Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: kevinc on June 11, 2008, 10:47:16 pm
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:)hi i need some help,i realise that the days of trad cleaning are getting too risky(i'm not a spring chicken any more and those long reaches-sideways are getting dodgier by the day)would a backpack ease the issue?can't really afford at the moment to go full blown wfp besides the wife helps in cleaning but does not like heights(being 5' 4" i'm not suprised!)just thinking would a backpack help maybe in cleaning the bedroom windows and trading the bottom.what are the ups and downs of this?also where can i get the best ones from-how long do they last etc,does anyane have one for sale?-kevin
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For doing tops only it would be ideal a good intro into WFP,i sold 1 last week on Ebay.
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no reason why one shouldnt last for a long time if you look after it
£200 odd for back pack, £200 for Ro and DI £100 for pole £500 quick setup ;)
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windowcleaningwarehouse.co.uk they do back packs and they are cheap £80+vat
www.windowcleaningwarehouse.co.uk/shop/products/accessories-3.html (http://www.windowcleaningwarehouse.co.uk/shop/products/accessories-3.html)
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I bought one from America. A guy on ebay sells them
Arthur
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what are the ups and downs of this?also where can i get the best ones from-how long do they last etc,does anyane have one for sale?-kevin
Kevin,
I don't doubt that a van-mounted system kicks-the-bottom out of a backpack, but a backpack is a class bit of kit; but like anything new, it'll frustrate you to begin with; and as you get smarter with experience; you'll love it.
The downside is that it's heavy, the plus side is that it gives you total freedom; anywhere you can get your body to; you can take a backpack and parking rarely becomes an issue as it will with a van-mount system.
Have a search on this site; there's loads written about backpacks. My USA e-bay backpack is over two-years-old; gets a right hammering and is still going strong (my first lasted a year; I dropped it).
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hi, i've been using a back pack for 4 years and love it, only 1 down side is it is heavy at first. but have a sollution put back pack on floor for the first few window's, I started out like you thinking it would be a good first step but 41/2 years later still using it, unlike the vans which i have used, with a backpack there is no hose really to get tangled up, which i big advantage.
I do office blocks big ones, golfclubs, factories show rooms and domestic and with the backpack
samuel
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Yeah I use a backpack for everything. I don't wear it any more though, as it was putting my posture out loads.
All that weight makes you lean forward slightly to counter the weight pulling you back, and then trying to look up to clean the windows, it's a really bad combination.
HOWEVER!! I think its a great piece of kit (Shurflo) Battery lasts ages, choice of flow rate (BTW setting one is plenty!)
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Steve (Ideal) will prob be on here telling you that all that weight on your back is good for posture! ??? ??? :o :o
;D ;D ;)
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Sorry, one more thing, If you do get one, get a foldong sack truck (Don't pay more than £30 and get a folding one)
That way you can wheel barrels of water to and fro with ease. I stack two barrels on it and strap them on if I'm working far from van.
I do feel I'm slowed down by having to keep re-filling though, so will be getting a tank fitted soonish (hopefully)
Any Q's about Shurflo b/p just ask.
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Quote from: mattsimm on Today at 08:43:27pm
So I am as poor as a poor person can be!
Which boffin with nothing better to do made this load of B*****Ks up
It makes me sick! Angry
It's only for people with small dicks, big cars and a Bloody look at me attitude! Roll Eyes
And what has this to do with Window cleaning? Wink Wink Wink
Steve have you logged in under Matt's name again ya big eejit?
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:)hey thanks guys keep em coming,never accured to me you could put the backpack on the floor and keep working-that would be good-how long does the water last in one of these?the trolley is an intresting/damn good idea-need to look at them,still more advice/ideas needed-what else can you do with these?many many thanks so far kevin
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ok you've talked me into this,i'm gonna sel my bike to pay for one(anyone want a 1960 triumph tiger cub it'll be on ebay soon)which one is reliable/easy to use and how much do they cost?is one from america/ebay cheaper is there an issue with voltage?whats the going rate for a backpack-kevin
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:)hey thanks guys keep em coming,never accured to me you could put the backpack on the floor and keep working-that would be good-how long does the water last in one of these?the trolley is an intresting/damn good idea-need to look at them,still more advice/ideas needed-what else can you do with these?many many thanks so far kevin
The water will keep flowing, approximately until it runs out.
