Clean It Up

UK Floor Cleaning Forum => Carpet Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: from edge2edge on October 05, 2012, 09:02:55 am

Title: Going back to a porty
Post by: from edge2edge on October 05, 2012, 09:02:55 am
Just bit the bullet and bought a nearly new storm(used once so new as far as i can tell) and will have my steamway 9100lx taken out on thursday at mpms(hydramaster service centre oxford) .Its for logistical reasons really as the weight is too close to the limit(or over) on too many ocassions along with working mostly in Oxford which isnt exactly truckmount friendly.I have found 90 per cent of jobs(flats etc) i do with the thermadry anyway.I was just wondering if anyone else had gone from a truckmount to a storm or jag and how they found the difference etc...............All opinions appreciated...............Alan(swindon)
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: Barry Livingstone on October 05, 2012, 11:02:00 am
OOOOOO Cat and pigeon comes to mind for this thread! Most Tmers use there porty more than they care to let on.
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: kerrpmiddleton on October 05, 2012, 03:47:38 pm
yep sold mine couple yrs ago , as in Edinburgh cant get parked , i had mine mainly for commercail work ,most building now dont even have windows that open ,whole range of reason, its porty or cimex ,one or the otheir ::)
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: Robin Ray on October 05, 2012, 04:36:35 pm
Wow..

First time I have ever heard of this!

How do you find the difference in performance Alan.
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: feldon on October 05, 2012, 05:07:19 pm
Are you thinking of doing the flats with the Storm or to continue using your thermodry, the reason I ask is that I have a Storm and a fine machine it is but I find it a bit on the heavy side to lug up stairs unless there are two of you. :)
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: from edge2edge on October 05, 2012, 05:11:05 pm
Richard I have a cfr  spotter with a proper cfr handtool attached so add the thermadry and flats can be done without the heavy lifting of the porty(thermadry aint light but manageable even by an old XXrt like me at55)....................Alan
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: *Hector* on October 05, 2012, 05:19:24 pm
Nice one Alan.... next step Rotary only and become LM only.  :o


.. much lighter  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: feldon on October 05, 2012, 05:25:45 pm
Thought I would mention it as I took mine up to a second floor flat once, had help on the way up, but had to get it down on my own, never again.

I don't think you will be disappointed with the Storm though, had mine since March and it has been fantastic.  Previously had a Airflex Pro and a Scorpion both good machines but the Storm takes it to another level (if not up stairs ;D).

Oxford can be a nightmare in the traffic and with the cyclists though I live around 30 miles away and use to help run a charity based business through local businesses and was forever trying to work out if i'd got caught by the camera's for driving in the restricted area's.
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: feldon on October 05, 2012, 05:27:52 pm
Hector I've just got a rotary to be able to offer L.M and to do those pesky flats ;D

Maybe you could hypnotise us all to give up our truck mounts and portie's ::)
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: *Hector* on October 05, 2012, 05:31:59 pm
Quote
Maybe you could hypnotise us all to give up our truck mounts and portie's


(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1349454668_Devil.gif)

Why do you think Alan has got rid of his??

Simon is next  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: feldon on October 05, 2012, 05:41:51 pm
erm might have your work cut out there. ;D
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: *Hector* on October 05, 2012, 05:48:00 pm
You might think that I am \/

(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1349455626_horse.gif)

But I can be very persuasive.......

(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1349455597_hypno.gif)
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: Len Gribble on October 05, 2012, 06:25:25 pm
We took a different approach we sold the porty and kept the TM unreachable area’s LM with the right cleaning agent
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: elliott cleaning on October 05, 2012, 06:45:38 pm
Sensible fellow, Len.
I work central London a fair proportion of the time and wouldn't dream of giving up the t/m.  Ok, it costs me a certain amount in parking fines - but that is worked into my pricing as is the congestion charges.  Like Len - if the t/m really can't reach - and that is rare - then Hectors L/M method comes into action. I just couldn't be ars'd to faff around with the logistics of a portable
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: Chris R on October 05, 2012, 08:03:06 pm
Alan,
Use the Storm van mounted.
Insulate a water tank, fill it with hot water at the start of the day and it will stay hot all day.
Use 2inch vac hose with the Storm, the difference on runs of 50ft or more is amazing. It will work well even on 150 ft of 2inch hose ( not like a TM but better than a ninja on 25ft).
Invest in some very heavy duty electric extension cables.

