If you were to set up a van strictly for VLM, what equipment would you purchase ??

Thanks,

Shorty.


PS ::: Rambo has done this a couple of years ago if memory serves me well ....... on the forum that it.

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

I did a few years ago. I would recommend a full sized van, 1/2 ton would be fine. Just like my wife who seez she never has enough closet space. This is what I carry; 1 19" Cimex, 1 Stemin Demon 20"XL with 150' of hose, 1 20" OP, 1-17"OP, 1-15" OP, 1-17" 2sp Betco Bonnet machine, 1-15" GLS CRB machine (great stair cleaner)1-battery operated Multi-sprayer, 1 electric Multi-sprayer, 15-20" Glad pads, 20- 20" tan buff pads (I run the 20" pads even on the 15" machine) 1 case of white pads, 1 case of Maxi pads for the Cimex, and about 15 20" cotton pads, 1-9227-C Makita with 8" pads (use also on the Cimex) plus 8" 100% cotton loop pads for the Makita. I also carry a VS Esprit foam machine (use Releasit DS in it)With this package on board I can handle most anything. Carpet&Furniture cleaning,WDR, Marble Polishing, Tile&Grout cleaning. On some commercial jobs we have had Cimex and 2 OPs working (talk about fast) 19" Cimex, 20" OP and 17" OP makes a great combo. I didn't list everything (we also carry an Ozone machine and dehumidifiers and airmovers, but not all the time) and then are the chemicals, but that would be another post. Hope this helps Shorty, and BTW the Pole Dancer was a hoot, thanks for sending it.

Wow I would love to have all those tools. I have gone all vlm and here is what I think I will end up settling on.

1. CRB machine that also has the hoppers that picks up debris
2. Orbot
3. Small Durrmaid type extractor with 1200psi for tile
4. 3 gallon spot extractor
5. Bissell Clearview.

My perfect VLM rig wiould be a Chevy HHR - good on gas and cool looking. This vehicle would look awesome wrapped!

Include a Cimex, an Orbot, a Steamin Demon, a Spotting Extractor, a Vacuum Cleaner, a Drill with Rotabrush & Drill Driver, a bunch of Bonnets and Pads, and a few gallons of Chemicals.

With this simple rig, you'll be in a position to take on any commercial job, and most residential.

I'm seriously considering putting this exact setup together for our commercial carpet cleaning company - KleenStep.


Rick Gelinas

Will the Cimex and other goodies stand up in there Rick?

Make your own luck,

Del Scrivner
Owner/Operator
Cowboy's Carpet Care

I think it will be fine. The handle of the Cimex may need to kicked down 1 notch.





Rick Gelinas

1 gallon of water, and you are good for the whole day

cimex
challenger
orbot
5' foldable ramp
11" hand-held orbital for stairs
cyclo polisher
3 vacuums
assortment of pads, accessories and cleaning solutions

all in an extended 1 ton van, and hardly room to spare lol....i need to pay to have it organized w/ shelves etc... :-\

Don, why do you say one gallon of water ??



Are you being faceitous in that you do not believe in VLM cleaning, even though it can also relate to HWE or even CWE, when used with the correct tools and knowledge ??



Pointless inuendos are of little use to me when I ask a specific question and expect intelligent replies.



I look forward to an equally intelligent reply from you, one way or the other, as I realise that VLM is not everyones cup of tea.





Derek, nice collection there.



Why do you have both an Orbot and a Challenger ??



Are they both not OP machines ??



Not real familiar with either, although I did have a test run a modifed Challenger down under some years ago, it bucked like a bronco back then



I have also had a quick run with an Orbot recently and was quite impressed with the job it did on a crappy school carpet as a test.



I will be in Sydney next month & hopefully will be able to check out the cyclo polisher.



Kind regards,



Shorty.

I've seen the light, and changed my wicked ways.

www.get.shorty.com.au



PS ::: Thanks to all the above for some great ideas and goals.

My van is VLM only.
Cimex for commercial when scheduled.+ pads+tile & carpet brushs
Orbot
Hos Yellew 17"
Oreck Orbiter/pads/brushs for area rugs small, stairs, removable handle
Makita stairs/upholstery
2 vacuums
2 sprayers
Wet N Dry small/ larger as needed available
Spot and medium size waterclaw
black lights/moisture meter/PH meter/
chems/spotting kit/pads/edgeing brushs/17" fiber plus pads
summer time I also add 3 gallon spotter HWE

Shorty,

i bought the Challenger several years ago for my resi accounts.

bought the Orbot (with Sprayborg system) a couple months ago and haven't used it much as of yet. Spring time i will hopedully get used to using it.

keeping the Challenger for some jobs and as a back-up to the Orbot, in case it ever breaks down.

hope this helps --- Derek.

BTW, i have a cordless Multisprayer also on the van.

Sorry Shorty, just one of those days. we do a ton of VLM cleaning and our van has everything, Cimexs, Op, Pilelifter, Vacuum. Bonnet Machines. We also have extra seating as our crew often has 4 men going out on our night shift. We need a cube van real bad. We also need to deal with extremely cold weather such as we are encountering right now. Pain in the butt as we need to unload all freezable items even if not needed on that particular job.

Don reminds me of a couple extra toys i'd like.

a 2 speed rotary, and more importantly, a Kleenrite X-Vac

The X-Vac is a great unit. Can not do without it

Sometimes, I know I'm a real pain in the butt when I read back over my posts and see how confrontational I have been.



My apologies Gentlemen, Delia always say's I'm Just a COB.



( Cranky Old Bugger ).





You know, I get very envious of you guys with the great selection of toys (equipment) that you have at your fingertips.



Items that I can only look at on the computer and dream about.



Unfortunately, our population does not warrant having everything on the market that you people can so easily get.



By asking what it is you people use when performing VLM, I can get a better understanding of what would best suit my operation with what I can obtain.



This is much less costly than buy & try (trial & error).



I would rather be a dummy and ask questions first.











On the upside, when I read what Don has just said about the snow, etc; I am oh so glad that I am where I am.



You guys deserve a medal to go out in that environment.



I certainly could never handle it.



Have a great week-end over there, own Under, it's a long week-end for us, Australia Day this coming Monday the 26th.



This will give me a chance to get rid of the rugs I have down stairs and some leather clothing that needs cleaning before relaxing with the family over a bbq, plus Delias famous Filipino tucker (food) and one or three sherbets (beers).



Take care all.



Shorty.

I've seen the light, and changed my wicked ways.

www.get.shorty.com.au



PS ::: Here is what I intend putting my gear in:

Toyota Hi Ace with a 4 cylinder, 3 litre, gasoline engine that can also be run on lpg.

It has a one tonne payload.

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Toyota of US of A was not nice enough to "import" Japan's vans out here(US), so we don't have many options as you may already know when it comes to cargo vans/vehicles.

I've heard that the European Ford design the Ford Transit, might be coming to the US towards Summer of 2009, also Nissan might be bringing in their cargo vans late 2009 possibly.

Both will have very economical engines/displacements for the average cleaner.

Fords problems with many cars not being in the USA is our restrictions, many car makers have several models that will never see US market due to our countries orneriness regs