Why Not A Truck Mount?

« **on:** February 28, 2013, 01:32:32 pm »

I’ve been astonished that I haven’t sold my refurbished Blazer Plus complete with a van for £3,500, which is peanuts considering its earning power, all of which begs a very popular and well debated question I posed a few years ago - ‘Why Not A Truck Mount?’

I’m not seeking to start an argument, or advertise my machine, but I ‘m intrigued why the vast majority of the carpet cleaning fraternity completely ignore machines that can vastly improve your productivity, allow you to clean practically any carpet, regardless of age, condition or location and with it put your customers in a position where they don’t believe they can get what you do anywhere else, along with the benefits of that in customer retention and referral rates.

There’s no argument that you can do a great job with portable systems, but they are so inefficient and because you did a such a great job with a TM customers attribute (rightly or wrongly) that extra quality of clean to the big machine you used, often recounting last time they had their carpet cleaned with a little thing on wheels and because they believe it is down to the machine, tend to remain very loyal and stay with you because of that belief.

So without the arguments, or people thinking they are being looked down on – Why Not A Truck Mount?

Simon (now residding in a nuclear bunker in an undisclosed location)

« **Reply #1 on:** February 28, 2013, 01:39:08 pm »

Maybe its just because we dont one Simon! Ive been in the carpet cleaning business nearly 23 years and have used truck mounts on occassion , but still prefere to use a high powered portable! No running costs apart from the odd vac motor and solution pump, most of my work is commercial probably 80% and its all low moisture work
Stuart

« **Reply #2 on:** February 28, 2013, 01:44:47 pm »

Simon, it may be a good buy, but few carpet cleaners are booming right now, a supplier recently told me many have gone bust. I think it's more a reflection of the times.

Quote from: Tosh on June 23, 2017, 07:10:23 am

Coz I can't fit it in the back of me hatchback

« **Reply #4 on:** February 28, 2013, 01:56:43 pm »

As long as the carpet is clean and dry reasonably fast the customer doesn't care what you use

It's down to the operator if they want to be more productive or not

« **Reply #5 on:** February 28, 2013, 01:59:00 pm »

Simon

I have every intention of one day moving up to a Truckmount and my long term plan is exactly that, i see it as a logical step, particularly as it will make the job easier when i get older, as a business decision it would in my opinion not be viable until i am turning down work because i am unable to work quick enough using a portable.

When that day comes then it would be a logical step, mind you i will certainly keep a portable as well. i have no intention or ambition to have anything like the machine that you have or those massive commercial jobs, just something to make my job quicker and easier.

« **Reply #6 on:** February 28, 2013, 02:16:41 pm »

Had my truckmount 8 months now must admit absolutely love it

« **Reply #7 on:** February 28, 2013, 02:16:52 pm »

James,
What you're describing is natural progession, where you go from one system to another because the size of your business, or the size of the jobs you do requires it. The Titan 875 came along because we needed to be able to clean very large carpets, very quickly and to a very high specification and quickly, on the latest generation of superliners, some as high as 18 decks, which is a bit of a problem unless you have the gear.

Simon

« **Reply #8 on:** February 28, 2013, 02:19:09 pm »

Quote from: Darren O on February 28, 2013, 02:16:41 pm

Had my truckmount 8 months now must admit absolutely love it

Darren,
What benefits has it brought you that presumably are outweighed by the cost of running as opposed to a portable?

« **Reply #9 on:** February 28, 2013, 02:24:03 pm »

Quote from: Simon Gerrard on February 28, 2013, 02:16:52 pm

James,
What you're describing is natural progession, where you go from one system to another because the size of your business, or the size of the jobs you do requires it. The Titan 875 came along because we needed to be able to clean very large carpets, very quickly and to a very high specification and quickly, on the latest generation of superliners, some as high as 18 decks, which is a bit of a problem unless you have the gear.

Simon

Truth be told Simon, i'm too lazy to do what you do, i admire the likes of yourself and others that have that kind of turnover, but all i wanted was a small profitable business and to take the odd afternoon off. last week i did two jobs admittedly that's unusual, but it was half term, and i enjoyed the break with my son, the truckmount can wait but i will make that step eventually, my only concern is that i maintain my portable myself which is easy, but a truckmount that's very different.

