[G Griffin]

I`m thinking of integrating a b`pack in to my work, gradually at first.
  I`ll probably use Tosh`s method of just partially filling it and keep topping it up for weight reasons.
  On that note, could I pole windows with the pack on the floor? I`m thinking of possible damage to it with hard surfaces,wet ground etc.

                  Gerry.

[D.Salkeld_Ltd]

Gerry,

The trick to the Backpack is NOT TO LIFT IT.

What vehical have you got?
Try and mount it as high as possible with the straps facing the door of your vehical.  Then back up to it, strap it on and lift as little as possible.

Check out my post about my trailer.

David

[G Griffin]

Ta David, I know what you mean.

I`m wondering it wil be ok to place it and leave on the ground. I`m thinking of the battery or whatever else  and wet grass etc. Or are they well covered?

    I`m thinking of poling with it on the ground and leaving it there for trad work.
      Or would it be safer to use on your back?

                  Gerry.

[geefree]

Hi,

I use mine from the ground,.... i fill it , plonk it on the drive, that way i can do front and side tops without moving it..... then when i one hand it via a strap to the back garden part of the drive i do the same again... by this time its lighter.... then i attach shorter pole.... and do the same again downstairs.... by this time its easy as nearly empty.... done it for six months now... no problems or damage...

its just a pain filling it. constantly....  no matter what anyone says.... it is!   

[KarlJones]

the shurflo backpack can stand up.  Although it has its power selector on the base (yes i know, silly isn't it) you can turn it on and off by using the tap.  The battery lives in a seperate compartment a bit higher up. 

However, because the tap and power switch will be some distance from you, you have less flow control and therefore will use a tad more water.   It works great on your back but I tend to do what Gazza does, start with it standing then put it on my back when its half full.

[geefree]

i simply turn it to number 2 setting... leave it running and control flow with on/off tap at pole bottom.

[LWC]

its really not that bad on your back. i always fil mine to the top, of course im careful when lifting it.

i have full control over the water. i stick it on setting 1 and control it off the tap on my belt. works a treat and is sooooooo fast!

[G Griffin]

Thanks for that  .

                     Gerry.

[Count Phil]

One of my customers has a baby rucksack. She sticks the baby in it (you know the type), well toddler actually, and she says the whole lot including stuff she carries, weighs about 20kg. Similar to the backpack.

She hoists it up and marches into town (2 miles) then marches back. I've seen her plenty of times. She aint that big. You lot are nancies.

[Richy L]

i dont use the backpack as a backpack. i keep mine on a trolley. theres no need to carry it everywhere. i just wheel it to a place where i can reach as many windows as possible, then move it around the back. Most of the time i only have to put it down once at the front of a house, then one place at the back of a house.

I dont see the point in carrying it around all day when you dont have to.

I also use a stop connector for a hose pipe at the end of the black pipe, and just disconect it slightly to stop the water flow. that way it saves water.

[Tosh]

She sticks the baby in it (you know the type), well toddler actually, and she says the whole lot including stuff she carries, weighs about 20kg. Similar to the backpack.

That's a ruddy fat baby!  My boxing weight (many years ago) was 70 kg; light-middle weight (nearly 11 stone), so that baby was nearly a third of my body weight!

Then you've got to 'pole' the window with that on your back?

No way; you're just waiting for a RSI to happen.

Carry a 25 litre barrel on a sack truck  - keep it handy - and just fill the backpack to a manageable weight for the job in hand; and then re-fill it for the next one... repeat.

On some of my bigger jobs, I'll spend five to ten minutes distributing 25 litre barrels around the property where I'll need them when I run out of water.

[G Griffin]

I was thinking of using 10 litre barrels and just using more.
 Again thinking of the weight. I`m thinking it would be easier filling(and lifting) with 10 rather than 25l.
  Alternatively I might employ a young mum to do all the lifting and carrying.

                       Gerry.

[geefree]

Hi jerry,

i have a 250 litre tank in the van, stick a piece of hose pipe to it... buy a hoselock tap end....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/WATER-FED-POLE-SYSTEM-HOSE-SHUT-OFF-VALVE-FOUR-PACK_W0QQitemZ150135728889QQihZ005QQcategoryZ112579QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

open the tap, it will fill your back pack up whilst you are setting your pole up..... then i stick a 25l barrel under whilst  i do the front.... SOMETIMES...... most of the time its enough.....

Also pop your backpack back under the hose tap whilst putting your stuff away... and its full for the next job.

Gary.

[geefree]

Im still sorting the van mount set up.... before anyone asks lol   

[Jeff Brimble]

I roll out a spare 100m hose from the van tank and give it an almighty suck to get the syphon effect going  :

Gerry I also converted to  10L containers and its easy enough to put the pac on or on trolley  and walk to the start of the job with another 10L in your hand.

[G Griffin]

Thanks Gary, Jeff.
 
Good to hear someone using 10l barrels.

         Gerry.