Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: R W C on February 25, 2009, 12:19:04 pm
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And I have to say (sorry Alex) but im so glad i got the original pole as I dont think the new one is as good, the clamps dont seem as strong but i like the idea of the disc on the side to tighten up rather then alen key, it is shorter when closed but the carbon doesnt seem as tough as the original pole, also its got the logo on the base as a sticker rather then printed on, I know its longer but i not loads different as i wouldnt of thought youd reach a extra floor with it.
Have you changed suppliers.
Chris
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I really don`t like the look of that at all,the carbon looks very brittle and does`nt look as though it would last that long and them clamps look awful sorry just my opinion :-\
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Ive had mine for 1week & its a really good pole.
The clamps are the only bit i dont know if i get on with yet.
Its better than my facelift cf 24ft, its stiffer, longer, but slightly heavyer but it is 6ft longer.
Well done Alex its gonna be a big seller!
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RWC what did you do with yer other poles you got at first? sure you had hybrid poles did you not?
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RWC what did you do with yer other poles you got at first? sure you had hybrid poles did you not?
I did have hybrids but couldnt stand them, awful for windows above cons, heavy and bad flex, sold all of them and got a slx
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And I have to say (sorry Alex) but im so glad i got the original pole as I dont think the new one is as good, the clamps dont seem as strong but i like the idea of the disc on the side to tighten up rather then alen key, it is shorter when closed but the carbon doesnt seem as tough as the original pole, also its got the logo on the base as a sticker rather then printed on, I know its longer but i not loads different as i wouldnt of thought youd reach a extra floor with it.
Have you changed suppliers.
Chris
Hi Chris,
We have changed supplier, the pole is now fully made and assembled in the UK. The clamps are slightly different, but just as strong and as you say easier to adjust. The carbon does look completely different but is actually slightly stiffer than before due to a superior lay-up technique. The logo is smaller and is now on a sticker due to a lack of a large enough rotary screen-print machine in the UK. The advantage is that the logo can be renewed when required and in testing we have found lasts just as long as the screen-printed version (it is only 63p cheaper than the screen-printed version).
The length I personally have found invaluable as I can now reach all 4th storey windows that I previously had to reach with a Super-Lite. One advantage is that it is quick to remove any sections not required.
I'm glad that you like your original pole though and hope that it continues to serve you well.
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And I have to say (sorry Alex) but im so glad i got the original pole as I dont think the new one is as good, the clamps dont seem as strong but i like the idea of the disc on the side to tighten up rather then alen key, it is shorter when closed but the carbon doesnt seem as tough as the original pole, also its got the logo on the base as a sticker rather then printed on, I know its longer but i not loads different as i wouldnt of thought youd reach a extra floor with it.
Have you changed suppliers.
Chris
Hi Chris,
We have changed supplier, the pole is now fully made and assembled in the UK. The clamps are slightly different, but just as strong and as you say easier to adjust. The carbon does look completely different but is actually slightly stiffer than before due to a superior lay-up technique. The logo is smaller and is now on a sticker due to a lack of a large enough rotary screen-print machine in the UK. The advantage is that the logo can be renewed when required and in testing we have found lasts just as long as the screen-printed version (it is only 63p cheaper than the screen-printed version).
The length I personally have found invaluable as I can now reach all 4th storey windows that I previously had to reach with a Super-Lite. One advantage is that it is quick to remove any sections not required.
I'm glad that you like your original pole though and hope that it continues to serve you well.
If I hadnt got the original pole i would of liked the new one but this is due to comparing, Im looking forward to more poles from you on the market as I could do with better 17ft and 44ft.
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Alex:
Did my friends Dave and Martin from Reading ( Chinese hall ) get these new poles?
If so, I can have a look at them next time Im there!
The carbon looks very different, personally, I prefer the sticker as my logo has worn, and noticed the new sticker is higher than the area you usually hold which is good!
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STICKERS ???
You guys are nit picking over STICKERS? god, whatever next ::)
I'm more interested in the weave of the carbon myself, where has that criss cross pattern gone from the original? It looks very like the S2 in the way it seems to be spiralled. Clamps look better to me, very adjustable provided the gap doesn't meet in the middle with wear. Are the drilled holes and slots still there Alex and even more important - when will they be available again?
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So when can we have it? :)
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Alex:
Did my friends Dave and Martin from Reading ( Chinese hall ) get these new poles?
