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UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Clear Vision on December 21, 2006, 05:53:53 pm

Title: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: Clear Vision on December 21, 2006, 05:53:53 pm

Hi all,

I just upgraded my van to a transit but i'm still using my 250L lay flat tank :'(

I was thinking about getting a 650L upright tank with 2 outlets so that would give me an option at a later date to add another pump and hose reel for a two man opperation.

Does anyone else have that kind of set up in a transit or does anyone have any advice for me, like where to mount the tank and hose reels?

Cheers

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: steveaqua on December 21, 2006, 06:30:08 pm

I got a tranny, just split it after the DI into how ever many hose reels you want.

i have a 100 psi flojet running two reels and another one running the other reel (3 reels altogether) when i get the chance i will put another pump on the other reel as it does give better pressure. there all 100 meter microbore as well

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: JM123 on December 21, 2006, 06:41:25 pm

Yeah, a y-splitter after the DI vessel (and before the pumps) is the best way to go.

Don't forget to fit a strainer to each pump.

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: Paul Coleman on December 21, 2006, 06:42:25 pm

Quote from: Clear Vision on December 21, 2006, 05:53:53 pm

Hi all,

I just upgraded my van to a transit but i'm still using my 250L lay flat tank :'(

I was thinking about getting a 650L upright tank with 2 outlets so that would give me an option at a later date to add another pump and hose reel for a two man opperation.

Does anyone else have that kind of set up in a transit or does anyone have any advice for me, like where to mount the tank and hose reels?

Cheers

I've no advice about two man operations.  All I will say is that I have sometimes (not often) got through 650 litres in a day on my own.  Maybe you will need pumps that can be easily set to be economical with the water.

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: JM123 on December 21, 2006, 06:50:40 pm

oh sorry just seen you said 650ltrs - why not go for the 900 D-shape??

We can supply a chassis for this cage (think we are the only ones in the UK to do a cage for this tank)

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: Clear Vision on December 21, 2006, 07:02:13 pm

Thanks guys,

You talk about splitting using a y connector. How does that work? What if one person has finished? Can they turn thier own one off? If they can I can only asume that the other pole user will have more pressure?

JM123,

How much for the D-shape? Any pics of one?

Matthew
Clear Vision

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: Trevor Knight on December 21, 2006, 07:05:34 pm

Quote from: Clear Vision on December 21, 2006, 05:53:53 pm

Hi all,

I just upgraded my van to a transit but i'm still using my 250L lay flat tank :'(

I was thinking about getting a 650L upright tank with 2 outlets so that would give me an option at a later date to add another pump and hose reel for a two man opperation.

Does anyone else have that kind of set up in a transit or does anyone have any advice for me, like where to mount the tank and hose reels?

Cheers

My vehicles are 2 man operations. Hose at back 100m microbore, hose at side 60m tubiflex. Split after DI Resin cannister and powered by 2 x 95psi flojets.

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: Clear Vision on December 21, 2006, 07:10:20 pm

Thanks trevor.

I kind of know what you are all saying, but If I was to see some pics of someones 2 man set up that would help a lot.

Any pics guys?

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: H h20 on December 21, 2006, 07:18:45 pm

Hi Matt,have a look here theres a few pics of different setups,Gaz
http://www.surecleansystems.com/gallery.htm

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: steveaqua on December 21, 2006, 07:22:48 pm

heres a diagram of how mine is set up, its a lot tidier and the pipes are all neat and tidy but just to illustrate thats why there all over the place in the diagram

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: neil100 on December 21, 2006, 08:14:55 pm

I have a Fiat Ducato, Simaler size to a tranny, Mine is set up for two, I have two separate pumps, One for each Hose reel and each reel has its own DI vessel.

I have an 800ltr tank, its an ideal size for two men, it justs hold enough for a full days work.
Nel.

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: JM123 on December 21, 2006, 10:05:18 pm

Quote from: Clear Vision on December 21, 2006, 07:02:13 pm

Thanks guys,

You talk about splitting using a y connector. How does that work? What if one person has finished? Can they turn thier own one off? If they can I can only asume that the other pole user will have more pressure?

