Just wondering how long I should expect my pad drivers to last? I just ordered some new ones because mine are coming apart. They are a year and a half old though.

Kevin Pearson

Kevin,

Depending on usage the drivers should last a fairly long time. We have 3 Cimex machines. My guys are rough. We've used them heavily for carpet cleaning as well as floor care including stripping. However we haven't worn out a set of drivers yet. There is visible wear but they're still usable.

That being said, there are two styles of pad drivers. And there are some wear characteristics that you'll normally observe.

The most common style of Cimex drivers that we've had are built with 3M Instalock material. The spiky Instalock material has a tenacious grip. I've used Instalock pad drivers for years (even before the Cimex) on standard floor machines. In my experience I've seen that the Instalock material will wear with usage and the material sometimes separates from the driver backing. The Instalock material seems to exhibit the same wear characteristics with the Cimex drivers too.

The second style of drivers Cimex has provided employs a plastic velcro face material. These seem to be less vulnerable to the wear characteristics as compared to the Instalock material. I've always liked the Instalock drivers, but these newer style velcro face drivers may prove to be a better wearing driver.

If you're face material (with any of the driver materials) is separating from the foam backing - here is a simple fix that works. Go to Napa Auto Parts and get a tube of 3M Super Weatherstrip Adhesive. This will bind the face material to the foam driver backing and it won't let go...

http://www.napaonline.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ExecMacro/NAPAonline/search_results_product_detail.d2w/report?prrfnbr=15608894&prmenbr=5806

Sorry you're experiencing some wear with the drivers. Even though your drivers are outside of the warranty, I will be happy to cover them for you Kevin. If you'd like to pursue that just let me know.




Rick Gelinas
encapman

Rick, in the post above, you make mention of '3M Super Weatherstrip Adhesive'.

I have been toying around with a thought.

I have purchased an orbital car buffer, this also has a foam backing, but until this post above, have not been able to come up with an acceptable adhesive.

In your opinion, would the above adhesive also hold velcro secure enough to attach the cimex pads??

I would like to experiment on risers and treads of stairs.

Kind regards,

Shorty.

Shorty,

I'm reasonably certain that it would work fine.
Let us know how you make out.



Rick Gelinas
encapman

That was my problem exactly Rick. The instalock stuff was coming off of the foam pad drivers. I have already ordered some more. So did you send me the new ones or the instalock kind. I will probably try the 3M adhesive stuff. I had forgotten about that stuff. We used to use it alot and called it gorilla snot. I am not sure why we called it that except that it was yellow and snotty looking. LOL Anyway, thanks for the advice.

Kevin Pearson

Rick,

We have been cleaning a lot of oriental rugs with dog or cat pee. We vacuum or blow them out first with air then we have been running CTI's OSR through the Cimex with the cotton bonnets on the bottom. Then we will go back and clean the OSR off the rug with our TM and sometimes follow up with Encap. Could running the OSR through the Cimex be causing my pad drivers to come apart?

Thanks,

Kevin Pearson

Kevin,

I'm not sure if the OSR would soften the adhesive. It sounds like a reasonable possibility since the drivers should have lasted longer.

The new drivers that Cimex has been sending out lately are the plastic style.

I will be happy to try to push this through as a warranty if you'd like me to. Just put the old drivers in the box and return them to me and then I'll deal with Cimex USA on this. You're an excellent customer and I want to take good care of you.

Send To:
Excellent Supply
2534 22nd Street N.
St Petersburg, FL 33713

Take care bud.






Rick Gelinas
encapman

Rick,

I never expected these to be under warranty but I appreciate you trying for me.

Kevin Pearson