[kuiwik]

i have been through loads of threads re. truckmounts but would like the opinions of truckmount operators on what they think of their machines. i am currently looking at the hydramaster boxxer 421 to fit into my lwb Renault Trafic.
I am moving from general cleaning to just carpet cleaning soon and also would like to know what marketing works. Is yellow pages essential? does leafleting work? How do i get commercial clients?  I have a good customer base from my general cleaning with which i used my ninja but as i need more work i want my energy and money well spent.
your help is appreciated.

[francis]

Try posting on 'Truckmounters.co.uk'.  They are a forum for truckmounts. Probably get a more informed answer there

[kuiwik]

thanks but as i have no truckmount the application form cannot be filled in correctly stopping me from viewing threads.

[CARPET KNIGHTS]

if i had the choice i'd have a 427

[kuiwik]

why is that?

[Mike Halliday]

I think the sign of a good truckmount is if the owner keeps it for a long period of time,  if you are thinking of buying a Boxxer then speak to someone who has owned it for a long time and not got rid of it as soon as possible,

the same goes for Ace machines from Chemspec, find someone who has owned it for years,

what you need is unbiased points of view, which will be hard to find.

my unbiased opinion is to buy a Prochem machine. over priced but I've never heard a bad thing said about them, I have heard bad things about every other truckmount sold in the UK ( apart from the blueline range which haven't been here long enough to gain a bad or a good reputation)

Mike

[mark_roberts]

Ive a boxer for almost two years.  Very reliable in fact its only broken down once and that was a maintainence item, rubber coupling.

For residential and light commercial Id recommend it.

However when buying my next Tm I will buy diesel or gas powered as its cheaper to run.

My advice is buy the brand that is nearest to you unless their complete muppets.

Also do you really need a TM for a new start in carpet cleaning.  Big risk is if dosent work out.

Mark

[brights cleaning]

i have a thermal wave 2  from blueline and its the dogs doodahhs!
cant believe i waited so long to upgrade
the shear power and speed is fantastic not to mention all the extra jobs fitted in every week, ones they i used to say no to because of the time factor
LONG LIVE THE TRUCKMOUNT
for hes a jolly good fellow..................

[Timmy Boy]

I have the Apex diesel but by eck is it noisy! Not good for doing late carpet cleaning in a residential area!
Regards
Tim

[Glynn]

Dont listen to all the hacks who say 421s are rubbish.
They are the best selling truckmount in the world. Fact.

[CARPET KNIGHTS]

I would rather have the 427 because the 421 is basically a modernised spitfire 4.0 which i run at the moment. Although a very good bit of kit. The 427 is a "new" design which includes water cooled engine better construction and far better looking and better controls!

Cheers Goron

[carpetmas5]

Goron next time I am down at Polruen you must have a look at my 427 its NICE! Martin

[PaulKing]

It's easy, just like a car, try before you buy.
They cost as much as a second hand car so you should really research it.

[lee_gundry]

i have owned a

century
3.2
4.0
the first 427 sold in europe
max 450d
max 470

my honest opinion would be a 450d or 470

i have had quite a few tm because i like my boys toys.
this moment in time i currently run the 450d & 470.

if you are jumping from a high power twin or trippel vac portable ,the 427 will be a very big jump in  vac ,pressure,and heat proformance

going to a 450d or 470 the vac power is just awsome.

Lee G

[kuiwik]

great thank you all who replied

[kuiwik]

thanks for the advice the hydramaster 450d is being installed in 3 weeks
blew my previous experience with my ninja out of the water!!!   wow what a result, i must stop dreaming about this machine every night....no more general cleaning on my knees anymore!!!!!!!!

[Shaun_Ashmore]

The boxxer 421 is probably the quietest TM on the market also for its compact size the hottest in its range which does make a difference when cleaning as you can clean faster and leave items drier. It's proabably cheaper to run than the bigger TM's but a diesel or gas TM will always win the fuel consumption game.

If I had to alter anything on my Boxxer 421 I would have had a bigger fuel tank which is easily done as I have to go to the petrol station every day.

I believe Lee Grundy has his TM (max 450 diesel) fuel line plumbed into his van fuel tank so he fills up once for the week and that's it.

Shaun

[kuiwik]

Thats a great idea for the fuel tank, is it legal?.
with regards to the noise i quite like the idea of getting curtains twitching this will hopefully lead them to my van with my number on it and maybe more customers,  I want to be seen and heard!!

[will_turton]

 go and post that on clean talk??

[Susan Dean (1stclean)]

Thats a great idea for the fuel tank, is it legal?.
with regards to the noise i quite like the idea of getting curtains twitching this will hopefully lead them to my van with my number on it and maybe more customers,  I want to be seen and heard!!

haveing been in the cleaning came for many years i aways wanted a truck mount but was put off buy many people

any way after joining this site and reading many posts,  i just went and got one , a max 450 d and trust me now im used to working with it i will never go back to a porty , and the noise it makes is great every one just stands and looks at it then they asked for cards !