JM123,

How much for the D-shape? Any pics of one?

Matthew
Clear Vision

Hi Clearvision, I will e-mail you a couple of pics tomorrow along with prices.

Hope this helps.

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: s woodliff on December 22, 2006, 12:13:42 am

can you email it to me as well ta jm123.

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: Clear Vision on December 22, 2006, 05:27:52 pm

Thanks for all your replys!

Some good pictures there and some food for thought.

Cheers all

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: JM123 on December 22, 2006, 06:30:54 pm

I'll send you guys the pics as soon as I get my bluetooth working on the laptop

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: Clear Vision on December 22, 2006, 10:17:50 pm

Quote from: steveaqua on December 21, 2006, 07:22:48 pm

heres a diagram of how mine is set up, its a lot tidier and the pipes are all neat and tidy but just to illustrate thats why there all over the place in the diagram

Im a little baffled by your diagram ???

Should the pump not go before your di vessel? then the outlet of the di straight to the hose reel?

Maybe i'm wrong and if I am i'm sure someone will correct me ;)

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: Clear Vision on December 22, 2006, 11:04:28 pm

I'm not sure on the exact measurments of the 650L upright tank but from what I can gather it's about 500mm wide, which would mean there would be no room to mount 1 never mind 2 hose reels at the side loading door???

I dont want to put them at the back door because I dont like the idea of allways having to drag the hose 90 degrees when pulling it out, because lets face it, how many times do you reverse up to a customers house???

9/10 times I just pull up along side the house and pull the hose straight out.

Any ideas?

Here is a very rough and quick sketch of what I plan in my transit.

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: Mike Jones on December 22, 2006, 11:09:18 pm

 I would get a steel frame made up to go over the top of the tank and screw ply across the top then bolt the reels down to this.


Space at the back for watever else you use.

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: JM123 on December 22, 2006, 11:15:07 pm

dimensions for the 650 upright are 1010mmx1250mmx575mm

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: Clear Vision on December 22, 2006, 11:23:50 pm

thanks for the dimensions ;)

If its 575mm wide that means that the only option is to go with mike jones idea with bolting them to the top. The only problem with that is I dont like the angle the hose will come out of the van. I like it to come out lower down. ( just my preference)

I am in the process of welding in some steel beams across the width of the van and bolting some thick ply to that for a bulk head. I don't really fancy the idea of a cage around the tank. I will just use 4   5 ton ratchet strapsto secure

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: JM123 on December 22, 2006, 11:31:27 pm

have a look at the e-mail I'm about to send you.

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: Clear Vision on December 22, 2006, 11:39:23 pm

Waiting!! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: JM123 on December 22, 2006, 11:41:05 pm

itsgoneivesentitmyspacebarisntworkingnowwhatswrongwithit?

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: steveaqua on December 22, 2006, 11:44:06 pm

the pumps are after the di vessel for pressure on each hose

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: Clear Vision on December 22, 2006, 11:46:16 pm

But how can the pump suck/draw the water through the di?

Please excuse me on this as my knowledge isn't too hot

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: JM123 on December 22, 2006, 11:49:52 pm

its the same as drinking lemonade through a straw, the vacuum effect causes the water to be drawn towards the pump, when you think about it the di vessel is really just another section of piping (in reference to how the water moves)

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: Clear Vision on December 22, 2006, 11:54:32 pm

got ya!

my water reads 26ppm from the tap. I just use a small di vessel to purify my water and store it in a 100L holding tank and then transfer to my van.

But when my resin is running out I will let the purified water read up 005ppm. That why I have another small di vessel in my van just incase the water isn't 100% pure. I have mine after my pump and before the hose reel. Should I place the vessel before my pump? Would I gain more pressure by doing this?

Matthew

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: JM123 on December 22, 2006, 11:58:56 pm

its horses for courses.  We always fit the di before the pump as the di vessels are prone to creep stress.

