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UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Rogue Trader on November 05, 2009, 08:33:56 pm

Title: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Rogue Trader on November 05, 2009, 08:33:56 pm
So then who has bought and used one of these?

I recall a CIU newbie commenting on these in a positive manner .... i really would like to buy one but need a bit of re-assurance first (havent got time to drive to Essex and try it)

Matt
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: jaycee35 on November 05, 2009, 11:00:38 pm
Yes, i have a Polarbrite Gutter Vac, and you HONESTLY will have noproblems with it, an no i am not Craig's Salesman!  ;)

The price is really great value, but if you wanna spend all that money on a branded guttervac ???????????
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Sean Dyer on November 05, 2009, 11:17:54 pm
i have been doing loads of gutter cleans recently and cant see how you can clean it out proper with a vac???

i have been pulling out tennis balls, huge lumps of slate, and tile and thick with moss, mud etc

I am doubting it ? I think i need proof? plus im pretty rapid up and down the big ladder did two big terraced houses today and cleaned windows that not been done in a long time in less than 2 hours...
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Rogue Trader on November 07, 2009, 06:16:29 pm
anyone else actually bought one??
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Window Washers on November 07, 2009, 06:18:23 pm
would like to know the price for a 110 volt vac, I need this to keep the right side of the law on commercial and over foot paths on domestic ect..

am looking for another vac maybe give this a try..
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Craig Trevain on November 07, 2009, 06:29:05 pm
We do a 110v aswell for the same price.
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: mark.laycock1@ntlw on November 07, 2009, 06:46:46 pm
hi have you any photos of this machine.
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Craig Trevain on November 07, 2009, 06:57:27 pm
http://www.polarbrite.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=28&zenid=4f3c3033524a3d7ec7fedcf8142f93a5
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Gleaming windows on November 07, 2009, 07:10:09 pm
So, Craig can I take you 'are' Polarbrite ?

Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Craig Trevain on November 07, 2009, 07:23:52 pm
I am yes, HI
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Gleaming windows on November 07, 2009, 07:27:39 pm
Hi, I think you have a customer.

Ive been looking through your site a bit, is the 2400V the only model gutter-vac you do?

Also can you briefly clarify the means by which they are powered. Do most people power them via a genny or a transformer plugged into the custys leccy supply?
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Craig Trevain on November 07, 2009, 07:37:31 pm
The 2400 W is the only model we use for the Polarvak,it has a twin vac and has plenty of power, it comes in both 230v and 110v, we have some that have purchased one along with a genny, although most have purchased a 230v and plug straight into their customers electric, then others who work on site or within a commercial envirement use a 110v with a transformer.
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Gleaming windows on November 07, 2009, 07:38:39 pm
No difference in price between the 240 and 110?
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Craig Trevain on November 07, 2009, 07:43:17 pm
No both come to us at the same price, so we sell out at the same price.

We have purchased some 2000w Star Vacuums so we may bring out a budget Polarvak aswell, although the beauty with the Numatic model we use is that they know exactly what they are being used for so therefore the two year warranty is safe.
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Window Washers on November 07, 2009, 07:47:22 pm
The 2400 W is the only model we use for the Polarvak,it has a twin vac and has plenty of power, it comes in both 230v and 110v, we have some that have purchased one along with a genny, although most have purchased a 230v and plug straight into their customers electric, then others who work on site or within a commercial envirement use a 110v with a transformer.
people that plug straight into their customers should  be using 110 volt, why ? this is classed as commercial use  ::) commercial in another term is business use, the said window cleaner cleaning out the gutters is using it as a business tool. It is then  used for a commercial job.

Why do supplier dress this up ?
Please be honest, you just supply to your demand ???

and people wonder why us window cleaners get a bad name when suppliers sell the wrong tools for the jobs to people that do not know the corerect means of doing things....................  ::)

this was not directly aimed at you by the way, but many so called suppliers are mis informing people just to make a profit, this winds me up, I am all for making money but in an honest way.

