Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: poles apart on May 27, 2007, 08:38:58 pm
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Well I've done quite a few jobs now but not the mix I was after. Just to recap, I purchased a Gutter Keeper vacuumhttp://www.upkeeper.com/gutterkeeper.html a while back as I could see a need for a good system but none were available over here and before someone points out the Omnivac, it hasn't got the suction of this machine and it's hoses are quite small and therefore easy to block.
The Gutter Keeper has got a 5hp Honda motor which gives a 2000 cfm of airflow. The tubing is clear 3 inch so you can see what's going on at the business end.
Several of the joibs I've done had plants and grass growing out of the gutter as they hadn't been cleaned for many years. This was not a problem on most but some of the roof tiles had too much of an overhang into the gutter. The crevice tool could get into these but the growth was held in by the tiles. I had to resort to a pointed implement attached to my gooseneck to free it beforehand. I spoke to Reuben (Ionics. They are now selling these machines in the UK ) about this and I believe they are going to manufacture several different tools to attach to a pole. Obviously these jobs are going to be much easier next time around. I've done several demo's to clients and they've been very pleased with the results.
I also purchased, from Maplins, a remote wireless camera http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=98282&criteria=wireless%20camera&doy=27m5and handheld screen http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=99609&C=Maplin&U=SearchTop&T=CAMERAS&doy=27m5to view the gutters before and after, this also impressed my customers as they could see the results. My ulterior motive was to check the gutters for blockages and to concentrate the cleaning in those areas ;)
I've managed so far to clean up to three floors. I did buy some 2 1/2 inch tubing to go higher but it needs some sort of support which I've not done as yet. I'll most probably use a carbon carp pole to attach it to.
I've spoken to the manufacturers about possible mods to make the footprint of the machine smaller to fit into existing vans alongside tanks etc. and I think this will be available soon. I bought a trailer to house mine but it's just easier for me that way.
The litter pick up feature is also a good tool as I cleared my lawn of rotting embedded leaves very easily.
Altogether I'm very impressed with this machine and next year I'm going to advertise it heavily concentrating on the domestic market as my commercial customers have already signed up to it.
Hopefully you can see some pics below!(http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb37/highrise_01/Gutter5.jpg)
(http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb37/highrise_01/Gutter6.jpg)
(http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb37/highrise_01/Gutter2.jpg)
No, that's not me...I've got hair!
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Looks like you got a flat tyre at the front?...
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How much did you pay for it, was it cheaper going direct to ewan than ionics
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I was very impressed, both by your clear depiction and the tool itself. I was hoping you'd get some informed feed back, because like the chap above all I could really think to ask was how much was it then?
If I had one i'd try to convince my local authority that I could handle any job for a flat call out charge.
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Yes I have got a flat tyre!
How much did you pay for it, was it cheaper going direct to ewan than ionics
I'm not sure if you can buy it direct now as I think Ionics are going to be the sole distributor.
If I had one i'd try to convince my local authority that I could handle any job for a flat call out charge.
Why not get Ionics to demo to your council, if they didn't like it then you wouldn't have to buy one!
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Well done poles apart.
A clear honest and constructive review of the gutter keeper and your photos demonstrate the whole safety aspect very well.
We bought the omnivac and have made some changes to it. Like you we found it hard to get between the tiles and the gutter but with more practice and a different end piece we are getting better and quicker.
The camera and video are first class , the customers love it and your right its ideal to see where the main blockages are.
Have you made your money back yet?
regards
gordon
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A very good and very interesting posting Poles Apart. Thanks
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PA, how do you cope when/if the bags collects water in it? Do yo just keep and eye on it and empty it if it gets water collecting? Perhaps put a few holes in the bag to let water out while retaining leaves and Krud?
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PA, how do you cope when/if the bags collects water in it? Do yo just keep and eye on it and empty it if it gets water collecting? Perhaps put a few holes in the bag to let water out while retaining leaves and Krud?
I just keep an eye on it and empty it as and when. I've suggested a steel bin with a drain tap but that might cause different problems. Apparently some people in the States put the bag outside the bin. Not sure how this would work as I haven't tried it yet.
