Complete truckmount for only $5,795?

I see more of those Chemtexs here in dallas then any other machine. The reason, there cheap. I know a couple guys that had them. Some had no problems, some had never ending problems. If you have a problem they will be difficult to get it fixed they will patch you thru to a guy who don't understand what your trying to say. This is what I Heard and read on the ICS Bulleitin board(do a search on chem tex there). But It is a way to get started cheap without going into DEEP debt which is what you should avoid when you are just starting out. I will not endorse a machine because they all break down sooner or later. By the way It helps if you can turn a wrench and fix your own stuff. If you cant then by from a local distributor who will service your tm when it breaks down. The basic components are good 33 blower 15hp kohler and a cat or hydro pump. If the heat exchanger holds up you would be fine Good luck.

P.S. 5795 Plus shipping and install. Check with your local distritutors for a good used unit. Again, Don't spend too much.

I am sure glad I got my Prochem. Been the other route.

Check out the Shazaam Scout and the Shazaam Prostart from Carpet Cleaning Equipment

Also, look at the new Amtex Prowler 315. Amtex Equipment-Houston-Texas-The prowler-truck mount-portable carpet cleaning maxchine-truckmounts-truckmount

I bought a panther with only 46 hours on it for $3,000.00 and I must say I'm shocked with it we have been running it for 10 months with no problem but don't get me wrong I have a Boxer and two pro-chems and it does not compare to them but for what it is I'm impressed

I have been very satisfied with Hydramaster truck mounts and think they are great for beginners! I like being able to bring it into my local JonDon and have them service it. Your right get a new machine with a warranty. With a new machine you don't have to guess on the history or maintenance records which is great.
I own a Spitfire 3.2, and two Boxxers all of them have been great to me and I wouldn't ask for more.

What Hydramaster unit are you leaning towards?

If your Mechanical and can fix equipment your self any used machine will work. If you have to go to a local dist for repairs I would only by a brand they work with. First parts and manuels are easer to get and parts are cheaper when you dont have to spec order them. Most Chemex machines have little problems do to cheaper parts ie hoses brass wands most of thier parts are from china.
Good Luck
Neil
Dr Cleaning

Neil is exactly right. If you want a level below the boxxer but with the brand name I would seriously look into a Prochem Blazer. Little more reliable than the Spitfire and I've heard great things from other cleaners about them. Easy to use and you get the brand name that the local dist probably sells.

Just was trying to understand why you would buy a cheap unit if you are trying to build a client base. Why would you open the doors on your van to see and old unit inside that is not clean looking and being a old unit proably does not work up to par. This means you are not going to do as good as job on the carpet and if so how does this help you build up a client base with insufficent jobs. Maybe i missed what you were saying and if so i apologize. But if you want a fine unit go with the El Diablo by MasterBlend you can not go wrong. I speak from twenty five years experience and alot of different units. Good Luck

abbadox,
I'm a firm believer in the "you get what you pay for" philosophy. I can't reply on the chem-tex machines, but was wondering if you've looked at the PowerClean Machines? I've been real happy w/my Freedom XT!
I'm not sure about the boxxer machines, but the Freedom has a water cooled engine, good heat and vac, and one of the best warranties around.

The Dump tank sucks will not seal good we had to duct tape around it and it looks tacky.
If you are going to do mostly residential for a year I would say you would be ok I have heard that the older models have problems with the heat exchangers. We have been running it for 10 months @ Approximately 20 Jobs per week and have done nothing but replaced a belt on it. To be honest I would not of bought one a year ago but we got this one with a van for $3,000.00 we sold the van for $700.00 and for small residential jobs I would buy another one

don't think short term . Buy what you want the first time and use it the way you want to ? .. These things are not like cars the trade in sucks unless the Vortex or Aero tech .. even with those you lose 20 k easy ..

There is the key "Preserve my Capitol". Keep as much as possible in the bank for any unexpected problems. Call Chemtex and get a out the door shipped to the dock price to were you live. I had a budget of $4,000 when I started so I bought used and it worked fine. The chemtex is enough to start with but if you can't fix your own stuff you will have to go to the distributor you did'nt buy it from to get it fixed. Compare the out the door pricing on the chemtex 15hp model to a spitfire 3.2 and then make your decision. The spitfire has about the same stats and both will clean fine to start with.

1.150 ft of 2" hose, that will work for 99% of your jobs.
2. High heat is great for restaurants and NASTY APT But good solutions can compensate somewhat. WHat are you going to clean and market to?
3. A 36 or larger blower is better, But a properly set up 33 blower will be fine up to 150ft see #1. With the wand you get call greenie and get a hole glide for the wand it will help the vacuum on a 33 blower(I have the same setup 33 blower/ hole glide).
4. I already stated what I thought above. But all machines will break down its just a matter of who is going to fix it.
4.5 Terry brevik from bellvue wa makes a Electric truckmount with propane heat, I am not sure what they cost but his website is Vikingclean.com. He may even know a good used unit in the area.
5.Don't make a fast decision based on a sale that is ending soon......


P. S.....SEattle CRAIGSLIST.COM Spitfire 3.2 with 163 hrs for $4,400. Take someone with you and test it out. OFFer$3,200 and don't say a word they might take it. JON-DON will service it if need be.