« **Reply #10 on:** February 28, 2013, 02:27:30 pm »

The maintenance thing with a TM is a bit of a myth. The truth is that they cost very little to maintain, espcially when you compare the those costs against a TM's earning power.

Simon

« **Reply #11 on:** February 28, 2013, 02:38:52 pm »

James, a lot of portable users worry about the upgrade to a truckmount because they say they maintain the portable themselves but get scared of the thought of maintaining a truckmount. Once you have been shown how to maintain the machine you will find it is pretty straight forward. Changing the two biggest parts (engine & vacuum blower) is pretty straight forward on most machines.

2 weeks a go i drove from Birmingham to Brighton to take a look at a truckmount for 2 guys that were told by Prochem it required over £3000 spending on it to get it back in working condition. Upon inspection i noted the problems and gave my opinion. I did some work on the machine there and then and took it it off the van & re-fitted it to a newer van. After locating a second hand part i will now return to Brighton to fit the part, service both truckmounts and then i will spend time with the guys showing them how to maintain the truckmounts themselves. Oh and before i forget......as i said Prochem wanted over £3000 to do the work......by the time i have finished it will cost about £2000 less than they thought they would have to pay

Simons truckmount that he is selling should give someone years of trouble free use. It has been stripped down, reconditioned and is now in great condition. It will be a great buy for however buys it.

« **Reply #12 on:** February 28, 2013, 03:37:00 pm »

Simon (now residding in a nuclear bunker in an undisclosed location)

Simon, I'm just organising a drone strike for you.

« **Reply #13 on:** February 28, 2013, 03:50:33 pm »

The biggest thing ive noticed is the suction ive ditched the 1.5inch whip hose and using 2inch straight to the Prochem Quad Jet Wand i still use my porty now and again but its a pain in the arse trying to find 2 sockets making trips to the kitchen sink and when the porty is on i keep thinking one of the vacs is switched off.

« **Reply #14 on:** February 28, 2013, 03:50:55 pm »

Why invest such a heavy amount for a small branch of the cleaning tree. The majority of commercial company’s don’t even draw Carpet Cleaning into the budget.
If it does crop up the General Cleaners get the work and are paid out of the petty cash account. Carpet cleaning accounts for around 3% of a Contract cleaners turnover.

The budget is normally split as follows.

Cleaning. - Regular site visits only.
Ground Care. As above.
Windows. As above.
Access control and Gate - Annual
Alarm and Fire - Annual
Gas/Electrical - Annual
Insurance.

1 rule in business - NEVER SPECIALISE - GENERALISE.

« **Reply #15 on:** February 28, 2013, 04:18:53 pm »

Regarding original post i would say that with the latest portables having auto fill, auto drain and even remote, why bother getting a truckmount. Those are the two of the things that people switch for. Also i would strongly argue, I mean assert, that at this moment in time, unless you have big commercial contracts cleaning massive areas of carpet, the profit margin with portables is better.

« **Reply #16 on:** February 28, 2013, 04:48:45 pm »

IMHO I'd say people are put off because its too old it's like buying an old car that you need to get you to work everyday but there's no guarantee its going to start every morning.

Shaun

« **Reply #17 on:** February 28, 2013, 05:05:58 pm »

Convenience, technical knowledge, running costs, single mindedness, practicality, reason for sale (if so good why selling).

Just a few things that may be in peoples minds.

Me personally it would be the 'do I really need a TM' and the answer is no. The porty serves me well. If however Carpets etc were all that I did then I can see the advantages. The thing is though, if I were serious about a TM, then unless I was very switched on with the tech aspects I'd more likely by newer and from a supplier with tech backup.

Not the easiest thing to sell second hand, but I'm sure there's plenty that it will suit. Silly question but have you tried ebay?

« **Reply #18 on:** February 28, 2013, 05:27:31 pm »

Usual story, no good having the best TM ever if you haven't got the work load or the budget to drive sales.