If so, I can have a look at them next time Im there!
The carbon looks very different, personally, I prefer the sticker as my logo has worn, and noticed the new sticker is higher than the area you usually hold which is good!
The girls in the Office would know for sure, but I've a feeling they have.
STICKERS ???
You guys are nit picking over STICKERS? god, whatever next ::)
I'm more interested in the weave of the carbon myself, where has that criss cross pattern gone from the original? It looks very like the S2 in the way it seems to be spiralled. Clamps look better to me, very adjustable provided the gap doesn't meet in the middle with wear. Are the drilled holes and slots still there Alex and even more important - when will they be available again?
There is a completely different designed cut-out which you probably can't see on the photographs. All of the pattern in inside the material now rather than on the outside. The weave means the pole is more rigid. They should be available again in 4-5 weeks (please remember my track record on timings!).
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i cant wait to get mine alex ;D
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So when can we have it on the website??????
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Well if anyone has ordered one and doesn't like the look of it, then I'll have it!!!! ;)
Having to wait for the next delivery at the Mo :'(
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That's good news - it can go in the next tax year.
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My thoughts as well FTP :)
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I have the 25 & 30 ft SL-X and much prefer the 30ft one.
The clamps are easier to open and close, (in fact, very easy to open one fingered). The clamps are very easily adjustable by hand with out the need for an allen key.
The only two faults I have at present are: the sections slide out too easily if you are trying to throw the pole straight out extending quickly. The old pole wouldn't allow the sections to come out easily as they were a very tight fit inside each other whereas this new (30ft), the sections don't stop until they've come out. The other fault (personal choice), is that there is only a small, narrow, red indicator band which isn't much good to me as I'm colour blind on red for starters and it's too narrow to see immediately whilst quickly extending pole. Should be yellow or at least a wider marker to give more visibility.
Prefer the fact that the pole is slightly shorter retracted but longer fully extended than the 25ft SL-X.
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I have the 25 & 30 ft SL-X and much prefer the 30ft one.
The clamps are easier to open and close, (in fact, very easy to open one fingered). The clamps are very easily adjustable by hand with out the need for an allen key.
The only two faults I have at present are: the sections slide out too easily if you are trying to throw the pole straight out extending quickly. The old pole wouldn't allow the sections to come out easily as they were a very tight fit inside each other whereas this new (30ft), the sections don't stop until they've come out. The other fault (personal choice), is that there is only a small, narrow, red indicator band which isn't much good to me as I'm colour blind on red for starters and it's too narrow to see immediately whilst quickly extending pole. Should be yellow or at least a wider marker to give more visibility.
Prefer the fact that the pole is slightly shorter retracted but longer fully extended than the 25ft SL-X.
Good point and one that we are working on right now. A yellow and a red band - how does that sound?
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One other thing, you won't catch me moaning that the SL-X sticker is too small, or the pole isn't shiny enough 'cause I'm not interested in cosmetic looks, (that's for daydreamers who have got too much time on their hands). I just care how the pole performs, end of.
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Red band for strong safe extension & yellow for maximum but less rigid extension sounds good.
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I also have the slx pole and so far all i can say about it i think its great
after every thing said on here about the clamps i thought this would be the one thing i would not like about the pole
but think the clamps are great and when you need to ajust no tools two seconds done
love it
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Alex I think i might have to have an sl2 56'. When i order whats all this lead time nonesence?
also when using just a bit for ground floor what do I do with all that hose?
That was to catch up on a rush of orders. I have removed the lead time from the website as they are usually on a 2-3 day turn around (dependant on what time and day ordered).
Hose - coil it and hold it in your hand or do what I do - leave it on the floor and drag it around behind you!
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you need to get a pole hose tidy! I saw one on Blue Peter - a concoction of chopped up fairy liquid bottles stuck together with the hose poked down in loops. ...... I think ;D ;D
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Alex can you whisper on here?
Is a certain Cornish pole supplier taking orders for their telescopic pole?
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Alex can you whisper on here?
Is a certain Cornish pole supplier taking orders for their telescopic pole?
I am whispering very quietly - "No, they are not".
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Is there any point haggling the price with kirsty or is it just best to ring up and order?
Will they leave it round the side of the house if i leave a note on the door?
Best to email me on alex@agardiner.co.uk to sort out these type of details as the forum isn't the place for it.
Thinking about it i could do it now just to please ftp. Is your website safe or is it best to email?
