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Post by jazmin on Feb 17, 2010 17:17:24 GMT -5
Just wandering, what is the best and most versatile commercial vacuum? We were using normal vacuums but would like to move up to a commercial one. I don't know a lot about them other than Kirby is supposed to be really good and versatile but expensive. Please give some opinions and recommendations! Thanks for your thoughts.
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Post by logan5127 on Feb 17, 2010 18:36:38 GMT -5
I have used cheap ones, middle priced ones and high cost ones. I have used the ones with bags, ones with cups, one with reusable bags. I have used ones with hepa filters and ones with out. I have now went back to one that I used years ago. The reason. I am tired of vacuums always breaking down. The fancy computer chips, the tiny little wires, the cheap plastic handles that break easy. I am tired of all the up to date modern junk that is way over priced. I am tired of having to take them to a dealer because they have become so complicated that you can't even replace a belt on some of them.
I just bought five upright Sanitaires. The model I like is SC899. The bag has a slide metal strip on top that you remove and empty when needed. So no need to buy bags. There are options that you can get them with a disposable bag, a cup you empty or a reusable bag. The parts are all very simple and easy to replace yourself. You can attach a magnet to front of it to catch paper clips as they sometime can cut the belt. The belt is very simple to replace. The cord is simple to replace. Everything about it is simple. They do a great job and cost around $239 to $249 each. They last a long time and can easily be completely rebuilt with just a little common sense. The only down side I see is that they are a little loud. I can live with that as well as can my employees. I have wasted way to much money trying to have the so called best vacuums. I no longer tell the customer that I use only vacuums with hepa filters. I am not sure that they ever cared anyways. The vacuums do look great and professional as long as you keep them clean. It took me over 20 years to come up with this conclusion. Thats my story and I am sticking to it. For construction clean up or where dust is an issue. I have large HEPA canister vacuums. Paid $500 for one and $1,000 for the other. I have used them for over ten years with no problems. I will continue to use those when the job requires them. I can use up to 25 feet of hose with them. The larger one is a minute man.
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Post by Grizzly on Feb 19, 2010 8:32:31 GMT -5
Dan: I agree completely, have used Sanitaires for 20 + years as well as Eureka commercial uprights. They just keep on ticking as long as you use some common sense and don't let your staff vacuum WET carpets with them. For cannister work we have a 2 NUMATICS, one Henry (you've seen them orange with the smiley face on) and one larger one that runs at 57 dba. Both are great and again have run for 15 + years . Use a NUMATIC, (Charles) as our wet vac as well. This thing has sucked up everything and all I have ever done is change the hose connector and cleaned the screen. Great vacuums.
Bill ;D ;D
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Post by alphacleaning2009 on Feb 19, 2010 12:52:29 GMT -5
I completely agree with Dan, we use Sanitaire SC886 E and we love it. Yes, it makes some noise, but who cares? Price is good, we buy at www.thinkvacuums.com and pay 196 $ for a vacuum and this price includes delivery. It doesn't need a bag, we just dump out the dirt when it's full and that's it. We have had them for years and I recommend them to anyone.
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Post by logan5127 on Feb 19, 2010 14:36:08 GMT -5
I like the SC899 from vac land. It has a 7 amp motor instead of a 6.5 so it has a little more strength. It is also wider than the SC866. You would not think that a half an amp makes much difference but it does. Still it is only a few bucks more. www.vacland.com/proddetail.php?prod=sanitaire-sc899
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Post by alphacleaning2009 on Feb 20, 2010 4:18:43 GMT -5
Dan, what backpack worked for you the best?
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Post by logan5127 on Feb 20, 2010 13:40:48 GMT -5
I have had three different ones. They were all about the same. They are heavy on the back after a while and they also get you back hot. If I had to get another one, the things I would look for is one the is light and does not get back hot from the exhaust. I have seen the ones that go around the waist. I think they are kinda like a fanny pack. I would probably try one of those next. If dust particles are a big issue you can get optional HEPA filters to attach to most of them.
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Post by allpoint2009 on Feb 22, 2010 12:00:02 GMT -5
Excellent timing!!! I have been using my own vacuum but business has picked up to the point that it I need to purchase a commercial vacuum, Thanks for the imput, it is a great help
Kevin
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Post by allpoint2009 on Feb 22, 2010 12:12:42 GMT -5
Does anyone have any thoughts on the sanitaire floor machines? I need to purchase a new floor machine and was wondering which one would be the best for my money? I have been using a clarke 17"
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Post by Grizzly on Feb 22, 2010 12:25:20 GMT -5
I haven't tried the Sanitaire floor machines, aren't available in Canada I don't think. You have a much broader spectrum of available floor machinery in the U.S. I have had a Windsor (which I designate a bunch of junk), Rabbit Centaur and the Clarke I have now. The Clarke with the dual capacitor I love, lots of torque, chews through anything and haven't blown a circuit yet. The Rabbit Centaur was very good also, lasted me for 10 years and has the best splash guard on the market, very versatile machine. You can buy a baseboard driver for it that will do baseboards up to 8 inches high. Can also get it with a solution tank and onboard sprayer for carpet work. The Windsor , I bought a 1.75 horsepower motor thinking to use for heavier work but continuously blows circuits, trigger broke after 3 months and the Clarke with a 1.5 and dual capacitor goes through more "mud" without bogging down. Don't like Windsor and the service was not good either.
Bill
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Post by capellan on Feb 22, 2010 15:24:53 GMT -5
Thank you for the information regarding the Best Vacuum. I am about to purchase one this week and this information was timely. Much appreciated. - Victor
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Post by logan5127 on Feb 22, 2010 16:17:55 GMT -5
Does anyone have any thoughts on the sanitaire floor machines? I need to purchase a new floor machine and was wondering which one would be the best for my money? I have been using a clarke 17" Are you happy with your Clarke? I have never used a sanitaire buffer. The best one I have ever had is a used 17" machine I bought for $150. It has a blue plastic housing but no name on the machine anywhere. Have no idea what brand it is but it is awesome. A 17 inch machine will put more pressure per sq inch on the pad than a larger pad holder will. However when covering large areas the larger ones are faster. If you search a little you can find decent ones on sale for around $400. I know that Clean Freak, a sponsor to IJCSA has a very nice looking package deal and being a member of IJCSA can get you even a better deal there. Check them out.
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Post by allpoint2009 on Feb 23, 2010 0:43:16 GMT -5
I do like the Clarke, and prefer the 17" vs the 20". seems like I gt better results with it. couple of my customers have narrow, long hallways and it gives me better control. I have had absolutely no luck finding a decent used one in my area, I have tried searching everywhere, even federal and state bidding sites. So I'm thinking about just buying a new one and want the best for my money. Thanks Grizzly and Dan for your input
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Post by search on Feb 23, 2010 1:17:50 GMT -5
Hi, I prefer to use the Proteam CoachVac backpack vacuums, they work really well and only cost about $380.00. I purchased them from www.janilink.com.
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Post by ECBS Clean Team on Feb 23, 2010 22:17:11 GMT -5
Only $ 380 I wonder how many here said "Only !" ?
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