One guy started on my 'doorstep' around Oct last year, TACCA member with a TM, he closed down in Jan !
Out of curiosity what happened to that guy last yr who was looking to start CC, Everyone was pushing him to invest in a TM..... I think his ID was 'ratrace' apologies in advance if this is incorrect

« **Reply #19 on:** February 28, 2013, 05:38:07 pm »

At no point did i think a truckmount would get me more work than a portable it dosent but it saves me about 40% in speed and hastle.

« **Reply #20 on:** February 28, 2013, 05:39:32 pm »

when you use autofill on a portable does it have chemical injection? and does it not just fill the machine with cold water? are you filling with water from the kitchen sink?

so you have another hosepipe to connect and trail through the house not to mention trying to get a connector on the mixer tap. plus filling from an outside tap is hard if its a terrace house and some houses don't have a tap outside

autofill sounds good but its just a time consuming gimmick

« **Reply #21 on:** February 28, 2013, 05:46:42 pm »

About ten years ago, one of my Ashbys Ninjas had a pump im, pump out facility with chemical metering

« **Reply #22 on:** February 28, 2013, 06:05:00 pm »

Hi Guys

Apart from the obvious like speed,etc it is the ease of the clean which has made the most difference to me.

I hardly ever have any back issues since going TM, 5 years ago and when it is relatively quiet like now, my job is a doddle, in fact after 2 jobs tioday I went and did 8 miles on the cycle as I had so much energy left!

Cheers

Doug

« **Reply #23 on:** February 28, 2013, 06:39:36 pm »

Hector is the reason you haven't sold it. And all his low rent buddies.

Quote from: Tosh on June 23, 2017, 07:10:23 am

Quote from: wynne jones on February 28, 2013, 06:39:36 pm

Hector is the reason you haven't sold it. And all his low rent buddies.

rag spinning is the future...... you know it makes sense

« **Reply #25 on:** February 28, 2013, 06:48:27 pm »

Why not ask this question on the truck mounters board ?, someone here might know the web address of it.

« **Reply #26 on:** February 28, 2013, 06:49:15 pm »

I had a year with a Prochem Steepro and used Prochem cleaning solutions and microsplitters from WOC. I worked out of a Chrysler voyager and leaned the art.
I wanted to have a go at commercials and also wanted to be more efficient as I am part time. I bought a truckmount and a Vivaro LWB van for more than Simon is asking.
Why because I could not carry on turning up to houses without a proper van and I wanted the grunt of a truckmount as I saw the versatility of a truckmount at the TACCA day
Did it make the phone ring .............No
Did I put my prices up...............No
Did I get a price rise...............Yes because I can do the job quicker and more efficiently. I can now work at £100 per truckmount hour.
Did my diary fill up more as a result...............No
Did I get more bookings..................Yes because I have a sign written van and people do come out to see what is going on.

I think people see it as a move up and become scared at the thought of will it break down. (Carry your portable in the back for a few weeks to give you comfort if you need)
Fuel wise I love it. It costs me about £4.50 an hour to run at full throttle. I love having fuel bills because what I can achieve in an hour is much better than a portable. Remember an hour is running time and not setting up collecting money etc etc.I like the heat it generates and I know that tons of crud and grease responds to heat better in my humble opinion.
I do not want to stir up an argument between low moisture, Texatherm, and microsplitters and cold water cleaning. It's horses for courses. Yes I have the portable but it has not been used. Yes I could use microspliiters and I still do. I just turned over to Hydramaster products for the basics.
Second floor flat.........drop the hoses out of the window and put a towel on the windowsill.
Job I did in a flat today I would have had to justify more of the stains I would have struggled to move.............the client could see the steam and accepted the fact that the odd stain was still there.

« **Reply #27 on:** February 28, 2013, 06:53:43 pm »

Glyn,
That's like preaching to the converted.

Simon

« **Reply #28 on:** February 28, 2013, 06:55:13 pm »

Yes but it could be a good backup unit for the already converted.

« **Reply #29 on:** February 28, 2013, 06:55:21 pm »

I used to be satisfied with my portys - I'd upgrade every 3 or 4 years, and ended up with a twin vac, auto fill with metering, apo, sign-written with my decals, and I did good work.

