Starting to look into a brand new touchless system. Which models would you recommend or try to avoid? I know a lot has changed in the newer model systems. We are looking to go with a brand new system and would love as much advice as possible. Thank you in advance.
Which brand new touchless?
- Thread starter Rfarm
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I.B. Washincars
Car Washer Emeritus
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All of the top players make good stuff that can clean a car if set up correctly. Most importantly is the distributor support. Narrow your choices to the distributors within a range that you are comfortable paying mileage to/from. I have Mark VII equipment and am satisfied with what I have. That being said, if my distributor sold "Wizzywash" or something else, that is what I would have.
Thanks again. Would you buy direct from a manufacture if it was as close as a distributor?Is there any extra value in buying it through a distributor and being on better terms with them for other supplies. keep in mind we would be dealing on different machines but we do have a manufacture very close and its mark vii.
I have to agree with I.B. There are a lot of good automatics out there today. If there is any guarantee on any of them is that they will experience mechanical issues from time to time and a reliable distributor is an absolute must. For touch free you also want one that can supply you with good chemicals and understands how they work best.
soapy
Senior Member
I have been testing a new wash made by HONDA. It is basically a touchfree wash. It has a a presoak arch that rolls over the car in the first 20 seconds. That is followed by a high pressure arch to rinse the presoak off followed by a air dryer that configures itself to each vehicle drying it almost completly. The whole wash takes only 1 minute. The really nice thing about the wash it that it comes with 4 little Honda robot men. 2 in the front of the wash prepping wheels, tires etc while a car is getting washed in the bay. Then there are 2 on the exit end wiping down the car with towels. The robots all do their job in under 30 seconds. The only bad part about it so far is that after each wash the little robots have to pull your leg just like I am doing to you right now.
Buzzie8
Member
Here is what I would look for in a new touchless IBA:
1. Cleaning Ability
2. Reliability
3. Drying capability /wax application
4. Speed
5. Water usage.
6. Cost
Probably weighted in that order too!
I am assuming that you will do your due diligence when it comes to the reliability and financial strength the distributor and manufacturer. This is sometimes difficult but "years in business" and a visit to their facility will usually give you some indication.
1. Cleaning Ability
2. Reliability
3. Drying capability /wax application
4. Speed
5. Water usage.
6. Cost
Probably weighted in that order too!
I am assuming that you will do your due diligence when it comes to the reliability and financial strength the distributor and manufacturer. This is sometimes difficult but "years in business" and a visit to their facility will usually give you some indication.
We have a Kondor by Belanger. It is a very reliable unit and washes very well. I think it washes better than most on the market but I may be biased. We looked at many automatics before choosing this one last year. One thing that sold us and it sounds kinda silly is that it has the flashing lights across the top and the lighted arm to aid entry and exit. I know lights do not wash cars but they sure do attract customers. Most people that we talk to mention the lights and the kids really think its cool. I would go with the Kondor again today if making the choice again.
robert roman
Bob Roman
I would narrow my selection to include only the top firms.
Over the next several years, convenience and gas retailers will account for most in-bay equipment spending, not self-service.
Retailers will only buy from firms with established track records and service networks, not clone makers competing on price without the ability to service networks of stores.
Since self-service continues its descent, absent economic growth expect more consolidation and further fallout of in-bay suppliers.
In other words, try to buy from OEM’s that have the best chance of being in business in two or three years.
See my other post about this
http://forum.autocareforum.com/showthread.php?t=9890"
Over the next several years, convenience and gas retailers will account for most in-bay equipment spending, not self-service.
Retailers will only buy from firms with established track records and service networks, not clone makers competing on price without the ability to service networks of stores.
Since self-service continues its descent, absent economic growth expect more consolidation and further fallout of in-bay suppliers.
In other words, try to buy from OEM’s that have the best chance of being in business in two or three years.
See my other post about this
http://forum.autocareforum.com/showthread.php?t=9890"
soapy
Senior Member
I will be serious this time in my response. I recently spent a few hours on you tube looking up car wash videos. There are many to choose from. Most are from ordinary people filming and giving their impressions of each wash. A few things came to light in watching these videos and what the average person makes mention of. 1 Most do not like driving over any kind of bump from some of the comments I heard. 2. People like to see some kind of sign or message board that lets them know what is going on during the wash process. 3. As long as they got covered with foam or chemicals they seemed happy. Very few commented on the actual cleanliness of their car. I think everyone should watch a few of these and get the customers point of view on washes.
