Clean It Up

UK General Cleaning Forum => General Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Richy L on December 02, 2009, 05:13:51 pm

Title: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: Richy L on December 02, 2009, 05:13:51 pm
Im thinking of getting a hot box for my pressure washer, but concidering getting a steamer.
What would you guys reccomend for removing chewing gum?

I also remove paint with a cold washer at the mo, but i was thinking i could use this also.

Do you think I should buy a hot box add-on (£1,000ish) or a steamer(£1,000ish)?
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: gutterman on December 02, 2009, 06:09:28 pm
Chewing gum removal is best done hot
I  have a hot box which converts my cold p/w and i also have an osprey deep clean system,
both systems work, the osprey uses a lot less water.

Dependant upon the customers remit - then either use both or one or the other.
Follow up with a flat surface clean.
Have a few jobs on the cards- with a view to sealing surface after to prevent staining and improve clean up process during normal year round cleansing.
If i had the cash would invest in a recycling machine from Tensid, but at 34k is way out of my league.
Hot box £600 and makes the job easier

Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: Richy L on December 02, 2009, 06:48:38 pm
where can you get a hot box for £600? do you have a link?

With a hot washer how long will it take to remove 1 piece of gum?

Does it take a while for the water to heat up?

How hot do I need to get the water for chewing gum removal?


Sorry about all the questions...  :)
Thanks
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: gutterman on December 02, 2009, 08:52:46 pm
google -taybur pressure washers bury lancs- the hot box is very basic build no thrills 
Basically a coil on a frame BOLTED INTO VAN with a control switch -fuel is suppled via 25 litre drum into which you insert fuel line which is pumped to electrodes
- the water heats up almost instantly -
90-100 degrees or more and you will have no problem shifting gum.
The higher the temp the more the water converts to steam, tends to destroy o rings in quick release fittings. Need a small generator to power fuel pump,
 
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: Richy L on December 03, 2009, 01:25:08 pm
is 80 degrees hot enough to remove gum or do i need hotter?

Ive decided i will hire one for my first job but I dont know which one i should be getting.

there is this one:
http://www.jewson.co.uk/en/templates/toolhire/templateA.jsp?pageType=Product&itemId=prod450278
or this one
http://www.hss.com/g/59311/Super-Hot-Washer-110v.html

Any suggestions?
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: trevor perry on December 03, 2009, 02:25:40 pm
 i would go with the karcher it goes to a higher temperature wich makes the gum removal much easier, you can also alter the pressure so if moving gum of tarmac the pressure can be lowered so as not to do any damage to surface, it will only be good for the gum removal part of job as not powerful enough to run a fsc from so the rest of cleaning do with your cold wash as it will have more power.
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: Richy L on December 04, 2009, 10:38:45 am
ive had to go for the lower temp one as the other one wont be available for 2 weeks.
this'll be a nice job to start on i hope - about 200 pieces.

Price wise, how much is the going rate for aboutr 200 pieces over about 40Mtrs?  (on tarmac)
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: BDCS on December 04, 2009, 11:00:54 am
When removing gum from tarmac don't clean it afterwards or you will expose more gum. Clean it first then count the pieces or keep the fsc in the van.
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: Richy L on December 04, 2009, 01:48:45 pm
When removing gum from tarmac don't clean it afterwards or you will expose more gum. Clean it first then count the pieces  or keep the fsc in the van.

When you say count the pieces what do you mean?
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: BDCS on December 04, 2009, 06:46:20 pm
You stated in your earlier pos that there was 200 pieces of gum - the point I'm making is that the older pieces of gum will be "black top" ie the same colour as the tarmac. You will find more gum after you clean with the fsc
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: Richy L on December 04, 2009, 06:56:57 pm
i see.
So how much could you do in a day normally?

