Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: paul alan on August 23, 2018, 08:12:22 pm

Title: trolley/ backpacks
Post by: paul alan on August 23, 2018, 08:12:22 pm
Who uses one of these?

Which ones are the best? Is it much cheaper to DIY?
Title: Re: trolley/ backpacks
Post by: nathankaye on August 23, 2018, 08:23:35 pm
Gardiners backpacks are great and most, myself included strap to a trolley.   The pack back cost me around £107 Inc vat n delivery to Doncaster.  Then it's whatever price to pay for a trolley and most I've seen buy a cheap sack trolley which end up being too flimsy.
A good sack trolley is the handy sack trolley (I think it's called, can't remember now) for around £60 - £70 but these are sturdy with pneumatic tyres which I feel are a must.
If making a trolley, the parts are relatively inexpensive and you can tailor it to your needs and they are relatively easy to make.

( don't have to watch it, but this is my you tube vid I did about it and in the description I listed the parts)

Link for digital controller
https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/DC-6-30V-12V-24V-Max-8A-PWM-16kHz-Motor-Speed-Controller-Digital-Display-Swit-FP-/263458629907?txnId=2188756844016

Link to vid
https://youtu.be/zVnlQ8qQeFw
Title: Re: trolley/ backpacks
Post by: paul alan on August 23, 2018, 08:27:58 pm
Gardiners backpacks are great and most, myself included strap to a trolley.   The pack back cost me around £107 Inc vat n delivery to Doncaster.  Then it's whatever price to pay for a trolley and most I've seen buy a cheap sack trolley which end up being too flimsy.
A good sack trolley is the handy sack trolley (I think it's called, can't remember now) for around £60 - £70 but these are sturdy with pneumatic tyres which I feel are a must.
If making a trolley, the parts are relatively inexpensive and you can tailor it to your needs and they are relatively easy to make.

( don't have to watch it, but this is my you tube vid I did about it and in the description I listed the parts)

Cheers Nathan

I remember you making your trolley and I love to tinker, but I'm busy at the minute and unless its a big price difference I would rather just buy one.

DIY is great, when it goes well! Time consuming and frustrating when it doesn't!
Title: Re: trolley/ backpacks
Post by: nathankaye on August 23, 2018, 09:00:47 pm
I made mine in one evening, Admittedly when everyone else was in bed mind you, but it was just in one evening.   I think the price including the trolley came to around the same price as having the back pack delivered (which you then need a trolley for)

However like you said, the back pack is all self contained and looks the part already and compact.  I would hate to use either full day as its a pain walking back to the van to fill up but for those odd times you need them, they are great
Title: Re: trolley/ backpacks
Post by: robbo333 on August 23, 2018, 09:11:32 pm
My Gardiners backpack is still going strong after:

1. using it for awkward access to clean windows (got fed up with that and if the hose don't reach, I don't clean it)
2. Using hypo to clean walls, patios etc (and not cleaning it out properly)
3. I currently use it for FSG cleans and I put No Nonsense Degreaser in it. That I like.

I may get another one for hypo and even clean it out properly after each use.
Title: Re: trolley/ backpacks
Post by: Stoots on August 23, 2018, 09:18:07 pm
You will probably find most backpacks are just adapted sprayers with different stickers on.

They are all essentially the same, moulded plastic with simple internals, a cheap Chinese pump and a small battery.

Do you actually need a trolley. Personally I don't take on work that I cant get parked outside or close.

I have a 16l backpack with a handle.

I prefer just to pick it up and walk round the back with it rather than faff with a trolley. Only used on the odd terraced house really.
Title: Re: trolley/ backpacks
Post by: dazmond on August 23, 2018, 09:39:35 pm
i only use my gardiner backpack for chemical application these days(really dirty conny roofs and f/s/g jobs)with virosol.....
Title: Re: trolley/ backpacks
Post by: james peters on August 24, 2018, 07:58:49 am
my 18 year old daughter works for me full time.
we both use back packs ....we fill them with a transfer pump from the tank in seconds...
we don't faff with a trolley.  she is a about 8 stone and just carries it now without thinking about it. hers is 16 ltres.
mine is 20 litres.
mine is like triggers broom. its had several pumps and several batteries....and I always have spares so I can change on the move .
they are simple tools but effective when there is 2 of you.
I worked from a reel for 10 years before this way. I find this better for 2 people