We went TM when my son joined the business, meaning we had to do more work per week, and I was getting fed up with the thought that we weren't offering the very best service possible.

Now the water is piping hot almost from the start, without using the custy's hot water, or electricity, the items are left much drier, and the whole set-up is so impressive that a porty user coming after us is going to look like a DIY'er.

We set up quicker, move the wand faster and have less down time.

So, why not a TM? Not busy enough, scared of maintenance or lack of experience of a decent TM.

Why not a £3k TM? Maybe it sounds too good to be true, maybe, like us, if you take the step up you want to go the whole hog & get a new one.

« **Reply #30 on:** February 28, 2013, 06:59:38 pm »

I remember someone I sold his first TM to who said this after looking back on his porty days, 'I never made any money until I got a Truck Mount!' Now he prints the stuff, almost literally.

« **Reply #31 on:** February 28, 2013, 07:01:15 pm »

I would have bought it for more money but it would have been a downgrade when are you selling the Titan?

« **Reply #32 on:** February 28, 2013, 07:02:01 pm »

Might get one myself then.

« **Reply #33 on:** February 28, 2013, 07:04:10 pm »

Well Glyn, I've been telling you for years

« **Reply #34 on:** February 28, 2013, 07:05:39 pm »

Would it make the job easier and more profitable.

« **Reply #35 on:** February 28, 2013, 07:07:35 pm »

Erm, I'm not sure, Glyn.

« **Reply #36 on:** February 28, 2013, 07:11:15 pm »

Are they better than a bissel ?

« **Reply #37 on:** February 28, 2013, 07:14:19 pm »

Yes, but not as good as a rug doctor

« **Reply #38 on:** February 28, 2013, 07:15:14 pm »

If you can't afford 3k then a TM is not the answer. What mystifies me is someone will spend not much less for a brand new porty with relatively poor suck, heat and flow rate. A truck mount can almost double your speed, is easier on your body and more reliable!

« **Reply #39 on:** February 28, 2013, 07:16:04 pm »

But how do you get them upstairs ?.

« **Reply #40 on:** February 28, 2013, 07:21:05 pm »

Quote from: wynne jones on February 28, 2013, 07:15:14 pm

If you can't afford 3k then a TM is not the answer. What mystifies me is someone will spend not much less for a brand new porty with relatively poor suck, heat and flow rate. A truck mount can almost double your speed, is easier on your body and more reliable!

The difference between a TM and porty is even an entry level TM can do £100k per year and you'd seriously struggle to that with your communal garden twin vac porty, so I suppose it is about is about ambition too.

« **Reply #41 on:** February 28, 2013, 07:37:48 pm »

Quote from: Simon Gerrard on February 28, 2013, 07:21:05 pm

Quote from: wynne jones on February 28, 2013, 07:15:14 pm
If you can't afford 3k then a TM is not the answer. What mystifies me is someone will spend not much less for a brand new porty with relatively poor suck, heat and flow rate. A truck mount can almost double your speed, is easier on your body and more reliable!
The difference between a TM and porty is even an entry level TM can do £100k per year and you'd seriously struggle to that with your communal garden twin vac porty, so I suppose it is about is about ambition too.

really? ok then

« **Reply #42 on:** February 28, 2013, 07:39:34 pm »

Quote from: wynne jones on February 28, 2013, 07:15:14 pm

If you can't afford 3k then a TM is not the answer. What mystifies me is someone will spend not much less for a brand new porty with relatively poor suck, heat and flow rate. A truck mount can almost double your speed, is easier on your body and more reliable!

You cant compare a brand new high preformance porty with an old second hand TM (with hours on the clock) when it comes to price.

« **Reply #43 on:** February 28, 2013, 07:47:14 pm »

Yes you can. While you're filling your shiny new porty with water the tm's halfway through the same job.

« **Reply #44 on:** February 28, 2013, 07:49:17 pm »

Quote from: Carpet Dawg on February 28, 2013, 07:39:34 pm

Quote from: wynne jones on February 28, 2013, 07:15:14 pm
If you can't afford 3k then a TM is not the answer. What mystifies me is someone will spend not much less for a brand new porty with relatively poor suck, heat and flow rate. A truck mount can almost double your speed, is easier on your body and more reliable!

