Clean It Up

UK General Cleaning Forum => General Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: steve doyle on December 29, 2007, 10:47:39 pm

Title: Gum machines
Post by: steve doyle on December 29, 2007, 10:47:39 pm
I have read the other gum thread with interest but thought i would start a new rather than hi jack someone elses.

I am interested in knowing what kit people recomend  for proffesional work, I have looked at the tech clean kit and it seems well priced but requires a genny, and also the gum busters but its about 5k!
Also isnt noise an issue with a genny?

I currently have a 13hp 15ltr per min cold set up and so wondered how far i would get using a hot box?

I know their is all manor of machinery available if cost is not an issue, but cost is an issue so i am looking for an idea of suitable kit to tackle contract work/ council work. I can always add gear as jobs come in but i would like to know the minimum requirments for this type of work and any pros/cons of certain equipment.

Alot to answer but i guess it comes down to, whats the minimum i need and how much!

cheers

steve
Title: Re: Gum machines
Post by: Rob_Mac on December 29, 2007, 11:53:57 pm
The cheapest dry steam option working quietly would be to buy a sprayer and mix your chewing gum removal solution in this and prespray an area.

The cheapest commercial unit will be the Robby 6000 - around 800.00 and then you need a generator - preferably silent or quiet running - ebay second hand about 400.00 about 4 KVA or brand new round 450.00 to 550.00.

Stick em both together and away you go - for about 1200.00 plus the chemical and sprayer.

Rob ;D
Title: Re: Gum machines
Post by: steve doyle on December 30, 2007, 02:40:06 pm
Rob thanks,
thats cheaper than i thought!

Will that kit be just as quick/effective as a gum buster etc?


Could you cast your eye on this machine and give me an opinium please;

 www.nimbus-steamcleaners.co.uk/gum_removal.htm

It looks like a decent piece of kit for the money and only needs a 3.5kw gennie which was the prob with tech cleans (6kw).

worth the extra?

cheers

steve

Title: Re: Gum machines
Post by: BDCS on December 30, 2007, 05:05:10 pm
Hello, I got an osprey m/c secondhand for £1200 which I use very rarely but I have one should any work actually turn up. I run a cold set up also from tech clean but there are cheaper hot boxes out there http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=230151158964&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=013 and also some generic ones from a manufacturer. I have had very little luck in finding gum work in my area as it all seems tied up into lodge back hander allocation - if you ever get past the battle axe on the desk the suit says something to get rid of you and never gets back, they always their preferred contractor who gets everything regardless of cost ( French owned ).
GET SOME WORK BEFORE INVESTING
Title: Re: Gum machines
Post by: drive surgeon on December 31, 2007, 10:06:20 am
hi , what is the generator for if you have your tech clean 250 and a hotbox?     i have the powertech 250 so if i wanted to remove gum do i just need a hotbox? or do i need chemicals and different nozzles? ???  i have the turbo nozzle and whirlaway and normal adjustable spray jet lance.??  you see im not advertising gum removal but some jobs they have lots of it and it wont come off easy with cold set up. i could get it off and maybe advetise it too.

good luck steve and let me know how you go.
Title: Re: Gum machines
Post by: BDCS on December 31, 2007, 01:40:16 pm
you will only need a generator to run the hot box as the washer is petrol and you will need about a 4kva. I' d get the customer to let you plug in if they want the gum off they'll say ok.
Title: Re: Gum machines
Post by: mark.laycock1@ntlw on December 31, 2007, 09:27:01 pm
hi drive surgean, where do you advertise?
Title: Re: Gum machines
Post by: steve doyle on January 01, 2008, 07:19:19 pm
BDCS,

Am i right in thinking you prefer to use a hot box with a pressure washer than a "gum removal system (steam type)"?

If so could you give an idea of your set up and a quick pro's and cons please.

cheers

steve
Title: Re: Gum machines
Post by: BDCS on January 01, 2008, 08:59:34 pm
No , I prefer the steam m/c - I am a one man band so the steam m/c is easier, well contained and easy. Theres a picture of the gum m/c on my home page but I hav'nt done the page yet
Title: Re: Gum machines
Post by: steve doyle on January 01, 2008, 11:13:22 pm
ok,

Do you use anything else on the job? do you wash the whole area after etc? whos gum chems?


cheers

steve
Title: Re: Gum machines
Post by: BDCS on January 02, 2008, 07:16:21 pm
You can get the chemical from a lot of places - Matrix, Trafalgar or the firm mentioned in the earlier post, I'd be impressed if you could average 5 secs per piece !! If you got the work then you could justify the cost but the hot box may open more doors because you could remove the gum just with the grief of the water and mess but you could also go for graffitti removal, truck and plant cleaning etc
Title: Re: Gum machines
Post by: drive surgeon on January 03, 2008, 06:27:33 pm
sounds good guys!! :)