[james44]

I'm thinking about buying a gutter vac and would like the camera as well.

I've got clients who are interested so could do ok with it.

Would like to hear opinions on different systems and which you think is best.




Thanks james!

[Andy@w.c.s]

Hi james

i am going down the same route as you and have only this week bought a camera to do inspections before i lay out on all the main gear

so far i have done about six inspections and have two jobs to do
i have not priced them as yet but the customers have said they would have it done

Andy

[Steve_c]

http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=107285.0   I will report back let you know what its like.

[britishwill]

I brought an Omnipole gutter vac and made my own inspection camera.

The gutter vac is brilliant but expensive but I think well worth it. The only negative is that when gutters are too close up to the roof slates you cannot suck out the debris. You then have to use the ladder to clear it out the old fashion way! So as a point always look at the job and how close the gap is and price accordingly.

If you are going to buy a camera for inspections so you can show the clients the state of the gutters. In all fairness I have not done one since making the camera, (brought gear from Maplins and put together). I would say for me not a neccessity but I do on occassion take a pic on my camera to show the client as they do not seem that bothered to see loads of pics just the one would do?

Anyway to cut the long story short:

Buy a gutter vac but if you want to save some dosh either make the camera yourselves or do without.

Cheers

[Dave Willis]

I don't find the camera very necessary most customers only seem interested in the contents of the vac. What I do find necessary is a decent generator to power it. If you buy one they are expensive and mega heavy - you won't be chucking a genny in and out of the van in a hurry. I can get down to an inch and a half gap I suppose with mine, you won't unblock a downpipe with it and you wont be sucking out roots but it will cope with moss, grass and sludge but can struggle (3600 watts triple motor).

[james44]

Do you get much work with it dave?

One of the main reasons i wanted the camera is that i know a few landlords who are interested in having their properties checked over ie roof gutters and the like, if they have a leek in a roof then i can use the camera on a pole to show them what repairs need doing saves them getting up the ladder and on to a roof to check it over.

I have also contacted a few estate agents and management agencies to offer this service and they seem keen on the idea!

a couple have told me that their surveyor might also be interested as they usally do checks from the ground using Binoculars, i think the camera can become usefull.

MY idea is the guttervac will earn me money cleaning gutters and the camera can also earn me money.

[Dave Willis]

I don't often get work because I have a vac, although I do get a few due to the height issues, most of my work is because  people want their gutters emptied.
Many customers are dubious of it's capabilities but are normally impressed when it starts up. I have it because it's the only way I want to empty gutters to be honest.

There is plenty of gutter clearing work out there, maybe just having a vac would make no difference to gaining work.
I think also that Omnipole realise the machines limitations and so sell the pressure washing outfit to go with it to try and blast the downpipes.

In my pic I am clearing a gutter at 50' I got that job because the alternative method would have cost the customer thousands.

[james44]

How do poles handle at 50ft dave?

Did you use your camera on that one!

[trevor povey]

watch out for the cameras i gave 400 pound for mine with a flag pole from a fella that plugged it on this forumn...its great to show the customer his face in the monitor screen whilst setting up the job ..but when it goes upto the gutter you can,t see nowt.... fortunatley the wifes daughter has just had a young one so there may be some use for it whist re babysitting duties

[Dave Willis]

Yes I used my camera for that one. It's just a cctv camera from Maplins and a monitor. Took a few shots of the monitor screen and emailed it to them.

[gordonswindows]

Omnivac all the way

its not easy yes its heavy and no i rarely use the camera

but make good money with it and it is robust too

stop being tight and buy the tool for the job

if you cant afford it work harder save up and buy one then you will be ablle to afford most things

No i dont work for nor do i have any conection with Omnipole other than i keep giving Glynn more of my money

Gordon

[Steve_c]

How dose the omnivac compare in your opinion to both types of the up keeper? (Petrol and Electric)