Talk me out of another CDS 4.8

[Kenny Hayes]

There's always a use for that porty,
just not a busy residential guy on carpet. It'll clean upholstery as good as truckmount for sure. Just don't drag it in the house!

 

[frank fratto]

There's always a use for that porty,
just not a busy residential guy on carpet. It'll clean upholstery as good as truckmount for sure. Just don't drag it in the house!

I used to tell my customer this is my special upholstery cleaning machine

made just for cleaning upholstery.

It is Loud in the house, but it's special!!!

 

[Dwain Ray]

Oh my lord, a slide in is a simple machine until you start putting all that crap on it. That's why I said basically the entry level truckmounts. Everything on them is gonna cost the the same or less
to replace when it goes out.

You guys are fortunate not living in California. Carb laws have reduced the choices for carb compliant slide-ins to just a few. And none would be considered "entry-level " (or simple)

 

[Kenny Hayes]

I live in Oklahoma where oil is made for a living I might sound blue, but fire in the hole!!!

 

[frank fratto]

Love the FREE State of Florida!!!

 

[frank fratto]

You guys are fortunate not living in California. Carb laws have reduced the choices for carb compliant slide-ins to just a few. And none would be considered "entry-level " (or simple)

Take the people and the politics out of California.

And you have by far the most Beautiful state in America!!!

 

[they live]

Take the people and the politics out of California.

And you have by far the most Beautiful state in America!!!

By far?

You must not have ever experienced west michigan.

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Discover the best beaches in West Michigan, from family-friendly shores to hidden gems. Plan your perfect Lake Michigan beach day with our top picks.

www.wmta.org

 

[frank fratto]

By far?

You must not have ever experienced west michigan.

View attachment 134435

Best West Michigan Beaches | Explore Lake Michigan Shoreline

Discover the best beaches in West Michigan, from family-friendly shores to hidden gems. Plan your perfect Lake Michigan beach day with our top picks.

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A small portion many years ago. very Beautiful!!!

But the state of California.

North to South

East to West

has every landscapes!!! {Breathtaking}

 

[Kenny Hayes]

Both states are incredible! The good thing about living in middle Ok., you can get north, east, south, and west pretty fast from here. I have I've pretty much covered it all, except one. Getting to Europe is a different thing

 

[BIG WOOD]

I have read many many threads and facebook group comments. And I find that almost everyone says the same thing, pretty much everything about PTO machines is better, except that the machine dies with the van.

They are more user friendly, they are easier to maintain and repair, they leave more space in the van, and they are way more reliable/they break down far less frequently. I have seen many people with slide-ins once they begin having serious problems say they wish they opted for a direct drive machine, but I have hardly ever read someone with a direct drive say they wish they had gotten a slide-in.

Since you're staying with a van, already know about your current setup, and are very familiar with it, you can keep all your spare parts simplified with the same machine. You can troubleshoot faster when problems arise, and can train your future technician faster, because they just need to know the basics of operating the machine and more importantly, how to properly treat your customer and give a good service. So keep your operation as simple as possible. Stay with the same machine. Don't get a slide in. Hydramaster's PTO has the best design for more storage space for a van. Which is major. Slide ins take allot of room with the "T" design of the machine/recovery tank.

If your original machine was a slide in, I'd say to keep the same slide in brand/model if possible, unless it was a tiny slide in. Then I'd say get a bigger machine of the same brand/design if possible. Keep your business as simple as possible.

 

[Bryce C]

Since you're staying with a van, already know about your current setup, and are very familiar with it, you can keep all your spare parts simplified with the same machine. You can troubleshoot faster when problems arise, and can train your future technician faster, because they just need to know the basics of operating the machine and more importantly, how to properly treat your customer and give a good service. So keep your operation as simple as possible. Stay with the same machine. Don't get a slide in. Hydramaster's PTO has the best design for more storage space for a van. Which is major. Slide ins take allot of room with the "T" design of the machine/recovery tank.

If your original machine was a slide in, I'd say to keep the same slide in brand/model if possible, unless it was a tiny slide in. Then I'd say get a bigger machine of the same brand/design if possible. Keep your business as simple as possible.

This rings true, thanks Woody.

 

[frank fratto]

Maybe I'm missing something here?

I thought this was a backup unit?

What's the difference in price between a good PTO and a good slide in?

And if the difference is BIG?

Do you have enough money in your checking account{not saving account} [you do have a saving account?]

To justify the Difference???

 

[BIG WOOD]

Maybe I'm missing something here?

I thought this was a backup unit?

What's the difference in price between a good PTO and a good slide in?

And if the difference is BIG?

Do you have enough money in your checking account{not saving account} [you do have a saving account?]

To justify the Difference???

IF there’s a noticeable difference in price, it doesn’t compare to the long term benefits of what I just explained above.

