FLOOR FINISH SPEED APPLICATORS?

[randyg6224]

Any of you VCT guys have any recommendations on floor finish applicators to increase speed and efficiency? I already use the back-pack system but am looking to take the next step. Not necessarily a large machine, just the next step. Any help will be appreciated!!

 

[fred3655]

I'm a mop-guy moving into a backpack setup. What's the downside with backpacks that's having you consider something else? What kind do you use, and would you recommend it? Thanks.

 

[randyg6224]

I use the "Geer-Press" from Jon-Don. Nothing wrong, just want something a little faster. The back pack works just fine. When doing over 2000 sf, I want to pick up the pace. Anybody else out there use something else than a mop or back pack?

 

[locko-fabara]

ecolab or 3m both really good, betco is ok.

 

[Nick P]

I use the 3m microfiber system. It works for me.

 

[randyg6224]

Has anyone ever used this applicator? http://www.smartjan.com/con-b608004-continental-wax-o-matic-floor-finish-applicator-complete

 

[locko-fabara]

no sense,
tell you why tomorrow!

 

[randyg6224]

Please tell me. I need to know?

 

[itmc_bg]

Has anyone ever used this applicator? http://www.smartjan.com/con-b608004-continental-wax-o-matic-floor-finish-applicator-complete

Those applicators are good for open area only, like school jyms, hallways! if you got some detailing to do, those will be worthless I think!

 

[locko-fabara]

previous post is right, not only that it is slower, might think is faster but not, 'cause the backpack handle cover more area when you move it side by side, the one you ask is only the area you pull.
========= vs ((((((((((((((((((( Which one cover more area?
straight run is faster vs wider area slightly slower with the back pack you walk less and better detail, and works in every situation
wax-o-matic vs backpack
i hope you understand!

 

[Floor Tek]

I've been using the same rubbermaid finish system for the past decade or so, and It works great for me. After time it is quick and very effective. It is a simple system, but it works and isn't complicated. Open areas and long hallway runs, I can get several thousand sq/ft in an hour. The 2 links below is what I use.
https://storefront.kelsan.biz/storefrontCommerce/itemDetail.do?itm_id=25139&orderQty=1&itm_index=150
http://www.powr-flite.com/product/j...bucket,+7+gallon+capacity.do?sortby=ourPicks#

 

[keepitclean]

wax-0-matic up to 10,000 sqft hour i use it on new schools 50.000 sqft 3 coats 6 hours the pads only last about one big job i did a wal-mart 280,000 sqft 4 coats 5 sets of pads

 

[randyg6224]

I've been using the same rubbermaid finish system for the past decade or so, and It works great for me. After time it is quick and very effective. It is a simple system, but it works and isn't complicated. Open areas and long hallway runs, I can get several thousand sq/ft in an hour. The 2 links below is what I use.
https://storefront.kelsan.biz/storefrontCommerce/itemDetail.do?itm_id=25139&orderQty=1&itm_index=150
http://www.powr-flite.com/product/j...bucket,+7+gallon+capacity.do?sortby=ourPicks#

Can you explain your process in some detail? Thanks

 

[Floor Tek]

Can you explain your process in some detail? Thanks

It is super simple. just fill up the bucket a little ways so the mop will be slightly submerged in the finish. When you pull it out, let the excess finish run off, then what i do is put the mop on the floor and drag it behind me to my starting point on the floor, and just move the mop from side to side. Because it is made similar to a dust mop except that it has short closed loops, you won't leave "trails" from a regular mop. I can usually do about an 8-10 foot area side to side at a time. just mop it backwards to where your bucket is and keep on trucking. It always puts down a good even coat and it is very inexpensive and simple. You don't have to keep "changing directions" like a typical mop, so you don't have to worry about "slinging" finish and ending up with poor results.

One trick that I do is that I only run it to the edge every other coat of finish. The other times, i stop about 4-6 in. from the wall, since traffic isn't right on the edge, it makes it easier to strip down when needed.

 

[fred3655]

I bought a Geer Press and have used it on a few jobs already. Wow, it is fast. I wish the wax holes were located closer to the edge of the pad. I get a small wax lake on top of the applicator, but I am learning to live with that.

 

[Prestige1]

How much sealer do you leave on the floor? Once you have sealed do you just walk away or is there a second step?

 

[Rick F]

I've been using the same rubbermaid finish system for the past decade or so, and It works great for me. After time it is quick and very effective. It is a simple system, but it works and isn't complicated. Open areas and long hallway runs, I can get several thousand sq/ft in an hour. The 2 links below is what I use.
https://storefront.kelsan.biz/storefrontCommerce/itemDetail.do?itm_id=25139&orderQty=1&itm_index=150
http://www.powr-flite.com/product/jpmf - microfiber mop bucket, 7 gallon capacity.do?sortby=ourPicks#

Hey floor tek, how often do you change mop heads on finish mop? looking to see how many to order. What kind of wax are you using for vct? Thanks for info

 

[Floor Tek]

Hey floor tek, how often do you change mop heads on finish mop? looking to see how many to order. What kind of wax are you using for vct? Thanks for info

I probably change the head about once a year. Generally if you take care of it, you won't have to change it. I usually rinse out the mop head and bucket every couple jobs.

 

[BESJohn]

I used the Phazer by EcoLab system on a new construction job months back and decided we had to go with the backpack systems. I looked at Betco, Rubbermaid and 3M before deciding the EcoLab was the best designed one. I was using someone else's the first time, which they had 3 of and 1 worked, so I figured out real quick how to take it apart and clean it properly.

The advantages I found with the Phazer was: 1) trigger design allows it to rotate 360 degrees with no hang ups; 2) Clean-out feature, comes with a 3/4" attachment (attached to bag fitting, not a separate hose like others) that will hook up to any janitor sink or 3/4" hose; 3) ground level dispensing valve, easy to take apart and clean, nothing fancy and you can clean it out in under 5 min; 4) Uses same type bag fitting as 3M and others, so you can get your own refillable bags and use whatever finish you want, not just EcoLab's.

Oh, did I mention we have gotten 3 for free?? EcoLab will give you one (or 3) when you order a certain amount of finish. Pretty nice when you look at the Betco or Rubbermaid and they want $500 for them! These two also have weird ways to clean out the system once they are done. Like filling up an empty bag of wax with water, then running it through the wand assembly. Really? I don't have time for that, when it can be as simple as a hose attachment.

The disadvantage (if you want to call it that) to the Phazer is the huge "turtle shell" on your back. I bang into crap constantly with it. All in all, backpack is the way to go, just researching them and talking to salesman who've never used them is always fun!

 

[cevaes]

I also use the EcoLab Phazer and i love it, i have like 5, because every time you buy four cases of finish they will give you a free one!!