Strong TM4 CRB help

[outatime]

Hi Guys

After reading here and watching Rob's videos I decided I wanted to buy a CRB but I wasn't about to drop $2k on one but noticed someone selling one locally for $700 which I finally picked up for $400 which I think was a good price?. Its a Strong TM4 with green brushes, it's had some good use but seems to work nicely.

An issue I have and maybe this is common but when I start it I have to tilt it to one side or the reset button on the side pops, is this a weak reset or does it have a start capacitor inside or something I can fix? When it starts it works great, used it to agitate my pre spray last week on my carpet and it did a great job, so much dog hair it brought up.

Also how long do brushes last generally? I see the indicator but does it need replacing more often?

Finally it came with only one metal collector for the front, is it worth buying another collector?

Thanks guys, pic attached but bad lighting.

Stu

 

[rob allen]

Price was a steal.
Does have a capacitor. Reach out to Reg with Carpet Cleaner America
We never use collectors. Just vacuum up hair balls as clients watch.

 

[OxiFreshGuy]

Always tilt the machine when you start it. The Strong Industries version is the Chinese model (Serial number starts with a 0), it has a weaker motor and cheaper start & run capacitor.

Other reason it's a good idea to tilt it is it will potentially strip the gears if you start it on a carpet (especially dense carpet). The casing is made from Aluminum and your bearings will seize up easily. I STRONGLY suggest, buying extra ball bearings, flanges, a set of gears (there are 5 total). Put some white lithium grease on the bearings and the gears to help reduce the risk of seizing/stripping.

If the Upper left, middle left or middle right gear strips, you will most likely need to use a Dremel tool with a cutting blade to cut a notch into the "pin" for a flat head screwdriver, behind the gear box inside the machine is the allen bolt holding the pin in so this way you can counter torque to get it out. WD4 is also your best friend in removing seized bearings. Use a wooden dowel and a flat hammer to punch them out BUT DONT HIT TOO HARD OR YOU WILL SNAP THE HOUSING IN HALF

I have 3 years of experience with these machines and have made almost every repair possible on them.

I always advise buying the Austrian version. Much lower cost of ownership.

 

[mrotto]

Steal on the price - great buy

Have Brush Pro brand and after reading the above instructions on how to replace a gear, I hope I never have to.

I was told by the guy at Carpet Cleaner America that the first gear to go will be the small one on the top, so for sure have an extra handy. Never had to change one tho.

It becomes a habit to tilt the machine on its side to start. That motor has a lot of torque

 

[TillertheJohn]

Steal on the price - great buy

Have Brush Pro brand and after reading the above instructions on how to replace a gear, I hope I never have to.

I was told by the guy at Carpet Cleaner America that the first gear to go will be the small one on the top, so for sure have an extra handy. Never had to change one tho.

It becomes a habit to tilt the machine on its side to start. That motor has a lot of torque

Somehow it never occurred to me to tilt ob start! I do have the Austrian TM4 and it just starts going along when starting without tilting. Does make sense though to reduce the force on startup by tilting.

 

[OxiFreshGuy]

It's honestly not as big a problem with the Austrians as the plastic for the gears is stronger material.

Still a good idea to tilt it though.

 

[rob allen]

Always tilt the machine when you start it. The Strong Industries version is the Chinese model (Serial number starts with a 0), it has a weaker motor and cheaper start & run capacitor.

Other reason it's a good idea to tilt it is it will potentially strip the gears if you start it on a carpet (especially dense carpet). The casing is made from Aluminum and your bearings will seize up easily. I STRONGLY suggest, buying extra ball bearings, flanges, a set of gears (there are 5 total). Put some white lithium grease on the bearings and the gears to help reduce the risk of seizing/stripping.

If the Upper left, middle left or middle right gear strips, you will most likely need to use a Dremel tool with a cutting blade to cut a notch into the "pin" for a flat head screwdriver, behind the gear box inside the machine is the allen bolt holding the pin in so this way you can counter torque to get it out. WD4 is also your best friend in removing seized bearings. Use a wooden dowel and a flat hammer to punch them out BUT DONT HIT TOO HARD OR YOU WILL SNAP THE HOUSING IN HALF

I have 3 years of experience with these machines and have made almost every repair possible on them.

I always advise buying the Austrian version. Much lower cost of ownership.

All the new models now have the hardened gears and one screw replacement on each gear capability. No more tearing it down to change a gear if it’s even needed now.

 

[OxiFreshGuy]

That's good to know. I do recommend putting lube on the sealed bearings inside when the machine is brand new. Helps stop them from seizing within 6 months.