I am purchasing a new machine for encapping commmercial carpet. I am concerned about getting the best cleaning results and the fastest production time possible. The OP machine I am looking at has a built in spray system, same with the CRB machine, so pre-spraying wouldn't be needed. I am partial to the Cimex-it looks like a great machine- but I have heard some negative things about it. The CRB claims to get up to 10,000 sf per hour, and the OP gets up to 5,000 sf per hour.
I have been using a rotary and a small orbiter (with releasit) and the small OP seems to clean better than the heavy rotary, that makes me think an OP machine might be the answer, but the difference in production rates, and the weight of the machines keeps the CRB in the race - I just have to wonder if a CRB can clean as well since it uses brushes instead of a pad. I don't do resi work, so that isn't an issue. I have lots of Data, but no real experience with any of these, so any input would be appreciated.

Thanks
Chris

You have heard that ... CRB machines can produce 10,000 sq ft per hour ... OP's can produce 5,000 sq ft per hour ... and negative things about Cimex machines.

To start with, you might want to evaluate the validity of the source of those statements, since each of them is a little left of center. Those production rates are considerably exaggerated, and the Cimex is a very sweet machine for commercial carpet. But each machine has its place, that's why we sell all 3.

A Cimex will HONESTLY top out at 2,000-3,000 sq ft per hour. With a 6.5 gallon tank and planetary scrubbing it is a work horse. An OP and CRB machine will produce lower production rates than a Cimex. An OP machine has the advantage that it can do some soil removal via the pads/bonnets during cleaning. And a CRB machine is nimble and handy to work with, and has the ability to pull up the pile as it is cleaning. It's just a matter of which machine fits your personal needs best.













Rick Gelinas
rick@excellent-supply.com

I recently purchased a Cimex and so far have been impressed. Rick speaks the truth about sf per hour. Check out his video on his sight listed below. Another plus is a novice can run it inlike most swing machines. I did alot of research, asked alot of questions etc. and it always came back to Cimex. But as Rick said your call, if your dealing with a local distributor do some demos.

I have a Cimex and a Sprint CRB, both are excellent machines and have their places. Either can be used on CGD as well as tile.

The Cimex has higher production rates and on CGD cleans better. The Cimex is a tank- VERY dependable. It is also heavier to load and unload.

The Sprint can be used to pre-spray residential cut pile, and will also help recover water/solution on tile jobs and even a little dirty water when encapping CGD through it's drum/brush action (kinda squeege effect).

Make your own luck,

Del Scrivner
Owner/Operator
Cowboy's Carpet Care