[Big_Fish]

Hello,

Now I don't want anyone to get agitated over this topic, I've said enough today on that score

But... what do all you lot use to agitate carpet after applying MS?

Nicky

[paul@ctcs]

Hi Nicky,

I use a Sebo duo which does a reasonable job and is very good value costing under 200 pounds. I would however prefer either the enviro-dry or host machines which I'm reliably informed are considerably better tools than the duo.

Paul

[Singrey]

I was speaking to Nick (Solutions) about this very topic only the other day. As previously stated he recommends the ‘Host’. A slow speed orbital floor machine such as a victor sprite with a soft shampoo brush would do just as well for large areas I would assume.

S

[stu_thomson]

Sebo duo on residential and victor rotary on commercial.
  stu

[Singrey]

Stu,

Which if any do you think gives the superior result Rotary or Orbital?

S

[stu_thomson]

have used rotary for past 10 years or so  with great results, trouble being lot of hassle in and out of van and back breaking so decided this year to change things to make life simpler/easier. Hence scrubbing now with sebo (alot lighter) and cfr machine (easier than my old heavy pro plus) Would still use rotary on commercial though as sebo prob not quite up to it, great tool though.

 stu

[Dynafoam]

Rotary:

• Has the edge for speed on large areas.
• More suited to low-profile carpet where pile-lifting is not a consideration.

Contra-rotating machines:

• Because they work in the vertical plane, do a better pile-conditioning job.
• Are kinder to twist pile due to the lower torque-stress inflicted.
• Are better at raising impacted particulate matter from pile-base.
• Cause less 'grinding paste' damage where abrasive soils are present.
• Are lighter to transport and smaller footprint in van.
• Can get into corners.

My favourite contra-rotator - The Host, with Envirodry in second.

[Singrey]

John,

Once again a  ‘what can anyone add to that’ answer to a discussion topic.

My hat is off to you sir.

[ian richards]

Started with a Duo, now use a Host, and a massive difference, makes the Sebo look like a Toy!!

Ian

[Big_Fish]

Thanks for that. Have also tried a Sebo Duo and like Ian, thought it felt flimsy and like a toy. Also hated cleaning all the fluff and muck that got caught up round the brushes.

We use a rotaty to agitate MS on low profile carpet and have found really excellent results. So it's a toss up between the Envirodry machine or the Host for all other carpet. That's all that's left?

These machines are obviously designed for dry compound agitation. We had a trial with Envirodry and were very disappointed with the results. Is it worth purchasing an Envirodry or Host machine with the intention of just using it to agitate MS?

Nicky

[Nigel_W]

Nicky,

The only other agitation device I occasionally use is a vacuum turbo head. See below:-

http://www.vacuumsdirect.co.uk/e-comon/tcb.gif

You attach it to your vac hose and the air flow drives the brush. It provides excellent agitation when used with a truckmount/high vac portable on certain carpets. It is cheap. light, easy to carry and does not need plugging in or cleaning much. It can also double up as a vacuum tool if used in conjunction with a dust downer to protect your vacuum blowers.

It is not a replacement for the other agitation devices but I am occasionally very pleased to have it on the van.

Nigel

[Barry Pearce]

Hi Nicky
There used to be a very good system called Rotawash? I Use a Karcher triple brush on a raised table and I clean the heads after evey job, but I have never done more than 3 rugs a day.
Barry

[ian richards]

Big-Fish

You will find, if you look at both makes, that there is a huge difference on price!!
So again it's about afordability!!

Ian

[Bryan H]

I use an ordinary carpet brush in most cases,  more physical effort, but it works OK and keeps the waistline trim.

On dirtier carpets I use a host which is better but I hate having to hump it around, especially upstairs !

Bryan

[Big_Fish]

Thanks for all that.
No replacement for hard work then

I was aware that prices vary on the different makes and have looked at this umpteen times over the last few years.
Just wondered if there was a quick and easy way that we had missed.
Seems it's each to their own but I see a gap in the market for somebody to design something to fit the purpose (that doesn't include woman on the end of a long handled carpet brush!).

Nicky

[Mike Halliday]

I've got a Sebo, rotowash rotory & a Oreck orbitor.

on domestics I use the 12inch Oreck, but on commercials I use the 17inch rotory mainly because I like to post-bonnet the carpet when I'm doing large open areas.

I did an old cinema which is now a large meeting room when I went up to the balcony and looked down it was like a patchwork quilt with some areas cleaner than others, so I post-bonnet to even it out,

just out of interest here's the bonnets afterwards, just shows you never remove all the dirt
 

[Dave_Lee]

Mike,
When you post bonneted, did you just go over the area with dry or damp bonnet or did you also apply a bonnet cleaner.
Dave.

[rob middleton]

how much are the host and envirodry machines. ive used a sebo and was quite impressed so these must be good if they are better than that.

[Shaun_Ashmore]

I'm sure Ken Wainright bought another make of Aggitation machine at the NEC for about £500 perhaps if he's lurking!

Calling Ken!!!!

Shaun

[paul@scc]

I use the old brush still as well never had any problems with it maybe get something better when i go into the commercial side a bit more. Or make my first million whichever comes first