Ergonomic Design

An essential consideration with any floor machines is the overall design of the unit. Using these machines for an extended period of time can be fatiguing, and can cause pain in your back, neck and shoulders. To minimize your discomfort, opt for a machine that has an ergonomic design. You’ll find options that provide you with one-touch handle height and angle adjustments.

Versatility

Getting the most out of your equipment is important. You’ll find that some of the better floor machines available can actually pull double duty, cleaning both hard surfaces and carpets. Look for a machine that can use both a shampoo brush and a carpet bonnet, in addition to hard surface cleaning/buffing brushes and pads.

Gearbox

Many floor machines use a two-gear system. However, this can lead to problems like rough operation, short lifespan and low cleaning strength. It’s a better choice to opt for a machine that offers a triple planetary gearbox to ensure you get the durability, reliability, smooth operation and powerful cleaning that you need.

Cord Length

Floor machines are electric, which means you’re going to be tethered by a power cord. While you can certainly use industrial extension cords to lengthen that tether, it’s a better choice to buy a machine that has a long cord to begin with. A 50-foot power cord gives you plenty of length for larger jobs so that you don’t have to change outlets frequently.

Extra Weight

The question of cleaning hard surfaces that have heavy dirt and grime buildup usually means that you’re going to have to add pressure to the cleaning head. That can increase the strain on your body, and can lead to subpar results. If you’ll be tackling heavy-duty jobs, it’s a good idea to invest in floor machines that include added weight so that they cut through dirt and grime with ease.

These are just a few of the considerations you’ll need to make when buying floor machines for your carpet cleaning business.

Consider the pH Level

One important consideration when choosing cleaning chemicals is going to be the pH level of the solution. Choosing a product that offers a high pH level will ensure that you’re able to use the chemical on both heavy traffic carpeted areas as well as tile.

Stain Treating

Some carpet cleaning chemicals will lift out dirt and grime, but do very little for difficult to remove stains. Make sure that you have a good stain treatment on hand that is capable of removing oil, grease and paint from carpeting. Most “standard” cleaners will not remove these stains, so make certain that you have a product that will.

Foaming Action

Another important consideration when choosing carpet cleaning chemicals is whether you have a foaming solution or not. Foaming cleansers help get deep down dirt and grime out of carpet fibers. As the cleaner foams, it picks up dirt and debris from deep in the carpet fibers and raises it to the surface so it can be removed.

Odor Control

Whether you’re cleaning a house after a smoker has moved out or ridding a home of pet odors, you’ll need to make sure that you have the right odor control chemicals. A good multipurpose deodorizer will also tackle things like mildew and will act as a disinfectant as well.

Protection

Once you have cleaned your client’s carpet, you need to protect it against future stains and dirt. You’ll find a wide range of carpet cleaning chemicals out there that offer this, but DuPont Teflon applications are excellent options, and are designed specifically to work with higher end Stainmaster carpeting to reduce the chance of staining. You should also consider a high quality rinse solution for carpets, as these can help reducealkalinity, remove cleaner residue and even help stabilize dyes in many instances.

There are numerous other carpet cleaning chemicals available, as well. You’ll find oxidizers, activated charcoal, gum and glue remover and more.

Power and Cleaning Capacity

The first thing that you need to understand is that a truck mount machine is going to offer superior power and cleaning capacity compared to any portable carpet cleaner. Most professional carpet cleaners do use a truck mount machine. However, that power and capability comes at a price. For those just starting out in the business, it’s more affordable to start out with a portable carpet cleaner. That doesn’t mean you won’t soon outgrow it, though.

Transport Options

You are also going to have to take a look at your transportation options. With a truck mount machine, you’ll need a van, or a large trailer at the very least. With a portable machine, you can make do with a smaller trailer or even a pickup truck in some instances. In addition, because you’ll save money by purchasing a portable carpet cleaner, you can use those funds to invest in other needed equipment, carpet cleaning chemicals and protective wear (all of which should fit within a modest trailer). Of course, if you already have a van, then you can easily install a truck mount machine, but those starting out without the right vehicle or trailer should certainly consider the cost of transportation for their cleaning equipment.

Your Plan

You should certainly have a plan when you start out in the cleaning business. Most people choose to start small to maximize their available funds and then upgrade their equipment as they become more successful. However, the carpet cleaning equipment you need to purchase will depend greatly on your planned clients. For example, if you’ll be focusing on commercial clients, it might be best to go with a truck mount machine from the outset. If you’ll be starting out doing mostly residential jobs, then a portable carpet cleaner will suffice, though it’s highly recommended that you upgrade to a truck mount machine when you can, simply for the better results you’ll be able to provide your clients.