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: steveaqua on December 23, 2006, 12:07:45 am

JM, i have a problem with my di at the mo its sucking in a small amount of air, i need to replace both fitments on each end, at the mo i use the airline type clamps (the ones with the blue bits you push in to release the pipe) you don't know where to get any do you?

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: JM123 on December 23, 2006, 12:21:56 am

I don't quite understand exactly how you have plumbed it in but is this what you are looking for?

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: steveaqua on December 23, 2006, 12:23:47 am

no mate, hold on i'll try to get a piccy

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: steveaqua on December 23, 2006, 12:32:28 am

can't find a piccy but if you look at neil100 setup in this thread they look like the same connectors he has on his di's

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: JM123 on December 23, 2006, 12:37:19 am

can't see them well but they look like hozeock reducers into solid plumbers pipe 3/8 right-angle bsp thread.

Can you post apic of yours tomorrow and I'll find some connections for you.

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: steveaqua on December 23, 2006, 12:46:09 am

if i get time tomorrow i'll take it off and post a pic, see i could just buy the same as the attached piccy and adapt my hoses with hoselocks but i like theconnectors i have at the mo they hold the pressure well and have bever failed until recently

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: JM123 on December 23, 2006, 12:59:34 am

yeah steve, if you get the chance, take some piccys and I'll see what I can do for you.

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: steveaqua on December 23, 2006, 01:26:39 am

ok cheers

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: Clear Vision on December 23, 2006, 10:35:00 am

Yet another thread goes crashing off course ::)

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: JM123 on December 23, 2006, 10:43:47 am

Hi Clearvision, if you know what model of transit you have you can check its payload on www.whatvan.co.uk (http://www.whatvan.co.uk) as you may be able to fit a d-shape 900ltr tank, which would allow you moreroom at the side of the tank for a fitted reel at the side loading door.  Also is your van lwb?

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: Clear Vision on December 23, 2006, 10:56:59 am

x reg, year 2000, swb, low roof, 2.5d

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: JM123 on December 23, 2006, 11:00:23 am

your payload is 1062kg, a 900ltr tank would be too much.  your other alternative is a custom tank, you van have these made to fit how you want.  Bit more expensive though.

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: Clear Vision on December 23, 2006, 11:04:38 am

thanks,

A 650l tank would be ok ?

It's 690kg when full

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: JM123 on December 23, 2006, 11:38:34 am

prob a little less as it doesn't actually hold 650ltrs, the baffles take up some of the space, closer to 600 ltrs.  But yes its fine.

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: Chris Cottrell on December 23, 2006, 01:06:48 pm

This isnt an upright tank but its 650l flat and still plenty of room left , at presant only have 1 reel in there but will have 2 in the new year, this is all in a transit 120 - S reg

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: Clear Vision on December 23, 2006, 03:11:28 pm

Chris,

How can you work out the back of the van? Do you reverse up to every house/job?

I usually just pull up along side the job and pull hose from the side loading door and work that way.

If you pull out the hose from the back door you will have to pull it against the door?

Please let me know how you manage.

Matthew

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: Chris Cottrell on December 23, 2006, 03:47:56 pm

never had any real problems, sometimes when the hose get near to the end it get stopped by feal itself, but its 100m so I only get near to the end on a few jobs and a couple of those if its not a busy day I can park sideways in 2 spaces  so the hose unwinds straight from the real

To be honest its not so much trouble that its even worth worrying about, I would use M/Bore though

Chris

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: Clear Vision on December 23, 2006, 04:35:53 pm

Quote from: Chris Cottrell on December 23, 2006, 03:55:16 pm

Quote from: Chris Cottrell on December 23, 2006, 03:47:56 pm

To be honest its not so much trouble that its even worth worrying about, I would use M/Bore though

Chris

I allready have 100m of minibore ;)

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: Paul Coleman on December 23, 2006, 04:45:50 pm

Quote from: steveaqua on December 23, 2006, 12:46:09 am

if i get time tomorrow i'll take it off and post a pic, see i could just buy the same as the attached piccy and adapt my hoses with hoselocks but i like theconnectors i have at the mo they hold the pressure well and have bever failed until recently

The one you've pictured (the black one) seems to be the best I've come across yet for in/out the DI unit.  A bit of PTFE tape around the thread and do it up tight and not even a dribble comes out of it.  Although, unlike other makes, there is the facility to attach a spanner to it, I have found that a tight grip and just doing it up with fingers (and a cloth for grip) is good enough.

