Used a cimex for the first time this weekend.Decent sized job about 30,000 sq. ft. I would like to know what I did wrong.Used cimex pads from interlink(superspeed rubberized pads) and my favorite juice.It was hard to push so I layed down more solution which did not seem to help.I had to push it about 100 yards from one building to the next I felt it was heavy.And also to get it to perform properly I felt I had to lay down way too much juice. Now the cost of juice is not an issue but dry times are.With other "vlm" methods I am used to ultra quick dry times.I was considering purchasing one but if my experience was normal I can run an high speed rotary just as fast without the fatigue. What is you goys diagnosis?

I am alot faster with a rotary than with the Cimex, I just don't have the technique down for it. The one difference for sure - the Cimex cleans much better than a rotary. I hope to get faster with it or an OP machine is in my future.....

Hey Ron,
It shouldn't be hard to push. Maybe the pads you were using were causing it to bind up on the carpet. I am assuming it was a CGD level loop...I have been using ricks fiber plus and fiber max pads and it's not hard to push at all. You sure don't want to put to much juice down just a light coating.

If the sub-flooring ins uneven, it will seem like you are trying to plow a field. I have a store that I will be doing later this week that I have to use my 300rpm rotary because the concrete sub-floor is so uneven and warped that using the Cimex wears me out.

The first time I used my Cimex I really wondered wether I had made the right decision...I had been using a rotary for commercial and had become really good at using it. The Cimex performs differently than a rotary. After using it for a while...I now swear by it, but it's not for the small commercial jobs, then a rotary is easier. However, if it's a large job...nothings cleans better. I don't know the pads you used...I use the Fiberplus and Fiberplus Max pads and they work really well. You do need to lay down enough solution so that there is a slight white foam path being left behind the cimex, it is quite easy to lay down too much...it takes a little practice. Once you get it...it gets quite easy. I now find if I am cleaning 10000 or more square feet, I'm way less tired than when I would use the rotary, and I'm probably 20% faster.

Remember when you first started using a rotary, there was a learning curve...there's also a learning curve for the Cimex. Once you get it down, you'll be glad you have it.

Oh, and if you're not using releasit DS...try it...you'll like it.

You might want to try using fibre plus pads and releasit DS, carpets that are glued down are easier than stretched in carpets it also depends on the carpets pile lay direction and wool likes to absorb more moisture therefore can be a bit harder to push but plenty of juice should help.

Craig

Only time I've found it near impossible to use is on Flotex/Walkatex style carpets.

Not sure what you guys would call them but they are more a vinyl than carpet with an impervious backing, and the fibres are all standing upright in the backing giving a very short pile.

They wick very easily and they don't like detergents.

Cimex was almost IMPOSSIBLE to use on it. I then tried my rotary with FP pads and same deal. I tried my rotary with bonnets from CD and still no go. That was a few years back now but I use a CRB style machine on those and they really work a treat.

I mention this in case this may have been the case for you.

John

John Middleton
Carpet Pro Ltd
Palmerston North
New Zealand

I agree with the pads to use Fiber Plus pads, I have used interlinks and there is a quality difference, with encaping you should get around 300 SF per RTU solution. I use my Cimex alot and can push with very little effort.

Chris: An op is not faster than a cimex,beside that,they're two different animals.Every piece of equipment has a little learning curve and in respect to the two we're discussing,you're only talking minutes.

Ron: change your pads and make sure that the solution line isn't pinched at the gate,that could explain the lack of product but remember...a little goes along way!

Patrick

Patrick,
Chris did not say an op is faster than a Cimex. He said a rotary is faster. Under certain circumstances it is. I find it faster when there is a lot of stuff to get around.

A couple of observations with regards to wetness of the carpet and production. The Rubberized Superspeed pads are made by ETC. We used to sell ETC pads and had significant problems with their consistency.

