Doing just fine really. I'm actually still using these same rollers, just a squirt of oil now and then on them. Working fine.
That's really good to know on both accounts.
You were one of the few on here in the early days that had experience that I personally related to and inspired me, so when you 'disappeared' I noticed.
I remember you saying once the reason for the fixed reel conversion was that that your back was suffering lifting that weight in and out of the van. When people disappear off the website they either have discovered there is a better life other than window cleaning forums or they have given up w/cleaning.
Your conversion is one that I keep coming back to. I think the secret of the success of them is the big rollers on the lower fairlead. I shared this with another cleaner locally who opted to save money on the lower fairlead, and the system just didn't work.
My problem is that I wheel my hose reel to the back of peoples homes 2 or 3 times as day. Pulling the hose from the hose reel at the van takes so much extra time. It just seems the nature of the customers I have. Maybe I also need to dump these complicated ones and replace with easier ones. Or maybe I have to just carry a wheel hose reel on the van for those customers.
I'm also pleased that cheaper electric reels are becoming more ready available and at a reasonable price. I quite like those Proloc units but not having a reel lock is a bit of a draw back. Of course, the one available from Gardiners looks the business but it way out of my price range. What we really need is a unit which self layers like Nat Jones started to work on.
BTW, did you ever put a different exhaust vent for your heater on the van, or did you manage to get that mushroom unit to work in the end?
Thanks.