You cant compare a brand new high preformance porty with an old second hand TM (with hours on the clock) when it comes to price.

That Blazer would poo all over any new portable. Ask any porty supplier if they want to go head to head at the TACCA day. I know the answer you will get.

« **Reply #45 on:** February 28, 2013, 07:51:15 pm »

Would you prefer a 10 year old Carrera, or a new Kia?

« **Reply #46 on:** February 28, 2013, 07:55:09 pm »

I've got a Maxx 450 with 7,000 hours on the clock and it would still out perform any porty and out earn it ten fold.

« **Reply #47 on:** February 28, 2013, 08:01:10 pm »

I'll give you £1000 for your TM you can keep the van. Will it fit on the roof rack of my Corsa?

« **Reply #48 on:** February 28, 2013, 08:01:14 pm »

Quote from: Simon Gerrard on February 28, 2013, 07:47:14 pm

Yes you can. While you're filling your shiny new porty with water the tm's halfway through the same job.

I'll just nod politely and smile

hint, taps run themselfs

« **Reply #49 on:** February 28, 2013, 08:04:03 pm »

out preform maybe, I dont care about that. If the client is happy so am I.

Out earn? Well everyone runs thier business differnetly some better than others.

« **Reply #50 on:** February 28, 2013, 08:05:18 pm »

Yes but buckets don't walk themselves endlessly toward your machines, oh and back agin with the dirty water. Truck mount is well ahead now.... Have you started yet?

« **Reply #51 on:** February 28, 2013, 08:08:18 pm »

If it out performs then it can out earn - it's just about getting the jobs on - or spending more time at leisure.

Let's hear from someone who's gone from a TM to a porty & is happy with it.

« **Reply #52 on:** February 28, 2013, 08:09:13 pm »

Quote from: AshWhite on February 28, 2013, 07:51:15 pm

Would you prefer a 10 year old Carrera, or a new Kia?

Exactly. You are paying for new not performance. And the Kai will depreciate like a stone. Sure the Carreras drinks petrol and although it rarely goes wrong parts can be pricey. Unfortunately a Carrera does not earn money unlike a TM, which is where the analogy falls down.

« **Reply #53 on:** February 28, 2013, 08:10:01 pm »

Simon, bring the machine closer to the water source. It doesn't take long to empty a hwe machine. How to run an efficient business 101 Volume1

Simon, give up now i'll talk your ears off.

« **Reply #54 on:** February 28, 2013, 08:11:07 pm »

Quote from: Carpet Dawg on February 28, 2013, 08:10:01 pm

Simon, bring the machine closer to the water source. It doesn't take long to empty a hwe machine. How to run an efficient business 101 Volume1

Simon, give up now i'll talk your ears off.

What?

« **Reply #55 on:** February 28, 2013, 08:12:19 pm »

Quote from: Simon Gerrard on February 28, 2013, 08:05:18 pm

Yes but buckets don't walk themselves endlessly toward your machines, oh and back agin with the dirty water. Truck mount is well ahead now.... Have you started yet?

In 16 years using porties we never used bucket to fill or empty. Hose & apo. Water temp, vac power & pro image all trump all porties

« **Reply #56 on:** February 28, 2013, 08:12:24 pm »

Quote from: maxcampbell on February 28, 2013, 08:08:18 pm

If it out performs then it can out earn - it's just about getting the jobs on - or spending more time at leisure.

Let's hear from someone who's gone from a TM to a porty & is happy with it.

You mean excuses.

« **Reply #57 on:** February 28, 2013, 08:15:09 pm »

I went from a TM back to a porty - to do a job in a posh college and then went straight back to my Titan and kissed it

« **Reply #58 on:** February 28, 2013, 08:15:25 pm »

Quote from: wynne jones on February 28, 2013, 08:09:13 pm

Quote from: AshWhite on February 28, 2013, 07:51:15 pm
Would you prefer a 10 year old Carrera, or a new Kia?