You thought I was serious, didn't you? ;D ;D
The Slowest setting, I think is about 1 litre per minute. The Shurflo holds about 18-20 L when filled to the brim.
I got mine for about £150 +vat from a UK supplier (Just haggled 8))
Don't forget that the Back pack doesn't filter the water, just pumps it, so you'll need ro and or resin, depending on your water.
a £15 Harris pole is a great way to start, wish I knew about it before forking our £350 on mine. :o :o
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I haven't used a Window cleaning warehouse back pack, so I don't know what they perform like.
I do know that they don't have any flow control, so they'll get through loadsa water, unless you physically restrict the flow with a tap and therefore put loadsa pressure on the pump.
They also look like they'd go well with a 1980's yellow shell suit. :o
Shurflo have been making pumps for years, so I guess they're tried and tested more.
J
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Hi Jewel, Doesn't filling it to the brim do any damage?
Arthur
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Like what?
I don't think so, just like filling a 25l barrel doesn't do it any damage.
The only damage that might be done is trying to wear the thing like this on your back!!!!!!
J
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Like what?
I don't think so, just like filling a 25l barrel doesn't do it any damage.
The only damage that might be done is trying to wear the thing like this on your back!!!!!!
J
;D ;D ;D Oh! do come on...
Fill it to the brim... wear it like a "Real" man like me! ;D ;D ;D
And YES Jay it's great for the posture ! :D :D
Yes, I've always noticed your good posture.
How is your chiropractor anyway? I'm sure I saw her buying another new sports car the other day. :o
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Like what?
I don't think so, just like filling a 25l barrel doesn't do it any damage.
The only damage that might be done is trying to wear the thing like this on your back!!!!!!
J
It was a question mate ;D
I just thought because it had markers on it that you could only fill it to the top one. I've only just got mine so still trying to find out as much info as possible
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If anyone has any other tips regarding backpacks i'd like to hear them?
Arthur
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Like what?
I don't think so, just like filling a 25l barrel doesn't do it any damage.
The only damage that might be done is trying to wear the thing like this on your back!!!!!!
J
It was a question mate ;D
I just thought because it had markers on it that you could only fill it to the top one. I've only just got mine so still trying to find out as much info as possible
Don't sweat it mate, you wanna get as much water in as poss. I've got friends who always fill it right up.
By the way, did yours come with a removable strainer that sits in the opening?
J
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Like what?
I don't think so, just like filling a 25l barrel doesn't do it any damage.
The only damage that might be done is trying to wear the thing like this on your back!!!!!!
J
It was a question mate ;D
I just thought because it had markers on it that you could only fill it to the top one. I've only just got mine so still trying to find out as much info as possible
Don't sweat it mate, you wanna get as much water in as poss. I've got friends who always fill it right up.
By the way, did yours come with a removable strainer that sits in the opening?
J
Hi Jewel, funny you should mention the strainer. I actually posted a question about where could i get one from, as it was mentioned in the manual. Would you know where i could buy one please?
Arthur
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I have one I dont use, might put it on e-bay. its on a folding sack trolley.
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Like what?
I don't think so, just like filling a 25l barrel doesn't do it any damage.
The only damage that might be done is trying to wear the thing like this on your back!!!!!!
J
It was a question mate ;D
I just thought because it had markers on it that you could only fill it to the top one. I've only just got mine so still trying to find out as much info as possible
Don't sweat it mate, you wanna get as much water in as poss. I've got friends who always fill it right up.
By the way, did yours come with a removable strainer that sits in the opening?
J
Hi Jewel, funny you should mention the strainer. I actually posted a question about where could i get one from, as it was mentioned in the manual. Would you know where i could buy one please?
Arthur
I'm not sure. I think the strainer mentioned in the manual is the one inside the tank. If you put your arm in you can pull it off to clean it, then push it back on.
I bought a returned item from cleaning spot, it turned out to be knackered, so I sent it back. It however came with a cylindrical strainer that fitted inside the top, to catch any solids before they went into the back/pack.
When I bought a new one, it didn't have one. But i noticed on the old one, it said 2004 on it, so maybe they stopped doing them as standard.
Also, the old one had a completely different battery, maybe that's why so many had problems with them initially.
The new one I have had for a few months now is great.
