Art,
I'm sure Window Cleaning Warehouse sell the strainers:
www.windowcleaningwarehouse.co.uk/shop/I tried to google the link to the item for you, but my computer; or the site is on go slow.
What types of properties are you going to be using your backpack for?
I use mine from (relatively) big stuff, to small stuff; been using it for over 3 years now; and think it's great. But there is a knack.
Also what's your pole hose like? Don't fanny about with triggers and stuff (they end up breaking fairly quickly); make sure you've got an external pole hose (outside the pipe) and just grab a handful of it and bend it to cut the water supply and stop the pump (it won't damage it; it's designed to be used like that). The pole hose needs to be pliable enough to let you bend it easy. I can't reccommend a pole hose, since I've been using a brand that Ionic don't make anymore.
This'll save you water inbetween windows, or when a customer comes out to chat with you.
Also don't bother putting your backpack on a trolley; it's more trouble than it's worth. Carry it, either on one shoulder, both shoulders, or like you would a holdall; depending on how much water is in it and how far you're going to go with it.
In some places I'll dump off 25 litre barrels of water at strategic points from my car (you'll only discover where these places are by experience), and at other places I'll pull a 25 litre barrel on a trolley and fill up when needed.
Also if you've got to go somewhere just to clean two-or-three windows, don't fill the whole ruddy thing up. Just put enough water in it to clean those windows. I calculate this as two-litres-per-window (normal casement type; not massive shop window), so if I've four windows to clean with it, I'll put in 8 litres; it's normally more than enough on a regular clean; though you'll use more on first cleans.
What else? The battery is great, but make sure you give it a really long charge when it's brand new; at least 24 hours. After that I always charge mine each evening, when I remember. Yesturday I put about 7 x 25 litre barrels through it, forgot to charge it so gave it a half-hour charge this morning and then put another 5 x 25 ltr barrels through it today; no problems.
I try not to leave the backpack in the car overnight in Winter; I find it messes up the button control due to damp.
Any questions, mate, just ask, I'll try my best to help even if you're a Jock!