Exactly. You are paying for new not performance. And the Kai will depreciate like a stone. Sure the Carreras drinks petrol and although it rarely goes wrong parts can be pricey. Unfortunately a Carrera does not earn money unlike a TM, which is where the analogy falls down.

A TM will also depreciate in value no? as soon as its driven away from the suppliar.

I bought my airlfex pro 3 and half years ago. £2500 i think i paid. Sold it before xmas for just over £1000.

With a shiny new machine you get a warrent, tech support, a NEW MACHINE

« **Reply #59 on:** February 28, 2013, 08:20:19 pm »

A new Titan you probably lose 10k, but Simons blazer no depreciation but you will replace parts. Engine is probably 1k pump 500, but they go on and on. How long does a vac motor last? THe key though is to focus on increased revenues. Commercial work, faster work rate.

« **Reply #60 on:** February 28, 2013, 08:20:55 pm »

could i ask a question about truckmount what kind of size van is needed to install it all and if you was to buy a 2nd tm what kinda price range should someone be looking at to get a half decent one as i see alot of prochem blazers for sale does that mean they not so good or something as they sell for low prices compared to new systems

« **Reply #61 on:** February 28, 2013, 08:26:29 pm »

The only reason not to get a blazer is you want to do really long runs or dual wand or do big boats. It will slide in a transit size van. They are entry level so there are bound to be more around. The other thing is they are simple and don't need specialist maintenance.

« **Reply #62 on:** February 28, 2013, 08:32:10 pm »

Andy,
Blazers and other entry level tm's tend to people's first TM and sell them when they move up to bigger machines, that's why there are a few on the market.
A medium size van will do for the smaller machines.

Simon

« **Reply #63 on:** February 28, 2013, 08:39:31 pm »

Its more about how good you are at selling, I met a guy at fasttrack who was doing serious money with a porty.

If you can sell you can do way more than a guy with a TM who cannot sell.

« **Reply #64 on:** February 28, 2013, 08:43:57 pm »

Quote from: Blacky on February 28, 2013, 03:50:55 pm

Why invest such a heavy amount for a small branch of the cleaning tree. The majority of commercial company’s don’t even draw Carpet Cleaning into the budget.
If it does crop up the General Cleaners get the work and are paid out of the petty cash account. Carpet cleaning accounts for around 3% of a Contract cleaners turnover.

The budget is normally split as follows.

Cleaning. - Regular site visits only.
Ground Care. As above.
Windows. As above.
Access control and Gate - Annual
Alarm and Fire - Annual
Gas/Electrical - Annual
Insurance.

1 rule in business - NEVER SPECIALISE - GENERALISE.

er Blacky, I and a few others can argue against that because I don't just do carpet cleaning anymore I do lots of large scale, heavy duty turnaround cleaning but guess what element is most the most profitable (by quite a margin) and if you can get the work it's still the easiest money you'll get out of the cleaning industry. tbh mate, I know the margins you guys work at and many would say "what, all that poop for that much money, no thanks" so maybe we ain't so thick at all. Get a truckmount if you can.

Simon, if you still have that in 2 months time, I'll have it off you, Pete

« **Reply #65 on:** February 28, 2013, 08:45:08 pm »

Quote from: Craigp on February 28, 2013, 08:39:31 pm

Its more about how good you are at selling, I met a guy at fasttrack who was doing serious money with a porty.

If you can sell you can do way more than a guy with a TM who cannot sell.

That's true Craig. It will sit on you're drive and rust. Marketing still has to be good. A TM just gives you way more leverage unless you want a helper.

« **Reply #66 on:** February 28, 2013, 08:46:46 pm »

Wynne

Vac motors are rated at 500 hours. Around a year depending on usage. I usually change all vac motors once a year. They cost £140. The new 6.6 ones cost £200 after VAT and postage. Pumphead is £40 if you replace the seals and pistons. Motor that drives the pumphead I have no idea, never replaced one in the three and half years I had the Pro but I think its around £200 - £250.

