D&S Super 5000. If you got one free, would you install it?

[Dan-Ark]

Yesterday, I was the succsessful(?) only bidder on a closed down wash, not including land and buliding. It appears all the equipment was installed in 2006 and had very low volume. two bays with D&S pump stand, all the usual stuff and a Super 5000 automatic, which appears like it will be some job to move out. I'm looking for wisdom (as I am apparenlty short since I got myself into this). We are closing on our second closed down 3 bay (no autos) this week (again likely evidence of aforementioned lack of wisdome). I am toying with idea of moving the super 5000 to this wash along with the RO system, tri foam, weepmizer, etc from this closed down wash. I'll likely use the D&S pump stand as it takes up a lot less room than what is there, and one of the 3 pumps is already dead at the new wash. I know the Super5000 is a bit of an albatross, anyone still running one sucessfully, and if you had to move it would you?

 

[MEP001]

Being experienced with a D&S 5000 as you are (so you already know how high maintenance they can be), would you install a machine that takes double the maintenance and parts just to clean the back of short cars a little better? If I had a worn out 5000 and someone offered to fully install a brand new Super 5000 in its place completely free to me, I'd still have to think about it.

 

[Dan-Ark]

I'm reasonably satisfied with the 5000 since I replaced the bridge after the accident and don't currently have plans to update that one.. I was considering using this super5000 i'm now obligated to remove in another little 3 bay wash we are buying this week that has no automatic. It would require modifying the building some to accomodate the length and installing a larger electrical service in addition to the actual install. Purchasing an automatic, new or used, is not in the budget for that wash at this time. I guess the real decision is whether to keep the super5000 intact when removing or go ahead and cut it up to make removal easier. I'm sure there is no one who would want to buy it, but thought maybe I could use it a year or 2 at the "new to me" wash to see how much traffic an auto might get there.

 

[MEP001]

That's not a bad idea if your main cost is moving the machine. The electric at the 3 bay will most likely have to be upgraded, which can get expensive.

 

[soonermajic]

That's not a bad idea if your main cost is moving the machine. The electric at the 3 bay will most likely have to be upgraded, which can get expensive.

Sometimes your electric Company will upgrade for free. Mine did @ BOTH washes. I realize a lot electric companies won't, so just ask. I got lucky, 2x.
If you can take it out intact, & it worked, you can probably get going for cheap. Those guys in Eldorado can help you, & they're good guys.

 

[MEP001]

What did they upgrade, the service to the meter or the entire breaker panel? I was installing a 5000 and the guy from the city was telling us the entire service had to be upgraded to 400 amp and the electrician was quoting $10,000. When I told the city guy the dryer and pump won't ever run at the same time he said it was okay with existing 250 amp, pissed off the electricians but they were crap anyway.

 

[Dan-Ark]

My panel will have to be replaced. Its single phase now, probably an advantage long term with 3 phase, but I know it will cost now and "now" is never the right time to spend money. I always like to do it later...

 

[Waxman]

I wouldn't install it; I'd sell it.

I like the design of inverted L machines; how they move around the vehicle and how they size the vehicle.