Ian


p.s please correct any points that I am wrong on and I will say sorry to each, please povide the reasons as this interestes me a great deal.
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Gleaming windows on November 07, 2009, 07:51:00 pm
Ian if you have a 110V machine and plug it straight into your custards leccy supply it wont work.

If I buy one of these the thing to do is buy the 110V model with transformer and use custards leccy.

Dont use 240V outside, your asking for trouble.
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: South Coast Cleaning Services on November 07, 2009, 07:52:28 pm
What height do you recommend being the max to use this on, is the hose heavy as those hybrids arent light on there own let alone with a thick tubing added to it, you might have another custy here as ive been on the look out for another comoany selling this sort of thing, im in the market for the vak and generator as couldnt think of anything worse then having to find a plug socket at a block of 60 flats as im sure they wouldnt be too happy  ;)
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Window Washers on November 07, 2009, 07:53:05 pm
Ian if you have a 110V machine and plug it straight into your custards leccy supply it wont work.

If I buy one of these the thing to do is buy the 110V model with transformer and use custards leccy.

Dont use 240V outside, your asking for trouble.
Matt, I am not stupit, I know about volts and custards  ::)
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Craig Trevain on November 07, 2009, 07:53:20 pm
we cannot force customers to buy a 110v or a genny, we inform them of all the facts.

Carpet cleaners use a 230-240v machine and plug straight into their customers electricity, however when they work on site or at some commercial props they have to plug into a transformer.
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Window Washers on November 07, 2009, 07:53:54 pm
What height do you recommend being the max to use this on, is the hose heavy as those hybrids arent light on there own let alone with a thick tubing added to it, you might have another custy here as ive been on the look out for another comoany selling this sort of thing, im in the market for the vak and generator as couldnt think of anything worse then having to find a plug socket at a block of 60 flats as im sure they wouldnt be too happy  ;)
not to sure that would be legal use anyways
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Gleaming windows on November 07, 2009, 07:55:50 pm
Ian if you have a 110V machine and plug it straight into your custards leccy supply it wont work.

If I buy one of these the thing to do is buy the 110V model with transformer and use custards leccy.

Dont use 240V outside, your asking for trouble.
Matt, I am not stupit, I know about volts and custards  ::)

Sorry mate, thought you was confused, I am  ;D
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Craig Trevain on November 07, 2009, 07:59:00 pm
The hose is a light weight hose, however the higher you go its obviously heavier and is advisable to have 2 operatives,

Within our services part of the company we to maintain apartment blocks and we never plug into the mains, we always use a genny.
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: ftp on November 07, 2009, 07:59:27 pm
Interesting...........

Craig, what are your views (or Numatics) regarding using the vac with a generator in wet conditions 240v?

I'm asking 'cos I use mine (same as Omnivacs but diy) in wet weather. Some people don't worry whilst others say no way! Omni wouldn't comment on here when I asked.
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Craig Trevain on November 07, 2009, 08:02:29 pm
We would strongly advise against using any electric appliances in wet conditions. safest way is a 110v with a genny.
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: A+CleaningService on November 07, 2009, 08:06:26 pm
 I keep seeing the words " two people "regarding gutter vacs.  If they need two people, I may just has well have someone footing the ladder instead.
The whole point of a gutter vac for me, is to save on labour, by doing it myself.
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Craig Trevain on November 07, 2009, 08:10:17 pm
If you use a 6kva generator you need two people to lift that out of the van, its heavy.

lots of our customers use it on houses with one operative, however we need to advise the safest way!
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: ftp on November 07, 2009, 08:12:50 pm
Keep my gennie in a trailer - nearly gave myself a hernia getting it in there initially.  :o
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Craig Trevain on November 07, 2009, 08:13:00 pm
I think i spoke to you didnt i Steven? few weeks back.
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: South Coast Cleaning Services on November 07, 2009, 08:14:38 pm
I keep seeing the words " two people "regarding gutter vacs.  If they need two people, I may just has well have someone footing the ladder instead.
The whole point of a gutter vac for me, is to save on labour, by doing it myself.