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: Paul Coleman on December 23, 2006, 04:50:17 pm

Quote from: Clear Vision on December 23, 2006, 11:04:38 am

thanks,

A 650l tank would be ok ?

It's 690kg when full

I checked mine on a weighbridge quite some time back.  My personal preference is to allow 500kg over and above the weight of the water.  If a two man operation, maybe another 100kg.  This allows a bit of room for error.  Also, I'm not so sure that loading a van up to the maximum all the time is such a great idea purely in terms of wear and tear.
Please note that I'm not exactly a lightweight so I'vew had to be a bit more generous with payload than some people  :)

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: neil100 on December 23, 2006, 06:49:23 pm

Are your fittings like this? Picture below.

Mine leaked from the Blue thread,as you can see in the picture. I took them back out and put LS X on the joint followed by PTFE Tape. Not leaked since. I dont know where to buy from as the fittings where supplied by Facelift. These are high pressure fittings, the black plastic tubeing does not require an insert to make a watertight seal. LS-X was bought from B and Q.

Nel

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: steveaqua on December 23, 2006, 11:45:38 pm

yes it looks like it thanks but mine is a brass fitting going onto the di vessel with the black angled plastic fitting mounted on some how, havewn't worked that out as it spins freely 360 degrees.

why a picture of the sealent though?

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: Paul Coleman on December 23, 2006, 11:49:57 pm

Quote from: neil100 on December 23, 2006, 06:49:23 pm

Are your fittings like this? Picture below.

Mine leaked from the Blue thread,as you can see in the picture. I took them back out and put LS X on the joint followed by PTFE Tape. Not leaked since. I dont know where to buy from as the fittings where supplied by Facelift. These are high pressure fittings, the black plastic tubeing does not require an insert to make a watertight seal. LS-X was bought from B and Q.

Nel

I have a hozelock style connection at both IN and OUT.  The threaded black single male connectors pictured earlier in the thread are the fittings that I have on BOTH sides of the DI unit.  PTFE around the threads works wonders.  You can tighten them with a spanner if you wish as they have the hexagonal shape to take a spanner but I found that a very tight finger tighten (with cloth for gripping) seems fine.  I got mine from Omnipole.  Don't know if they sell them separately as I was having a few bits done by them (including DI unit) at the time and I took a couple of sparesa with me.  Just as well because I broke one of the fittings.

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: steveaqua on December 23, 2006, 11:54:45 pm

yo shiner!

the piccy i got before is of chic cleanings site, there 89p each so very cheap, if the fittings i have already turn out to be expensive then i'll go for these pictured bove just means i'll have to change my hoses which is no biggey but i guess i just like the fittings i have at the mo as they have served me well with no problems

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: Paul Coleman on December 24, 2006, 12:08:55 am

Quote from: steveaqua on December 23, 2006, 11:54:45 pm

yo shiner!

the piccy i got before is of chic cleanings site, there 89p each so very cheap, if the fittings i have already turn out to be expensive then i'll go for these pictured bove just means i'll have to change my hoses which is no biggey but i guess i just like the fittings i have at the mo as they have served me well with no problems

Too right Steve.  I guess that once we find a way that works for us, we tend to stick with it.  I've chopped and changed things around a few times in my first year or so of WFPing in order to make things easier.  The problem is that no matter how much is written on this forum, I found that I still had to try things and learn from my own mistakes.  Much of what was written didn't make too much sense until I experienced things for myself.

Title: Re: 2 man outfit in a transit van
Post by: steveaqua on December 24, 2006, 12:11:34 am

that it is!

the good thing though about using them bits you mention though is cheap carrying spares so not caught out again, i think i may give em ago ;D