Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: rosa on February 28, 2008, 07:21:14 am

Title: pro curve opinions?
Post by: rosa on February 28, 2008, 07:21:14 am
does any one use this pole system, any thoughts good or bad?
Title: Re: pro curve opinions?
Post by: adixon on February 28, 2008, 09:02:15 am
not a bad piece of kit but takes some time to master
Title: Re: pro curve opinions?
Post by: Ian_Giles on February 28, 2008, 01:58:57 pm
I use the pro curve regularly, bit of a learning curve to using it, but it is quite good when you get the hang of it.

However, it does have it's drawbacks!

The method of clipping on the squeegee or applicator is weak, and wears out quickly with regular use, ie, the squeegee and applicator will fall off very easily.

The clamp when extending the pole doesn't grip tightly enough for my liking and when you try to twist it tight enough to grip the extending section, it jumps the thread...it is all very plastic.

But, as I said in the beginning of my reply, I use mine all the time, very versatile...

Ian
Title: Re: pro curve opinions?
Post by: rosa on February 28, 2008, 06:19:46 pm
bit the bullet and went and bought one :o
seems to be used a lot in the USA, saw a demo of some blokes using it, but they make it look way too easy ;)
Title: Re: pro curve opinions?
Post by: dave0123 on February 28, 2008, 06:33:25 pm
Where did you manage to buy  one of them from round here  ;D
Title: Re: pro curve opinions?
Post by: rosa on February 28, 2008, 07:02:24 pm
on tinternet ;) great thing the web ;D
http://www.windowcleancentre.co.uk/sectionlist.aspx?sectionID=10
Title: Re: pro curve opinions?
Post by: Captain Scarlet on February 28, 2008, 07:13:37 pm
Have you thought about a Wagtail squeegee, Luke
Title: Re: pro curve opinions?
Post by: rosa on February 28, 2008, 07:16:18 pm
No but looking into it, there another forum where this guy raves about it. I like the way you dont have to change the heads (or what you guys call em ???)
you used one Luke?
Title: Re: pro curve opinions?
Post by: Captain Scarlet on February 28, 2008, 07:17:57 pm
No I havent used one but Im wfp now, barely touch a squeegee. I discovered them after turning pole and if I was trad, would get one! As I said before rosa, there is a woman that trad poles near me, Luke
Title: Re: pro curve opinions?
Post by: rosa on February 28, 2008, 07:43:31 pm
its good to know that someone does manily pole work, it gives me some hope ;D
Title: Re: pro curve opinions?
Post by: Captain Scarlet on February 28, 2008, 08:17:16 pm
I discovered the ultimate trad pole today! Strip an xtel 17ft fibreglass to its just the pole( available from lots of people and cheapest from Window Cleaning Warehouse ) and use that for trad, did it today on some windows, it so light anc compact with no hose or brush, its fantastic, Luke
Title: Re: pro curve opinions?
Post by: karlosdaze on February 28, 2008, 08:42:51 pm
I use the pro curve regularly, bit of a learning curve to using it, but it is quite good when you get the hang of it.

However, it does have it's drawbacks!

The method of clipping on the squeegee or applicator is weak, and wears out quickly with regular use, ie, the squeegee and applicator will fall off very easily.

The clamp when extending the pole doesn't grip tightly enough for my liking and when you try to twist it tight enough to grip the extending section, it jumps the thread...it is all very plastic.

But, as I said in the beginning of my reply, I use mine all the time, very versatile...

Ian
Same as Ian,
I find the sections don't grip when tightening the collars - no matter how hard you tighten them. Its a useful tool, I use it on the odd occasion, but especially for inside work where wfp is not an option. Great for inside atriums.
ProCurve have brought out a new pole now, so it will be interesting to see if it still has the same problems.
Title: Re: pro curve opinions?
Post by: Kev R on February 28, 2008, 08:47:52 pm
I was a massive fan of the procurve and used it constantly until I discovered the wagtail. The wagtail works better and is easier to master than the procurve except for on two particular jobs. 1. the inside of conservatory roofs and 2. over curved glass panels. The wagtail can be used on any pole but I would recommend having the extension piece.

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff85/Kevinred101/wagtailslim.jpg)

Obviously the procurve and the wagtail fails over deep ledges or beams. I then use a 22" Ledger.

Recently I have been using a microfiber mop pad to correct runs and misses. Suggested by luke I do believe.  ;)

Title: Re: pro curve opinions?
Post by: Captain Scarlet on February 28, 2008, 08:54:21 pm
Yes that was me!! I use an uger angle adapter on my trad pole:

(http://www.windows101.com/shop/images/c917angadap.jpg)

works great, Luke

Title: Re: pro curve opinions?
Post by: Tosh on February 28, 2008, 08:58:25 pm
does any one use this pole system, any thoughts good or bad?

Rosa,

I don't think this system will do what I suspect you want it to.

I suspect you want it to clean the average 1st floor house window; but it wont do it to the required standard; I'm fairly sure.

Why not ask here what you want from it and if it's possible.
Title: Re: pro curve opinions?
Post by: Kev R on February 28, 2008, 09:00:08 pm
I use an angle on some jobs to Luke but the set angle on the wagtail extension is set perfectly to to get the best from the wagtail squeegee. Less hassle setting up too.
Title: Re: pro curve opinions?
Post by: Captain Scarlet on February 28, 2008, 09:05:43 pm
I pressumed that was the case Kev, I find that I like to use squeegees on a pole away from horizontal ( ie backwards - tipping away from the window ) Luke
Title: Re: pro curve opinions?
Post by: Kev R on February 28, 2008, 09:08:29 pm
me to Luke  ;)
Title: Re: pro curve opinions?
Post by: rosa on February 29, 2008, 07:04:46 am
does any one use this pole system, any thoughts good or bad?

I suspect you want it to clean the average 1st floor house window; but it wont do it to the required standard; I'm fairly sure.


yes thats right, what I want to be able to do is clean domestic windows without wfp or using ladders  ;D

I can see that the poles have their limits and I will need a range of tools and be bloody good at using them all, but surley it`s not impossible?



Luke, does the lady who uses poles come on here at all? I `d love to speak to her.

Kev R, you say that you use them constantly, do you mean all the time or mixed with trad on ladders?

I know the windows are diferent in the USA but they seem to use them alot.

Hopefully my Pro curve will arrive today so I will begin practicing after work, im going to have to a master at it though :o

Not feeling very confident at the moment  :(
maybe window cleaning is not for me and Im being a bit soft :-[
Title: Re: pro curve opinions?
Post by: combat cleaning on February 29, 2008, 07:19:51 am
Rosa,
You can use an Ettore Reach Pole with a Backflip, Which is an applicator and squeegee in one.
Takes a little learning but cut the top edge with the sqeegee and tap the squeegee on the wet glass in between pulls, wipe the blade before the last pull down.
Its quick and safe and works, I used this in my last job for four years without any complaints.
Title: Re: pro curve opinions?
Post by: rosa on February 29, 2008, 12:04:50 pm
OOOOOO! just got  my new toy and its bigger then I expected :o :o
Title: Re: pro curve opinions?
Post by: rosa on February 29, 2008, 06:49:40 pm
jebus, that things heavy!! had a good go today but it weighs a ton :o
gonna take some getting used to, with arm and shoulder strain, oh and neck ache with all the looking up ::)
good for bingo wings though ;D