Yer sod the safety part ah  ::)
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: A+CleaningService on November 07, 2009, 08:19:00 pm
Yes, thats right. I will be ordering one early December. With some other bits.  
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Window Washers on November 07, 2009, 08:21:16 pm
If you use a 6kva generator you need two people to lift that out of the van, its heavy.

lots of our customers use it on houses with one operative, however we need to advise the safest way!
I have a 6kva and wheel it out of the van it is fitted too, there are ways to do this with one person safe without lifting and straining, cost me about £150 ish.

I am glad a supplier is being honest in rergards to the volts on a vac, using 240 volts in the rain is plain stupid, unless they want to replace jamie affro on xfactor
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: A+CleaningService on November 07, 2009, 08:22:58 pm
 Are use the customers electricity instead. .
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: ftp on November 07, 2009, 08:25:11 pm
If you use a 6kva generator you need two people to lift that out of the van, its heavy.

lots of our customers use it on houses with one operative, however we need to advise the safest way!
I have a 6kva and wheel it out of the van it is fitted too, there are ways to do this with one person safe without lifting and straining, cost me about £150 ish.

I am glad a supplier is being honest in rergards to the volts on a vac, using 240 volts in the rain is plain stupid, unless they want to replace jamie affro on xfactor

Kev Red never thought so, regularly used his in the pouring rain with employees too.

http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=64741.0
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: A+CleaningService on November 07, 2009, 09:28:29 pm

Water and electric do not mix.  Which anyone knows.
 But if the electrical device is waterproofed, with some kind of breaker, then its a different story. It is the current, not the voltage that is dangerous.
Don't know why you went off on one ftp..
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Window Washers on November 07, 2009, 11:18:24 pm
If you use a 6kva generator you need two people to lift that out of the van, its heavy.

lots of our customers use it on houses with one operative, however we need to advise the safest way!
I have a 6kva and wheel it out of the van it is fitted too, there are ways to do this with one person safe without lifting and straining, cost me about £150 ish.

I am glad a supplier is being honest in rergards to the volts on a vac, using 240 volts in the rain is plain stupid, unless they want to replace jamie affro on xfactor

Kev Red never thought so, regularly used his in the pouring rain with employees too.

http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=64741.0
I would lay money Kev red would say he was silly for doing this, lucky it did not cause a problem.

then main point is, do not mix water with electric, if you dont care about yourself, think of others or it could and will land you in prison should a very bad thing happen, loads will say will not happen to me, the one it happens to will say I should have listened to that, dont be that idiot!! idiots will not listen and think they know better.........
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: ftp on November 07, 2009, 11:22:09 pm

Water and electric do not mix.  Which anyone knows.
 But if the electrical device is waterproofed, with some kind of breaker, then its a different story. It is the current, not the voltage that is dangerous.
Don't know why you went off on one ftp..

 ??? I didn't
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Window Washers on November 07, 2009, 11:55:13 pm

Water and electric do not mix.  Which anyone knows.
 But if the electrical device is waterproofed, with some kind of breaker, then its a different story. It is the current, not the voltage that is dangerous.
Don't know why you went off on one ftp..

 ??? I didn't
I was the one that said it, and would love kev R to comment, I know he would 100% agre with me on the safe aspect of the vac 110 volt, 240 is house use, you are not house use, there for suppliers should only sell youi the 110 v vac, they dont as they want your money, that is fact, (correct me if I am wrong)

none seem to be doing this at the moment, i guess i am banned from ordering  :) if so it will work against you  ;)
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Craig Trevain on November 08, 2009, 12:00:31 am
not banned here, im happy to sell you a 110v !!
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Craig Trevain on November 08, 2009, 12:11:19 am
No i will only offer  YOU a 110v. We stock both as they are also used for floods, gully's, drains, high ledges etc internal and external, so we have to offer choice.

Buffing machines, standard vacs, carpet cleaning machines, steam cleaners are all 230-240v and used by cleaning companies.
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Craig Trevain on November 08, 2009, 12:16:45 am
I agree 110v is safer, however know that within the cleaning industry both HAVE TO be available.

