Clean It Up

UK Floor Cleaning Forum => Carpet Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: cleanability on December 18, 2006, 08:33:20 pm

Title: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: cleanability on December 18, 2006, 08:33:20 pm
About to test it out. Cant solve my low pump pressure problem so my Ninja (still under warranty) is going back to Ashbys. I'm sure I've seen some topics on here about Ashbys after sales not being very good. By the way is it normal to pay for/return machine yourself at your own expence even if machine is still in warranty period?
Also I get steam out of my exhaust when emptying solution tank with vac hose. It happenens right at the end as the last drop of water is sucked through the vac hose. I explained this to Ashbys and they said this is normal. Strange, I've never had this happen with any other machine.

Chris
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: dennis moriarty on December 18, 2006, 08:44:16 pm
Chris
I have had similar problems with ashbys pumps. i have the 135psi induction motor. after only three months with a brand new machine the pump failed. it has been one pump after another since then. Martin told me it was my fault because i put too much powder through machine, although i hotly dispute this. as for after sales i find them ok. My current pump also suffers from poor presure. in new year i will changing machines.
Dennis.
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: Alan Brooker. Aqualink Carpet Care on December 18, 2006, 08:45:35 pm
Sorry to hear you've got pump probs on your ninja. What psi is it?
Yes it's completely normal to have to pay for carriage (If you chose to move to Norway and your machine had problems within the warranty period - who do you think is going to pay carriage then?)
It is completely normal for the exhaust steam thing - just make sure you run the vacs dry for a couple of minutes.
I've never personally experienced any problems equipment wise or after sales service wise that couldn't be fixed.
I have noticed though that if someone turns up with an arsy attitude  :o they usually receive equal service. Makes sense really.

By the way, if you are using a 135psi (why?) You'll find that the 400psi is a good long term investment. Mine lasted for 2 years even though I derestricted it and was constantly running in excess of 500psi.

Regards
Alan
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: NigelD on December 18, 2006, 08:53:51 pm
I have V2 Steamate.

Problems under warranty, I returned but Ashbys shipped it back to me FOC. I believe they would have collected as well.

Can't fault them.

Nigel
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: calmore on December 18, 2006, 09:05:39 pm
A lot of suppliers will pay shipping both ways, if it turns out to be a manufacturing fault.

(*If* you were putting too much powder through the machine I'd expect the jets to block before the pump)
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: cleanability on December 18, 2006, 09:56:28 pm
Thanx chaps. Ran my Alltec Pro Plus today. Bigger tanks, lighter machine and no difference in vac power from my experience. Then again I almost burnt out my heater element, forgot theres no safety cut off as with the Ninja.

Thanx again
Chris 
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: Alan Brooker. Aqualink Carpet Care on December 18, 2006, 10:07:12 pm
Thats what happens when you get a n ALLTEC machine ;D :'(
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: Fintan_Coll on December 18, 2006, 11:44:35 pm
Dennis, there is an element of truth in what they tell you about powder ruining your pump. Some powders can be severe on pumps and do shorten their lives. What kind of powder do you use ?. I have cut down drastically on powder use for a while now, opting for liquids or fresh water rinsing and yes I am having very little pump problems at the moment and I remember when I used to get about four months from Flotex pumps.
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: Mike Jones on December 19, 2006, 12:01:42 am
I bet the mods lock this like they seem to do with anyone who mentions woodbridge!
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: Len Gribble on December 19, 2006, 02:45:41 am
Chris

Tip one as Alan put it most eloquently, don’t get arsy but until the time too so!! Am sure that wont happen.

Tip two Consumers should not suffer financial loss for repairs that are not their fault, so claim back carriage charges.

Tip three if a dispute arise, take advice from Consumer Direct at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.

Yes I get steam out of the exhaust when emptying solution tank also had the same problem with the TM but that was down to float.

Len
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: cleaning co on December 19, 2006, 03:46:16 am
well i think its well bad they make u pay to ship machine back when its under warrenty and its faulty goods or workmanship, dont know how they can get away with it ,is it legal ?  also on ashbys website they offer free shiping on goods over 150 pounds yet buy a 3000 pound machine and they charge u 65 pounds  :o  strangely they turn round an say thats only for chems  :o
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: calmore on December 19, 2006, 12:59:30 pm
I bet the mods lock this like they seem to do with anyone who mentions w**dbridge!

Gah! You gone and done it now! :)
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: calmore on December 19, 2006, 01:03:22 pm
Dennis, there is an element of truth in what they tell you about powder ruining your pump. Some powders can be severe on pumps and do shorten their lives.