Most of your comments lately have been only for benefits that only the eye can see as far as your hands can reach. You need to start considering long term benefits of running a successful business and what I just described is another part of it

I’m only saying that because I’ve learned from that mistake

 

[frank fratto]

IF there’s a noticeable difference in price, it doesn’t compare to the long term benefits of what I just explained above.

Most of your comments lately have been only for benefits that only the eye can see as far as your hands can reach. You need to start considering long term benefits of running a successful business and what I just described is another part of it

I’m only saying that because I’ve learned from that mistake

Ok Matt,

No arguments with that.

I think all I'm saying is if the money is right do it!!! "If you have it?"

 

[they live]

Since you're staying with a van, already know about your current setup, and are very familiar with it, you can keep all your spare parts simplified with the same machine. You can troubleshoot faster when problems arise, and can train your future technician faster, because they just need to know the basics of operating the machine and more importantly, how to properly treat your customer and give a good service. So keep your operation as simple as possible. Stay with the same machine. Don't get a slide in. Hydramaster's PTO has the best design for more storage space for a van. Which is major. Slide ins take allot of room with the "T" design of the machine/recovery tank.

If your original machine was a slide in, I'd say to keep the same slide in brand/model if possible, unless it was a tiny slide in. Then I'd say get a bigger machine of the same brand/design if possible. Keep your business as simple as possible.

I thought we were suppose to be talking him out of buying another one.

 

[BIG WOOD]

I thought we were suppose to be talking him out of buying another one.

nah

 

[they live]

Thats the title of the thread!

This got me looking at used pto's and I was surprised at the prices people are asking for them. I guess I was wrong about what Bryce paid. With parts though its about what I paid for my butler and I just needed tires. I still have the same tires BTW. I bought mine awhile ago though. Im glad im at the end of my career not starting out.

 

[Bryce C]

My question was meant to stimulate conversation for and against buying another CDS. I'm glad that many understood that and shared their thoughts regarding why I should, and why I shouldn't, get another machine like my current one.

Based on what I have seen, it seems that an average price for my 2013 Chevy Express and CDS with it's mileage and hours (102k/4.2k) at the time I bought it would have been at least $25,000 if it didn't need a paint job and an HX. I think I did well getting it for $15k and fixing it up for $4k myself, especially having never owned a TM before.

And the van engine just had a minor rebuild a few weeks before I bought it. New head gasket, intake and exhaust manifold gaskets, engine wire harness, and camshaft. And now my TM has an oversized aftermarket HX, brand new pressure pump, transfer pump, all new pressure lines, and a new 150' solution line. My setup also came loaded with maximum accessory shelving in the rear, and a Salsa. And now it is fully insulated.

I love my machine. If I could get the same exact thing all over again for the same price I would do it without question.

 

[Kenny Hayes]

I'd invest in vlm for commercial first, then get a backup. Thats so
profitable with vlm.

 

[they live]

My first pto was a $3,000 white magic. I flew to New Jersey with my wife and drove it home same day. I still miss that thing. I do have the WM in my shop in pieces. Every nut and bolt I coud save hoses lines tanks everything.
Bought it from a guy here.

I knew you were just starting conversation with the title. I ran with it because that's what I do. Look at the info I helped create. I cant help it everyone got so soft on MB.

But I wouldnt buy another one yet unless your finances are solid. Get the bugs worked out on this one first. Then get a solid machine newer one that hasn't had so much work done on it. Just the way I see it.

When I hear people say look at all the work done to it already for you I hear its going to have issues I cant see yet.

 

[Bryce C]

I'd invest in vlm for commercial first, then get a backup. Thats so
profitable with vlm.

I do have a Slimex, oops, I mean Cimex! $1400 used. She's ugly, yellow, and works well.

What do you think, should I also prioritize getting a smaller oscillating tamping thingy, like a Pheonix? Or just weave the Cimex through cubicles like a boss, post pad with my 175 on tough traffice lanes for now, and focus on a second truckmount?

 

[Dwain Ray]

I do have a Slimex, oops, I mean Cimex! $1400 used. She's ugly, yellow, and works well.

What do you think, should I also prioritize getting a smaller oscillating tamping thingy, like a Pheonix? Or just weave the Cimex through cubicles like a boss, post pad with my 175 on tough traffice lanes for now, and focus on a second truckmount?

I got an unrelated question for ya. Do you know what model throttle controller you have? Is it (i hope) ETM-68-A? I was recently helping another guy with his cds and it had a obsolete throttle controller and had difficulties trying to get one. If yours isn't an 68-A you might wanta start looking for a spare

 

[Bryce C]

I forget which one it is, I'll check tomorrow. But I ordered my controller from CleanServ in Ohio. They are the CDS parts guys, at least mine. Great customer service, and they have a direct relationship with the throttle controller people.