For large commercial you can use encap, bonnets etc with a cimex, rotery etc Probably quicker and cheaper than HWE << I dont really go after that kinda work as its boring for me and anti social hours.

« **Reply #67 on:** February 28, 2013, 08:54:10 pm »

Quote from: Craigp on February 28, 2013, 08:39:31 pm

Its more about how good you are at selling, I met a guy at fasttrack who was doing serious money with a porty.

If you can sell you can do way more than a guy with a TM who cannot sell.

Halioua.

oh and being organised and knowing what the f*** your doing too.

« **Reply #68 on:** February 28, 2013, 08:57:13 pm »

Quote from: Peter Sweeney on February 28, 2013, 08:43:57 pm

Quote from: Blacky on February 28, 2013, 03:50:55 pm
Why invest such a heavy amount for a small branch of the cleaning tree. The majority of commercial company’s don’t even draw Carpet Cleaning into the budget.
If it does crop up the General Cleaners get the work and are paid out of the petty cash account. Carpet cleaning accounts for around 3% of a Contract cleaners turnover.

The budget is normally split as follows.

Cleaning. - Regular site visits only.
Ground Care. As above.
Windows. As above.
Access control and Gate - Annual
Alarm and Fire - Annual
Gas/Electrical - Annual
Insurance.

1 rule in business - NEVER SPECIALISE - GENERALISE.

er Blacky, I and a few others can argue against that because I don't just do carpet cleaning anymore I do lots of large scale, heavy duty turnaround cleaning but guess what element is most the most profitable (by quite a margin) and if you can get the work it's still the easiest money you'll get out of the cleaning industry. tbh mate, I know the margins you guys work at and many would say "what, all that poop for that much money, no thanks" so maybe we ain't so thick at all. Get a truckmount if you can.

Simon, if you still have that in 2 months time, I'll have it off you, Pete

Have to aggree with you Pete, doing contract work myself, I have about 5.5hrs during middle of day to clean carpets, it make more profit than 14 staff working part time.

With a porty you also have to run the vacs for 10 mins with waste tank lid off

I run tm on tickover while i reel hoses in for 1 minute

« **Reply #69 on:** February 28, 2013, 08:59:06 pm »

That's fine, I bonnet lots of commercial as I am brain dead. The TM IS required for some commercial jobs and is lucrative. My main point is a TM second hand is way better than a porty and hardly any more expensive to buy. In recent times fuel has gone up and I don't like the fact it costs me a fiver an hour to run, but again it's productivity. I can do a days work by two and get on with all the other stuff I do, fresh and fit.

« **Reply #70 on:** March 01, 2013, 10:25:27 am »

I remember Ian Harper saying on a website something like, the truckmount and all that power is really a myth, the portable machine can get nearer your door so the power difference is negated with shorter hose runs, not saying i agree with that but he used it for marketing when he went from a Prowler back to porty

« **Reply #71 on:** March 01, 2013, 10:54:48 am »

Obviously he never used a proper Truckmount then.

« **Reply #72 on:** March 01, 2013, 11:03:01 am »

The difference that having a Tm for me is the ability to get thru jobs a lot quicker while still maintaining a high quality clean. Using a portie makes new no difference to the quality of my cleaning, i just do it a lot slower and find it a lot more tedious. My customers always comment on how big and professional the machine looks, but tbh none of them probably care if i were to use the portie or a Tm. All they want is a clean carpet once im finished.
I personally think that using a tm is MORE expensive, my fuel costs are 30quid a day, plus oil changes and filters and in the last year i have had to replace pumps, gaskets, parts on the engine and temperature sensors on my tm. I probably spent about 1500quid on parts. BUT having the TM has enabled me to earn regularly close to 500quid a day which helps pay off the cost of fuel and having a tm. If someone is only earning enough to literally run a portie and cover business costs then a tm is a bad idea. If times get tough for me and i cant afford the Tm or fuel prices i would happily go back to a portie or the woodbridge mytee etm. At the moemnt im earning well enough to justify using the tm
Luc

« **Reply #73 on:** March 01, 2013, 11:40:53 am »

Good post Luc,

£30 a day that's a hell of a lot blimey

« **Reply #74 on:** March 01, 2013, 05:43:50 pm »

Quote from: james roffey on March 01, 2013, 10:25:27 am

I remember Ian Harper saying on a website something like, the truckmount and all that power is really a myth, the portable machine can get nearer your door so the power difference is negated with shorter hose runs, not saying i agree with that but he used it for marketing when he went from a Prowler back to porty

If you cant make much money a TM wont save you. Then when you get rid of it the TM gets the blame, not the bizzare marketing ideas some people have.