Under those circumstances I'd argue that the pump isn't "fit for purpose". Either that or take it up with the powder manufacturer.
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: cleaning co on December 19, 2006, 01:53:18 pm
changing the subject abit here, but what has happend to the eclpise machine the firm sol from cornwall was selling and every one was raving about  its not even on there web site for sale ?
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: dave401uk on December 19, 2006, 03:02:33 pm
ive got a eclipse 500, very good machine, cant say why they dont advertise it anymore,dont think they stock them now,  ::)
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: stains-away on December 19, 2006, 03:21:18 pm
ive got a eclipse 500, very good machine, cant say why they dont advertise it anymore,dont think they stock them now,  ::)

I heard a rumour that its been eclipsed by a new offering that will be out after crimbo, the 4x4 M power, same old same old but with 18" wheels with spinners  ;D
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: cleaning co on December 19, 2006, 04:37:55 pm
lol  ;D
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: dave401uk on December 19, 2006, 06:03:23 pm
you could be right, i think its got twin wheels, three handles, and it will fill itself by remote,cleans the carpet while your having a cuppa, and will leave the carpet bone dry in 10 Min's, and it has a facility for taking payment ;D ;D
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: Alan Brooker. Aqualink Carpet Care on December 19, 2006, 09:02:30 pm
Talking about problems with powders - I used to use Chemspec's Formula 90 powder and also liquid formula 90. Great cleaning but I went through two 400psi pump heads in a matter of months due to pump cavitation. Anyone else used this powder with this machine?

Alan
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: Chris R on December 19, 2006, 09:09:59 pm
I have always found that water pumps on portables only last about 3 to 6 months ( depends on how busy you are  ;))

I have had them from ashbys, altec, extracta, you name it, all the same.

BUT,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

I did have one last me for 2 years once !!!

It was the normal flojet 135psi sort, but it was in a machine ( ninja) with no internal tank heater fitted ?

I was using an inline heater with it.

So from this i suspect that the biggest cause of pump failure is running red hot water through them?

Also, when you strip down a damaged pump, you will see how much powder residue its got ? prochem crystal green is terrible for it.

regards

Chris

ps          Did you know that the the 400psi ninja only heats the water ( in tank) to 50 deg ?
ashbys say that any hotter will knacker the pump.

Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: craigp on December 19, 2006, 09:25:50 pm
Chris,

3-6 months :o

you really should look at the spec of diaphragm pumps they are not designed to take heat, i would guess thats why they never lasted you that long;

http://www.dualpumps.co.uk/pages/diaphragm_roller/disphragm_roller_subs/flojet_electric_driven_pumps.htm

most are 50 degrees C. max

heat on a portable is best produced after the pump, they are supprisingly weak little things.
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: cleanability on December 19, 2006, 09:42:04 pm
Craig if thats the prob why are they selling me a machine that heats the water too hot for the pump. Why have I paid extra for the Steamate when I cant use it to its full potential ?

Chris
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: Alan Brooker. Aqualink Carpet Care on December 19, 2006, 09:45:50 pm
Steam mate heats AFTER the pump
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: craigp on December 19, 2006, 09:51:04 pm
i believe Gary 'cleaning co' would know more than me on the subject of pumps, may be he could help me out, but what i can say is that c/c ing machine manufactures dont make the pumps, they are sourced, the pump manufactures have not designed them to take high temps, the c/c machine manufactures are aware of this, and do advise us to not exceed a certain temp. only prob is most c/c ers dont listen, and dont realise they been told this for good reason.

and they carry on and crank temp up ! ;D
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: Chris R on December 19, 2006, 11:30:19 pm
Chris,

3-6 months :o

you really should look at the spec of diaphragm pumps they are not designed to take heat, i would guess thats why they never lasted you that long;

I know that now !

But, why do a lot of HWE machines come with in tank heaters that will heat the water up in excess of the max rec heat for the water pump?

You dont think that they dont care do you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chris
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: cleaning co on December 20, 2006, 04:13:25 am
hi , the pumptec 400psi are made for the carpet cleaning industry ,and they are made to a spec to handle heat upto 70 c , u can also crankem up to 500 psi by adding couple washers to the pressure reg, i hav in the past run two of these pumps into one sol line  now that had bit
pressure!!
p.s descale them every month u get rid of any probs with chems u are using  and u will prob find the build up of crust is more todo with high temps than chems
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: Vernon Purcell on December 21, 2006, 08:59:03 pm
Do you rinse you pump out  at the end of the day.
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: Bryan H on December 22, 2006, 04:43:20 pm
I have two Ninjas, both with 135 psi Shurflo pumps & have had very little trouble with them.  The one in the main machine that I use virtually every day has been in there for 8 years, with one new pumphead about 5 years ago !!

