Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Devonbubbles on February 18, 2014, 02:43:08 pm
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I'm looking at getting a gutter vac, seen a few on eBay. Is a Clarkes 30 any good and what am I looking out for :)
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Depends on what you really have in mind for gutter vac'ing work, if it's occasion domestic work and your going to use the customers electricity then almost any vac will suck the leaves out.
However if your going to do lots of heavily loaded gutters and want to clear the swannecks from the ground, clear 3 or even 4 storey gutters. Then I would say you need at least 3000 watts of power. ( the more the better ) and a genny.
Darran
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Clarkre 30 would be useless even using it on bungalows.
Don't be taken in by the sales patter and/or even some of the vids on the net as they are way underpowered for gutter clearing.
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Guttervac 4 storey gutters :o are you raving as is bad enough trying to use a guttervac on 2 and thats using a 4200 watt vac ;D
You defo can't beat a good hand job...So be prepared to still use ladders as guttervacs even the most powerful ones are not all what they are cracked up to be.
Depends on what you really have in mind for gutter vac'ing work, if it's occasion domestic work and your going to use the customers electricity then almost any vac will suck the leaves out.
However if your going to do lots of heavily loaded gutters and want to clear the swannecks from the ground, clear 3 or even 4 storey gutters. Then I would say you need at least 3000 watts of power. ( the more the better ) and a genny.
Darran
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i use a nilfisk 30t 1800 watt vac with carbon poles from grippa and 50mm hose unto three storeys with no problems at all.
I have just done a day and have lifted out big lumps of stuff growing that was a over a foot long .
don't be taken in purely by the wattage , its the suction specs that count and the nilfisk is nearly as powerful as most of the 2400 watt vacs that are on sale.
its only cost me £113 in machine mart .
The carbon gutterlite poles are a delight after using alloy for a year -much much lighter and easier to use.
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Really ;D
i use a nilfisk 30t 1800 watt vac with carbon poles from grippa and 50mm hose unto three storeys with no problems at all.
I have just done a day and have lifted out big lumps of stuff growing that was a over a foot long .
don't be taken in purely by the wattage , its the suction specs that count and the nilfisk is nearly as powerful as most of the 2400 watt vacs that are on sale.
its only cost me £113 in machine mart .
The carbon gutterlite poles are a delight after using alloy for a year -much much lighter and easier to use.
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yes really .
if i wasn't so lazy i would make a video .
The only problem i get when using a gutter vac is when the tiles overhang the gutter too far or I'm a bit clumsy and knock an end cap off ;D
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What about slipped tiles blocking gutter runs, sods that get matted under flashing in corners, badly blocked downspouts, narrow gap like you have already mentioned etc...Like I say guttervacs are not that great as the suppliers make out the are even using carbon poles.
Yep if you knock and end cap or swanneck off, damage the joint clips so the joint starts leaking, can't remove sods for what ever reason etc like I have done in the past then you are screwed on 3 storey work unless you liike going up on ladders that height. ;D
yes really .
if i wasn't so lazy i would make a video .
The only problem i get when using a gutter vac is when the tiles overhang the gutter too far or I'm a bit clumsy and knock an end cap off ;D
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C'com smurf, gat with the program 😄
I've gutter vac 4 storey and with Ali poles 😬
3 storeys easy peasey, however I will be investing in carbon poles soon 😋
Not one to argue, but get the right vac and make up a few special nozzles and you don't need ladders. I know that some on here will never accept that fact but then ask them what vac they use....
Darran
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What about slipped tiles blocking gutter runs push them back into place that's where Ali pole and 135 degree bend win over carbon fibre and silly silicone bendssods that get matted under flashing in corners, badly blocked downspouts,strong vac will pull these out, shaped nozzle never fails narrow gap like you have already mentionedi have a nozzle narrower than my fingers, if that won't go in nothing will etc...Like I say guttervacs are not that great as the suppliers make out the are even using carbon poles.
Yep if you knock and end cap or swanneck off, damage the joint clips so the joint starts leaking, can't remove sods for what ever reason etc like I have done in the past then you are screwed on 3 storey work unless you liike going up on ladders that height. ;D
never happened yet! Approaching something like 600 gutter clears over 4 years
Best regards
Darran
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I've been using guttervacs for yonks too bud so I know the score
The best one I have heard of was one chap using carbon poles that got the nozzle stuck in a downspout 3 storey up and the top section of the carbon poles came apart. He posted a pic that I can't find now with it sticking out of the building with his cam still on the pole too. That was the final straw for the poor chap as got a right roasting from the building owner as took him a few days to get someone with a long enough ladder to retrieve it. Needless to say he packed it in after that job. ;D ;D ;D
C'com smurf, gat with the program
I've gutter vac 4 storey and with Ali poles
3 storeys easy peasey, however I will be investing in carbon poles soon
Not one to argue, but get the right vac and make up a few special nozzles and you don't need ladders. I know that some on here will never accept that fact but then ask them what vac they use....
