[JS2]

I've been enthusiastically studying the Thermadry unit, which I believe uses 'Catalyst' solution.  The unit looks impressive as a LM add-on to a front-line HWE system.  The only slight worry is if the Catalyst can only be sourced from one supplier.  For those of you who use the TD machine, is it (in your opinion) a useful add-on and, in particular, is the solution available (same or equivalent) from elsewhere ?

Pete (JS2)

[Shaun_Ashmore]

Catalyst could be called a copy of Activator from Dry Fusion as like the machine.

As far as I know Dry Fusion were the first to make this system but Thermodry is a cheaper like for like alternative (only in my opinion) PHEW!!

Shaun

[Len Gribble]

Not knocking it’s ability chemical wise, but machine looks a bit (too) vulnerable, so my vote would be no, DF machine looks more robust and the part.

Then what do I know (only in my opinion) PHEW!!

Len

[Shaun_Ashmore]

Dry Fusion machine weighs ton, and has no handle I have the 'hoofs' on my hands to prove it!

Although it does clean well.

Shaun

[lee_gundry]

i have been using the thermodry system for a few months now & its great

[JS2]

Colleagues

Many thanks

Yes, as I expected, there's a few things to consider, not least the cleaning power.  However I'm looking for a low moisture add-on, the main concern with me still is the availability of the solution (Catalyst is prescribed for the Thermadry), and how dependent on one supplier I might become ?  I will of course speak to the seller, but personal opinions on here are always a good thing to seek.

Pete (JS2)

[Atlantic Cleaning]

I have been using the thermadry system for several months now. My personal thoughts is it works really well, but it has its place. HWE is still my main choice.

 With regards to using Catalyst you are not tied in any way to Craftex to buy the chemical from them and can source an equivalent from another supplier if needed. Catalyst works well in my opinion and is a good price as well, and Craftex are a very reliable company to deal with.

My prefered method of using this system is use a microsplitter as a prespray and only use Catalyst to soak your pads in. I find using the microsplitter as a pre spray the final results are far better. If you want some more info feel free to mail me duncanalan1968@aol.com

Hope this helps

Duncan

[Ken Wainwright]

To generalise, all the low moisture systems used in the right environment, tend to exceed the expectations of the inexperienced LM cleaner.

When it comes to the brand you are talking of, why are you worried about only having the choice of Catalyst? Are you concerned about price and choice?

Again talking in general terms, many LM manufacturers have developed a cleaning SYSTEM. The pads, machine size, weight and other specifications, the chemistry and method of application all pay an important part in achieving  the best results.  To change one of these elements could well mean compromising on standards. So my advice would be to stick with Catalyst.

Something to bear in mind if you feel vulnerable to price movement with your cleaning solutions is this.  With HWE, the costs per SqM are very high for labour and very low for chemical. Relatively speaking, because of the higher production rate for LM cleaning, labour is lower and chemicals higher. In most cases, LM cleaning is more productive and profitable than HWE.  But you need the right environment for this to happen eg offices.

For myself, I use an LM system that has one of the higher material costs in the industry.  But at the end of the day, it is by far and away the most profitable work I do.

Safe and happy cleaning
Ken

[JS2]

Ken (and all others)

Thanks for this advice.  Having done a bit of research today and taken on-board the comments I'm probably not too concerned now about the availability of the solution.  I was stung a few years ago in a different situation regarding a single supply source that turned out to be unreliable, so I'm naturally going to flag this up this close to the start of my list !!  Indeed, the supplier in this case appears to be very reliable.

To clarify my position (as might be realised from the postings I've made over the past two years), I've only ever done HWE carpet cleaning (albeit a good bit of it) in an in-house fashion and for friends and workmates.  I've never run as a charging business.  However I work on fixed-term contracts in the electrical business and it really looks like the next renewal won't happen.  Besides, I'm a bit tired of the work anyway.  I'm therefore building up an equipment list in the hope of (circumstances pending) launching a CC business in the spring.  Therefore I need to get the equipment right to give things the best chance.

Regards

Pete (JS2)