Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: dean b on February 29, 2008, 11:58:14 pm
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Hi guys, i remember reading about a window cleaner using a water fed backpack sometime ago. Can anybody tell me where i can get one from and if they are any good ? Many thanks, Dean. 8)
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http://www.cleantech.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22_42&products_id=78
Backpacks are a good introduction to wfp you will soon outgrow it and upgrade to a van system but its not money wasted as you will still find that the odd awkward job is done faster with a backpack if you dont like the idea of carrying all that weight on your back then get a sack barrow from B&Q and bungee it to the barrow
Dean
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Thank you 4 replying. I guess there is only so much water u could carry with the backpack, what would you do about refilling it ? And yes, i am just starting out. :)
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I fill mine up from my tank in the van or you could fill up using 25ltr barrels
Dean
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Backpacks are great. Dont let anyone (Groundhog!!!) put you off! ;)
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Hi Dean,
I use a Backpack ALL the time. In fact I now employ a chap and have 2 Backpacks ;)
Now there are some on here (Groundhog ::) ::)) who will tell you a backpack is useless. NOT SO!
Depends on what type of work you do.
Domestic and small commercial (like my round) a BP if just the job ;) ;)
Large Commercial Contracting. A bit like mowing a football pitch with a push mower ??? :o
ADVANTAGES
Grab n GO ANYWHERE ;) ;)
No 100mtrs of hose to reel up and drag around ;) ;)
DISADVANTAGES
Getting it on
Filling up more often
Now these disadvantages can be overcome.
If you put half a dozen 25ltr barrels, a backpack and a pole in your car theoretically you could be of WFP. But imagine; humping a full 25ltr barrel to fill up the BP THEN humping a full BP up and onto your back. Been there, done that, NO NO NO.
So I designed a Trailer system where the BP is mounted on the back at back height and a fast transfer pump in the tank to fill with.
There are a few other questions I'll cover later
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Wow cant believe how helpful everybody has been, thank you ! What do your customers think of you using it ?
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what spares do u carry with shurflo backpack .thanks .
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Backpacks are great. Dont let anyone (Groundhog!!!) put you off! ;)
Don't listen to the misers, backpacks are second best and always will be. Get yourself a van mount and do the job properly!! Pulling a microbore hose behind you is far easier than lumping a 25kg back pack about with you all day! ;)
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wondered how long it would take you to stick your head out the parapet!
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I am on bit of a budget so the van system is out of the question at the mo. Would be interested to hear what other members think of the backpacks ?
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Dean, I use backpacks. They suit me and what I do, which is nearly all domestic. Sure if you were cleaning some big office block it would be a hassle to fill up, and a "proper" system would be better. I use a pick up because I also do other work that requires that type of vehicle. I carry 25 litre cans. Filling is no problem. The tailgate of the pickup is the perfect height for putting the pack on your back. I have another on a trolley which I use if I have a long run of windows, such as a big house or a conservatory. It has 15m of hose. Another advantage of having 2 backpacks is that if one battery runs out (due to my negligence about charging!!) you have another. All my gear has cost me about a grand. No need to buy a specific vehicle for the purpose. I can take wife and 3 children in comfort if I want to. If you find yourself with lots of big contracts and the future is rosy, then consider a van system. But do not discount the backpack.
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I am on bit of a budget so the van system is out of the question at the mo. Would be interested to hear what other members think of the backpacks ?
I kitted my van out for about £500 including my RO, so it needn't be expensive! You will look more proffessional, earn more money, and you won't look like something out of Ghost Busters!! ;D
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any other spares apart from battery
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Cheers Feen, where did you get all your equipment if you don't mind me asking ?
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hi guys ,on backpack is the battery moulded on to the cover .or can it b separated ..if not do u buy spare battery with cover moulded on . or do u improvise some how. thanks . i havent tried to pull them apert yet just in case i knakker it up .
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It's just glued on if you have the shurflo, mine came off quite easily when I had to change the battery. Your best bet would be to sell it and get yourself a proper system!!!! ;D
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Groundhog-You really ought to get a life! Its a bit like a broken record! ;D
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thanks groundhog .i ll see how ill get on with backpack first .
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tavky. You wont knacker the battery. I bought some velcro patches and put on my battery and the spare and the same on the moulded cover. Just to keep it in place.
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thanks tony g . great tip .
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thanks tony g . great tip .
Some people are easily pleased!!! ;D