Great machine.

Regards

Chris
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: Billy Russell on October 05, 2012, 08:52:34 pm
Alan,
Use the Storm van mounted.
Insulate a water tank, fill it with hot water at the start of the day and it will stay hot all day.
Use 2inch vac hose with the Storm, the difference on runs of 50ft or more is amazing. It will work well even on 150 ft of 2inch hose ( not like a TM but better than a ninja on 25ft).
Invest in some very heavy duty electric extension cables.

Great machine.

Regards

Chris

If he did that he may as well of kept the tm  ;D
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: feldon on October 05, 2012, 08:52:34 pm
Alan,
Use the Storm van mounted.
Insulate a water tank, fill it with hot water at the start of the day and it will stay hot all day.
Use 2inch vac hose with the Storm, the difference on runs of 50ft or more is amazing. It will work well even on 150 ft of 2inch hose ( not like a TM but better than a ninja on 25ft).
Invest in some very heavy duty electric extension cables.

Great machine.

Regards

Chris

Hi Chris, where did you get the heavy duty electric cables and what spec are they, tried mine and it trips out after 5 min's.
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: Kev Loomes on October 05, 2012, 09:13:26 pm

Ok, it costs me a certain amount in parking fines - but that is worked into my pricing as is the congestion charges. 

I dont know if its true or not but my brother who lives/works in London says that so long as you have something coming out of your van i.e. hoses/cables and its coned off, that traffic wardens cannot issue you a ticket as you are in your 'work place' and that there is no other way to complete the job. If they do you can challenge it in court and win - apparently.

He also said that traffic wardens should know this rule (some do so he says, some dont), and will allow you to get on with your work once reminded.

Dont quote me on it though  ;D
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: elliott cleaning on October 05, 2012, 09:27:49 pm
I won't quote you Kev ;) tried it once but lost the case and cost me more than the fine ::)
I use signs with 'Emergency Flood Work' on and it gets me through half of the time if I catch the warden at the time - but the rest of the time you just learn to live with it

Regards
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: Kev Loomes on October 05, 2012, 09:32:05 pm
Maybe he was talking bo**ocks then  ;D
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: wynne jones on October 05, 2012, 10:43:53 pm
I kept my porty for those sort of jobs. I caught a glimpse of it in the garage the other day when I was looking for some seed trays.
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: from edge2edge on October 06, 2012, 10:32:03 am
Morning Guys/Gals/ undecideds  thanks for the input as usual .I will give some thought to the tank in the van idea that seems quite plausible for most jobs.Ultimately its the weight which made my decision as the prospect of a big(£2000 plus handed out some years ago to a well known and repected truckmounter that i know)fine and if you are overweight your insurance is invalid(obvious i suppose).I will hopefully still have it available as my good friend Jon is hoping to get a mwb van to slide it into so if i think its needed he can pop over and give it some serious welly with the big boy............................Alan
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: wynne jones on October 06, 2012, 12:43:36 pm
So what about a Pheonix or a Prowler or a van that keeps you legal, or are finances a big part of the equation?
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: from edge2edge on October 06, 2012, 03:17:06 pm
Yes Wynne Got done for 8k a few years ago so not exactly big buddies with the lenders as you can imagine.I have tried a phoenix and yes it would be brilliant for me and the prowler probably suit even better but cashflow and logistics mean a storm will be well able to cope with my workload..............Alan
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: Nigel_W on October 06, 2012, 09:18:51 pm
I won't quote you Kev ;) tried it once but lost the case and cost me more than the fine ::)
I use signs with 'Emergency Flood Work' on and it gets me through half of the time if I catch the warden at the time - but the rest of the time you just learn to live with it

Regards

Frans

Put your emergency sign on the windscreen obscuring your tax disc. A bit of tape and the wndscreen wiper stops it being blown away. In order to give you a ticket the warden needs your tax disc details. In my experience they walk on by if you cover the tax disc. I haven't had a ticket for the best part of a year and I only work in London.