If I buy a hot box then, I dont need to reclean the same area because I can do it all in one go. It seems like buying a hot box eventually would be the best option.
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: BDCS on December 04, 2009, 08:21:37 pm
I have an osprey steam machine and its slow - up to 15 secs per piece but you can work it in a crowded area, 20 ltrs of water will last all day but you have to have at least a 3 kva generator or an electric supply but then you have the problem of trailing leads.
I have been pressure washing for almost 7 years and am only just now buying a hot box. I have cleaned all sorts with just the cold - grafitti you use a lot more chemicals which are expensive but as time goes on you are always looking to improve your service and the hot is another string to the bow.
Flags and blocks I'd say yes clean it after removing the gum but when you clean tarmac you will uncover as much as you have just removed, if you clean tarmac then estimate this into the price. If your using hot then you will need to work out of hours or barrier off large sections and then theres the problem of water supply. Have you decieded where you'd get the hot box from yet ?
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: Richy L on December 04, 2009, 10:46:48 pm
There's a local supplier to me, he can get me a volcano lavor hotbox for about 1k, or he can get someone to custom build a static system which stays in the van for £650 (all prices plus VAT).
I'll still not sure what to do. Im hiring a washer on monday that reaches 80 degrees, but the ones i can buy will reach 150ish. So it makes sence to buy one, only if i get enough work.

Does it speed up graffiti removal then or do a better job on old graffiti?

I've been pressure washing straight from school so about 9 years or so and cold has always been fine. Is gum removal the only reason to get a hotbox?
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: BDCS on December 05, 2009, 07:27:10 am
Gum would be my last reason for the hotbox as I've never had a specific gum job only paving with gum included - I have the steamer just in case. Heat will make the grafitti considerably easier and save money on chemicals and also make those stubborn black lichen come off easier. I've opted for a brayton engineering box - only because their a British firm as most of the coils are based the same, exchange eng will sell you an un- built kit also.
 The pressure boxes take is usually 200 bar which is unloader pressure and you just knock the revs off a bit but to see much over 80 degrees you have to keep the flow down anyway.
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: Rob_Mac on December 05, 2009, 06:43:53 pm
I've got a hotbox on order for when i come back off holiday, cracking bit of kit. They gave me a demo, I don't need it but I am buying it to see if there is an edge to heat before I invest further.

I also have a twin operator chewing gum machine and a single operator unit. I used the single operator unit last Sunday & Monday on a store front at Dartford - Kent.

I cleaned about 120 metres by 4 metres, just less than 500 m2 in a 8 hour day of heavily soiled slab. By heavily soiled I mean an average of about 25 pieces per metre. I was absolutely belting it out, completely knackered by the end.

The chewing gum removal machines I have have a lance, trigger for chemical & a brass brush to agitate the pats.

Chewing gum is hard work to remove and I am not confident that you can just remove gum by heat alone. I will let you know when I get my hotbox but I would not have wanted to tackle the job I had to do without steam @ 180 Celsius, chemical & brush to agitate.

Rob ;D
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: joe.b on December 05, 2009, 08:29:17 pm
Hey Rob, how much has that gothic cost you?
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: Rob_Mac on December 05, 2009, 08:33:19 pm
Joe

Gothic???

Rob ;D
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: joe.b on December 05, 2009, 08:46:35 pm
Sorry Rob, im on a new phone that's got a stupid predictive text, hotbox I meant
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: Rob_Mac on December 05, 2009, 08:52:31 pm
Britclean - I think it is £750.00 - not sure if that is inclusive or not. On four wheels, looks a tidy bit of kit and from the demo that Julian gave me a couple of weeks ago, it does what it says on the tin!!!

Rob ;D
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: joe.b on December 05, 2009, 08:56:43 pm
Good good, seems an ok price, how you getting on with that airport job?
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: Rob_Mac on December 05, 2009, 09:05:06 pm
That is one avenue that seems to have ground to a halt. I sent my contact an update on where I am at as far as a recovery unit but have heard nothing back. he was away from his desk - on holiday and now I am going away on Monday it isn't priority.

