Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: concept on December 22, 2012, 09:25:14 pm
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Anyone own a Grippamax crash tested system?
Interested to know your thoughts regarding it, any feedback would be appreciated.
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I have one, best system on the planet at the moment. And that's really due to the tank and restraint. The great thing is that you can buy just that, and a front plate, and then just transfer your own kit. Or, you can buy a whole functioning system.
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How much "sloshing" do you get? Any leaks from the lid?
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How much "sloshing" do you get? Any leaks from the lid?
No sloshing, apart from the normal baffles, it also has got at least 4 flexible baffles that prevent any sloshing. The lid is fine, I found that on my system it was so good in sealing, it created a vacuum in the tank when the pump was running. I think this has been resolved now. I already solved it personally my adding a little breather pipe and cap to the lid. No drips or leaks, it's great.
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Sounds promising. Thanks for that.
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How much "sloshing" do you get? Any leaks from the lid?
No sloshing, apart from the normal baffles, it also has got at least 4 flexible baffles that prevent any sloshing. The lid is fine, I found that on my system it was so good in sealing, it created a vacuum in the tank when the pump was running. I think this has been resolved now. I already solved it personally my adding a little breather pipe and cap to the lid. No drips or leaks, it's great.
A very basic issue that should be solved by Grippamax. If you have a professionally installed system you should not have to tamper with it. My tank is vented, not sure how many other professionally installed systems are but IMO they all should be as it is so simple a precaution.
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How much "sloshing" do you get? Any leaks from the lid?
No sloshing, apart from the normal baffles, it also has got at least 4 flexible baffles that prevent any sloshing. The lid is fine, I found that on my system it was so good in sealing, it created a vacuum in the tank when the pump was running. I think this has been resolved now. I already solved it personally my adding a little breather pipe and cap to the lid. No drips or leaks, it's great.
A very basic issue that should be solved by Grippamax. If you have a professionally installed system you should not have to tamper with it. My tank is vented, not sure how many other professionally installed systems are but IMO they all should be as it is so simple a precaution.
What do you mean yours in "vented" ?
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How much "sloshing" do you get? Any leaks from the lid?
No sloshing, apart from the normal baffles, it also has got at least 4 flexible baffles that prevent any sloshing. The lid is fine, I found that on my system it was so good in sealing, it created a vacuum in the tank when the pump was running. I think this has been resolved now. I already solved it personally my adding a little breather pipe and cap to the lid. No drips or leaks, it's great.
A very basic issue that should be solved by Grippamax. If you have a professionally installed system you should not have to tamper with it. My tank is vented, not sure how many other professionally installed systems are but IMO they all should be as it is so simple a precaution.
I agree, but at that point they didn't have the complaint before and even during testing under Alex Gardiner (SuperZero) there were no issues.
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i like the look of these systems ...what would you pay or the tank only(650) fully restrained.... i ask cause all my stuff is gardiner anyway and dont need controller/pump etc
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I have one, best system on the planet at the moment. And that's really due to the tank and restraint. The great thing is that you can buy just that, and a front plate, and then just transfer your own kit. Or, you can buy a whole functioning system.
got any pics
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want to find out more info on these but the grippa website is an absolute nightmare to use!
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want to find out more info on these but the grippa website is an absolute nightmare to use!
agree.
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Yes I've got plenty of pics which I took when installing. I need to take some more of the finished product, then perhaps do a small mini review on it. Struggling for time.
In my opinion, there is no other system out there which works like this one, it's extremely flexible in installing, but also the strongest fixing and resisting in case of a crash. I feel totally safe, I'm sure it could withstand much more then 31mph simulated crash.
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How much "sloshing" do you get? Any leaks from the lid?
No sloshing, apart from the normal baffles, it also has got at least 4 flexible baffles that prevent any sloshing. The lid is fine, I found that on my system it was so good in sealing, it created a vacuum in the tank when the pump was running. I think this has been resolved now. I already solved it personally my adding a little breather pipe and cap to the lid. No drips or leaks, it's great.
A very basic issue that should be solved by Grippamax. If you have a professionally installed system you should not have to tamper with it. My tank is vented, not sure how many other professionally installed systems are but IMO they all should be as it is so simple a precaution.
What do you mean yours in "vented" ?
The tank has a hose pipe fitted to an outlet at the top of the tank which acts as a vent to prevent a vacuum in the tank. The hose bends so it goes down so no contaminants get through it to tank. When I looked at the Aquafactors system this also had the same feature. I did not go with Aquafactors because they were a bit expensive, but it is a simple precaution I would have thought all professionally installed systems should have.
