I jumped straight in in Aug 2004 and bought a TM from Alltec. I hadnt been a CC before but decided after alot of thought to "go for it" with a TM.
The Steamway is a brilliant machine I would definatly say that, but it should be at £12,000.00 +++!
At the same time I also bought a Rotovac. I never used it. But Robert at Alltec was a diamond, and I took it back and swapped it for an Alltec Advantage portable.
I use the advantage in flats when I cant get the TM near enough. Even though the Advantage is a great machine, when I have to use it I cant believe what lack of power it has compared to the TM. I look back at the machine thinking, "is it working properly"? There is hardly any suction, where through the wand with the TM the wand "sticks" to the carpet! It does clean to a degree, but nowhere near the TM, but thats how it should be!!
Looking at the photos above, that would have been a great idea to have a Truck mounted portable with all the gizmos attached. It would have saved me thousands and thousands 15-20 times over!!
Also the TM is very hard work as far as hoses and cables go etc etc. It takes me 20-30 mins to get sorted, and yes I do have an idea as to what I amn doing! So it is no easier that a portable, and possibly harder work!
Obviously I promote that I am using a TM, but 99% of people have no idea anyway, so I guess a van mounted Portable is as good as a TM.
Finally the TM is EXTREAMLY NOISY!
Ben