Nigel
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: wynne jones on October 06, 2012, 09:23:07 pm
Yes Wynne Got done for 8k a few years ago so not exactly big buddies with the lenders as you can imagine.I have tried a phoenix and yes it would be brilliant for me and the prowler probably suit even better but cashflow and logistics mean a storm will be well able to cope with my workload..............Alan

Yes I remember that, it was an ordeal no one would want to go through. Who knows, you may see some time down the road a good second hand Blazer or something and with TM knowledge you would be in a good position to pick up a bargain.

On the other hand you might find the on board portie set up works well for you.

Good luck with it Alan.
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: Simon Gerrard on October 07, 2012, 09:07:08 am
Quote
Maybe you could hypnotise us all to give up our truck mounts and portie's


(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1349454668_Devil.gif)

Why do you think Alan has got rid of his??

Simon is next  ;D ;D


Not a chance in hell. I'd throw in the towel before going back to a porty or becoming a full time duckspreader like Hector ;D
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: wynne jones on October 07, 2012, 09:46:21 am
Quote
Maybe you could hypnotise us all to give up our truck mounts and portie's


(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1349454668_Devil.gif)

Why do you think Alan has got rid of his??

Simon is next  ;D ;D


Not a chance in hell. I'd throw in the towel before going back to a porty or becoming a full time duckspreader like Hector ;D

As soon as you throw in the towel Simon, you may start feel that urge deep inside to move it around the floor, maybe slowly at first until you discover a way to rotate that towel at 180rpm.  ;D
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: Simon Gerrard on October 07, 2012, 10:00:28 am
God forbid ;D ;D
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: Craigp on October 07, 2012, 10:51:05 am

Ok, it costs me a certain amount in parking fines - but that is worked into my pricing as is the congestion charges.  

I dont know if its true or not but my brother who lives/works in London says that so long as you have something coming out of your van i.e. hoses/cables and its coned off, that traffic wardens cannot issue you a ticket as you are in your 'work place' and that there is no other way to complete the job. If they do you can challenge it in court and win - apparently.

He also said that traffic wardens should know this rule (some do so he says, some dont), and will allow you to get on with your work once reminded.

Dont quote me on it though  ;D

I think that may be right, a few years ago I had a car towed next to my van we was both on single yellow, I came out asked the warden if I'm ok there, "Yes fine, I can see your working" he said (they don't tow anymore in Bristol anyway)

I've never had a ticket whilst TMing no matter where I park, even on double yellows I ask wardens if its ok and they say yes.

Shocking I know but I find wardens great regarding vans ;D but I do think its the hose so they no theres no other choice.
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: wynne jones on October 07, 2012, 06:21:25 pm
I'm sure officially you can be told to move on. Yellow lines are there for a reason. Disabled badge holders can park on double yellows but can be told to move on.

If in doubt contact highways and get a triangle with keep left or right arrow, but who's going to be arsed? 
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: Shaun_Ashmore on October 07, 2012, 08:02:17 pm
If I weren't truck mounted I think I'd go the low moisture route again but the difference would be I'd re train with the more experienced ie Jason and hector etc they'd have the tricks of the trade to overcome obstacles.

Shaun
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: *Hector* on October 07, 2012, 08:59:53 pm
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1349639990_icon_redface.gif)
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: from edge2edge on October 14, 2012, 11:58:23 am
Tried storm on my a rug today and have been really impressed with the power/vacuum etc.I like the brake on the wheel,connector for solution hose inside of machine prevents it getting broken.the clever vacuum cover and so far have only found that the waste tap is right above the power cables so could do with a splash cover of some description.Will try with 2 inch hose this week and try to remember my routine for filling/rinsing/cleaning etc but a very good start indeed young man...................Alan(sunny swindon)
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: Jamie Pearson on October 14, 2012, 01:04:03 pm
Jason and hector etc they'd have the tricks of the trade to overcome obstacles.

Maybe they should compete in a rotary machine gymkhana.
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: Claude Fenner on January 17, 2013, 01:27:01 pm
It doesn't matter what people say a truck mount will blow the gonads off a portable. However there are places where a truck mount wont go... Yet!! So if you know what you're doing chemical wise and make sure you agitate thoroughly you can do a great job with a portable but it will 2 to 3 times as long to do the job anywhere as good as a truck mount. If you go the route of a portable I strongly recommend you get a good agitator as well anything from the Sebo duo all the way to the Lomac type machine if the budget allows. The ideal is to have both but if the truck isn't out there working every day then its an expensive bit of kit to have sitting in the workshop.
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: Hilton on January 17, 2013, 01:53:13 pm

Ok, it costs me a certain amount in parking fines - but that is worked into my pricing as is the congestion charges. 

