[Dominic Carnell]

Good morning,

I'd like to have a little debate about these two machines. I see that they both have the following vacuum spec:

3000mm water lift and 45L/sec air flow (despite the Maxi claiming to have a 3 stage vs a 2 stage motor).

The 5000 has a 58psi (1.5litres/minute) pump and a 14l capacity vs 130psi (4.5litres/minute) and 30l for the Maxi.

This means that, assuming maximum flow rates, the Maxi will operate continuously for 6.6 minutes (30l / 4.5l) and the 5000 for 9.3 minutes (14l / 1.5l). So the smaller capacity 5000 seems to have a longer operating period between refills.

It also seems, on paper at least, that the 5000 should leave the carpets drier as it has the same vacuum spec as the Maxi but it's putting down 3 litres per minute less water.

So my debate is thus; in light of the above why do people say the 5000 is a spotter only, yet the Maxi is seemingly widely accepted as a decent starter machine?

Is a higher pump psi, given a decent pre-spray/agitation, more important than drying time and machine operating capacity?

Discuss...

[John Kelly]

You are confusing pump ratings with actual use. Both machines will operate a hell of a lot longer in use due to the restriction of the jets or jet in wand and handtool.
Both machines perform resonably well considering there single vacs. However the Sabrina is restricted due to its capacity. Its an excellent spotting machine and is also very good for upholstery, a few truckmount guys carry these for the odd suite. For carpets it is severely restricted due to its lack of tank capacity. The Maxi is better in this respect as it has larger capacity tanks.

[Dominic Carnell]

Thanks John, that's confirmed a lot of what I thought really. I was looking at the Craftex catalogue again last night and it says both the Maxi and 5000 have got the exact same motor, can you confirm if that's correct?

[John Kelly]

Same vac different pump.

[john martin]

 Hopefully you are not contemplating either as a main machine  ... one is not suitable and the other is way overpriced for what it is ...
Get a twin vac with heat .

[Mike Halliday]

The fact hat one machine puts down less solution is irrelevant if you have to do multiple passes with the wand to achieve an acceptable result.

I agree  with John  these are not a use every day machine, buy second hand and figure into the cost the knowledge they might  need a new pump and vac In the future

Eg; £800 machine + £100 new vac + £150 nw pump = £1150  new machine £2000