Rod
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Sounds a bit like a colostomy. Might be worth looking into. Or not, if that makes one revulse.
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all looks good but how much!!!!
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all looks good but how much!!!!
A colostomy? Perhaps £500 privately, but I could do it for £65 if you don't mind travelling to the far east. Special deal if you order on a regular basis.
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Another point I forgot to mention is that if you are doing anything over two floors then this is really a two person job as you need someone to push the machine along as you go. The manufacturers have also brought out a 9 hp model which two people can connect hoses to.
Rod
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Have you manage to suck up any broken roof tiles yet.
Darren
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looks the dogs nuts but stop teasing how much!! ;D
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Have you manage to suck up any broken roof tiles yet.
Darren
Yes!
looks the dogs nuts but stop teasing how much!!
Not sure how much Ionics are selling them for, give them a ring. It would be unfair to tell you what I paid as I had a good discount ;)
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OK, put the question another way.
If i ordered one what would it cost?
Macc
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OK, put the question another way.
If i ordered one what would it cost?
Macc
I refer you my earlier answer :)
I think they were $5000 from the States but you'd have to check with them.
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Opps, missed that, :-[
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Think Ionics were selling it for around £2700 at the show
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poles apart
please will you give me a call i will then call you back as i would like to have a chat with you about this
hope you dont mind
thanks
dave 07789114272
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I'll call tomorrow.
Rod
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rod
thanks very much i'll look foward to hearing from you
thanks
dave
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sounds a lot of money for what is a big hoover are there no others out there but at a cheaper price at 2700 it would take a long time to recoupe your money
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sounds a lot of money for what is a big hoover are there no others out there but at a cheaper price at 2700 it would take a long time to recoupe your money
Why would it take a long time to recoup your money? Every building has a gutter and most have never been cleaned due to a lack of understanding on the customers part. You just need to get out there and tell them what they need! It's not rocket science!
Rod
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poles apart
Rod, i,m thinking of buying one, i also see youve sated that youve earned tha cost price back 4 fold.
What do you charge, per length, per metre etc also min. charge.
Any help would be appreciated.
Gary
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Pricing was a difficult one as I'd never done this before and looking at comments on this site the price varied a lot. In the end I settled for £2.25 per metre for the first 100m, £1.75 the next 100, and £1.25 after that. I also put a min of 50m. It sounds cheap compared to some of the prices on here but bear in mind it's a commercial price and the building pictured earned me around £250 for 1 1/2 hours work! This price will increase for the domestic market.
Rod
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so poles apart if you were to buy one now would you buy the one you have the onmi vac or another make altogether and how do you transport it about van or trailer and how much work do you do with it ie one day a week or three etc thanks marc
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Well if I was to buy one again it would be the same machine. The Omnivac's spec is nowhere near this and as far as I can see it's an industrial wet & dry vac. I bought a box trailer to transport it but they are changing the spec so they can be folded up to fit a smaller vehicle. At the moment I wait until I've got orders for several jobs and do them in one hit.
Rod
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I've just received an email from the Upkeeper Corporation and following my suggestion to make the machine foldable they have now done this and have a video on their website.http://www.upkeeper.com/gutterkeeper.html
Just scroll down to 'New Folding Design'
Rod
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hi rod
have you managed to go higher with the tubes yet as when i spoke with you you were trying to sort it out ionics say you carnt go any higher than 25ft thats what putting me of as i have a lot of tall buildings 3 or 4 story
please keep us informed as this is something i'm seriously thinking about
thanks
dave
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Mmmmmm £2700 ...thats an awfull lot of gutters worth !
Mogy
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hi rod
have you managed to go higher with the tubes yet as when i spoke with you you were trying to sort it out ionics say you carnt go any higher than 25ft thats what putting me of as i have a lot of tall buildings 3 or 4 story
please keep us informed as this is something i'm seriously thinking about
thanks
dave
I can do three stories with no problems and I've got the tubing to do four but haven't had the opportunity to test it properly yet. It's on my list of things to do!
Rod
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Have to say well done, you spent a lot of money and put a lot of thought and effort into it. Nice to see that it is paying you back
Good for you. poles apart ,
PS have you any pictures of your camera setup?
Michael
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PS have you any pictures of your camera setup?
