a add on to window cleaning etc i came out of it all and did something else and regretted it so i am getting back into it only i want to push the things i enjoyed doing 1 of which was carpet cleaning ive booked on a course with solutions and want to buy a more professional machine now i appreciate the big players saying you cant get anything worth using for less than x amount  but what i want to know is what to buy if i have 2k to spend is the craftex grace 520 any good or am i better off going for a second hand machine with better spec if so what....... thanks in advance

[john martin]

hi guys/gals

ive cleaned carpets as a side thing for a few yrs always owned a small craftex machine as it was only a add on to window cleaning etc i came out of it all and did something else and regretted it so i am getting back into it only i want to push the things i enjoyed doing 1 of which was carpet cleaning ive booked on a course with solutions and want to buy a more professional machine now i appreciate the big players saying you cant get anything worth using for less than x amount  but what i want to know is what to buy if i have 2k to spend is the craftex grace 520 any good or am i better off going for a second hand machine with better spec if so what....... thanks in advance

Buying used is like buying a used car ... could run trouble free for months .. or leave u on the side of the road tomorrow .

U have 2K including vat to spend ?     I just confgured an airflex custom on cleansmart site there  ...   220psi adjustable pump , two electro motors , 3kw inline heater built in  ...   comes to about 1700+vat
more capable machine  than a grace imo  , and consider to add the heater supplied with a grace is an extra 500 or so .

[Dave_Lee]

I would have a look at what suppliers have. Some have used machines for sale, and may offer a short term guarantee. Other sell machines on for operators that have purchased new from them.
The main guts of a machine are the vacs, pump and heater elements and these are the items that will eventually need replacing, so if buying second hand, it may be a good idea to keep enough money to one side just in case. Say £1,600 for machine and £400 standby.
Dave.

[boldy1304]

thanks for the replys guys appreciate it

[Ian Harper]

boldy1304

cfr 500 is just the best for productivity. you can get these second hand for a good price. what you need to do is look for someone that has gone out bought all the gear and failed and put it all up for sale on ebay. To get the best deal contact them and offer just to buy the machine. Because they have spent so much out they want to get as much of that money back as possible. but they always ask to much money for everything.

These types of machine have low hours and are in as new condition. for you this is the best value for money you will get.

I would advise you not go on solutions course as prochems is much better, and it will be focused on micrsplitter and not detergent base cleaning. Detergents as far more advanced and and have many intendants in them.  just the brighteners alone make them a better choice.  these brighteners play a trick on the light and make faded carpet look bright,  have you ever been in a club and white cloths glows? this is the effect but with sunlight. micospillters have a place in cleaning but just dont have the wide selection of ions negative, neutral and positive to deal with all soil types. prochems products cover them all

Good luck

[boldy1304]

hi quick question ...john put a configuration up with the airflex from clean smart im leaning this way the question is about the  vacuum system you put ...  I just confgured an airflex custom on cleansmart site there  ...   220psi adjustable pump , two electro motors ,...... whats the diff between the electro motors and the lamb ametek just want to get the best option i can could pos put a little more if it ment a slightly better option cheers again guys

[john martin]

hi quick question ...john put a configuration up with the airflex from clean smart im leaning this way the question is about the  vacuum system you put ...  I just confgured an airflex custom on cleansmart site there  ...   220psi adjustable pump , two electro motors ,...... whats the diff between the electro motors and the lamb ametek just want to get the best option i can could pos put a little more if it ment a slightly better option cheers again guys

electro is just a different motor  brand , they are used in the ashbys enforcer and others .Just of the four options they gave u i figured it was the most efficient ,  it should be a 1500w and a 1200w combined  ( because they have to stick to about 12amps per cord for vacuums )    Might be worth droping an email and checkin they are giving u that incase its two 1200w unless u specify .

[boldy1304]

just seen this on e bay are they any good or not a patch on the airflex ...prochem galaxy starter kit


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331774970036?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[swanson]

I wouldn't listen to Ian Harper
I've been on the solutions course and its the  best
Much better then prochem
One of the best  machines you can buy would be the jag cub running out at 300 psi fully adjustable
And the price around £1800
I've got one and they are great piece of kit

[sean oregan]

Boldy
Where are you based???
I have never been on a solutions course but as I hear it Ken weinwright is a very good instructor and he is  well respected in the industry as is Paul Pearce and Derek Bolton.
I have learned something new on every course I have attended so go on many.
If Ken did courses outside of solutions I would go on them.
I have been on many courses with Paul Pearce at Alltec and NCCA and also Derek Bolton at cleansmart both I would recommend highly.

[Raymondo]

You are based in Cornwall you have 3 companies very close to you solution, phoenix truckmounts and carpet cleaners world with Craig Lincoln.

As has been said a  course at solutions with Ken will be excellent as is most courses within the industry.

It a pity that Ken no longer comes on this forum as like others he has a wealth of knowledge.

[john martin]

I wouldn't listen to Ian Harper
I've been on the solutions course and its the  best
Much better then prochem
One of the best  machines you can buy would be the jag cub running out at 300 psi fully adjustable
And the price around £1800
I've got one and they are great piece of kit

Oh tell me you didnt pay 1800 for that basic single vac spotter thing 

[john martin]

just seen this on e bay are they any good or not a patch on the airflex ...prochem galaxy starter kit


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331774970036?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

No , basic single vac with no heat ...  not a great choice

[boldy1304]

hi guys based in cornwall ..liskeard ...booked and payed for the course a while ago and if i do buy a airflex it looks like i get a free day training with cleansmart and would go too ........

[sean oregan]

As your based in Cornwall it would be a good choice to go on their course but it is very biased towards their products (understandably) but you will soon realise how good they are. Some people like them many don't, and they will say on the other channel "if you went on solutions course you would get good results from them"
I say if you clean carpets that are already clean the products are ok.
If you want straight totally unbiased opinion of products, machines etc speak to John Kelly at Restoremate he supply's lots of products from lots of different manufacturers also he is very helpful.