I dont know if its true or not but my brother who lives/works in London says that so long as you have something coming out of your van i.e. hoses/cables and its coned off, that traffic wardens cannot issue you a ticket as you are in your 'work place' and that there is no other way to complete the job. If they do you can challenge it in court and win - apparently.

He also said that traffic wardens should know this rule (some do so he says, some dont), and will allow you to get on with your work once reminded.

Dont quote me on it though  ;D

 ;D ;D ;D
Sorry, this must be one of those urban myths that do the rounds every now and again,

By the way Truck Mounts have their day, it will all be LM cleaning in years to come as stricter guide lines come in on Safety and Products being used.
 ;)
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: gwrightson on January 17, 2013, 02:54:02 pm
OOOOOO Cat and pigeon comes to mind for this thread! Most Tmers use there porty more than they care to let on.


Last time i used my porty was over 3 years ago,

not once have i turned a job down because of not been able to reach, so my porty is gathering dust waiting for the day i might just need it ;D

geoff
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: Kev Loomes on January 17, 2013, 03:09:57 pm

Ok, it costs me a certain amount in parking fines - but that is worked into my pricing as is the congestion charges. 

I dont know if its true or not but my brother who lives/works in London says that so long as you have something coming out of your van i.e. hoses/cables and its coned off, that traffic wardens cannot issue you a ticket as you are in your 'work place' and that there is no other way to complete the job. If they do you can challenge it in court and win - apparently.

He also said that traffic wardens should know this rule (some do so he says, some dont), and will allow you to get on with your work once reminded.

Dont quote me on it though  ;D

 ;D ;D ;D
Sorry, this must be one of those urban myths that do the rounds every now and again,

By the way Truck Mounts have their day, it will all be LM cleaning in years to come as stricter guide lines come in on Safety and Products being used.
 ;)

Might not be an urban myth Helen :o I think this what my brother meant (maybe I misinterpreted it exactly).

Anyway I copied this a while back - I'm sure it was from Nigel W on here (hope you dont mind!):

I believe that unless the law has changed the rules are:

Your vehicle has a category of "vehicle"/ "van".

This is why you must abide by the highway code to the letter (please note "to the letter")
Your machine is classed as "equipment" & as such is not classified separately with the DVLA. for a Truckmount this means that the equipment is bolted down or run from the "vehicle".

However, when you turn your engine off, hook up your "equipment" & run from the "vehicle" your "vehicle" stops being classed as a "vehicle" & instead is classed as "equipment" & so long as you are not causing an obstruction or dangerously parked then you may run the "equipment" when on double yellows, parking controlled zones etc.

Also, please note the Highway codes definition of all road marking, sign posts & street furniture. It explains what a double yellow line is & shows a picture. It explains a legal disabled bay, parking zone, speed limit & even states how high a parking zone notice must be.
So if what you see does not keep in line with the Highway codes definition it is not valid & although you may get a ticket, it is not enforceable.

Buy Roadcraft, the Highway Code or The Drivers Survival Guide. The first 2 state everything you need to be aware of, the third explains all the loopholes & ways round parking tickets & classifications.

To date I have saved myself about £280 were I have been forced to park safely but on double yellow lines that do not conform to the Highway code. Yes I've been given tickets but have always won at appeal.
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: Max Campbell on January 17, 2013, 04:19:26 pm
We've only come across 1 job in the last 2 1/2 yrs we couldn't get to with a TM, and that includes Cambridge city centre, flats, etc.

We've talked to traffic wardens in Cambridge, Newmarket & Bury St Edmunds and they all say that as long as we're running hoses from the van to the job they won't issue tickets. We park on double yellows, bike lanes, bus stops, never had a problem.

We kept our porty just in case, and probably won't sell it, but the thought of going back to it.....yeuch.
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: Mark Slaney on January 17, 2013, 05:02:10 pm

Gotta get the poty out for tomorrow, first time for a while. Apartments in SW7, no chance of using the Tm,  what with the snow due over night sitting here thinking "don't want to go to work tomorrow"  :'(
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: *Hector* on January 17, 2013, 05:29:40 pm

Ok, it costs me a certain amount in parking fines - but that is worked into my pricing as is the congestion charges. 