Darran
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Unfortunately I have to agree with smurf. I've had end caps fall off, swan necks blocked, swan necks falling off and gutter clips popping open. I've also been beaten by gutters so close to the tiles that I can't even get a four mill spike in.
I use ladders too and inspect after sucking them out. Usually the nozzle misses the back centimeter of sticky crud and can't possibly get under the flashing of a corner gulley.
Having said that they are useful.
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Yes I remember the pics, was on the other forum if I recall, but that's operator error surely ?
I agree many of those companies who throw a wet/dry vac together with some Ali tube, and silicone bends and make grossly exaggerated claims which only leads to disappointment
We use the omni vac - great tool, never let me down, but experience has shown that I needed some non standard nozzle ends, I also gained some good knowledge from the FIL who was a builder and advised me on what you can and can't do with guttering and how to slip tiles back into place.
Done plenty of commercial stuff as well, but I know of one building approx 45 ft up with wide box gutters with fields and woodland growing out of it that would totally defeat any vac - but I know this and accept that access equipment, shovel, chainsaw, pick axe would be the only way to clear that sucker.
But generally vacs will clear as good, if not better than by hand and the most important thing SAFER
Darran
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Is that the same omni vac you have used for 4 years?
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Hi Dave, from previous threads we know we are on opposite sides as to the usefulness and effectiveness of gutter vacs,
Hopefully food for thought...
If your called in to unblock a gutter run, And you do, but leave a small line of crud under the tile line have you not done as requested? The gutter is unblocked and free running ?
Darran
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Is that the same omni vac you have used for 4 years?
Yes, had a couple of new motors in it now, mind you..
Darran
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Hi Dave, from previous threads we know we are on opposite sides as to the usefulness and effectiveness of gutter vacs,
Hopefully food for thought...
If your called in to unblock a gutter run, And you do, but leave a small line of crud under the tile line have you not done as requested? The gutter is unblocked and free running ?
Darran
Depends how fussy you are - I'm fussy! That line of crud is the perfect compost to grow next seasons hanging gardens in. Don't get me wrong vacs are useful - I have three but they ain't brilliant.
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My first omni vac lasted me just over a year as bought the poxy yellow top one from them that they stopped supplying as could not get spares from the manufacture so I was stuffed. Since then I'm on my 6th guttervac as the frames and motors don't last me very long ;D
Is that the same omni vac you have used for 4 years?
Yes, had a couple of new motors in it now, mind you..
Darran
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funny thing is i was just about to come on and ask about gutter vacs!
im thinking of buying one tonight , im jumping the gun a little as i priced commercial job with fair bit of gutter to be cleaned out and im thinking of goin for it nd buy it!
opinions on these guys -
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/nilfisk-multi-30t-wet-dry-vacuum-cleaner
http://www.grippatank.co.uk/vacuum/high-level-vacuum-poles-kits-spares/carbon-poles-upto-60ft/3805/gutter-lite-high-level-clamped-vacuum-poles-detail.html
its a bit of a rush lads but im on ireland so i would prob want to order in next day or so
cheers
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compared to guttersucker guys mite be a good comparison
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Gutter-Cleaning-Vacuum-Machine-Gutter-Sucker-/221111472670
savings of about 350 euro from what i can see but is guttersucker better
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I can clear a gutter run properly and safely using my gutter clearing ladder setup and a pro-g tools attached to a wfp with one or maybe two ladder sets depending on the leghth of the run by the time it takes you to set your vac up darren. I will also check & unblock swan neck by hand. And yes I'm fussy too as I don't do half a job so will clear all debris out even under the tiles/overhanging roof membrane also in corners properly. Not only that I will clear the roof valleys too ;D
But yes a guttervac is a handy bit of kit to keep in the van when required.
Hi Dave, from previous threads we know we are on opposite sides as to the usefulness and effectiveness of gutter vacs,
Hopefully food for thought...
If your called in to unblock a gutter run, And you do, but leave a small line of crud under the tile line have you not done as requested? The gutter is unblocked and free running ?
Darran
Depends how fussy you are - I'm fussy! That line of crud is the perfect compost to grow next seasons hanging gardens in. Don't get me wrong vacs are useful - I have three but they ain't brilliant.
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My first omni vac lasted me just over a year as bought the poxy yellow top one from them that they stopped supplying as could not get spares from the manufacture so I was stuffed. Since then I'm on my 6th guttervac as the frames and motors don't last me very long ;D
Is that the same omni vac you have used for 4 years?
Yes, had a couple of new motors in it now, mind you..
