[drive surgeon]

what is the best way to remove chewing gum from tarmac. i have a big job to quote with chewy all over tarmac areas. im aware the heat might melt holes into it so how can it be done?

[drive surgeon]

has anyone removed it successfully from tarmac on large areas?

[joe.b]

yes but ive found hotbox can scar the surface, found it to be tricky, i have got another steam machine the gumbuster ones and that gives better results tbh

[drive surgeon]

whats the gum buster? steam only?

[joe.b]

yeh steam and a biodegradable chemical that dissolves the gum

[drive surgeon]

those gum buster machines are very expensive.   over 5 grand.  my hot box was only 600 quid.

[joe.b]

yeh but like i said might be better on sum jobs where only gum needs come off and no mess at all, you can sub it out to us if you like?

no work and you get paid i love the idea 

[drive surgeon]

went to quote a job like this today. another jet washing firm has been there and has left craters in the tarmac. they tried removing the gum off a tennis court with hot water and a turbo nozzle. the head master is furious at the state. so i got to tackle this. which is the most successfull method of removing gum from tarmac without any damage to surface? thanks guys. i usually only remove gum from hard surfaces like flags etc

[BDCS]

I use an Osprey DC3000 steam machine BUT you will uncover more gum when when you pressure wash tarmac afterwards. I paid a grand for my s/h steamer

[Blast Away]

I use an Osprey DC3000 steam machine BUT you will uncover more gum when when you pressure wash tarmac afterwards. I paid a grand for my s/h steamer

I paid 200 quid for my DC3000, borrowed it out and the elements got knackered.
Still got a Vega Plus but even that was playing up overheating a while back.
Just used the hotbox since.

Tarmac, we clean the area first and most gum will appear and stand out then spot the gum. But even low pressure steam can damage tarmac.

[BDCS]

I've had mine 6 years and have only replaced the chemical pump for the later one. Mine mostly goes out with mates strippiing wallpaper

[drive surgeon]

I use an Osprey DC3000 steam machine BUT you will uncover more gum when when you pressure wash tarmac afterwards. I paid a grand for my s/h steamer

I paid 200 quid for my DC3000, borrowed it out and the elements got knackered.
Still got a Vega Plus but even that was playing up overheating a while back.
Just used the hotbox since.

Tarmac, we clean the area first and most gum will appear and stand out then spot the gum. But even low pressure steam can damage tarmac.

blast away, do you use a turbo to remove the gum then? i tried and it makes holes or indents in the tarmac. its not easy.

[drive surgeon]

I use an Osprey DC3000 steam machine BUT you will uncover more gum when when you pressure wash tarmac afterwards. I paid a grand for my s/h steamer

how much did it set you back carl? is this the best way to remove gum from tarmac with minimum damage to surface? thanks mate.

[BDCS]

I think it says I paid a grand for it - Thats £1000  :

[drive surgeon]

off ebay?  they are expensive new i can only find ones for around 3 k. (gum carts)

[BDCS]

No I bought it from steam clean uk who are now matrix and sell different machines. I just bought the machine and have a 6 kva generator, you don't really need a cart as I usually work from the back of the van. I did make a cart but never used it

[Blast Away]

You could have a cart made and galvanised for about 120 quid or even cheaper if you have a mate who makes gates and railings like I do.

[drive surgeon]

No I bought it from steam clean uk who are now matrix and sell different machines. I just bought the machine and have a 6 kva generator, you don't really need a cart as I usually work from the back of the van. I did make a cart but never used it

can you run a gutter vac off the 6 kva generator also?

[BDCS]

Yes you most certainly can - and I do

[drive surgeon]

thanks carl.