High Speed Extractors for terry towels?

[mjwalsh]

This probably applies more to the tunnels because that is is where I believe they were used & maybe still are ---- anyway I decided to post in the general discussion area.

We are laying the ground work for rebuilding 2 Bock Model 255s & 1 larger Bock Model 505 or 605 Extractor. Do any of you have memories or access to any High Speed Extractors especially Bock - NorthStar? There are ways to make them --- in our opinion --- 100% fail safe as long as the fail safe circuitry & safety devices are not deliberately bypassed. Using a high quality car wash coin box & an inverter motor instead of the old fluid drives seems to have potential.

Even though I am seeking a potential Bock - NorthStar extractor that will be discarded anyway --- the main thrust of this post is to see if & what ---- experience there is --- with these pieces of equipment --- among my car wash friends. All comments will be appreciated!

MJ

 

[pitzerwm]

I had one in my laundrymat but got rid of it when people didn't use it and I couldn't make it fail proof. I think that using a motion detector to keep the lid locked until it stops, would solve that issue.

 

[Washmee]

Your bringing up all kinds of bad memories just talking about Bock extractors. The day I got rid of mine and switched to Continental washing machines was great. I agree with Bill, they are dinosaurs. They are very dangerous and a PIA to work on. In a coin laundry, I would think the potential liability would be too much.

 

[mjwalsh]

Tunnel & Detail Shop Extractor Use?

I am surprised that no tunnel or detail people have not commented on the possible value of leaving the towels with just the right dampness with the over 1700 rpm extractors. Maybe there is no longer any use for them in that setting? I agree that maintenance, sound, & safety have to all be 100% addressed --- then at that point --- they could be a good fit for a variety of settings --- not just a laundromat. As far as customer appeal --- our regular customers definitely see the value in drying in much less time ---even with the high G force Continentals. Especially --- down feathered items or similar heavier slow drying items. Washmee --- you probably have a laundromat that has a surplus of double pocket dryers --- so that is a factor too. NorthStar mainly sells to Food Processing Facilities & they are located in Ohio. Car washes are also on their list besides laundry facilities.

Again, the main thrust of the post was --- high speed spinners --- in car wash facilities that towel vehicles off & do not want their towels bone dry for that usage. Are they dinosaurs for all toweling car wash facilities? ---- because of present day much better alternatives --- an enquiring mind needs to know!

Thanks

MJ

 

[Washmee]

MJ,
I guess I misunderstood your original post. I am a fullservice tunnel operator and I still stand by my original statement that high speed stand alone extrators are obselete for carwash operations. The high speed washer/ extractor combo machines on the market today are a much better alternative. They deliver a towel that is acceptable for use in all areas of my operation, including the detail shop. Hope thats what you were looking for.