Just seen you're next post - the website is very safe and secure and will streamline your order.
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more importantly
when its sunny, does the sun reflect off the pole and give a pretty picture ? ? ?
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more importantly
when its sunny, does the sun reflect off the pole and give a pretty picture ? ? ?
In the right light conditions, the sun will reflect off of the SL-X surface and project a 3D smiley face which appears to hover about 10inches above the surface of the pole..........
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more importantly
when its sunny, does the sun reflect off the pole and give a pretty picture ? ? ?
I only read threads that i think interest me, surprised youve read this matt as its a thread about a proper pole ;D
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more importantly
when its sunny, does the sun reflect off the pole and give a pretty picture ? ? ?
I only read threads that i think interest me, surprised youve read this matt as its a thread about a proper pole ;D
that you may, but i read most threads, afterall i might find something of interest and even if i dont, i still might post
oh and i have used the SLX, for my use on my round, the zensorflex is as light as you can get and i would choose it EVERYDAY over the SLX, i am sure the SLX has its uses, but for everyday domestic 2 storey work, the ligthness of the zensorflex means its the only pole for me
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Alex:
Did my friends Dave and Martin from Reading ( Chinese hall ) get these new poles?
If so, I can have a look at them next time Im there!
The carbon looks very different, personally, I prefer the sticker as my logo has worn, and noticed the new sticker is higher than the area you usually hold which is good!
Send my regards to Matthew and Judith when you're there! :D
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All done alex, and have received a confirmation, i put if not in leave around the side of house, so if kirsty could email me the day before it's likely to come i will stick a signed note on the front door.
Matt i don't like parting with money either but i aim to make money out of alex's kit. I just grit my teeth and do it because if i get on the phone trying to knock the price i will never do it.
My wife thinks i'm an idiot always buying stuff, and the job this is for i haven't even got, so it may end as one more pole sat in the garage.
I would like an slx too, a shorter version, when it comes, and with the warning rings on.
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Matt i don't like parting with money either but i aim to make money out of alex's kit. I just grit my teeth and do it because if i get on the phone trying to knock the price i will never do it.
this is the thing, its not about the money, i had a few quid to spend on kit a while ago, i really wanted to spend it on something, i tried the SLX and it was weighty ( for everyday 1st floor work ), the zenflex really is light, it weighs nothing and it a delight to use
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I'll vouch for Matt, using the DIY (gangster, etc) poles are wickedly light if you can work with modular poles. Takes a different method of working and is not suited to the majority of wfp users who prefer telescopic poles. If anyone suffers serious health problems with back, hands, shoulders, these type of poles are ideal simply because of their lightness and cheapness.
I keep one in the van for when my arthritis flares up to use.
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Matt i don't like parting with money either but i aim to make money out of alex's kit. I just grit my teeth and do it because if i get on the phone trying to knock the price i will never do it.
this is the thing, its not about the money, i had a few quid to spend on kit a while ago, i really wanted to spend it on something, i tried the SLX and it was weighty ( for everyday 1st floor work ), the zenflex really is light, it weighs nothing and it a delight to use
Here is how I see it, I might be wrong, cuz I have never tried a modular on domestic before.
The amount of time I would save by using a telescopic will pay under two weeks for an SL-X. Using a modular on domestics would only add so much more time per job.
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I used fishing poles after using fibreglass telescopics for a month. They are mega light, you'll never get a telecopic down to the weight of a modular. For low level stuff you could be using just one section which weighs practically nothing. Price is another factor - fifteen to twenty pounds for a pole is sooo cheap.
Then i started breaking sections, treading on them, dropping them, walikng through gates with one at the wrong angle that kind of thing. Left sections behind several times too sticking out of customers hedges on the other side of town ::)
So, i went back to telecopic carbon (slx) expensive in comparison yes, but far far stiffer, adjustable on the move, indestructable and never leave a section behind.
I tried a Zensorflex again a few weeks ago and can't use it because i dislike the bend in it so much now. I also can't be bothered with leaving unwanted sections all over the lawn.
If you want the best most practical pole then go for a carbon telescopic but if you want the lightest cheapest alternative go for a fishing pole like the Zensorflex, Gangsta, Energie etc etc.
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Alex:
Did my friends Dave and Martin from Reading ( Chinese hall ) get these new poles?
If so, I can have a look at them next time Im there!
