Solus 500

[ethanwickersham]

Hey guys, I'm looking at buying a good portable soon. I found a Solus 500 for sale on Craigslist close to me and it comes with the evolution wand. He listed it at $3000 and I offered $1400, he came down to $2000... do you think it's a good deal? How well do these machines work? I've never used a portable before.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/for/d/carpet-cleaning-machine-us/6495349143.html

I've been wanting a new Jaguar but can't afford it at the moment, so I thought this Solus might be good for the time being. Any advice is much appreciated!

 

[ethanwickersham]

He just came down to $1400...

 

[Canada-Eh]

Hey guys, I'm looking at buying a good portable soon. I found a Solus 500 for sale on Craigslist close to me and it comes with the evolution wand. He listed it at $3000 and I offered $1400, he came down to $2000... do you think it's a good deal? How well do these machines work? I've never used a portable before.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/for/d/carpet-cleaning-machine-us/6495349143.html

I've been wanting a new Jaguar but can't afford it at the moment, so I thought this Solus might be good for the time being. Any advice is much appreciated!

You really have to go out there and give a good listen to the vac motors and run the pump.
stick your nose in the recovery tank and see if it smells like an outhouse. get a flashlight into the recovery tank and see what's in there to get a feel for how the machine was maintained.

check for leaks, check for signs of abuse VS regular wear and tear.

good luck

 

[Canada-Eh]

Ask the guy "What happens when the dirty tank gets too full does it shut off?"
He will say "Yes"
then ask:
"Is it ok to just let the dirty tank fill up and shut off by itself?"
if he says "Yes"
say "have a nice day" get back in your truck and leave

 

[Scott W]

I don't think any of the Solus models are made anymore. There were 3 or 4 versions; Solus 500; Solus 500R and Solus 310.

User friendly; low water flow rate which did allow the water get hotter; pretty much run of the mill vacuums. Worth $1400 is in good condition. Various models were $3400 to $4000 new. The Evolution wand would have been additional.

 

[ethanwickersham]

So, after looking at this used Solus, I decided not to get it. It was a little more beat up than I expected and it didn't seem to work very well or at least not how I thought it should.

I've decided to bite the bullet and get a really good, brand new portable. There's a lot of good talk about the Jaguar and Nautilus Extreme. I like the lower weight of the Jag as I work alone most of the time. Besides the weight, are there any advantages of one over the other?

I've looked at the Jag packages at Magic Wand, and trying to decide if the bigger package is worth it. For an additional $1200 I can get a 6000 watt generator and a 2000 watt electric heater. I've heard about the limitations of the electric heat. Or should I do without heat in the beginning and get a gas heater when I can afford it? I have a crb to pre-agitate with.

I'd appreciate any advice!

 

[Common janitor]

So, after looking at this used Solus, I decided not to get it. It was a little more beat up than I expected and it didn't seem to work very well or at least not how I thought it should.

I've decided to bite the bullet and get a really good, brand new portable. There's a lot of good talk about the Jaguar and Nautilus Extreme. I like the lower weight of the Jag as I work alone most of the time. Besides the weight, are there any advantages of one over the other?

I've looked at the Jag packages at Magic Wand, and trying to decide if the bigger package is worth it. For an additional $1200 I can get a 6000 watt generator and a 2000 watt electric heater. I've heard about the limitations of the electric heat. Or should I do without heat in the beginning and get a gas heater when I can afford it? I have a crb to pre-agitate with.

I'd appreciate any advice!

My " two cents " . I have watched video of this machine or other model being made and pictures of the insides .
Straight up . The attention to detail and the quality of these machines is exceptional is this age of " throw away " junk that's put out there . I honestly can't remember anyone who owns a Jag or anything else Ed Valentine makes coming on here doing ANYTHING but praising the machine .
There are occasions when a generator comes in handy .
As far as electric heat is concerned I think you would be better served waiting and getting a gas heater later .
Lots of guys are well served by the Harbor Freight generators and they're a lot less than that $1200 you would spend on the bigger package . Since I'm not a " fan " of the CRB (feeling they are very overpriced and do not measure up to other options )
I would sell it and buy a 175 . That's just me .
Can't say anything bad about the Nautilus because I've never seen one or used one . I hope someone chimes in here that has one and guides you .
Great believer in a saying from Warren Buffett.
" Price is what you pay . Quality is what you get . "
JMHO .
All the Best , Ed

 

[Scott W]

Both are excellent machines. You won't regret either choice.

The Nautilus does weigh more, but it also has features that make it easy to maneuver with wheels on the backside to help when raising or lowering from a vehicle as well as skids for stairs or getting into and out of a vehicle. The center of gravity is also a little lower which helps with handling.

A big factor in my opinion is that the Cross America products are available from a limited number of locations. The Nautilus line has well over 100 distributors around the country so support, parts and repair may be more convenient.

 

[kevinj6121]

In addition to Scotts post take this into consideration. You should do regular checks on any machine you have

By this i mean from time to time you should open up your machine and check everything out inside, all your hose and wire connections for example
make sure everything is tight and no leaks

To do this on the nautilus and most other portables is very easy

just undo two latches (no tools required) on one side of the machine, the other side will be on hinges

Then just tilt back and everything is exposed for easy maintenance and inspection

This task on the jag is a bit more difficult and time consuming as you will have to have some tools on hand to remove about eight nuts and bolts and remove the two tanks

Then put it back together again

So, if your ever on a job and notice water under your machine due to a leak from a hose that has come loose, good luck getting to it for a quick fix