Thats why Numatic, Karcher etc manufacture both. And why we to offer both.
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Window Washers on November 08, 2009, 12:27:55 am
I agree 110v is safer, however know that within the cleaning industry both HAVE TO be available.

Thats why Numatic, Karcher etc manufacture both. And why we to offer both.
the latter are aimed at domestic!! you are aimed at commercial Criag I am not picking on you, it is aimed at every so called supplier that thinks they know the market................


You are the only honest oersion that has steped up to it, I wish you the best, and you get the respect for being honest, maybe this is why you are doing well , I do not know, but respect to you fella




Ian    Wicks

Window washers
samples welcome if working
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: mark.laycock1@ntlw on November 08, 2009, 07:00:42 am
how much would it be just for all the bits? i have a vac thanks mark
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: ftp on November 08, 2009, 08:02:30 am
I think suppliers are simply giving you the customer choice that's all. Some people don't want to use 110v because of the extra costs of needing a generator or having to use the custys elecric with a transformer. I can't see a three motored 3600w vac being aimed at the domestic market. (wouldn't fit under my stairs  ;D)
I went 230v originally because I didn't want a generator to lug about and at the time I intended to use the customers leccy.
I've since wished I had gone 110v because I now use a generator and seem to do most of my guttering work in the rain. Many small buisinesses use 240v tools when they come to your house - should they be banned from using them?
Ian, I see Omivac sell both variations, did you not have a word with Glyn about this when you bought yours?
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Nathanael Jones on November 08, 2009, 09:16:18 am
Does anyone remember when Kev Red first got his gutter vac? The posts were on his UK cleaning forum which he has since shut down, but the story was that he got a prototype (or maybe one of the first of a new model) that was rushed out to him,... but when it arrived there were issues with the way it was wired that he said made it highly dangerous apparently!

It was repaired rapidly,.. but mistakes can be made in the factory, and mixing this possibility + 240V + wet weather is just crazy.

110V all the way IMO,.. just get a big transformer for when you do domestics, simples!


The ultimate solution though would be a petrol/diesel powered machine. Nothing on the market at the moment is even nearly suitable though, a new unit would have to designed and built from scratch.
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Nathanael Jones on November 08, 2009, 09:19:09 am
Unless this might work:
http://www.kerrick.co.nz/product.php?id=134
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: ftp on November 08, 2009, 10:54:38 am
Ummm what about electric pressure washers? Even hire centres do them?
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: macmac on November 08, 2009, 11:14:47 am
I agree 110v is safer, however know that within the cleaning industry both HAVE TO be available.

Thats why Numatic, Karcher etc manufacture both. And why we to offer both.
the latter are aimed at domestic!! you are aimed at commercial Criag I am not picking on you, it is aimed at every so called supplier that thinks they know the market................


You are the only honest oersion that has steped up to it, I wish you the best, and you get the respect for being honest, maybe this is why you are doing well , I do not know, but respect to you fella




Ian    Wicks

Window washers
samples welcome if working

I think Mr. Trevain knows his market AND exactly what he's doing Ian. ;)
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Craig Trevain on November 08, 2009, 11:51:34 am
how much would it be just for all the bits? i have a vac thanks mark



All the separate bits are on our Polarbrite web site, or call us Monday.

Craig 
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: JSMC on November 08, 2009, 12:59:43 pm
these products fit your vacs craig?

http://www.locline.com/products/vacuum/vacuum.html
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Craig Trevain on November 08, 2009, 01:03:58 pm
these products fit your vacs craig?

http://www.locline.com/products/vacuum/vacuum.html


Yes, thankyou, we have been looking at the bendable hose ends.
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: JSMC on November 08, 2009, 01:08:15 pm
used to use it on production lines in factories. ideal stuff and works great.
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: geefree on November 08, 2009, 07:14:00 pm
need to find a petrol gutter vac i think.  ;D
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: JSMC on November 08, 2009, 07:20:43 pm
those loc line pieces attach on with jubilee clips i guess.
Title: Re: Polarbrite gutter vac
Post by: Craig Trevain on November 09, 2009, 04:51:34 pm
those loc line pieces attach on with jubilee clips i guess.


I would say so.