[Colm Ledwidge]

Can anyone give any advice on the Craftex Grace HP machine, I have been weighing up several machines with a view to purchase ie Jag 6.6  Ashbys Enforcer, Airflex Turbo. What attracted me to this machine is that it splits into 2 parts making it very easy to transport, but I can't find any user experiences with Craftex machines. Would appreciate any opinions on this machine or other Crafted machines.

[john martin]

Can anyone give any advice on the Craftex Grace HP machine, I have been weighing up several machines with a view to purchase ie Jag 6.6  Ashbys Enforcer, Airflex Turbo. What attracted me to this machine is that it splits into 2 parts making it very easy to transport, but I can't find any user experiences with Craftex machines. Would appreciate any opinions on this machine or other Crafted machines.

I doubt if many pro CCs  use them as main machines because better value/spec is available from the more specialized companies .
I think they are made by Santoemma in italy  ??   and rebranded in several countries ,  i'd say many are sold to janitorial, hospitals , hotels , nursing homes etc and it could be the biggest selling CC brand in Europe judging by the network they seem to have .

It may well work for you if you have limited space ,  something like the twin vac Alltec Express could work well  , great value and with heat as standard ... the downside being smaller tank capacity .

[sksnls]

I have a Craftex Grace machine with twin vacs which I brought new just over a year ago when I started my business, and it does a pretty decent job. I have used an ashbys ninja in the past when I was working for somebody else and the craftex machine does the job just aswell.

Yes it can come in handy splitting in half however it is not that easy to carry up and down narrow staircases as it is still quite bulky. The bottom half of the machine is still pretty heavy!

You do seem to get a bit more for your money with craftex machines so they are quite a good machine to start up with if your new to the business.

[Colm Ledwidge]

Thanks for the advice, maybe you can clear something up for me, I have seen conflicting machine weights listed for this machine 80kg and 54kg, I am baffled how it could be 80kg as this would be nearly double the weight of other similiar machines.

[sksnls]

The weight maybe to do with a couple of reasons. I know they offer a single vac machine and a twin vac machine but also they offer an attachable heater. The heater on its own is quite heavy however it is one that can be taken on and off the machine easily as required.

Personally I think the heater is a must as I clean so many properties which are empty, and having the ability to have hot water really helps especially on really dirty carpets.

[Colm Ledwidge]

Thanks again for help, would it be safe to assume that bottom half without heater would be manageable to lift into and out of estate car

[john martin]

How about one of these ,  should roll in backwards on the top mounted wheels ..
much higher spec machine , lighter , way less expensive .
you just need 29" clearance .


http://www.amtechuk.co.uk/shop/Powr-Flite_PFX1085Max_Perfect_Heat_Mid_Size_Black_Max_Extractor-pid-175.html

[sksnls]

Yes the bottom half of the machine would be fine to lift into estate car. I try not to split the machine in half and can still lift the whole machine into the back of my van

[Colm Ledwidge]

Thanks John,
                      Amtech machine looks very impressive. giving it serious consideration.