Chris Bateman
Car Wash Specialist
Colorado In Bay Automatics
All of the responses are valid and have value. I believe the key points were hit by "Buzzie8".
The strength and history of a Distributor is the most important.
Some manufacturers do sell direct, Once again look at the strength and history.
A few more things to consider:
Support after the sale. Parts and Pricing. Can you call the manufacturer direct? Are the majority of parts proprietary to the machine? Call car wash owners that purchased from the local distributor and ask them for honestly. Do they offer multiple choices of automatics? Does the distributor have a facility
where you may walk the isles and shop for parts? Do they provide real marketing help?
All of the responses are valid and have value. I believe the key points were hit by "Buzzie8".
The strength and history of a Distributor is the most important.
Some manufacturers do sell direct, Once again look at the strength and history.
A few more things to consider:
Support after the sale. Parts and Pricing. Can you call the manufacturer direct? Are the majority of parts proprietary to the machine? Call car wash owners that purchased from the local distributor and ask them for honestly. Do they offer multiple choices of automatics? Does the distributor have a facility
where you may walk the isles and shop for parts? Do they provide real marketing help?
We just looked at the Kondor at the SWCW show in Arlington, TX. It is very eye catching and looks simple to work on. I love the variable speed motor and the swing away arms. One thing I wonder about is that there are no oscillators, wonder how that cleans a really dirt car?
Buzzie8
Member
Soapy,
That's some of the best advice I've heard in a long time!
It really does a good job. We are using Blendco Triple X for one part of the presoak. We have tried a lesser product and we were not happy with it.
Old thread but looking to try blend co triple X, I have tried rhino brite and not very good results. Are you going lo then hi if so with how much dwell? Also any chance you know how strong you are running the Hi and Lo drop wise?
My other worry with the triple X is destroying equipment and concrete due to the HF have you experienced this?
pgrzes
Active member
One thing not mentioned here. How hands on are you? Are you planning on just making a phone call when something goes wrong, or will you run to your wash "WHEN" there is a problem, roll up your sleeves and work on it yourself? I try to do all 95% my own work. I am fortunate that I also have a helper, been with me for 13 years that is also very handy. If you are not real handy, a good distributor, and GREAT tech support is a must. I have Washworld HV's. Their tech support is second to none! 24hr, willing to spend the time a do what is necessary to get you up and running. I cant comment on the other manufacturers, but I applaud Washworld on theirs. Oh yeah, both machines I installed were used and the support is still awesome. Good Luck.
Have you noticed damage to concrete or equipment using the XXX? Thats one of my bigger worries I know its harsh stuff, but road film is a struggle for us we may need something that strong.
DiamondWash
Well-known member
No HF anywhere near my wash, I don't want to look like this.
kentadel
Active member
8 years on the location using low/hi, and little to no wear on the concrete or equipment. I am thinking we must wash everything off well enough with rinse cycles to keep from getting damage. This wash is in farm country so it gets a lot of dirty vehicles with road film too. Really have it dialed in, and haven't had a wash quality complaint in a long time. As far as dwell, this time of year we barely pause between presoaks. In the spring we will dwell for 10 seconds at most. I have found, for this wash, it is more important to apply chemicals on a dry car, no galtun guns or rocker spray, than it is to dwell.
Ok, for what it's worth, here is my 0.02 worth. With touchless machines, ANY of them, it is not so much about the machine as it is with the chemicals. I have one customer with a 20 year old touchless that goes around on a circular track. He is killing it because we know how to set up his chemicals. He is turning out clean cars. If you do not have a chemical rep that knows what he is doing, then do with a friction machine. I'm serious. For the actual machines I really don't care for any of the inverted L machines. I mean they were around when Carter was in office. I sell the Istobal touchless that has a top spray bar that profiles the car or truck. It has oscillating nozzles. I cleans faster than an L machine because it doesn't need as many passes. And all of the comments about the distributor are right on. I don't trust the people who sell direct. I want someone local with skin in the game.