 

[frank fratto]

I do have a Slimex, oops, I mean Cimex! $1400 used. She's ugly, yellow, and works well.

What do you think, should I also prioritize getting a smaller oscillating tamping thingy, like a Pheonix? Or just weave the Cimex through cubicles like a boss, post pad with my 175 on tough traffice lanes for now, and focus on a second truckmount?

I know you didn't ask me?

But if it was me , use what you have, make as much money as you can.

Put it in the bank pay cash whenever possible, stay out of debt, whenever possible.

Unless you're making a big move with your business plan ? And need to borrow money?

If you've been in business longer than five years ?

Buying one truck mount is not a big business move. {Try to pay cash for a used TM, If possible?}

"Sorry for jumping in "

 

[Kenny Hayes]

Couldn't agree more. If you don't have a crb, I'd get one of those to groom the swirls of the cimex out.
You read enough about their advantages. Don't listen to Marty.
I do like to go behind my Cimex with the Vibe if there's 2 of us.

 

[Bryce C]

Good tips! I have a crb. I have everything I really need except a second truckmount. I had a feeling before, and am now more certain, that when I get a second TM it will be an identical setup to what I already have for simplicity and scalability sake.

I suppose a different conversation to have would be, is it sensible to get a backup van/truckmount as soon as funds and your customer base permits it.

So is it better to:

1) pay additional insurance and registration fees on a second truckmount that sits there most of the time to avoid reverting to a portable or cancelling appointments when serious mechanical problems occur. Which has a substantial soothing effect on my mind and heart, but not my wallet.

2) just accept using the porty of shame for a few weeks when the truckmount goes down in any serious way. Which has a substantial soothing effect on my wallet, but not my mind and heart.

3) cancel or postpone all my appointments and completely avoid using the porty of shame when the truckmount goes down in any serious way. Which does not have a substantial soothing effect on my wallet, or my mind and heart. But does avoid the porty cringe, and lugging something akin to a refrigerator up staircases for all of my appointments, and the bucket brigade, and the wetter carpets, and the porty cringe.

 

[Dwain Ray]

With 2 truckmounts you can do one of three things 1, rotate trucks use 1 for a week or two than rotate to the other that is the military way rotate backups so you know that there always in top shape and nothing went wrong while setting. #2, this is what i did up till a couple of yesrs ago. Set up your backup to do something other than your daily carpet cleaning. I have ladder racks on my spare so when i had carpet & windows i would use it instead of frankinstien.#3 is what i do now. I dropped the insurance and non opted the registration. I use the spare when i do stuff that requires a tm around the shop and if something were to happen that frankinstien would be down for an extended period a few minutes on the internet and i have insurance and current registration. But if not needed i don't spend the money and leave the spare on a battery maintainer. And like i said use it every couple of months on the property

 

[BIG WOOD]

Good tips! I have a crb. I have everything I really need except a second truckmount. I had a feeling before, and am now more certain, that when I get a second TM it will be an identical setup to what I already have for simplicity and scalability sake.

I suppose a different conversation to have would be, is it sensible to get a backup van/truckmount as soon as funds and your customer base permits it.

So is it better to:

1) pay additional insurance and registration fees on a second truckmount that sits there most of the time to avoid reverting to a portable or cancelling appointments when serious mechanical problems occur. Which has a substantial soothing effect on my mind and heart, but not my wallet.

2) just accept using the porty of shame for a few weeks when the truckmount goes down in any serious way. Which has a substantial soothing effect on my wallet, but not my mind and heart.

3) cancel or postpone all my appointments and completely avoid using the porty of shame when the truckmount goes down in any serious way. Which does not have a substantial soothing effect on my wallet, or my mind and heart. But does avoid the porty cringe, and lugging something akin to a refrigerator up staircases for all of my appointments, and the bucket brigade, and the wetter carpets, and the porty cringe.

Down time is worse than using a portable.

So your only options are 1 and 2 and that depends on what you can afford and what season you’re in with your business. We can’t tell you which one is better. As long as you can avoid downtime, that’s the most important

 

[Bryce C]

I got an unrelated question for ya. Do you know what model throttle controller you have? Is it (i hope) ETM-68-A? I was recently helping another guy with his cds and it had a obsolete throttle controller and had difficulties trying to get one. If yours isn't an 68-A you might wanta start looking for a spare

I do have the 68-A. I ordered it here from Cleanserv. It looks like they have it in stock.

Module Throttle GM 2007+ ETM68A 000-074-171

Idle control module for most GM based direct drive machines (Butler/White Magic/Hydramaster/Cleanco). For gasoline V8 engine GMC/Chevy vans, years 2007 to Current.

www.cleanservinc.com