[Steve Chapman]

Is the ncca course the best to go on or is there one better? i've done an extracta course a long time ago but would like a refresher of sorts &  qualification!

[Spot On cleaning]

That brings back memories doing the Extracta course, and staying in a nice hotel then driving back to South Wales after the course finished on the Saturday afternoon. Was Ken of Kenclean systems doing the training? He was a nice chap.
Then we had lunch consisting of pie and chips from the chippie.

This was good training for me because it was more personal. A couple of months later i then did all the Prochem courses, but even though they were good, it seemed they were to promote their own products at every opportunity.

After being in this business for 3 and a half years, i am now going down the road of ncca membership and think it is worthwhile. It will be useful to do their two day course as a refresher and to be part of a recognised body of people. I think over the years there has always been a rogue element in all professions that tarnish the reputation of that profession, so people are more wary and actively looking for assurances of quality workmanship that the ncca members would hopefully provide for them.

Dave

[Steve Chapman]

Dave,
They sure are very helpful people at extracta and have helped me out many a times, I'm thinking of doing the two day course sometime this summer for ncca and at least being affiliated with a recognized body, I just wonder whether they are the best or if anything more specialized is available?
regards
steve

[Spot On cleaning]

Steve

Off the top of my head, the only other course that would give you a certificate towards a professional body is the iircc or something like this, the institute of inspection something something. Try looking on the internet for this.

Apart from that, i don't think so.

Are you still using Extracta equipment. I have still got a 2002 Excel with 1500 hours on the clock, but i don't use it a lot nowadays. It's had two vacumn motors on in the past due to me not servicing it and not using defoamer. It has proved to be a brilliant machine. I also bought a scrubber deluxe, but used it twice only. Still got it and selling it if anybody is interested.

Dave

[John Kelly]

The National Flood School does some excellent training. Have a look here http://www.nationalfloodschool.co.uk/

[Steve Chapman]

Dave,
i use an extracta excel and have been quite pleased with it , although i do find it very heavy compared to previous machines, also have a deluxe scrubber which i find a bit heavy to use unless big restaurant etc.
I find with the excel i can leave it in me truck and use it like a truck mount as the power is quite good, so i think thats a plus point, but have been considering upgrading to something else, what machine are you using at the mo?
steve

[Spot On cleaning]

Steve.

I wish i had run my machine from my vehicle, but never thought of it. After 3 years in business, i have bought a new truckmount from Prochem in August 2005, the Blazer. This is fitted into a long wheelbase vauxhall vivaro.Less back breaking than lugging the porty down steps or up them.

Going back to the portys manufacturers, i did not like the fact that when i stripped the machine to repair or replace the wate pump, they had purposely ripped off part of the lable on the pump so you cannot know its model No and source it from anyone else but them. I repaired the solenoid myself as it had burnt out using a micro switch from a washing machine shop.

I don't know whether you have ever replaced the vac motors, or how much they charge for these, but i payed £175 from my local chemical distributor, and could have got it cheaper again from a specialised motors dealer had they not also removed the label from it as well.

The solution hoses used to cost me £15 for 2 x 7.6 mts and i would fasten my own ends on.

Dave

[carpetclean]

i have done 3 courses at the national flood school the first two enabled me to join the ncca all courses were well structured and enjoyable as well as being a must for all budding ccs

[Doug Holloway]

Hi Guys,

I would seriously suggest you look at IICRC , which is apparently much more technical tham NCCA but also entitles you to join NCCA.

If you are a new starter and have not done any supplier courses the NCCA is probably better as IICRC may be too technical.

Cheers

Doug

[the red carpet]

Steve,
could i ask how long are the hoses you are using with the excell truckmounted?
i have the same machine and was thinking of doing this but not sure about how long a hose to use.

i use a 50foot at the minute, and have a 25foot that i attatch if i need to, but i do notice i lose a bit of suck when using it.
i would of though i would really need 75-100 to leave it in the van

also dont you lose heat? when using my handtool even with 50foot by the time the water gets there it seems cold.

Dave,
you didnt do to bad with the vac motor i just paid £260 to replace one

[Spot On cleaning]

Red Carpet,

yes £170 was a good price though i suspect from a motor stockists, and they are about if you want to source them, i probably would have payed about £120.
There is not much i have not fixed with this machine, as i did not want to spend money on servicing.

Dave

[Steve Chapman]

Red,
I use about 100ft of hose with the excell and have attached an extra 25 when i've used the scrubber and have used it this way for about two years,you do lose a bit of heat it's true but i just keep the heater going and always use a good deal of prespray and this seems to compensate quite well.
It beats getting the machine out and in the house all the time and they are quite heavy
steve