Well it's pretty close to 1000 hours on my 454SS already so I thought I would post and update on the unit since Sapphire is still considered pretty new on the market and many of you want to see how they are working in the field. I shall condense this as it is more of an update than a full review.
At first there were definitely some bugs. An engine wiring issue was the worst one, causing a 3 day downtime whilst we diagnosed and had it fixed. This was a design error with the wiring right from Briggs and Stratton and didn't really have anything to do with Sapphire itself. Once the wire was rerouted and insulated the problem was solved. Hopefully Briggs has fixed the problem on their end with any more units. Sapphire support could not diagnose this problem over the phone and I had to pay a local mechanic to figure it out and fix it.
Then the unit was "thinking" it was running too hot. This was another design issue with the first units. In short, the temperature sensor was located too close to the thermal valve and causing the machine to shut down prematurely, even though it was at optimal temperature. Sapphire did send a modification kit (with no explanation) when I had ordered some other parts. Again, Sapphire support was unable to diagnose the problem with the engine shutdown but they did send the kit so someone there must have figured out what was going on and didn't send out the memo.
There was a rattling sound coming from the unit that I could not figure out what it was. Sapphire had no idea either. I finally figured out it was the two belt sheilds joined together by a capscrew bolt in the back. The bolt had fallen out and the sheilds were rattling. I needed to buy a special 12" long 3/16" Allen wrench to be able to put a new bolt in that spot but it fixed it.
There have been some other issues, but nothing too major. At least this unit doesnt blow through belts like the prochem peak did. To date I have never had a belt go, I have changed them with maintenance but they have never blown. This spring I did have a problem with the blower belt "glazing" but I had it changed and it was fine after that. My latest problem was a broken throttle cable which was pretty easily fixed by purchasing a new one at car quest and paying my mechanic buddy to install it.
the new cable is a lot stiffer than the original but it works.
Overall I can say the unit has been performing admirably now that most of the bugs have been fixed. I have been using it all day, every day for almost 2 years now and it runs like a top. I change the oil regularly and belts once a year as well as keep it clean and keep an eye on everything.
As far as tech support, It's a double edged sword with Sapphire. On the one hand, they will almost always get back to you to address your concerns, and they are pretty good about sending you parts if needed, however, the support staff seem to have little or no knowledge of the actual unit and how it works, so calling to troubleshoot a problem has proven to be futile. All in all, you are on your own when it comes to figuring out whats wrong with your machine and how to fix it.
I am happy with the performance of the unit, it provides good heat and vacuum and runs well. It is nice to have the higher PSI available for tile cleaning as well as I no longer have to scrub grout. I usually just spray and suck getting great results and that's how I want it.
Would I recommend a 454SS to a potential truckmount buyer? My answer is yes, if you are good with a wrench, or know someone that is, that can help you with little or no notice. As with any truckmount unit, there are always going to be maintenance issues from time to time and having the occassional breakdown does not mean you have a bad unit. In the case of my 454, I have no desire to trade it in or try another brand of truckmount. Should I ever get another truck going one day I would probably get another 454 and hopefully the new unit will have all the upgrades and mods as the manufacturers have been learning from the first batch of units.
Hope this review helps!
At first there were definitely some bugs. An engine wiring issue was the worst one, causing a 3 day downtime whilst we diagnosed and had it fixed. This was a design error with the wiring right from Briggs and Stratton and didn't really have anything to do with Sapphire itself. Once the wire was rerouted and insulated the problem was solved. Hopefully Briggs has fixed the problem on their end with any more units. Sapphire support could not diagnose this problem over the phone and I had to pay a local mechanic to figure it out and fix it.
Then the unit was "thinking" it was running too hot. This was another design issue with the first units. In short, the temperature sensor was located too close to the thermal valve and causing the machine to shut down prematurely, even though it was at optimal temperature. Sapphire did send a modification kit (with no explanation) when I had ordered some other parts. Again, Sapphire support was unable to diagnose the problem with the engine shutdown but they did send the kit so someone there must have figured out what was going on and didn't send out the memo.
There was a rattling sound coming from the unit that I could not figure out what it was. Sapphire had no idea either. I finally figured out it was the two belt sheilds joined together by a capscrew bolt in the back. The bolt had fallen out and the sheilds were rattling. I needed to buy a special 12" long 3/16" Allen wrench to be able to put a new bolt in that spot but it fixed it.
There have been some other issues, but nothing too major. At least this unit doesnt blow through belts like the prochem peak did. To date I have never had a belt go, I have changed them with maintenance but they have never blown. This spring I did have a problem with the blower belt "glazing" but I had it changed and it was fine after that. My latest problem was a broken throttle cable which was pretty easily fixed by purchasing a new one at car quest and paying my mechanic buddy to install it.
the new cable is a lot stiffer than the original but it works.
Overall I can say the unit has been performing admirably now that most of the bugs have been fixed. I have been using it all day, every day for almost 2 years now and it runs like a top. I change the oil regularly and belts once a year as well as keep it clean and keep an eye on everything.
As far as tech support, It's a double edged sword with Sapphire. On the one hand, they will almost always get back to you to address your concerns, and they are pretty good about sending you parts if needed, however, the support staff seem to have little or no knowledge of the actual unit and how it works, so calling to troubleshoot a problem has proven to be futile. All in all, you are on your own when it comes to figuring out whats wrong with your machine and how to fix it.
I am happy with the performance of the unit, it provides good heat and vacuum and runs well. It is nice to have the higher PSI available for tile cleaning as well as I no longer have to scrub grout. I usually just spray and suck getting great results and that's how I want it.
Would I recommend a 454SS to a potential truckmount buyer? My answer is yes, if you are good with a wrench, or know someone that is, that can help you with little or no notice. As with any truckmount unit, there are always going to be maintenance issues from time to time and having the occassional breakdown does not mean you have a bad unit. In the case of my 454, I have no desire to trade it in or try another brand of truckmount. Should I ever get another truck going one day I would probably get another 454 and hopefully the new unit will have all the upgrades and mods as the manufacturers have been learning from the first batch of units.
Hope this review helps!