Darran
My first one lasted a year too before it fell apart!One motor burnt out, the plastic top cracked and fell apart and the plastic broke around the handle mounts on the trolley - all in all utter crap for the money!
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What make was that dave?
My first omni vac lasted me just over a year as bought the poxy yellow top one from them that they stopped supplying as could not get spares from the manufacture so I was stuffed. Since then I'm on my 6th guttervac as the frames and motors don't last me very long ;D
Is that the same omni vac you have used for 4 years?
Yes, had a couple of new motors in it now, mind you..
Darran
My first one lasted a year too before it fell apart!One motor burnt out, the plastic top cracked and fell apart and the plastic broke around the handle mounts on the trolley - all in all utter crap for the money!
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It was the red top one - same as Omnicrap used to use 3200W. came from Williamson pumps I think - can't remember now - ISSA was the make I think. Over £500 just for the vac.
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Cheers for that...
Nat a few years back was on about making a guttervac from a roots blower as used in truck mount carpet cleaning machines powered by a petrol motor.
Funny enough some brite spark from down under has made a trailer version but it's not cheap ;D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utJGeigXyVo
http://www.vacteck.com/gutter-vacuums/gutter-vacuum-equipment.html
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The old boy looks a bit dodgy on that ladder though ;D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZO9paOo4MY
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Too much bulk.
I want a 3000w+ vac on a smaller body ideally. Something more squat and less top heavy.
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The roots blower on its own weighs a ton let alone the petrol motor and the separator filter box/drum you would need so more the pity I can't see a portable version similar like that being viable hence why it is trailer mounted.
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1392749838_Gutter-Super-Sucker-580-logo-with-trailer.jpg)
That would outperform the most powerful electric wet & dry vac for sure. I want one… ;D
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;D I meant to replace my Nilfisk - I just want more power with the same bulk - I have a 3000w eatern trading vac doing nothing in my garage - hate the thing, too heavy and bulky.
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Yes I know...I will give you £50 to take it off yer hands if you like that is if all the motors work and still has a good suck ;D
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;D I meant to replace my Nilfisk - I just want more power with the same bulk - I have a 3000w eatern trading vac doing nothing in my garage - hate the thing, too heavy and bulky.
suction wise how much more beef do they have compared to your nilfisk Dave, what we talking "double" that's the only down side is there massive
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Wattage wise some go up to 4200 I think.
The 3000w one I have just shreds everything with the suction. The Nilfisk is 1800W I think but hasn't got the shredding power or the real suction to lift wet sods out. It's ok but only just.
The big vacs are so top heavy you struggle to strap them safely in the van.
I have a trailer too with a 5kva generator in it but for residential work the set up is so over the top it's embarrassing.
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http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/INDUSTRIAL-90-LITRE-WET-AND-DRY-VACUUM-CLEANER-HOOVER-3000-WATT-TRIPLE-MOTOR-/360846950398?pt=UK_Vacuum_Cleaners&hash=item5404277ffe
Could be worth a look at. Bit more squat maybe.
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Small vac with big power do they exist thou???
I don't struggle with the big items I've found it ok it's the small things like pine needles I hate. I'd like to have ago on 3000w vac just to see what I'm missing..
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I had a 3600W - still struggled a bit with pine needles. Suck anything else up, tiles the lot. The lumps fire in so fast they turn to mulch by the time they hit the drum. I sucked a blackbird through it once and a frog. ::)roll
you can't beat the bigger powered vacs. Barely lift them though when full.
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Smurf my man, we would have cleared an entire house before you got to the third rung of your ladder :P
We all have differing experiences and expectations on gutter clearing, all gutter clears are done as a two man team, it makes the whole thing extremely quick, Dave likes to carry his vac across tiled roofs.
As you can see from the photos on the other thread I leave nothing in the gutter either, overhang or no, so do you guys wash out the insides of the gutter?
Darran
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"Dave likes to carry his vac across tiled roofs."
You got the wrong bloke there ???
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Was it not you who had a smaller vac balanced on an extension roof while vac'ing the higher gutter.
Beg my puddin for thinking is was you.
Darran
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Not me.
Rings a bell though.
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funny thing is i was just about to come on and ask about gutter vacs!
im thinking of buying one tonight , im jumping the gun a little as i priced commercial job with fair bit of gutter to be cleaned out and im thinking of goin for it nd buy it!
opinions on these guys -
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/nilfisk-multi-30t-wet-dry-vacuum-cleaner
http://www.grippatank.co.uk/vacuum/high-level-vacuum-poles-kits-spares/carbon-poles-upto-60ft/3805/gutter-lite-high-level-clamped-vacuum-poles-detail.html
its a bit of a rush lads but im on ireland so i would prob want to order in next day or so
cheers
that combo is exactly what i use and works very well , have inly used up to three stores though.