Michael
Some more pictures would be nice. I like these type of threads, they're very interesting.
ps Did you advertise and quote for work before you bought the setup?
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Have to say well done, you spent a lot of money and put a lot of thought and effort into it. Nice to see that it is paying you back
Good for you. poles apart ,
PS have you any pictures of your camera setup?
Michael
I've put links to the pictures of the camers in the first post but I haven't got pictures of it in use as I just tape it to a pole! PS have you any pictures of your camera setup?
Michael
Some more pictures would be nice. I like these type of threads, they're very interesting.
ps Did you advertise and quote for work before you bought the setup?
I'll put more pictures up on the next outing. I didn't advertise but spoke to all my customers about what I was intending to do and the feedback was good......so I did it!
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Hello Poles Apart,
I'm seriously considering buying this machine - could you possibly post some further details on your progress with it? Thanks in advance.
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My mate went to the local hire shop and bought a reconditiond Industrial wet & dry vac for £300, he further purchased extension hoses for another £30, that was over 9 months ago, so for less than £400 he made his own, within his first few Jobs he was in profit.
I just can't see the jusification paying over £1,000 for a hoover with a long pipe? I hope you can proove me wrong?
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Hi,
Have a look at our new totally portable battery operated camera kit (with rechargeable wireless monitor/recorder/MP3 & MP4 player), http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270168548307&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=017 which is ideal for seeing what you're doing at height (& recording it date- and time-stamped for showing it before and after to your customers). It's also on our website at www.andwat.co.uk, complete with its own dedicated ultra lightweight telescopic pole for only £375 + VAT delivered - an ideal tool if you're gutter cleaning, and cheaper in total than anything else currently available.
Yours
Andrew
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Hello Poles Apart,
I'm seriously considering buying this machine - could you possibly post some further details on your progress with it? Thanks in advance.
I've got about 1000 metres of gutters to do in the next two weeks so I'll post more then.
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I have pruchased it but having problems , in fairness I am in discussion with upkeeper in trying to resolve it so will keep everyone posted as well.
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What problems are you having?
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Growth in the gutters, it does not suck it up. Did not get the tool you got so looking at another source. Any ideas much appreciated.
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poles apart have you any photographs of your camera setup?
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When i spoke to Ionics i think it was 3k +the dreaded. How do you get on with the weight of it ? 60 odd kilos isn't it?(loading onto van etc, up steps to rear of properties)
And forgive me for being cheeky, but if your doing that much gutter work have you had to take on someone else so your window round doesnt suffer?
Looks good though, and if it wasnt for the footprint size of the machine and height restriction (thats already been mentioned) i'd probably get one. Glad to hear its going well.
Newpy
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When i spoke to Ionics i think it was 3k +the dreaded. How do you get on with the weight of it ? 60 odd kilos isn't it?(loading onto van etc, up steps to rear of properties)
And forgive me for being cheeky, but if your doing that much gutter work have you had to take on someone else so your window round doesnt suffer?
Looks good though, and if it wasnt for the footprint size of the machine and height restriction (thats already been mentioned) i'd probably get one. Glad to hear its going well.
Newpy
I've got a trailer with a ramp so no problem loading it. I haven't come across any steps as yet but no doubt I will. At the moment I'm dropping off two lads to do gutters while I go off and do windows but sometimes I do it as well.
Rod
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Decent looking machine.
I know ionics Lease this machine works out to about 4.5k i think after a few years but it's an on going overhead rather than a massive outlay which makes you feel better at the end of the month.
I think gutter cleaning is just as lucrative as anything, especially as you seem to think you can cover alot of ground with that machine.
Are you still finding alot of work, how did you find so much? are they regular?
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Decent looking machine.
I know ionics Lease this machine works out to about 4.5k i think after a few years but it's an on going overhead rather than a massive outlay which makes you feel better at the end of the month.
I think gutter cleaning is just as lucrative as anything, especially as you seem to think you can cover alot of ground with that machine.
Are you still finding alot of work, how did you find so much? are they regular?
I'm getting work from my existing customers at the moment. It's an obvious market as your customers already know and trust (hopefully!) you so it's little effort to sell them another add on.
Rod