I dont know if its true or not but my brother who lives/works in London says that so long as you have something coming out of your van i.e. hoses/cables and its coned off, that traffic wardens cannot issue you a ticket as you are in your 'work place' and that there is no other way to complete the job. If they do you can challenge it in court and win - apparently.

He also said that traffic wardens should know this rule (some do so he says, some dont), and will allow you to get on with your work once reminded.

Dont quote me on it though  ;D

 ;D ;D ;D
Sorry, this must be one of those urban myths that do the rounds every now and again,

By the way Truck Mounts have their day, it will all be LM cleaning in years to come as stricter guide lines come in on Safety and Products being used.
 ;)

See..... I'm well ahead of the rest of you lot  :P :P

 ;D
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: wynne jones on January 17, 2013, 05:49:52 pm

Ok, it costs me a certain amount in parking fines - but that is worked into my pricing as is the congestion charges. 

I dont know if its true or not but my brother who lives/works in London says that so long as you have something coming out of your van i.e. hoses/cables and its coned off, that traffic wardens cannot issue you a ticket as you are in your 'work place' and that there is no other way to complete the job. If they do you can challenge it in court and win - apparently.

He also said that traffic wardens should know this rule (some do so he says, some dont), and will allow you to get on with your work once reminded.

Dont quote me on it though  ;D

 ;D ;D ;D
Sorry, this must be one of those urban myths that do the rounds every now and again,

By the way Truck Mounts have their day, it will all be LM cleaning in years to come as stricter guide lines come in on Safety and Products being used.
 ;)

See..... I'm well ahead of the rest of you lot  :P :P

 ;D

No Hector, everyone's just about to lap you.  ;D
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: Paul Moss on January 17, 2013, 05:50:47 pm
 ;D ;D
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: garybristow on January 17, 2013, 06:02:27 pm
i work a lot in london and south london,if i have a chat with the warden they are normally as good as gold,
the trouble is you dont always get that oportunity,also have the various councils got different rules?
nigel said if you cover the tax disc they wont issue a ticket ,im sure i have had a ticket when i have not even displayed one
im sure nigel will sort me out if his idea doesnt work ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: Hilton on January 17, 2013, 10:36:21 pm
The Low Moisture revolution is on the way.....

Truck Mounts will be parked up all over the country gathering dust or clogging up ebay.. ;D

Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: bennymon on January 17, 2013, 10:41:07 pm
I'm thinking of just using dry fusion with cfr spotter for any bad bits.
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: *Hector* on January 18, 2013, 06:22:20 am
The Low Moisture revolution is on the way.....

Truck Mounts will be parked up all over the country gathering dust or clogging up ebay.. ;D



It is already here and working well...  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: Simon Gerrard on January 18, 2013, 08:55:34 am

It is already here and working well...  ;D ;D


Yeah, at rearranging the dirt ;D
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: *Hector* on January 18, 2013, 09:07:01 am
Let's face it Simon... you and your big hose.... are a thing of the past...

better deal with it..  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: clarkson on January 18, 2013, 09:26:38 am

Ok, it costs me a certain amount in parking fines - but that is worked into my pricing as is the congestion charges.  

I dont know if its true or not but my brother who lives/works in London says that so long as you have something coming out of your van i.e. hoses/cables and its coned off, that traffic wardens cannot issue you a ticket as you are in your 'work place' and that there is no other way to complete the job. If they do you can challenge it in court and win - apparently.

He also said that traffic wardens should know this rule (some do so he says, some dont), and will allow you to get on with your work once reminded.

Dont quote me on it though  ;D

What I always wonder is whilst doing this why people's vans aren't cleared out by the pikeys?

We leave van open for reach and wash but we are outside mostly in view of van.

I have visions of looking out window on fifth floor and seeing your van being cleared out ???

John
Title: Re: Going back to a porty
Post by: Simon Gerrard on January 18, 2013, 09:34:52 am
Let's face it Simon... you and your big hose.... are a thing of the past...

better deal with it..  ;D ;D
[/quote
yeah, yeah yeah. ;D