Reading some of the posts regarding using a floor polisher type machine, what speed would you more experienced people advise for bonnetting of greasy carpets.

Apart from 'Big Yella', I also have a random orbital machine that rotates at 1450 rpm, however I find this to awkward for residentials or edges.

I am looking at a lightweight Alto machine, 200 rpm

Would this be suitable for the greasy carpet scenario??

Thanks in advance,

Shorty.

I have a duel speed 175 and 275. Always run on high. Tried it on low and seems to pull alot harder. On high it seems to skim along the top better.

Brian

Hey Shorty, I would think that 1450 is in the line of a burnisher or high speed polisher. Not a scrubber or swing machine.
<br />But maybe not since you described it as random orbits. Who knows.. anyways...
I use a 175 rpm rotary for all of my jobs. 1.5 HP. That bigger motor is the key. I have used 175s with a 1 HP and it drug a bit.

I dont have a dual speed yet, but will get one.
I have been told both ways, that the higher speed is great for padding, and some say only better for encaping,, scrub N Run style.

I can only account that i am getting spectacular results with my 175 and my particular cleaning methods. I use it for pre and post padding, scrub N run encap style when I dont use my CIMex, and I do alot of padcapping, (pads with encap prespray) for my best results. If the higher speed is a bonus, then it will only get a little better for my customers.

A rotary is a must on any cleaning van,, cimex too, OP, and a good TM>

Then you are off to the races.

Steve Dobson
ProFloor
Custom Cleaning Services

Shorty,

I agree with Steve, 1450 rpm is a high speed burnisher. This speed machine could seriously damage a carpet. Your 200 rpm Alto machine would be just fine. Even a a 300 rpm rotary is safe if used with care. Higher rpm's is opening you up to potential problems though.




Rick Gelinas
encapman

Thank you for your replies.

I was not sure of my 'orbital' machines speed, so I phoned the distributor, who, after about ten minutes, came back with that speed.

This guy bought the business about eighteen months ago.

I really don't believe he has given me the correct rpm.

Having used slow-175, normal-450, fast or high speed-1000 and ultra high speed propane burnishers, I would rule out any speed apart from the first two for my Orbiter.

I think probably only 175 rpm.

It operates very similar to John Guerkink's machine.

Whichever way, it's gotta go, and some new horses going into the stable.

Again, thanks for the replies, the different views are good to compare.

Cheers,

Shorty.

Shorty,

I didn't realize you were talking about an orbital machine. 1450 rpm's is totally different with an orbital machine as compared to rotary. You should be fine with a 1450 rpm orbital machine.




Rick Gelinas
encapman

Hey Shorty,
I've been using a Hawk 17" dual speed rotary for several years at 300 rpm. At first using a Gorilla Lite pad and now using Rick's max pads. I have never had a problem as long as I "lubricate" the pad prior to starting the machine. I use a pad the exact size or 1" larger than the machine so I can get right to the edges. I use this machine in areas such as offices or stores with a lot of displays to get around, or where I have to clean a carpet and then buff VCT. I just change pads. In fact when I bought my Cimex it was a choice between that and a 20" dual speed. Cimex won out. I feel the same way as a previous post, every truck should have a Cimex and a Rotary.