Chem-Tex offers both Truck Mount Machine Packages as well as Portable Carpet Cleaning Machine Packages.

Also, check out this page to find more information about portable cleaning machines body types

Electric Truck Mount Machines

Electric truck mount machines are great options for a variety of different reasons. For instance, you’ll find that since they don’t use gasoline and don’t emit exhaust, they’re far more environmentally friendly, which can give you an advantage in the increasingly green-centric marketplace. Of course, there are some serious considerations to be made before you go this route.

Lacking in Power

Electric truck mount machines are not as powerful as their gas-powered brethren. That means that you will not be able to provide your clients with the same level of service. Obviously, this will affect your reputation and your profitability.

Power Requirements

In order to operate, you’ll find that an electric truck mount machine requires a significant amount of electricity. That’s a massive draw on an electrical system when the machine is under load. Many homes and even many businesses will not be able to supply the amount of power the machine requires, thus rendering it next to useless.

You’ll Double Charge Your Clients

Finally, you will also find that using an electric truck mount machine means that you’re double charging your customers. In the event that you do find you can operate your machine from an electrical hookup at a home or business, you’re going to draw a massive amount of electricity while the machine is operation. That cost will be paid by your client, not by you. Chances are good that they’re not going to be very happy when their power bill comes in at the end of the month and they realize that not only did they pay you to clean their home or office, but that you stuck them with a high power bill to boot.

As you can see, while electric truck mount machines might seem like a viable option, gas-powered machines still reign supreme.

Please check out our livejournal page at http://chemtex.livejournal.com

We have just published new article about The Advantages of Trailers Compare to Cargo Vans in the Carpet Cleaning Business

150 foot three part hose system
Carpet wand
Truck racks included with accessories
Pressure washer attachments
Drapery, bed, furniture, stair cleaning attachments
2 tanks for stain removal including pet deodorizer

ALL MANUALS INCLUDED

COMPLETE BUSINESS
AVAILABLE FOR ONLY:

$9,000—–you read that right!

all equipment and additional supplies at:
Jon-Don Chicago
400 Medinah Road
Roselle, IL 60172
(800) 936-3520

http://www.jondon.com/stores/roselle/

Seller Contact Info
Company name	L&N Carpet Cleaning Inc.
Sold by	Lori Nystrom
Location	Grand Rapids, MI
Phone	616-281-0618
Equipment Details
Truck Mount Brand	Butler
Model	Ford
Year	2000
Engine	PTO
Blower Size	#3
Heater Type	Heat Exchange
Machine Hours	Over 3001 Hrs
Single Or Dual Wand	Single Wand
Vehicle Information
Is Truck Included	Yes
Type Of Vehicle	Cargo Van (Standard)
Vehicle Make	Ford 350
Model
Year	2000
Mileage	22
Air Conditioning	No
Electric Windows	Yes
Glass In The Side Door	Yes
Hinged Side Door	Yes
Chrome Bumpers	Yes
Cruise Control	No
Electric Locks	Yes
Glass In The Back Door	Yes
Sliding Side Door	No
Bed-liner Or Coating	Yes
Insulation	No
Vehicle Color	Red
Vehicle Condition	Good
Package Asking Price	$12,500

Information supplied by Jon Don

Seller Contact Info
Company name	Jon Don
Sold by	Jerry Byrne
Location	Portland, OR
Phone	5032310826
Equipment Details
Truck Mount Brand	Blueline
Model	Cobalt
Year	2007
Engine	20 – 24 HP
Blower Size	#4
Heater Type	Heat Exchange
Machine Hours	2001 – 2500 Hrs
Single Or Dual Wand	Single Wand
Vehicle Information
Is Truck Included	No
Type Of Vehicle	NA
Vehicle Make
Model
Year	2008
Mileage
Air Conditioning	No
Electric Windows	No
Glass In The Side Door	No
Hinged Side Door	No
Chrome Bumpers	No
Cruise Control	No
Electric Locks	No
Glass In The Back Door	No
Sliding Side Door	No
Bed-liner Or Coating	No
Insulation	No
Vehicle Color	NA
Vehicle Condition	NA
Package Asking Price	$7,900

Information supplied by Jon Don