Steamway 4100 Truck Mount

[danlaw]

Good Evening All,
I am considering purchasing this machine and I was hoping to get some professional opinions beforehand. Has anyone ever used this model? Can you give me a review on SteamWay if you are familiar with their products? This particular model seems priced to sell. Please let me know. Thank you so much in advance.

www.steamway.com/machines/4100lx.html

-Daniel

[logan5127]

Hey Daniel. This might be a great machine. I personally do not like any of them that burn fuel/oil to heat water. Why not be economical about the approach to a new machine. You can get a machine with a heat exchanger on it. This allows the heat to come from the engine.
Less fuel cost, less polution, less fire hazord. You will not have to carry extra fuel or propane tanks in your van. I use a boxxer 421 by hydramaster, and it runs on gas and heats water by the heat exchanger. I have a line that runs from my main fuel tank on truck. No need to carry fuel onboard. There are several types on the market. Do some research on the web about the pros and cons. I have heard of nightmare stories from other carpet cleaners on the fires caused from onboard fuel source. I have ran my machine for over 3 years and have had no problems with heat exchanger. It has plenty of heat even at high psi. I guess in a way we could advertise that we help the environment in that we use heat exchangers instead of burning extra fuel.

[danlaw]

Hey Dan,
Thank you so much for the wonderful suggestions. It is certainly something that I will keep in mind as I approach my decision. I would love to be in a position to purchase a new machine and if I were I would probably attempt to buy something that has a heat exchanger on it. However, up until this point I have been running the Rotary machine with a Bonnet and in order to compete in my market I feel as if I need to upgrade to a truck mount extraction unit. The model that I am looking into purchasing is marked at $2,995 with 3028 hours logged into it. I will be attaching the unit to a 5x8 enclosed trailer so at this point it's not really an option for me to run the fuel line through my engine. With all the start up costs initially getting my business up an running I am attempting to keep my costs as low as possible while optimizing my production. In the picture, the machine appears to be in great condition and is marked down from about a $15,000 retail (I'll have to verify that it is not too good to be true). However, even if the machine only lasts 6 to 12 months than I would be satisfied with my investment. Are you familiar at all with Steamway? Was it just the idea of the heat exchange that you don't like with this particular machine? Once again, thank you so much for your response and I look forward to many more correspondences a full IJCSA Member.

Best regards,
-Daniel

[logan5127]

I hope its a good machine. Every little thing on them cost so much in repairs. As far as a trailer, thats ok but the fuel source is suppose to be on the outside of it , such as on trailer tounge hitch. I went through several stages to get to where I am now. I started with an old electrolux shampooer. I moved up to a 4 gal extractor , then to a 12 gallon, then to a 16 gallon with high psi, then to a small used truck mount , then to where I am. I spent a lot of money getting there. Once you are somewhat established you could check into leasing a new one. When I bought my new one with optional stuff , it was set up on $292 month lease for 5 years. I have not had a month yet that it did not pay for the payment and more. If nothing else it can actually push into getting out there and getting more jobs.
I am not familiar with the steamway unit. Perhaps someone else on here is and can help also.
Does this unit come with dirty water tank, fresh water tank, hose reels, wand, upholstery tools, vacuum hose, solution hose? what is the psi capable of? There is lots to set up.
I would ask if it included any warantee. Are you mounting it yourself. It can cost around $1200 just for install.
Anyways, wish you the best on what ever you do.

[danlaw]

Hi Dan,
Thanks again for the valuable information. I'm going to take a trip to look at the unit tomorrow afternoon. I think I'll purchase it if everything looks good. I appreciate the advice and I realize that ultimately I will probably want to have to have a standard truck mount but until I get there I am thinking that this machine could probably do the job for me. I'll let you know how my visit goes with the vendor. Thanks again for the input, I think it is wonderful that you are so involved in helping others to essentially realize our own little piece of the American Dream. Have a wonderful evening.

Best regards,
-Daniel