[Martin S]

Hi,

Anyone out there use the Sebo Duo as a 'Duo'.  What I mean is, linking two Duo's together with a 'Dopple'.

Presumably this would halve the time it takes to agitate pre-spray, so do you think it's worth the extra investment in terms of paying for itself quickly due to time saved.

Or am I completely overlooking the obvious, that you all do this, and that's why it's called a 'Duo'.  

In a similar vein, Sebo BS36 or 46 vac'?  the 46 being wider.  Again, worth the extra expense due to coverage, hence faster pre-vac, or not?

Regards.

Martin S

[Dave Parry]

sounds like you would have lots of fun, sorting the two power leads out, disconnecting them to get into tight areas, and of course taking twice the van room.
Dont have a 36 or 48 so cant comment.

[Dynafoam]

Martin,

I use Host machines, and for large areas do link two together - it does save time and the second unit takes its' power from the 13amp socket on the first machine, so there is only one power cable to contend with. In domestic situations it is not worth the extra fetching and carrying, and the reduced manoeuvrability.

I use the BS 36 rather than the 46 because they both have the same vacuum motor, the power of which is 'diluted' on the wider head. If I need wide vacuums, then I would use either my Chemspec Pile Lifter, or even wider my Clarke 26".

[Martin S]

Thanks for your comments.  Just goes to show the benefit of using these forums.

It can even save you Money.

Regards

Martin S

[woodman]

Hi John

I believe that a company called Minuteman in the states now do a 30" for large commecials must save bundles of time.

[nick.solution]

Hi Guys

When linking the Duos together you only use one handle with one power lead changing the dopple takes about 3-4 seconds its very easy, hope this helps

Best regards Nick

[Dynafoam]

Trevor,

Yes, it looks to be a good machine. it incorperates an extension lead and floor wand for the awkward corners.

One of these machines recently came up on Ebay (twice) and I was tempted but already have 8 upright vacuums in the storeroom, ranging in size from the BS 36 to the Clarke and when I need one for a job it takes some shuffling to get one from the back - enough is enough !

John.

[Ken Wainwright]

Martin

Like Uncle John, I run Host machines for agitation and, on domestic carpets, I only use it solo. On commercial I've tried doubling up but, to be honest, it can still be too slow so I usually end up using a rotary scrubber. Ultimately not quite so efficient. However, most of my commercial work is now Dry Fusion. I don't like getting involved with too much "Heavy Duty Cleaning" such as trashed pubs and restaurants. That's left for the truckmount boys.

As for vaccing, my preference is for a wider machine similar to the Sebo BS46. The brush on my Victor Gold is of chevron design as opposed to the more common spiral. Being wider, the machine looks more "industrial strength" to the public than one which appears to be of similar size to a domestic model. Perception is a large part of customer building confidence. As for perfomance, you'd be hard pressed to be aware of any benefits of a narrower machine although logic dictates that this should be so. A wider machine can be a little cumbersome in tight areas such as cloakrooms etc. so I end up using the attached tools, but this is frequently the case with a narrower machine too.  A wider machine really comes into it's own on larger rooms and commercial premises such as offices, health facilities etc. For really heavy duty work I use my Holloway Pile Lifter.
Safe and happy vaccing agitating:)
Ken

[Martin S]

Thanks for your comments Ken.  

I see that both you and JB use these Host machines.  Are these still available to buy?   Are they expensive, and do you think they perform better than a Duo?

From what I can gather, the Duo looks like it was originally designed to be used with the Sebo 'powder' cleaners, but a lot of CC's have utilised this for use in the HWE cleaning process.  

Is the Host that you use like this? (i.e. originally designed for a different process)

Regards.

Martin S

[Ken Wainwright]

Martin

You can liken the Host/Sebo differences to a single/twin vac difference with HWE portables. Both  are capable of performing the same job, but one will do it quicker/better. They're designed for dry powder cleaning.The Host machine also has the option of a range of different brushes to suit different carpet types/yarns. The basic Host T6 which John and I use are no longer available. When I bought my last one in 1989ish, I think it cost about £1100 plus the extra brushes plus the dreaded. They are no longer available in this form. When I organised an NCCA Branch Meeting last year, one went in the kit auction. I urged a friend to bid for it. £50 inc. a pair of extra Gold Brushes. An absolute bargain. Any of the markets high end dry powder machine will offer a similar performance to the Host machine (and more quietly too) and cost from about £850. Try Nick Hyphen Solutions for a great deal on both machine types.

Safe and happy agitating:)
Ken

[des]

Ken can you tell me what you think of the host machine that you have and what you think of the other two host machines .if you were to buy one now which one would you go for. I am thinking of getting one but i am not sure which one to  get des at mister clean

[dan_1]

Hi has eny one changed the brushes in thier duo yet and doe,s enyone know what they cost.thanks Danny

[Ken Wainwright]

Des

I have no experience with the current Host range. The design, as far as I can make out, is based on the old T6 but with add on extras. My opinion is that although dry powder extraction is a useful system for regular maintenance, there are quicker/better alternatives. For solving problems, dry extraction is a stronger consideration, eg. sisal, seagrass, sensitive dyes etc.

If I were to be replacing my T6 with a new machine today, I would consider the Austrian machine which is badge engineered for many equipment "manufacturers". I believe that Prochem sells this machine as the TM4(?) and costs more than £1k. It is physically larger and heavier than the Host T6 but much quieter. There is also a UK manufactured machine of similar spec. and performance (the name escapes me) which Nick sells for about £800(?) I would very seriously consider this.

As for my opinion of the Host machine, if it was as quiet as the opposition it would be perfect, as it is ^9/₁₀

Safe and happy cleaning:)
Ken