Thread: Roto Vac

I'm new here but not new to the business
I have been looking around this site and find it better than any othe board around. I feel good about posting here without getting any sarcastic response.

My question is, How many here use a roto vac and are you happy with the results. I am getting older and pushing a wand is getting tough. Is the roto vac easier on the back and how well does it perform?

The reason for the question is I saw a post here about roto vac.

Again this is a very good board. My hats off to you all for keeping it clean.

Michael

when I had my performer 405 I used the Roto Vac and it did an awesome job and was easy to use.

Dave
Posted via Mobile Device

Michael:

Rotovac's burrow into the carpet. And they have wheels. As a result, they are a lot like using a vacuum cleaner, in terms of the motion used.

If you set them to burrow deeper, they require more effort to push and pull. And the deeper they burrow, the more agitation they provide.

They have an advantage over some other rotary tools in the heat department, because the jets and vacuum heads are enclosed in something that resembles an upside down bowl (2 of them, actually). And that bowl provides a mini- environment that captures the heat of the cleaning solution as it rises and concentrates it, instead of letting it escape.

But in my experience, they can be a "drag" to use, if they are set to burrow much at all.

Personally, if you're looking to eliminate fatigue, I'd suggest an RX-20, because, although it doesn't have the mini- environment thing going for it (neither do most wands, BTW), it "floats" on the carpet, very much like a floor buffer does on tile. With practice, you can float one with one hand, if you want to.

I have a R.V. 360 and I love it. I think what Duane is talking about is the first R.V. that came out, those you would push and pull like a wand.The 360 runs like a RX-20 side to side like a floor buffer.
Pros. on the 360.
1. Light weight for going up and down stairs.
2. Saves your back from pushing a wand.
3. Drys carpets faster then a Conv. wand.
4. Cleans carpets better then a Conv. wand.

Cons. Another peice of Equip. to carry on truck.
2. Needs to be pluged in outlet. ( Like having another hose to dangle with.)
3. Use a lot of water.


But all in all I wouldn't be without it.

Vinnie

Vinnie,

Am I right about there being a tile/grout cleaning head you can put on the 360? If so then you can kill two birds with one stone on that action.

Also, Michael, I have used the Roto Vac off and on for ten years and I like it a lot. But it is heavy to carry around and it's kind of awkward because all the weight is at the bottom. If you are doing a bunch of apartments or something where you are hooking up a lot and going from place to place in a short amount of time I think it would wear you out. But if you're doing big residential or commercial jobs it's great.

Also check out Hydramaster's RDM. It's an amazing tool.

Eyeball:There is a brush that comes with the RV 360 to clean tile and grout.


Vinnie

Have an older roto vac. Great tool when you have a very dirty carpet. It does an awesome job but you still need to use a wand for getting close to the baseboards and into corners.

The person that sold me my van gave me a brand new rotovac. I don't have glides on my wands and I have to admit, I would rather use the rotovac on large areas.
I was lucky enough to meet a local carpet cleaner that was kind enough to show me how to use most of my equipment. He said rotovac is crap and he would never try one. He didn't really offer an explanation as to why the rotovac is crap, even when I asked. I noticed he had an RX20 in his van. He did say that if he only had a portable he'd use a rotovac.

I would talk to a local Dist and see if they have any Rental or Loaner machines. I would try befor you buy. Some people say thier a wast of money others love them. And for the money I think a GLided wand is the best buck for the back.
Neil
Dr Cleaning

I have used both the Roto Vac and the RX-20 and I have to agree with Duane. The RX-20 is much less fatiguing and in my opionion is a better cleaning tool.

I have a Rotovac 360 also. The Rotovac will take you longer to clean with but the results are very good. I cleaned a home today where they were thinking of tearing out the carpet in there home office until I was finished. Very true about the extra water but I also have very good dry times.

Rich