Does anyone have any first hand experience with the model with the heater ??

It's not available down under, but is on the market in the U.K. in 220/240 volt

Cheers,

Shorty.

I've seen the light, and changed my wicked ways.
www.get.shorty.com.au

Shorty,

I have the U.S. model with the heater. The vacuum on it is good for its size. The heater takes about 20 minutes to heat the water and the tank must be completely full before the heater will be operational. You must have an extension cord because there is only like 6 inches of cord on the machine. We use it from time to time but not alot.

Kevin Pearson

I have an Aztec spotter which was the oroginal design by Durras.  He and Aztec parted company and he started making the DurrMaid, with a few changes.

I am happy with my Aztec.  One of the few spotting machines with a heater.

I think the DurrMaid has a 2 gallon fresh water tank, mine is 1 1/2.  The DurrMaid also has a filter system and mine does not.  Mine has a 30 foot power cord built in.

I would buy a DurrMaid if I had need for a second spotting machine.

Make you own luck,

Del Scrivner
Owner/Operator
Cowboy's Carpet Care

I was in the mobile detail biz several years back. My detail supplier sold these machines right about the time they went to "durrMaid". I loved it...but one day, the heater did not turn off and burned my litte gem right up. I was outside (thank God) but the smell stuck in every crevice on my truck/trailer set-up.

I mention this because we (auto detailers0 had a forum then as well and i was not the only guy who had one burn up in....like...seconds.

DO NOT LEAVE IT UN-ATTENDED!

Phil,

Was it out of water or how did it burn up?

Make you own luck,

Del Scrivner
Owner/Operator
Cowboy's Carpet Care

I must try and recall accurately...

If memory serves, the machine was not out but low. The heating element is meant to be turned on via a float-type switch ONLY when the water level is full or thereabouts.

Mine was in use and had been for a few minutes..the water level had gone down...alot. Then, suddenly smoke and smell consumes me!

Now, there were not shotting flames or sirens or nothing...but,,,had we been inside or neer any flamables, there could have been real trouble.

There was much chat about it on the detailers forum then (2001,2002?)and it had happened to others. Time wnet by and the seller (our supplier then) came on the forum and said the issues had been addressed...the switches we faulty and had been replaced. whatever....fire is fire. Please be aware for the side of saftey.

On the other hand, it was a darn good tool before it torched itself out.