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Well, there shouldn't be any problems anymore. Besides that, it's the best system out there, and that's not just because I own one. :)
It's quite a lot of money to pay, but it's so flexible that it should last a life time, if you sell your van, simply just take the system out of your old one and re-use it. You would just need new spreader plates as they are bonded and bolted.
As regards to flexibility of taking off components, I'm sure you could affiliate's that without even taking the front plate off.
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Do you get a free hat with it?
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As it is a lay flat tank:
1. Do you get problems with pump sucking air when tank is low.
2. Does it leave much room in van for anything else unless you have it on top of the tank?
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want to find out more info on these but the grippa website is an absolute nightmare to use!
Agreed the website is god damn awful. Must be costing them sales.
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Well, there shouldn't be any problems anymore. Besides that, it's the best system out there, and that's not just because I own one. :)
It's quite a lot of money to pay, but it's so flexible that it should last a life time, if you sell your van, simply just take the system out of your old one and re-use it. You would just need new spreader plates as they are bonded and bolted.
As regards to flexibility of taking off components, I'm sure you could affiliate's that without even taking the front plate off.
Do you mean facilitate my good man?
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Sorry yes meant facilitate, spell check error.
As it is a lay flat tank:
1. Do you get problems with pump sucking air when tank is low.
2. Does it leave much room in van for anything else unless you have it on top of the tank?
It's not really a lay flat tank. Foot print is about pallet size iirc. Even with an upright you are going to get that, but the baffles make it far better then without. I need to run it really low to get problems.
Depends on the van, but if you can mount it far enough to the bulk head there is still plenty room, but don't expect to fit anything else apart from your window cleaning gear.
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Sorry yes meant facilitate, spell check error.
As it is a lay flat tank:
1. Do you get problems with pump sucking air when tank is low.
2. Does it leave much room in van for anything else unless you have it on top of the tank?
It's not really a lay flat tank. Foot print is about pallet size iirc. Even with an upright you are going to get that, but the baffles make it far better then without. I need to run it really low to get problems.
Depends on the van, but if you can mount it far enough to the bulk head there is still plenty room, but don't expect to fit anything else apart from your window cleaning gear.
Yeah, footprint based on pallet for all tanks, inc new 800l one. Means will fit 99% of vans, as it been designed for function, not a storage butt/cattle feeder, dropped into a cage.
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In case anyone is interested in the mounting hardware. The T-Loks can be very flexible and can be placed where you need them to be to clear box sections etc.
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And the bonding agent and backplate wiring for pump, controller, dual TDS meter, and two DI vessel clamps.
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looks excellant any more pictures of the tank etc please?
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This one is just of the tank and cage, when it was in the process of being installed.
Note the Gardiner logo molded in the tank, and Grippamax logo on front plate. Good to know where the roots are.
For those who don't know, the tank and cage were originally designed by Gardiner's, and crash tested by them as well.
You can see the restraint system is integral to the tank. The very wide base sections (wider at the front) where the T-loks fit in help with distributing the forces that are unleashed during a crash.
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Thanks for the images Tim, looks a really nicely put together bit of kit.
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Thanks for the images Tim, looks a really nicely put together bit of kit.
Just added a second picture to the post above you.
I agree, it's a very good bit of kit. Not just beautiful from a technical perspective, but also doesn't look half bad as a system in the back. :)
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Forgot to mention that you can see threaded holes in the top of the tank, and front of the tank, and side. These all allow a metal plate to be fitted, to add components on. I only needed the front plate, but you can also get the top plate. The side mounts are used for battery brackets, but I used them for something else.
The nice thing is that you can customize the system to however you want it. You can either buy the whole ready made package, or buy tank and cage alone, and transfer your bits and pieces over. I like it that way.
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Looks very nice Tim.
What have you used to coat your van floor and what reel are you using. Thanks.
Think it would be good if they did a 500l version.
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Thanks.
It's a Redashe Reelworks 460 through the floor with two fairlead roller guides. Floor is covered in Protectakote. Nasty job, even though I've done it before!
500L would be nice, but then again for some people with smaller vans it would be too big. I think the sizes are quite good. It's not like you can't fill a little less on a 650 any way. But to make another system in 500L would again be an investment, as everything has to be scaled down. Not saying you can't, but I can see why they haven't done it. It's only 150 more then a 500L one, a 150 is a miniature tank anyway.