Just spent the last three hours with the books for my accountant in the morning and getting my invoices done. I will be back onto this one early in the new year but also I have got a very busy start to the new year and I cannot make it priority. It is the biggest airport in the country but I have to make sure my existing clients are happy.

I would love to have them as regular clients but I believe in the right time and place. My contact knows my calibre and I am sure it will happen in good time.

Are you busy??

Rob ;D
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: drive surgeon on December 06, 2009, 08:02:34 pm
can you post a pic of the hotbox?
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: Richy L on December 07, 2009, 11:14:38 am
I have been quoted  about £1000 for the hotbox, so if you have a pic, or link for the £750 that would be good
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: gutterman on December 09, 2009, 09:25:18 pm
Heres my hot box removed from van due to floor revamp

3pics -    ...... burner................switch....................fuel line into 25lt drum............base for fix to floor of van,,,simple but effective.


Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: Richy L on December 10, 2009, 10:59:44 am
Gutterman ...
Do you mind me asking how much that set you back?
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: BDCS on December 10, 2009, 11:40:50 am
You can get a basic hot box - 15lts from exhange engineering for £439 +vat but you then need the control circuit ie something to turn it on, something to sense the need to start like a flow switch, thermostat, fuel tank, chassis if your taking it out of the van. When you build it yourself you don't have a warranty on the hot box as a whole only each componant, you then have to build it, buy a link hose, cable etc etc. Is it worth the hassle ? I've ordered mine from Brayton as they we're recommended when this post was last gone through £1139 all in, it has the Lavor boiler, decent chassis with steel cover not plastic, fuel tank all built in ready to go
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: gutterman on December 10, 2009, 05:35:11 pm
All in £650 , the second one i have purchased and does what it says on the tin.
Fits nice and compact into the van and run on keronsene at 13.00 per 25 litres.

Originally had a lavor pro hot box at 1050, all in all similar set up minus the fancy cover and wheels.
Stays in the van bolted to chasis.
Going across to speke this evening removing chewing gum, and then to chester tommorrow,
not let me down yet.

Regards
gutterman
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: drive surgeon on December 10, 2009, 10:43:40 pm
gutterman, where do you advertise? do you just do pressure washing or window cleaning too? what are the jobs in speke or chester ?
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: gutterman on December 11, 2009, 05:39:42 pm
2 x websites - thomson local and yell.com jobs in speke are two test sites for application of
a protective coating which we have now become registered users of.
If tests successful- the whole areas will require doing - speke job would take approx upto 6 mnths.
Chester approx the same
The company i am linked to sub me the pressure washing and i apply there product on there behalf.
Also have a Mcdonalds in Llandudno in the new year.

If these and a number of other potential sites kick in i will either have to invest or considered subbing on.

Also clean gutters- upvc - pressure washing etc.





 
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: drive surgeon on December 13, 2009, 11:42:34 am
gutterman i would be interested in any sub contract flat surface cleaning im in merseyside.
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: drive surgeon on December 22, 2009, 03:23:33 pm
where in speke is it billy? do you work in the night or day?
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: drive surgeon on December 22, 2009, 03:25:03 pm
i get asked to remove paint a lot but cant with cold water. i need heat to do these jobs.

billy c i think i will get onto taybur myself for a price,
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: BDCS on December 23, 2009, 05:31:16 pm
 My nice new shiney hot box arrived today ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: drive surgeon on December 23, 2009, 11:09:09 pm
were from bdcs? taybur?  how much?
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: BDCS on December 23, 2009, 11:20:13 pm
Brayton eng £1200 all in, Lavor boiler, wheeled chassis, cover, connection hose,all controlled, warrenty, vat and delivery. Very pleased. I could have done with it yesterday - i was cold
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: drive surgeon on January 02, 2010, 06:10:59 pm
how is it bdcs?
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: BDCS on January 02, 2010, 06:47:44 pm
Spot on - I cleaned my enduro bike, van, the big oil puddle on my drive and all the ice with it.
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: Rob_Mac on January 02, 2010, 08:09:51 pm
I picked up my Hotbox on the 31st and will be using in Birkenhead on Monday - to remove paint from a private property and pressure wash the walls.

