|
|
Post by greenclean09 on Mar 4, 2009 20:01:58 GMT -5
I recently purchased a 20" Viper scrubbing machine that can also be used for stripping. It has a 1.5hp motor @175rpm. I bought it new for $565, is that a good deal? I bought it before I came across this forum. When you buy these types of machines for floor cleaning, what do you want to consider before buying? Like if you bought a commercial pressure washer, the gpm is more important than the psi because the more water flow you have, the faster you can complete the job and a belt drive machine is usually favored over a direct drive for durability. So I would think that it would be the same with floor machines. Thanks for any input.
|
|
|
|
Post by logan5127 on Mar 4, 2009 23:50:43 GMT -5
It might be a good deal. What is retail of machine new?
Before buying used equipment it is a good idea to know if you can still get parts for them. On scrubbers , they are usually pretty durable and last many years. Check on the start up of the machine under load. If relays/starters are going bad then the machine may drag on start up phase. Check cords for breaks and check for ground prong on plug in. By regulations there cannot be a new plug put on a cord for these machines. The plug and cord have to be molded together with the ground prong present. These regulations are for a reason. You are working in water. Water and electric are a dangerous combintation. You do not want any chance of a short. Also check to see if handle will adjust easily, if wheels turn easily , if pad block is still ok and will hold pad onto it. Listen for any noise that sounds like gears or bearings wearing out. Make sure levers on handles work well and machine cuts off when it is suppose to. Other than appearance I think that covers it pretty much.
|
|
|
|
Post by greenclean09 on Mar 6, 2009 21:32:23 GMT -5
This particular machine was bought brand new. In fact you can see a picture of it, as well as a video demo at Parish maintenance supply's website. I haven't had the chance to use it yet, I just submitted a bid to the local city hall for stripping and waxing. A friend and I did it last yr. and hopefully they will let us do it again this yr. The lady who hired me last yr. no longer works there, so the new lady decided to take bids again this yr. The one advantage I have is, I live within 5 miles of the place and since I do sub work for US Maintenance I get nice discounts on wax and strippper. I can get a 5 gallon box of ShowPlace for $57.95 a box.
|
|
|
|
Post by Kevin on Mar 7, 2009 0:03:22 GMT -5
I real good point of this thread especially for someone new reading, you can get floor machines new or used. You can pay $150 used to $800 new. One good thing to remember is the average floor job is at least $250. One or two jobs and your machine is payed off. Now if you get a couple 10,000 sq. ft. floor stripping and waxing jobs per month. $$$$$$$$$$  |
|
|
|
Post by cleanfreak on Mar 17, 2009 13:15:59 GMT -5
Greenclean09, That is a very good price for a floor machine, but you have to remember you do get what you pay for. At $565 it is a decent machine, but we've found that because Viper is made in China, the floor machine will wear down quicker than other brands. This is due to China manufacturers not having the same quality control aspects that U.S. manufacturers have. Kevin makes a great point about paying for the machine in 2 to 3 jobs, but if you are looking for a quality machine that will hold up over time, I would suggest investing in a U.S. made machine. The machine you purchased will definitely hold up for some time, but as you start to use it more, you'll notice more play in the handle, and just the general build of the machine start to degrade due to poor quality control aspects. We have a 20 inch floor buffer which will stand up over time, but it is about $100 more expensive, so it really depends on what you're looking for. |
|
|
|
Post by andre81400 on Aug 5, 2009 17:34:26 GMT -5
where do you guys see floor scubbers for that much $600
|
|
|
|
Post by logan5127 on Aug 6, 2009 9:24:16 GMT -5
where do you guys see floor scrubbers for that much $600 If we are talking about a floor scrubber/ buffer. A machine that has a handle, pad block, around 175 rpm, goes side to side, called conventional- swing machine- floor buffer- floor scrubber- stripper machine and probably a few other names, than you can find them new from very low prices to high prices. It depends on quality you are looking for . I have bought 20inch new for $399 ; used for $50 and have seen them as high as $1200. Some probably even higher. Things that effect the price may be horsepower of motor, weights or no weights, name brand, metal or plastic, single or dual speed , where it is made. If you are talking about auto scrubbers . A machine that holds and puts down water while scrubbing. Runs on batteries or electric, vacuums up the water. Then they are higher. Heres on example; usacleaning.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=janitorialsuppliers&action=display&thread=6059&page=1 |
|
|
|
Post by axr0101 on Apr 1, 2010 10:53:54 GMT -5
Error
|
|
|
|
Post by axr0101 on Apr 1, 2010 10:57:58 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by clearshine on Apr 13, 2010 22:47:16 GMT -5
NOT BAD BUT NOT GREAT
If you only have a few jobs per year do it buy it and have fun with it.
If you plan on doing several jobs per year, plan on buying several machines per year.
I don't own a full time business doing floors but I have been able to keep busy doing work word of mouth with customers that are a little lax.
In 3 Years I have bout 3 swing machines:
#1 Unidentified Make and manufacture unknown. It looks aluminum with a yellow bumper pad, and it uses a 20'' scrubbing pad. All tags and stickers gone and has about 45 pounds of wax on it right now. Bought used off of a friend of a friend for $55.00>>>> It is my number one backup machine.
#2 Bought off of a web sight 2 years ago to replace my crapy looking one, I upgraided from th 17'' to the 20'' for an extra 49.59.
It broce and sounded like it was going to explode on my second jobe after buying it>>> only about ruffly 1,500 sq ft of usage.
I paid a total of 679.00 for it and no worinty. CRAP
#3 I went into WAXIE and spoke with a sales rep. for walk-ins. I ended up with a floor model dual speed for $800.00.
I have put it to use and it has paid for itself nine times over, and I still have a friend run my $55.00 POS when I need to
IF you buy good equipment you get good results.
As far as saying what to look for:
Its got to be heavy
Big BRIGHT cord
Gear drive with reduction is a plus
And a good name has never hert
|
|
|
|
Post by axr0101 on May 25, 2010 16:11:31 GMT -5
|
|
