[dean b]

Hi guys, i remember reading about a window cleaner using a water fed backpack sometime ago. Can anybody tell me where i can get one from and if they are any good ? Many thanks, Dean.

[Dean Aspects]

http://www.cleantech.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22_42&products_id=78

Backpacks are a good introduction to wfp you will soon outgrow it and upgrade to a van system but its not money wasted as you will still find that the odd awkward job is done faster with a backpack if you dont like the idea of carrying all that weight on your back then get a sack barrow from B&Q and bungee it to the barrow

Dean

[dean b]

Thank you 4 replying. I guess there is only so much water u could carry with the backpack, what would you do about refilling it ? And yes, i am just starting out.

[Dean Aspects]

I fill mine up from my tank in the van or you could fill up using 25ltr barrels

Dean

[Spursboy1972]

Backpacks are great. Dont let anyone (Groundhog!!!) put you off!

[D.Salkeld_Ltd]

Hi Dean,

I use a Backpack ALL the time.  In fact I now employ a chap and have 2 Backpacks

Now there are some on here (Groundhog : :) who will tell you a backpack is useless.  NOT SO!

Depends on what type of work you do.

Domestic and small commercial (like my round) a BP if just the job

Large Commercial Contracting.  A bit like mowing a football pitch with a push mower

ADVANTAGES

Grab n GO  ANYWHERE

No 100mtrs of hose to reel up and drag around

DISADVANTAGES

Getting it on

Filling up more often


Now these disadvantages can be overcome.

If you put half a dozen 25ltr barrels, a backpack and a pole in your car theoretically you could be of WFP.  But imagine; humping a full 25ltr barrel to fill up the BP  THEN humping a full BP up and onto your back.  Been there, done that, NO NO NO.
So I designed a Trailer system where the BP is mounted on the back at back height and a fast transfer pump in the tank to fill with.

There are a few other questions I'll cover later

[dean b]

Wow cant believe how helpful everybody has been, thank you ! What do your customers think of  you using it ?

[tacky]

what spares do u carry with shurflo backpack .thanks .

[groundhog]

Backpacks are great. Dont let anyone (Groundhog!!!) put you off!

Don't listen to the misers, backpacks are second best and always will be. Get yourself a van mount and do the job properly!! Pulling a microbore hose behind you is far easier than lumping a 25kg back pack about with you all day! 

[Spursboy1972]

wondered how long it would take you to stick your head out the parapet!

[dean b]

I am on bit of a budget so the van system is out of the question at the mo. Would be interested to hear what other members think of the backpacks ?

[Feen]

Dean, I use backpacks. They suit me and what I do, which is nearly all domestic. Sure if you were cleaning some big office block it would be a hassle to fill up, and a "proper" system would be better. I use a pick up because I also do other work that requires that type of vehicle. I carry 25 litre cans. Filling is no problem. The tailgate of the pickup is the perfect height for putting the pack on your back. I have another on a trolley which I use if I have a long run of windows, such as a big house or a conservatory. It has 15m of hose. Another advantage of having 2 backpacks is that if one battery runs out (due to my negligence about charging!!) you have another. All my gear has cost me about a grand. No need to buy a specific vehicle for the purpose. I can take wife and 3 children in comfort if I want to. If you find yourself with lots of big contracts and the future is rosy, then consider a van system. But do not discount the backpack.

[groundhog]

I am on bit of a budget so the van system is out of the question at the mo. Would be interested to hear what other members think of the backpacks ?

I kitted my van out for about £500 including my RO, so it needn't be expensive! You will look more proffessional, earn more money, and you won't look like something out of Ghost Busters!! 

[tacky]

any other spares apart from battery

[dean b]

Cheers Feen, where did you get all your equipment if you don't mind me asking ?

[tacky]

hi guys ,on backpack is the battery moulded on to the cover .or can it b separated ..if not do u buy spare battery with cover moulded on . or do u improvise some how.  thanks . i havent tried to pull them apert yet just in case i knakker it up .

[groundhog]

It's just glued on if you have the shurflo, mine came off quite easily when I had to change the battery. Your best bet would be to sell it and get yourself a proper system!!!! 

[Spursboy1972]

Groundhog-You really ought to get a life! Its a bit like a broken record!

[tacky]

thanks groundhog .i ll see how ill get on with backpack first .

[Spursboy1972]

tavky. You wont knacker the battery. I bought some velcro patches and put on my battery and the spare and the same on the moulded cover. Just to keep it in place.