I got an excellent rate £650.00 plus 15% VAT, he took me 100 off for being a regular customer.

Rob ;D
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: drive surgeon on January 02, 2010, 09:34:18 pm
rob whats the make of your hotbox and where did you get it from?as i need to buy mine soon.
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: drive surgeon on January 08, 2010, 06:34:50 pm
how did the job in birkenhead go rob ?
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: drive surgeon on January 08, 2010, 06:38:37 pm
bdcs   do you need a generator for your hot box?  have you a pic of it?
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: Rob_Mac on January 08, 2010, 06:40:34 pm
The Hotbox make I am unsure of, shiney thing on four wheels.

Stayed on a caravan Club campsite (farm) about four miles out from the job, on the night before.

It hit -8 on Sunday night - so I was frozen up. Told the chap, who happens to own most of the area - Prenton that I would take care of it when it got a bit warmer!!!. Since Monday it has got considerably worse, both here and up there.

Keeping busy, building a warming unit in my unit - to put all the pressure washers and accessories into so they don't freeze in future.

Rob ;D
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: Rob_Mac on January 08, 2010, 06:41:42 pm
I need a generator for my hotbox so I would have thought that they all do, unless an integral unit, like the Karcher 1000E

Rob ;D
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: BDCS on January 08, 2010, 06:47:26 pm
I run mine on my 1kva suitcase generator but as they use so little power you can use a 12v battery and an inverter. Re freezing - I have my drain jetter in the back of my van and I use a 500 watt frost watch and you could also run this from a 1kva generator ( it will also run my travel kettle )
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: drive surgeon on January 08, 2010, 06:49:31 pm
hey rob i like your chewy machine (dry steam) on your website.

is that the best way to remove gum? how much was machine?

do you use your hot box for paint removal and graffiti etc to go with your pressure washer?
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: Rob_Mac on January 08, 2010, 06:50:57 pm
Thats just reminded me I need to get a smaller genny. I'd planned on using the 6.5KVA one ive got and your post has reminded me of the conversation I had when I picked it up - that they dont need a lot of generator power!

Ta

Rob ;D
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: drive surgeon on January 08, 2010, 06:52:32 pm
no worries  ;D
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: Rob_Mac on January 08, 2010, 06:58:02 pm
The machines I bought off here about three years ago now - they are the miragreen units> I have no experience of removing gum any other way. What I can say is that there is no additional work involved with these units, no cleaning up or picking up afterwards.

The chewing gum is vaporised  with a combination of brush agitation, steam and chemical. As soon as I can get the hotbox on site, which will be this month - in Sittingbourne and Epsom I will post a review of the two methods and how and what is the best method overall!!

The small machine new is about 4500, the larger one nearer 6000 to 6500 and then you need a 3 phase generator and another genny to run the single operator one. There is a lot of value on those pictures!!!

The hotbox was bought to satisfy client requirements and their perception that it was needed. I have been approached by another company who wanted a heated set up, existing customers wanted it as an option and also to assist removing the paint from the job in Birkenhead.

Rob ;D
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: drive surgeon on January 08, 2010, 07:45:55 pm
think i will get a hot box to give me more scope with cleaning.
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: drive surgeon on January 09, 2010, 09:48:30 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfNHOumpACk

is this steam machine run from electric (ie a generator) or a petrol engine?
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: BDCS on January 09, 2010, 11:24:57 am
DS thats an electric machine - you will need a 240v supply either mains or generator which needs to be man enough to power it for long periods of time.
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: drive surgeon on January 09, 2010, 12:12:30 pm
so its no good then. do you think i would be best with a hot box and just turn the pressure down to steam?

i see those chewy machines use a chemical too and the brush on end.