« **Reply #75 on:** March 01, 2013, 06:07:15 pm »

If I was spending £30 a day on TM fuel then Id be turning over £500-£600 a day which can be done easily with a TM and the right jobs.

It would take me 1.5-2 days with a scorpion portable and the same jobs.

The cleanness of the carpet would be the same. The drying would be quicker with the TM and my back wouldnt be as sore.

When Im quiet my mind wonders and considers the options of going back to a portable.

When Im busy my mind wonders and considers a bigger TM.

But do I desire two TMs. NO. because I dont have the drive and desire for that type of business.

Mark

« **Reply #76 on:** March 01, 2013, 08:34:19 pm »

Couldnt afford a new bucket so bought a tm and been living happily ever after since

« **Reply #77 on:** March 01, 2013, 08:58:20 pm »

The advantages of a TM have been explained enough for the normal business person to realise its in the business interest to be more productive to stay ahead of the competition. Alot of people are not business minded enough and are just carpet cleaners, its a shame as the benefits are there to make more money.
A good reason to by this TM if you are successful at the moment is not to pay so much in tax and right off some of your profit this year. Make the commitment and you will push yourself forward.
David

« **Reply #78 on:** March 01, 2013, 09:12:43 pm »

Don't know if it was a bag of nails but one went on ebay with tanks for £1500 today!

« **Reply #79 on:** March 01, 2013, 09:32:21 pm »

Quote from: wynne jones on March 01, 2013, 09:12:43 pm

Don't know if it was a bag of nails but one went on ebay with tanks for £1500 today!

gutted

« **Reply #80 on:** March 01, 2013, 09:32:30 pm »

I would only go for a TM if I had the work to justify having it so maybe what you need to do is sell a marketing program with a free TM

« **Reply #81 on:** March 04, 2013, 07:32:46 pm »

Honestly Simon with newer model blazer selling on ebay for £1500, you'd be fortunate to shift yours. As has been said, its a sign of the times. But i do agree with you a TM is a natural progression, still use portable and LM but once you get a TM clean a customer never wants anything else.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ProChem-Blazer-XL-Truck-Mount-carpetcleaning-machine-/181084250339?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2a297660e3&nma=true&si=7lPoeuUzczWohEDLJ3vJaUTgeF4%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

« **Reply #82 on:** March 12, 2013, 03:44:51 am »

Quote from: wynne jones on February 28, 2013, 08:20:19 pm

A new Titan you probably lose 10k, but Simons blazer no depreciation but you will replace parts. Engine is probably 1k pump 500, but they go on and on. How long does a vac motor last? THe key though is to focus on increased revenues. Commercial work, faster work rate.

I don't know where you get that idea.I had to get rid of my truckmount,just so i could do more commercial.You can't get TM up to the 25 floor with sealed windows.

« **Reply #83 on:** March 12, 2013, 05:52:27 am »

Spider-Man could

« **Reply #84 on:** March 12, 2013, 08:21:50 am »

Quote from: carpetworx on March 12, 2013, 03:44:51 am

Quote from: wynne jones on February 28, 2013, 08:20:19 pm
A new Titan you probably lose 10k, but Simons blazer no depreciation but you will replace parts. Engine is probably 1k pump 500, but they go on and on. How long does a vac motor last? THe key though is to focus on increased revenues. Commercial work, faster work rate.

You have very strange logic down under. You didn't HAVE TO sell your truck mount to do office block commercial work. What you are actually saying is you had to sell it because YOU couldn't get enough work for it.

I don't know where you get that idea.I had to get rid of my truckmount,just so i could do more commercial.You can't get TM up to the 25 floor with sealed windows.