(If your really worried about having a strainer, you could use a plastic sieve when filling. This is what i did at first, but realised its pointless, as their is a small removable strainer built in! I just flush the b/p out every now and then to remove any small bits that have collected)
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Thanks J
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Art,
I'm sure Window Cleaning Warehouse sell the strainers:
www.windowcleaningwarehouse.co.uk/shop/
I tried to google the link to the item for you, but my computer; or the site is on go slow.
What types of properties are you going to be using your backpack for?
I use mine from (relatively) big stuff, to small stuff; been using it for over 3 years now; and think it's great. But there is a knack.
Also what's your pole hose like? Don't fanny about with triggers and stuff (they end up breaking fairly quickly); make sure you've got an external pole hose (outside the pipe) and just grab a handful of it and bend it to cut the water supply and stop the pump (it won't damage it; it's designed to be used like that). The pole hose needs to be pliable enough to let you bend it easy. I can't reccommend a pole hose, since I've been using a brand that Ionic don't make anymore.
This'll save you water inbetween windows, or when a customer comes out to chat with you.
Also don't bother putting your backpack on a trolley; it's more trouble than it's worth. Carry it, either on one shoulder, both shoulders, or like you would a holdall; depending on how much water is in it and how far you're going to go with it.
In some places I'll dump off 25 litre barrels of water at strategic points from my car (you'll only discover where these places are by experience), and at other places I'll pull a 25 litre barrel on a trolley and fill up when needed.
Also if you've got to go somewhere just to clean two-or-three windows, don't fill the whole ruddy thing up. Just put enough water in it to clean those windows. I calculate this as two-litres-per-window (normal casement type; not massive shop window), so if I've four windows to clean with it, I'll put in 8 litres; it's normally more than enough on a regular clean; though you'll use more on first cleans.
What else? The battery is great, but make sure you give it a really long charge when it's brand new; at least 24 hours. After that I always charge mine each evening, when I remember. Yesturday I put about 7 x 25 litre barrels through it, forgot to charge it so gave it a half-hour charge this morning and then put another 5 x 25 ltr barrels through it today; no problems.
I try not to leave the backpack in the car overnight in Winter; I find it messes up the button control due to damp.
Any questions, mate, just ask, I'll try my best to help even if you're a Jock!
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Hi Tosh,
I'll be using it for domestic work. We advertise our other cleaning services in areas with massive houses, so a mixture of both.
The pole i've got is a 21foot xtel. Hose through the middle at them moment, but i'll swap that round to the outside. Very simple but great way to cut the water supply.
I'll have to use a trolley mate as my backs shot, so no option there.
Thanks for all the rest of the tips Tosh.
Arthur
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I'm not having much luck with a strainer for the BP. Tried WCW, but they don't do them. I've also looked through other suppliers sites, but can't find one.
Anyone any ideas where i can get one?
Arthur
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hi arthur. whitch hose you using? may be able to rustle something up with a shurflo strainer for you
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hi arthur. whitch hose you using? may be able to rustle something up with a shurflo strainer for you
Hello mate, it's not the type of strainer your thinking of. It fits in when you unscrew the lid to add water. I think anyway.
The backpack came from the states and they don't come with the strainer for some reason, even though it's in the manual
Arthur
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so if im correct. you want a strainer on the lid where the water enters the backpack?
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so if im correct. you want a strainer on the lid where the water enters the backpack?
Yes mate
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why dont you put a strainer on the end of your hose that you fill your backpack with
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why dont you put a strainer on the end of your hose that you fill your backpack with
I fill it straight from barrels
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what about putting some wire mesh over the ond of you tap on your bowser that you fill your barrels with?
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Yes, i'll probably do something like that. I just thought it would be easier with the filter and they can't be more than a couple of quid.
Someones got to do them
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Would a pop sock do for a strainer?
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My advice regarding the backpack you be do not use the power supply that comes with the backpack. I did and it ate 3 batteries in 6 months. I then splashed out on a 4ah RAC charger from Argos and have now had the same battery for 5 months and it is alomst as good as the day I bought it.
I know some others have had more success with the chargers supplied, mine was an American one with an adapter if that makes any difference.
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Hi Dave, Yes mines came from America aswell and the first thing i did was bought a smart charger from maplins.
Did the one you bought come with the strainer?
Arthur
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Hi
No strainer, have never used one and have never had a problem.