The carbon looks very different, personally, I prefer the sticker as my logo has worn, and noticed the new sticker is higher than the area you usually hold which is good!
Send my regards to Matthew and Judith when you're there! :D
I was with them recently for 2 weeks
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Alex:
Did my friends Dave and Martin from Reading ( Chinese hall ) get these new poles?
If so, I can have a look at them next time Im there!
The carbon looks very different, personally, I prefer the sticker as my logo has worn, and noticed the new sticker is higher than the area you usually hold which is good!
Send my regards to Matthew and Judith when you're there! :D
I was with them recently for 2 weeks
wow, small world. I'm from Guildford.
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arrr that's how you know them,
probably saw you 4 weeks ago in near Godstone
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Ive had mine for 1week & its a really good pole.
The clamps are the only bit i dont know if i get on with yet.
Its better than my facelift cf 24ft, its stiffer, longer, but slightly heavyer but it is 6ft longer.
Well done Alex its gonna be a big seller!
I would extend your 24ft facelift & measure it. I think you'll find it's nearer 21ft in actual length, 24ft is the stated "reach" for facelift where as the slx is an "actual" length. ;)
Tony
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7 months in and still loving my slx. a bit of wear but nothing major.
it could be a bit lighter, but where you'd gain in lightness you'd lose on rigidity and toughness I guess.
I tried a fishing pole for a week 2 years back. I found having sections a nightmare, and fixed lengths difficult as well (ie. 5ft or 10ft or 15 ft etc). was mega light but soooo tie consuming!
sl-x rocks :D
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arrr that's how you know them,
probably saw you 4 weeks ago in near Godstone
Never have been to Godstone, might have been another Tim from here.
(Sorry for off-topic)
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arrr that's how you know them,
probably saw you 4 weeks ago in near Godstone
Never have been to Godstone, might have been another Tim from here.
(Sorry for off-topic)
Thats why i said near Godstone, and i didn't see i did see you, but merely that i might have seen you, not knowing it was you. SAH
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Matt i don't like parting with money either but i aim to make money out of alex's kit. I just grit my teeth and do it because if i get on the phone trying to knock the price i will never do it.
this is the thing, its not about the money, i had a few quid to spend on kit a while ago, i really wanted to spend it on something, i tried the SLX and it was weighty ( for everyday 1st floor work ), the zenflex really is light, it weighs nothing and it a delight to use
Here is how I see it, I might be wrong, cuz I have never tried a modular on domestic before.
The amount of time I would save by using a telescopic will pay under two weeks for an SL-X. Using a modular on domestics would only add so much more time per job.
but we have heard people say they are making more money whilst using the LIGHTWEIGHT pole, they are not so tired and can keep on working all day long without any slow down
as i said, its not about the money, its the lightness of the pole
my pole is in THREE sections, the base section, middle section and shorter brush section which is ideal for downstairs use, how hard can it be to put 3 sections togther, it takes seconds, infact i would go as far as say its faster then a telescopic at 1st floor levels
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got to go with matt on this
mods cannot be beat ;D ;D
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Agree with the lightness thing but that won't get you to 60' will it?
I still think you've got money issues. It's a business and costs should not be taken personally.
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Clive McD, what's the highest you've worked at before? 60' is quite scarey in a breeze especially for someone as frail as yourself. ;)
My S2 can be quite a handful at forty feet if the wind picks up a little.
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Agree with the lightness thing but that won't get you to 60' will it?
I still think you've got money issues. It's a business and costs should not be taken personally.
yes if i needed to do work at 60 ft i would invest in a pole for the job
BUT i dont ( and i am recommending the lightness of the pole for domestic 1st floor stuff, as it happens 2nd floor is just as good ), even if you did work at 60 ft, for domestic houses i still say you cannot beat the lightness of a fishing pole ;)
i have some work just under 40 ft, i combine all my fishing pole sections to reach that height, it works ok, i wouldnt like to do it day in day out though, as they will wear quickly, but for the 45 mins it takes me to do the glass that high, it works
i can see why you think its a money thing, afterall i dont hide the fact that i would prefere to spend the 400 quid on a weekend away rather than a pole, BUT a while back you will remmber i was asking how to spend a bit of money on my biz, i had the money, i wanted to spend a little of it, its currently tucked up in a bank account ( as it happens ) but i couldnt find anything that i could spend it on that would be a benefit to me ( though i took advice for a tank for the van ) next is a hose for the van :)
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Spend it on the kids Matt. ;)
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I just cant get my head round carrying 3 sections around a house dropping one off and picking it up again. Hose dangling all around. Sections on wet grass or worse.