I use Ashbys powder & temps up to 70 degs. and I never flush the pumps out.  They just seem to run & run with no problems.  Whereas the Flojets I used to use years ago were always breaking down.

I have been tempted to get a 400 psi , but i wouldn't be best pleased if it was a writeoff in only 2 years.!

Bryan
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: Ian Gourlay on December 23, 2006, 06:01:04 am
I would like to know if the machine has been repaired.?

In other words what happened
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: Derek on December 23, 2006, 08:14:21 am
Most electrical gadgets purchased these days come with an instruction booklet, vehicles come with a user guide but I have only ever purchased one cleaning machine that came with any form of written instructions!

Maybe this is an area that suppliers need to look at,... in providing such information will effectively cover themselves if we, as end users, don't read them and take note.

Just a thought!
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: Len Gribble on December 23, 2006, 07:58:22 pm
Chris

Like Ian I would also like to hear about out come with Ashby’s (silence is golden = humble pie)

Derek

Total agree a noddy guide with pictures of course (don’t like long words or technical mumbo jumbo) they could even put on a cd rom to print/watch at our leisure. ;D

Len
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: Terry_Burrows on December 27, 2006, 11:59:09 am
we found ashbys always very helpful :) try there new powder its great smell and I think better than the norm :o its blue but breaks up far better than the prochem blue  ;D
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: cleanability on December 27, 2006, 07:38:06 pm
Well Ashbys booked me in Tues 2nd for my water pump prob which is really quick so good on them.

Chris























Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: Len Gribble on December 27, 2006, 08:00:04 pm
Chris

That’s quick I would have gave you a date of the 8th but then I don’t start back till the 6th. ;D

Len
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: josephus on December 29, 2006, 02:53:22 pm
i have an ashbuys ninja. in fact i bought off a regulare here.

its never needed a thing doing, but finally need a new wheel. in about 3 years ive done maybe 3oo hours of work and its great. is that normal or im a bit lucky ?

i love mt ninja, but its way too heavy to do houses.

cheers

jo
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: Liahona on December 29, 2006, 03:05:25 pm
Jo, damn I thought I worked the least amount of hours. If you have only done 300 hours in 3 years then you have me beat. Having said that if its only 300 hours old then it shouldnt have needed anything done to it yet. Oh and you shouldnt have needed a new wheel. If you meant 3000 hours then you have done well only needing a wheel. Best, Dave.
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: Peter Blackburn on December 30, 2006, 12:26:49 am
Ashby's sell very good products, have very good customers service and there prices - be it servicing, repair, chemicals or equipment are realistic for this line of work.

I use them all the time and will continue to do so.

Peter
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: Ian Gourlay on December 30, 2006, 01:21:40 pm
Two Questions,

Have you got to travel  from  Wales to Kent or are they collecting it.

Also was wondering if you Solution hose bends as this can cause a drop in pressure.

Joseph I do not understand about The Ninja being to heavy for houses perhaps you should invest in some extra hoses
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: Terry_Burrows on December 31, 2006, 09:47:34 am
what we do is add another 25ft the ninja 135 psi takes up to 100ft,we always
put on another hose,sod that carrying up the stairs thats all done with ;D we are very happy with the ninja.may up grade to the 400 psi and more vac power,on the whole its a great machine would recomend every time ;D and they are just 8 mls from me so any probs they sort it there and then,cant complain at all,great service ;) fair dinkom to them ;)
Title: Re: Ashbys after sales service
Post by: Paul Redden Countryfresh on January 01, 2007, 06:33:52 pm
After sales service? guarantee, what's that? I have had three Ashby
135 induction pumps all have lost pressure after/within one year with one common fault...ie knackered bearings on the motor! Don't tell me that's the chemicals I'm using!

I appreciate if the heater is going over the pre-set temp of 80, it will distort the plastic head causing pressure loss.  when ever I've opened the pump head and I use crystal green it has always been clear, perhaps the water isn't hard where I live.

steam out exhaust? you should use the pump out hose and rinse waste tank, to avoid moist damp air going through vacs and shortening life expectancy.

Good luck guys getting ashby's to honour guarantees.

"Must be the chemicals you're using!" ;D