Another factor might possinblt be the juice. If a detergent doesn't produce a sufficient light foam to the carpet it makes it tough to gauge how much product you're using. There can be variables depending upon the detergent you are using.

These are a couple of factors that can throw off your production and may cause you to use more juice than you should. You should be able to average about 300 sq ft per gallon of diluted juice.

As a new user there are a few things that you should know about running a Cimex that will make it easier for you. We actually provide a PDF file to all of our new Cimex customers explaining the techniques for running their new Cimex. I will be happy to share it with you if you would like to call the office and request it. I think it should help you. And I can also answer any questions.

As far as it being hard to push, that doesn't make sense if the machine is running properly. If you see that it is just plain hard to push there may be a problem with the wheels and/or the axle. But that is unlikely. More than likely there is just a need to get into a rythym with the machine.

Please don't hesitste to call on me if I can assist you in any way.





Rick Gelinas
rick@excellent-supply.com

when Ron said, "I had to push it about 100 yards from one building to the next I felt it was heavy.", it made me think of a problem with mine.

one of my wheels is not turning as easily as the other one. i think i recall a post in years past here about greasing the wheels.?.

a Search came up with this: http://www.network54.com/Forum/228309/thread/1164202396/

Ron, while the said Cimex isn't brand new, maybe the wheels got wet at some point and are now "stiff" ???

i really think this is the problem, not the pads. why else would it be hard to push OUTSIDE?

thanx (off to lube my wheels) --- Derek.

Hey Derek,

I mentioned that there may be an issue with the wheels and/or axle. This is not a common problem, but it's a possibility. If there is a problem - WD40 on the wheels and axle will smooth out the ride. The rest of what I posted related to his detergent usage.

It honestly sounds like he just needs a little coaching to help him get a feel for running the Cimex. I think our PDF file and possibly a quick phone call with the "encapman" may be helpful to help him maximize his Cimex productivity.

If I can assist I am always happy to do so





Rick Gelinas
rick@excellent-supply.com

Il problema che Le ha, e che usa le spazzole secche. Prima di usare la Cimex deve assicurari che le spazzole siano bagnate.Io uso la Cimex da circa 4 anni.

Are you giving the brushes four years or the Cimex?

In Chris's statement;"I hopr I get faster or an Op is in his future...."that is what I was referring to...my thought was that he could go faster with an Op.

Patrick

Yes Patrick, I was thinking that an OP may be faster for me personally, one with on onboard spraying system and a fiber pad. It may be slower if it was one that you had to prespray in front of and keep changing cotton bonnets on, but I don't see how a 20" OP, onboard sprayer,and a fiber pad would be less efficient than a Cimex. Personally, I have found the Cimex to be an awesome scrubber, but a bit awkward to work with, especially in Hallways, which I happen to clean alot of.

If you have each of these and the OP with the above set-up is slower than the Cimex I would like to hear about it. I am going by my experiences and also the production rates quoted by the manufacturers(which are probably exaggerated a bit.)

With all due respect to Rick, It sounds like your wheels are binding. No amount of lubricant will work if they are. We have two Cimexes and both bind up from time to time. If the wheels don't spin freely, that sucker will wear you out! To correct, you will need to adjust the little chrome hubcaps out slightly and lubricate the axle. If the hubs don't come off easily, you will probably need a pry bar to force them off. You may want to have Rick send you a spare just in case you damage one. From my experience, the Cimex does have a few quirks, but nothing like my truckmount or even a portable extractor. These machines have done more for our business than any other single item. Give it another try. Also I HIGHLY recommend the fiber pads as well as the cleaners offered on this website. They are great.

i missed your comment Rick sorry.

Stan, interesting i will try the lube around the axle and if that don't work i reckon you are right.

i can see the right wheel has more room around it versus the left which has the problem turning freely and that makes me think you are right. i could've bumped it at some point over the past 3 years and caused the problem.

timely thread for me.



thanx --- Derek.