WHY WHY WHY Tell me MAtt :)
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Most of the time 3 sections is perfect for smallish domestic,unless there`s dormers etc 3 is all you need.
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I must admit with modulars you can scrub a lot quicker and work faster on the whole the only downside is that on certain jobs you do need to add then subtract sections but not on every job.To remain injury free i would use a modular,when i had a spell on Golfers elbow i used modular only for 6 months and it got rid of it.
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add then subtract sections .....Thats hassle to me :(
Telescopic must be quicker.
Bob
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It is quicker telescopic that is on small domestics but not big jobs,you can chuck the modular around a lot easier as it is much much lighter than any telescopic pole.
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Telescopic is quicker to extend but not by much. The thing with a modular is at times you can clean one handed they are so light. Provided your brush matches the pole.
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I think I need to see it to believe. Always prepared to give anything a go.
But...surely lifting a lever with the thumb and raising the telescopic pole must be quicker......i really am struggling to get this :P
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At cleaning a property of any kind with with lots of windows of equal height a modular would be easier and quicker to use everytime,if your having to up and down with dormers and first floor tele is better but if your doing a job where there are massive amounts of glass a modular wins because there so light and easy to use,you literally don`t feel like you`ve done tops.
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Well done nwh. I can see what you mean.
Great if you have 10 houses in a row :)
I may have another look a tosh's thread from a while back and have a play over a weekend.
Bob
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At cleaning a property of any kind with with lots of windows of equal height a modular would be easier and quicker to use everytime,if your having to up and down with dormers and first floor tele is better but if your doing a job where there are massive amounts of glass a modular wins because there so light and easy to use,you literally don`t feel like you`ve done tops.
Sounds good, I guess all properties are different. On my Domestics it would lose me a lot of time.
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What you say makes sense, but you should just spend the money objectively. Emotions don't come into it. The tank, the reel, all should be done faster.Spend faster, earn quicker.
Ftp Frail ? I have never worked at that height. I have a 34'hybid and it's a pig. everything i've done has been geared to making my life easy but i continually have to work harder and I don't see why the rest of you should have it easy.
The job it's for i probably won't get anyway (or knowing my luck i will be lumbered with it and i have to work for ocs)
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Well done nwh. I can see what you mean.
Great if you have 10 houses in a row :)
I may have another look a tosh's thread from a while back and have a play over a weekend.
Bob
this is how i work
arrive at house
pull out cart ( or hose ) then i fit together the 3 sections of pole, clean the front upstairs, lean pole on fence remove brush section of pole, clean downstairs , go around back, fit brush section to pole, clean upstairs, lower pole to fence, take brush section off and clean downstairs
as you can see, i pull the end section off the pole , it takes seconds
the thing you will be amazed by is the weight of it
it will cost you 20 - 25 quid, give it a whirl, nothing to lose
i get a fair few messages over on the DIY forum about it, a recent message said his daily take has increased by 30 %, the reason, he can work the same speed all day, doesnt get to 3 and slow down with fatigue
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What you say makes sense, but you should just spend the money objectively. Emotions don't come into it. The tank, the reel, all should be done faster.Spend faster, earn quicker.
Ftp Frail ? I have never worked at that height. I have a 34'hybid and it's a pig. everything i've done has been geared to making my life easy but i continually have to work harder and I don't see why the rest of you should have it easy.
The job it's for i probably won't get anyway (or knowing my luck i will be lumbered with it and i have to work for ocs)
the job i have at 40 ft ( at the highest peak its 45 ft, as im 6 ft and i have the stretch and the pole is above my head , i really should just add another section on the pole ::) but i never do ), i can honestly say, its not much more effort that a 2nd storey window with the fishing poles
i could never go back to using a heavy pole, its a chore, with the lightweight stuff, its just easier plain and simple
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Matt
So once you put the 3 sections together....you work with only 2 ie leave top 2 sections together and only removing the bottom one??? (does that make sense)
Am i getting there?
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Matt
So once you put the 3 sections together....you work with only 2 ie leave top 2 sections together and only removing the bottom one??? (does that make sense)
Am i getting there?
yes, but keep in mind it really does take seconds to pull out the section
i just find it easy to keep the base and middle section together and just remove the brush section