[Simon Gerrard]

Has anyone got a Flexi 5? If so how do you think it compares to the Envirodri.  I think the Flexi5 is a bit too cumbersome for domestics and a little to heavy as well, a bit like a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Having said that it is one serious piece of kit.
Any thoughts??

Simon

[james roffey]

I wa going to say that, about the Envirodri

[Simon Gerrard]

James,
What that it was heavy or a serious piece of kit? No sure what you're referring to

Simon

[derek west]

jo hattens ya man, he's had both.

[james roffey]

James,
What that it was heavy or a serious piece of kit? No sure what you're referring to

Simon

Both Simon, I have got used to the weight but it's still a heavy bit of kit, and that it does a good job although i have nothing to compare it to as i have not used the sebo duo or flexi

[Simon Gerrard]

James,
I'm still not sure which machine you are referring to, the Flexi5 or Envirodri?

Simon

[Griffus]

James,
I'm still not sure which machine you are referring to, the Flexi5 or Envirodri?

Simon

I wa going to say that, about the Envirodri

[james roffey]

 

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh   "I have the Envirodri .

must be the heat :

[Joe H]

Are you talking about the use of these machines as carpet cleaning tools ie granules/powder, or as an agitator tool.

As agitator tools they both do a good job in that they distribute the releasing fluid around the fibre and lift the pile. I understand the Flexii 5 (or Carpet Gard) is designed for "wet" use ie sealed bearings and electrics, whilst he Envirodry is not.
So on that basis the Flexi5 wins.

As carpet cleaning tools the Flexi5 has the built vacuum pod built into the unit. The brushes and vac can be used to dry vac the carpet at the outset, then just the brushes to agitate the sponges, then the brushes and vac to collect the dirty sponges when dry.
The Envirodry is just the brushes so you need a seperate vac unit ie Sebo.
So for this purpose the Flexi5 wins again.

Its just the cost issue - the Envirodry about £1100, the Flexi5 about £1800 - so £700 for a vac pod.....hmmmm.

I also have some design issues with the Flexi5 - or in my case the Carpet Gard.
Within 3 weeks or so of getting mine (second hand) a toothed belt stripped some teeth. To change that belt was a marathon job. Obviously 2nd time round I will be quicker - but not looking forward to 2nd time around.
There needs to be some sort of self tensioner on the drive belts as there tension is critical - too slack you strip teeth, too tight you ruin a bearing.
The flexible vac hose pipe connecting the vac pod to the man body is at a very tight angle when in use and easily split - hence mine is taped up.
Also. there is a micro switch (or 2) that a) prevents the unit to operate when the handle is in a vertical position b) prevents the unit operating unless the handle is in a certain direction (difficult to explain really.
Would prefer if the unit was to sit in a tray like the Envirodry or on a trolley like the Host.

Overall, as most carpet cleaners are using this design of machine as a agitaor the Envirodry wins on the basis of its price and functionality, but the Flexi5 does have the benefit of water tightness - but at a price.
You pays your money and make your choice.

[Kinver_Clean]

I have used an Envirodry for around 6 years for agitating prespray and have had no trouble with the bearings or electrics. Perhaps I have been lucky.

Trevor

[Shaun_Ashmore]

You have to remember that dry cleaning sponges are moist and are in contact with the 'workings' and get embedded in the machinery, it all depends on what you want the machine for? if it's for dry vacuuming as well you go all the way and spend IMO.

Shaun

[Simon Gerrard]

I've have bought a Flexi5 today so now have the best of both world's.

Simon

[elliott cleaning]

I've used Envirodris' as agitators for years without any issue.  They do a great job - certainly better than the Sebo Duo.

From time to time I also use them with granules - but only if that is the only option open to me.  Okay, I have to vacuum with a seperate machine afterwards.

Unless I spent my life cleaning with granules instead of ca 1% - why would I want to invest in a machine that does the same plus has a vac capability - which costs & weighs more ?

[Len Gribble]

Franz

You are too logical STOP IT! 

[Simon Gerrard]

Frans,
Because we've started agitating pre-sprays into very large areas on cruise ships and while the envirodri did that very well the flexi5 is a lot wider and covers a lot more area more quickly, with the added benefit of dry vaccing which is something that gives us an extra benefit as and when required. It is a bit on the heavy side for some domestics but it's a good tool to have in your arsenal.

Simon

[elliott cleaning]

Ah, didn't apprecite that the Flexi was wider than the 40cm Envirodri.         for large areas then

[Shaun_Ashmore]

Is the flexi 5 to be used aswell as the Rx20?

Shaun

[Simon Gerrard]

Shaun,

Yes, on heavy traffic lanes because it breaks up the soil in advance and makes the RX'ing faster and requires less water, so better drying times which critical. Plus from the testing we've done with the envirodri, the agitation aspect adds to the overall quality, which is also critical.

Simon

[David Ware]

Simon I have had the flexi 5 for 2 months. I believe it is a good addition to have in your cleaning arsenal of equipment. When using it as a pre agitator for pre spays, take the vacum pod off, this helps putting extra stain on drive belts, also check the drive belt tensions on a regular basic. also change the drive brushes over from top to bottom.
The one point that people overlook is the perceived side to cleaning. We did a commercial job recently and the project manager came over and asked about the flexi 5, he then made a comment and said that looks a serious bit of equipment, makes a change to what the contract cleaners bring in.    
David Ware  

[Simon Gerrard]

Frans,
The envirodri we have is only 30cm so we were going to get the 40cm version as well, because we need two for large areas, but thought we might as well get the added benefit of the Flexi's dry vaccing capability.

Dave,

Thanks for that. I have heard that there are issues with the drive belts, we'll keep our eye on it.

Simon