First TM could be a Prochem, please advise.

[Lukas]

So, after getting a little familiar with carpet cleaning and the business side of things I'm ready for my first TM. I only have about 15k to start off my business. The ones i was looking at are

Prochem Blazer Plus with 2400 hours on it, 16hp, 3.6 blower, 200ft suction, and solution each. Mounted in a 2004 Chvy Van with 130k miles. 7500$

Prochem 405 with 4000 hours on it, comes with all tools needed but dont know the specs yet. In a 2001 dodge with 97k. 10000$

From what I understand the 405 is a better machine, but overall i like the Blazer set up better as a total package.
What do you guys think of this set up? Besides carpet I want to do tile and occasional water extraction.

 

[Todd the Cleaner]

All this is assuming both the vans and machines are in good working order,

I think the price is a little high on the 405, for a machine with 4000 hours on it I would say $3000+ the blue book value of the van.

The Blazer looks like a little better deal but it is a smaller machine. The machine I have right now is an older version of the Blazer and it works good but I would prefer a little bigger machine like the 405 personally. See if you can talk them down on the 405.

 

[Shawn Abbey]

I agree with Todd! Go for the 405, but I also agree that the price is a little steep. If its in PRISTINE condition (and I mean PRISTINE!!) I would offer around $7500 to $8500 depending on what accessories he's throwing in.

The Blazer Plus is small indeed. You may outgrow it for a bigger machine in the near future. The 405 is one you'll grow into, and will be a great machine for the tile and water extraction.

My $.02

 

[ayetti]

I agree with Todd, I have bought similar machines in both of those sizes and price points and I am much happier with the larger water cooled machine. I payed a bit more for a 405 with 2k hours in a 2001 ford van and I couldn't be happier. I payed more than I should have but I let myself get in a situation I shouldn't have. Had a full schedule and needed a van/tm in 4 days or less.

Assuming the condition of the 405 is good try and talk them down. If it is super ratty I would be nervous. The smaller machine sounds like a good deal too though. I just had bad experiences with the smaller machines. I was always tweaking things trying to get it hotter and stronger and in the end it became a total pia.

 

[Scott W]

One more vote for the 405. 4000 hours on the 405 is probably less off its life than 2500 hours on the Blazer. The owner may agree to drop the price if you can make him a cash offer. I suspect the $10K is just a place to start negotiations.

 

[matt30577]

Keep looking. I think with your availability of cash, you can find something better. Keep us posted on what you find.

 

[Lukas]

Tanks for all the input guys. I realize the 405 is a better machine, but I think the blazer with the van would be a good starter unit. Just the van would cost that much. Im still waiting for the guy with the 405 to get back to me. I just talked to somebody who has a FOX, 44hp Nissan engine, 4.5 blower, 1100 hr on the unit. Heats up to 250F. VAN is a 94 Ford Incline 6, think around 100k on it. All for 9000$.
What do you guys think? Thanks.

 

[Kipp]

Tanks for all the input guys. I realize the 405 is a better machine, but I think the blazer with the van would be a good starter unit. Just the van would cost that much. Im still waiting for the guy with the 405 to get back to me. I just talked to somebody who has a FOX, 44hp Nissan engine, 4.5 blower, 1100 hr on the unit. Heats up to 250F. VAN is a 94 Ford Incline 6, think around 100k on it. All for 9000$.
What do you guys think? Thanks.

Never used a Fox but I can tell you every person who has says they don't get very good heat...

Listen there's way better deals out there for you money. If you have $15k try to spend $7-8k so you have some working capital. Look for guys asking $10-$15K and try to make a deal.

 

[ASAP]

I would save a little more to buy something with lower hours and and lower miles...Your close to it...DON"T SETTLE...Get something that will last awhile.

 

[Ron Danahy]

I'm with Todd on this one I have a blazer plus bought it with 1300 hr I think. Put it in a New 4 k trailer and have a total of 6k invested not a bad setup but I think I could have geten a bigger machine with my total investment.

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2

 

[VERITAS4]

Lukas,
I have a Fox 6000 with Nissan engine and love it. I get 220-230 at the machine and that is hot enough for me. I just purchased a Prochem 405 but don't have it in a van. I have had a smaller 18 HP SteamAction and my advice is go bigger. I did a 5k commercial job today and routinely do 10k pulling 300ft of hose. Those are nice pay days that smaller units may struggle with. You will never regret going bigger but you may regret going small. My two cents. Good luck!