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well I am old don't you know ;D
Anyhow the other half of the team died of old age so I just plod along now on my own :-*
Smurf my man, we would have cleared an entire house before you got to the third rung of your ladder :P
We all have differing experiences and expectations on gutter clearing, all gutter clears are done as a two man team, it makes the whole thing extremely quick, Dave likes to carry his vac across tiled roofs.
As you can see from the photos on the other thread I leave nothing in the gutter either, overhang or no, so do you guys wash out the insides of the gutter?
Darran
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;D
I see you use those cute gutter pro tools, what they made of ?
Darran
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The new pro-g tools are made from a tough plastic. I've also given them loads of abuse and not broken one yet. For me they are must have tools to keep in the van as use them on most jobs now. I've found the pro-g tools especially handy for clearing blocked roof valleys.
Again that is why I use the ladder setup (ankalad & microlite standoff) that I do as I know the ladder is not going to go anywhere whilst waving me pole about
Anyone that uses a guttervac to clear corners will know you can't clear blocked roof valleys from the ground so they are only doing half a job in my book. ;D
;D
I see you use those cute gutter pro tools, what they made of ?
Darran
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Anyone that uses a guttervac to clear corners will know you can't clear blocked roof valleys from the ground so they are only doing half a job in my book. ;D
[/quote]
Smurf your such a tease 👹
Would like to know why you think a gutter vac can't do valleys ???
Thinking about it you mean horizontal valleys as opposed to pitched valleys on hips etc..?
Are using the gutter tools messy as surely the crud builds up and fall out over the side as you pull it towards you...
Darran
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Why thank you as I've not been called a tease in donky years ;D
Yes it can get a bit messy at times but I would like to see you get to this example roof valley and suck this lot up using an electric guttervac from the ground ::)roll
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1392817008_tn-Roof valley clearing.jpg)
My gutter clearing ladder setup you will notice also has a vertical life line as I use a fall arrest system when waving me pole about on jobs like that. 3 points of contact at all times don't you know ;D
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1392817681_tn-IMG_5841.JPG)
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1392817824_tn-IMG_5856.JPG)
Half a job I'm not but I do like to make a mess sometimes...Oops! ;D
To be honest that what sorts out the men from the boys that don't like to use ladders to do roofline work as I've shown it can be done safely using the right kit.
Hope this helps anyone? keep safe chaps as no job is worth your life ;)
Anyone that uses a guttervac to clear corners will know you can't clear blocked roof valleys from the ground so they are only doing half a job in my book. ;D
Smurf your such a tease 👹
Would like to know why you think a gutter vac can't do valleys ???
Thinking about it you mean horizontal valleys as opposed to pitched valleys on hips etc..?
Are using the gutter tools messy as surely the crud builds up and fall out over the side as you pull it towards you...
Darran
[/quote]
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Yep, totally agree with you on that one, I would not do it from the ground and would be easier to clear the majority with a rake than gutter vac,
But there will always be the oddball clean that is an exception to the rule.
(http://i1045.photobucket.com/albums/b458/huxleyhobbs/image_zpsc53ef2a4.jpg) (http://s1045.photobucket.com/user/huxleyhobbs/media/image_zpsc53ef2a4.jpg.html)
(http://i1045.photobucket.com/albums/b458/huxleyhobbs/image_zpsd6a4da16.jpg) (http://s1045.photobucket.com/user/huxleyhobbs/media/image_zpsd6a4da16.jpg.html)
Clearly not as good as yours but I try my best..
Darran
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For the newbies reading this post even what you think is going to be an easy gutter clearing job using a guttervac can quickly turn into a nightmare of a job to do...Trust me it happens so don't think because when you get a guttervac you can take on all jobs without having to use ladders as you will soon find out is not the case.
Gutter vac clearing Sucks ;D
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Nice work bud...I do hope you charged a good wack for that one ;D
Yep, totally agree with you on that one, I would not do it from the ground and would be easier to clear the majority with a rake than gutter vac,
But there will always be the oddball clean that is an exception to the rule.
(http://i1045.photobucket.com/albums/b458/huxleyhobbs/image_zpsc53ef2a4.jpg) (http://s1045.photobucket.com/user/huxleyhobbs/media/image_zpsc53ef2a4.jpg.html)
(http://i1045.photobucket.com/albums/b458/huxleyhobbs/image_zpsd6a4da16.jpg) (http://s1045.photobucket.com/user/huxleyhobbs/media/image_zpsd6a4da16.jpg.html)
Clearly not as good as yours but I try my best..
Darran
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Always 😄😜😄😄😜
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Blower springs to mind on that one...
Speaking of which some ppl do very strange things ;D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dFDGXooRds