[Andy Hogarth]

O.k. I think I've narrowed my choice of new machine down to 2. The speedster or the raptor.
I've done numerous searches on here and still can't make my mind up.
Could you guys help me out with a few q's

My main concern with the speedster is its reliability, most posts I have read and a guy I know had one had problems with the dump tamps, they kept cracking due to the whole in the machine being too small for the fitting and cooling fans at the front of the machine. However is it worth getting for the 2" hose and does this make much difference performance wise?? I've read many posts where users are more than happy with the speedster.

My main concern with the raptor is I've heard the parts to replace it are very expensive due to its pumps. However I know geoff has one and rates it very highly.

What I'd really like is for anyone who has these machines to tell me a bit about the good and the bad points, I could ramble on all day with the suppliers but would rather have the points of view from actual users with tried and tested experience.

Soz if I'm just going over old ground all
Andy

[darren72]

Used the raptor  for the full day today its a great machine 300psi makes a bid difference also loads of heat.Its a heavy machine but i knew that before i bought it for most jobs it will be left outside the front door also got a ramp for the van so everything is sorted.Recomend the machine to anyone.

[Mike Roper]

Andy,
Speedster- small opening to solution tank so easy to spill water down front of machine and into cooling fan . Easy remedy is to use a large rectangle disel type funnel .
Had to replace the hose from heater to feed as it sprung a leak . Also short hose linking the two heaters developed a bubble in the wall. Cooling fan blew.One vac motor needed the mounting bolts tightening which was no problem, and noticed how easy a job it would be to replace the vac motors when needed
All in all I'm really pleased with the machine and think its well designed and made, every thing is easy to work on. The machine isnt too heavy for the spec and is pretty easy to move around. Performance is great pump and vac wise , heater is ok but not as good as I thought it would be.
Mike( Whitby)

[Andy Hogarth]

Cheers for the replys, I'm still non the wiser what to get

Has anyone used the raptor for a while and had any problems??

Darren, what machine was you using previously??

Andy

[darren72]

Andy prochem powermax.

[david_m]

Hi Andy

Had my speedster now for about 11 months
the only repair that needed doing was a new heater cartridge
at £65. So in my opion a fairly reliabile machine and as said above
every thing is easy to get at for repairs and service.
most days i would be doing anything from 3 till 5 jobs per day
So its working every day not just sat in the shed.

 Davy

[Mike Osbourne]

Andy

Yep, I think the Speedster is a no brainer. For the money it's brilliant. It does all you need until you can buy a truckmount.

On this occasion I'd stick with the crowd.

Try the guy who sells new ones on ebay for under 2k, the money you save you can get a spare vac motor, get some 2" hose or spend it on surfing gear.

[Andy Hogarth]

Cheers All

Hey Mike, long time no chat. How are ya??

U upgraded that ninja then

Who sells them on ebay, I can't find it???
Is that 2k plus vat because I've had that offer from a couple of companys, Just trying to get the best deal regarding extras at the mo.

Andy

[stuart_clark]

Woodbridge commercial quoted me £1900 plus vat last week

[stevegunn]

Raptor seems to be best option at the moment heard too many bad reports ref the speedster plus hydramasters back up service is A1.

http://www.hydramaster.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=123&zenid=e51bb2807bf1bd0267a8718da34f52ef

[Mike Osbourne]

Sod's law.

Just finishing a job and notice a trickle coming out the exhaust of machine.

Ball Cage was on and waste tank fairly full.

Anyway got back home cleaned out cage and tested It still seems to suck up some water when waste tank nearly full the ball is free.

Running the vacs dry now and may squirt some wd40 up there for good measure.

[darren72]

Used the raptor for about 6 hours solid today what a machine no bull here if anybody is thinking of getting a new porty get one of these you will love it i dont know what its like compared to the speedster but its a cracking machine.

[Andy Hogarth]

NOOOOOoooooooo Don't say this lads lol, I've just agreed a price on the speedster

Seriously though, At the end of the day it came down to the best deal and Matt at cleansmart was offering this by far along with a guarentee

Cheers for all your help and advice guys and I'll ley you know the verdict when I've had it a bit.

Andy

[Shaun_Ashmore]

I don't buy loads from Matt but I would STRONGLY recommend him, always good service infact he goes beyond that, it's not just buying the cheapest machine it's the after service as well.

Shaun

[gwrightson]

I thought Matt had stopped selling the Speedster!!!
In one of his mens own words " they were too unreliable , and had problems getting parts even had to raid other machines to satisfy custys requirments" 
I apologise Matt if this is not the case , but that was the story told to me when making some enquires

geoff