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Obviously the system works and has been crash tested - I just find it amazing how they rely on those plates under the floor :o
How many plates do they use and are they all the same size as the one in the photo?
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Obviously the system works and has been crash tested - I just find it amazing how they rely on those plates under the floor :o
How many plates do they use and are they all the same size as the one in the photo?
Believe it or not, every crash tested system as far as I know has plates underneath, smaller then these I believe as well.
4 of them, very thick and weigh quite a bit. And combined with the tank restraint and floor system they stopped 1000 liters in a 31MPH simulated crash. That way maximum forces were applied to the system rather then the crumple zone decreasing stress on the system. It'll work. :)
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Yes I've seen the vid. I put plates under my first van and thought they would rip through the floor. The second van I had fitted by Purefreedom to the chassis. I was amazed when I realised how the Grippamax system was done.
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Yes I've seen the vid. I put plates under my first van and thought they would rip through the floor. The second van I had fitted by Purefreedom to the chassis. I was amazed when I realised how the Grippamax system was done.
That's what I used to think. A mechanical engineer will tell you that fixing a system to the chassis is a big no no. You compromise the structural integrity of the chassis. I never knew that myself.
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Thanks Tim.
I am surprised more people do not use the more professional type of reel such as yours. I use a hannay which is very similar to the cox reel.
1. Is the radashe very good?
2. Do you have to prepare the floor to protecta cote it?
3. What hose are you using on the radashe?
4. What van you got?
Excuse my curiosity, it is just that you have a neat set-up.
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1. It's a very good reel, very sturdy, handles hot hose with no problems. Very easy to reel in and out. The wind in handle is metal, but the outer cover on the end, the actual handle is plastic, and the tip of it is slightly damaged. Apart from that no problem, locking pin is handy too.
2. Yes you do need to prepare the floor. Depends on how dirty the floor is. Instructions are in the packet but here's a quick summary.
Make sure all debris are gone, sweep them up or out of the van. You'd be surprised what was under the plylining on my van from the previous owner.
Then, give it a good clean with flash or something (perhaps not necessary if your van is new)
Then use the scuff pad which is included in the protectakote kit, to roughen up the paint, so that the protectakote adheres better.
Then use the recommended xylene thinner to give it a final clean.
First layer should be quite thin. You need to wait between coats (can't remember exactly how long) so that's it's tacky, but dry enough, then another coat until no more white can be seen. Mine took 3 coats.
Then let it dry for 24 hours or longer.
3. I'm using Thermobore hose from Gardiner's, excellent stuff.
4. I've got a 2007 (new shape) Citroen Dispatch 2.0 HDI 120
Hope that helps.
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Yes, thanks Tim.
I am guessing you would struggle to fit the 650 in a smaller van. I have the old shape dispatch 2.0hdi but would prefer a smaller van next time with a 500l system. Tempted to go for a caddy maxi but not likely to be for a good while yet.
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Yes, thanks Tim.
I am guessing you would struggle to fit the 650 in a smaller van. I have the old shape dispatch 2.0hdi but would prefer a smaller van next time with a 500l system. Tempted to go for a caddy maxi but not likely to be for a good while yet.
Well, apparently you can fit one in a new shape Berlingo, but there is literally no space apart from on the top of the tank to fit things. It's not really practical in a smaller van as you'll always have one or two boxes filled with trad stuff, safety cones etc.
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Yes, I wondered about the new shape berlingo but I would want the longer version and bizarrely that has a lower payload than the standard size. Been pleased with my dispatch, would just prefer something a little smaller next time round.
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Yes, I wondered about the new shape berlingo but I would want the longer version and bizarrely that has a lower payload than the standard size. Been pleased with my dispatch, would just prefer something a little smaller next time round.
I had a old Berlingo, and a 400l tank was just not big enough for me. Bigger van is nicer, but more expensive to purchase, run and maintain. But that's the way it goes I suppose.
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Not sure if the engine on the new dispatch is any different but really rate my 2.0hdi. Pulls well and is reasonable on fuel.
Think 500l is about right for 1 man.
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Not sure either, 120 BHP, I filled up a little while ago and got 26MPG out of it, but that's with the cold weahter, and realized that my tires were not inflated to the correct bar when fully loaded. So hopefully in spring summer time it should be as good as my old Berlingo.
500l should do okay, but if you need to do dirty commercials for most of the day, even 650 won't be enough for that.
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Only time I worked it out I got around 35mpg. My wife calls me a slug when I drive though.