you dont need any of that do you with a hot box.  ???
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: BDCS on January 09, 2010, 01:10:10 pm
Why is it no good ? each machine has its place given the situation you have. The hot box needs to have a supply of water and a secure work area. The steam machine may be used in busy areas, can be used independant of water and elec for long periods but are slower, use a chemical and disposable brushes ( mods can be done to sort this ).
DS do you actually have or ever been asked for the need for these machines ? I have both and to be honest could do without them, the gum machine has seen little use and have managed 6 years without a hot box.
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: drive surgeon on January 10, 2010, 07:17:59 pm
i do graffit removal at schools and i always get asked to do paint removal or paint spills by companies and i turn them away. i do the graffiti with cold waterat mo.
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: mark.laycock1@ntlw on January 10, 2010, 07:28:39 pm
ds,

pass it over to me. do you price it well.?
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: Roger Oakley on January 10, 2010, 08:44:12 pm
i do graffit removal at schools and i always get asked to do paint removal or paint spills by companies and i turn them away. i do the graffiti with cold waterat mo.

If you are doing Graffiti removal why can't you do paint removal? They can't all be pen/ink type graffiti so you must be removing paint already or am I missing something here.
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: drive surgeon on January 10, 2010, 09:43:31 pm
well some jobs havre been big oil based spills on industrial sites. the graffiti is only thin. 
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: Roger Oakley on January 11, 2010, 08:55:55 am
well some jobs havre been big oil based spills on industrial sites. the graffiti is only thin. 

There are products that will remove the oil based paint with a cold machine, just that it will be slower.
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: drive surgeon on January 11, 2010, 09:18:23 pm
would this be any good?
http://www.allpressurewashers.com/pressure-washer-4012-10g.html


Hot Water Pressure Washer, 4012-10G
Hot Water Pressure Washer, 4012-10G
Hover Over Image For Larger View 
Industrial Pressure Washers
Pressure Washer Highlights
13 HP Honda Gasoline Engine


Hot Water


4000 PSI


4 GPM





PSI: 4,000


GPM: 4.0


13.0 HP Honda “GX” OHV Engine (Commercial Duty with “Oil Alert”)


Electric Start


Includes 12V battery, marine battery box and tray


On board charging system


General EZ4040 direct drive industrial triplex plunger pump


12V Beckett DC Diesel / Oil fired burner with automatic ignition control


Stainless Steel coil wrap


Schedule 80 heating coil


8.5 Gallon plastic diesel tank


Trigger control gun and 36” insulated wand
 4 color coded quick connect nozzles & 1 soap nozzle


Maxi-Flo 20% Chemical Injector assembly with QC's


Pulsar EZ Start adjustable pressure unloader with bypass hose


High limit over temp protection


Safety relief valve


Thermo-sensor bypass protection


50' Heavy-duty black high pressure hose with QC's


Portable four wheel cart with roll cage and lifting hook


Durable frame with powder coated finish


4 - 10” Pneumatic tires with dual steel axles


Optional Adjustable Thermostat: Part # ATK005


Approximate dimensions 40” L x 28” W x 48” H


Weight: 565 lb.
 

Price: $3,599.00
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: gutterman on January 11, 2010, 10:07:15 pm
Ds--give me a ring on 07859830220

regards

Billy
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: drive surgeon on January 15, 2010, 04:04:29 pm
cheers billy . looks like hot box is only answer as chewy steam machines are to dear.
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: mark.laycock1@ntlw on January 15, 2010, 06:10:24 pm
ds,

why dont you go to slatlers for your gear.
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: drive surgeon on January 16, 2010, 03:33:24 pm
i did get some gear from there. but they might not be as cheap.
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: BDCS on January 17, 2010, 10:15:03 am
Cheap ? thats why you get grief - your always doing things on the cheap. Quality, reliability are priority not cheap. You look after China and buy cheap
Title: Re: chewing gum removal - hot washer
Post by: drive surgeon on January 17, 2010, 07:19:33 pm
im not talking cheap products!!  im talking about quality machines hired at a cheaper price!

all my gear is top of the range equipment!