Hydraulic or Electric For Tire Shine Machine

[TEEBOX]

Hi,

I'm considering adding a tire shiner in my tunnel. I like the bristle brush applicators from Sonny's and McNeil. However, I'm wondering which way to go?

What are the pro's and con's are about using hydraulic or electric?

Also, it looks like the Sonny's unit can be ordered in 8 or 9 feet lengths.

Any insight is most appreciated!

 

[Earl Weiss]

Not direct answer but still would not trade my Viper Shine units for another type. About as trouble / maintenance free as a unit can be.

 

[MC3033]

Hate the MacNiel unit (especially backroom components). Love the Sonny's. Only difference I've seen hyd vs electric is the electric unit we have there is not a rotation adjustment.

 

[TEEBOX]

Hate the MacNiel unit (especially backroom components). Love the Sonny's. Only difference I've seen hyd vs electric is the electric unit we have there is not a rotation adjustment.

Ok thanks! Do you currently have a McNeil? What about the Sonny's do like about?

 

[Ric]

Do you have a video of it in action?

 

[MC3033]

Most brushes I've come across are fairly similiar in design but the Sonny's is more robust then the MacNiel. Was easier to tune in and has ran for 3 years without issue. The maciel has taken awhile to tune in and has been problematic. Vehicles seem far more likely to climb on the MacNiel unit. Sonny's backroom panel is very customizable and I love it. MacNiel uses a proprietary design that seems a bit silly

 

[Ric]

Not direct answer but still would not trade my Viper Shine units for another type. About as trouble / maintenance free as a unit can be.

Do you have a video of it in action?

 

[TEEBOX]

Most brushes I've come across are fairly similiar in design but the Sonny's is more robust then the MacNiel. Was easier to tune in and has ran for 3 years without issue. The maciel has taken awhile to tune in and has been problematic. Vehicles seem far more likely to climb on the MacNiel unit. Sonny's backroom panel is very customizable and I love it. MacNiel uses a proprietary design that seems a bit silly

Where did you place your tire shine unit? After the blowers or prior in drip space?

 

[DavidM]

I have experience with both, I do not see a huge difference. Both are available in 9' lengths which I recommend if you wash a lot of trucks. We chose the Macneil because generally I have been more satisfied with Macneil's equipment.
Both backroom applicators have their issues. I like Macneil's concept but it gave us some issues with some products. Sonny's use Flojets which are not as good when trying to use very small amounts of product. I have actually modified both to use a Yamada pump and like the results.
I went with electric, I don't have a strong opinion either way on electric vs hydraulic

We placed ours in the drip space.

David

 

[TEEBOX]

I have experience with both, I do not see a huge difference. Both are available in 9' lengths which I recommend if you wash a lot of trucks. We chose the Macneil because generally I have been more satisfied with Macneil's equipment.
Both backroom applicators have their issues. I like Macneil's concept but it gave us some issues with some products. Sonny's use Flojets which are not as good when trying to use very small amounts of product. I have actually modified both to use a Yamada pump and like the results.
I went with electric, I don't have a strong opinion either way on electric vs hydraulic

We placed ours in the drip space.

David

I spoke with Sonny's Rep about placing an electrical unit in drip space. He wasn't to thrilled about electricity and water blowing in same area. Does this hold merit? I have Electric Wraparounds (Quickfires from Belenger) and don't see a problem.

 

[DavidM]

I guess I understand what he is saying, electricity and water don't mix. However, ours are 4 years old with no electrical issues (now that I said that, a motor is going to fail tomorrow)
There are a lot of electric motor applications in car washes. You mentioned Belanger, Macneil has been mostly electric for a long time, many other manufacturers are offering electric wraps. We also use a lot of electric motors in our inbay automatics, which have more water blowing around than most tunnels. I wouldn't be too concerned unless he knows of Sonny's having issues with their electric installs.

David

 

[TEEBOX]

He words were if your planning on placing unit after the blowers electrical is fine, if your placing it in drip space hydraulic is the way to go.
Yes, I was concered with that statment.

 

[TEEBOX]

Most brushes I've come across are fairly similiar in design but the Sonny's is more robust then the MacNiel. Was easier to tune in and has ran for 3 years without issue. The maciel has taken awhile to tune in and has been problematic. Vehicles seem far more likely to climb on the MacNiel unit. Sonny's backroom panel is very customizable and I love it. MacNiel uses a proprietary design that seems a bit silly

Where have you placed your unit? In drip space or after the blowers?

 

[carwashireland]

Not direct answer but still would not trade my Viper Shine units for another type. About as trouble / maintenance free as a unit can be.

Earl would this work in your opinion on a touchfree Iba? I cant seem to find any videos showing the viper in action

 

[MC3033]

Have them all set up under blowers, all hydraulic, no issues