istobal problems

[benson1925]

just took over a carwash and have been having lots of problems out of the istobal m9 during a wash cycle it will spray presoak then either stop and reset itself before the brushes begin or the brushes will start spinning and the horizontal brush will get right in front of a vehicle then stop and i have to reset it manually bc it usually throws a breaker. have had someone work on it and the problem stopped for almost a week then it started doin the exact same thing. anyone have any ideas what it might be?

 

[JonKush]

What error does it say on the control pad when this happens?

 

[mac]

In the future it's always a good idea to be a shadow of anyone that you are paying to work on something. Ask them queations and make sure they can explain what they are doing, and why they are doing it. If they can't or won't do that, don't call them anymore.

 

[carwash1]

Are Istobal Machines reliable?

 

[pitzerwm]

My only comment is that you will probably never see them as a Forum sponsor.

 

[mac]

Out of curiosity, benson, have you talked to anyone at the factory?

 

[Waxman]

The next carwash machine I buy will have the most machines in operation in the U.S.

I will research the company and be sure they look strong.

Nothing worse than buying based on low price and then being left hanging in the breeze when it breaks down and the company isn't available to support the machine and its end user because they are o.o.b. Pretty lousy feeling.



So: Laserwash, Vector, Softgloss or Autec are my new interests while my Superior plugs away.

 

[rph9168]

I still think a major factor should be the distributor that carries the machine. Most major brands will do a good job when set up and maintained properly. One thing for sure is that whatever you select will eventually have problems. Make sure that the one you pick is supported by a quality distributor.

 

[MEP001]

I still think a major factor should be the distributor that carries the machine.

I agree. The most common machine in this area is the Laser 4000. Everyone knows the distributor is overpriced and a bunch of jerks, in fact their largest customer base is the ones where they never interact with the wash owner at all.

 

[Waxman]

With all due respect to distributors, my point is that with a machine like a LW 4000, why would a hands-on owner need a distributor, good, bad or otherwise?

Mine was decent but never set foot on my lot again after install/regular follow-up to work on any problem of mine; I did it myself (with some help from others at times, of course)

 

[MEP001]

When I worked for a distributor we had lots of customers that were very hands-on except when it came to the automatic machine. Some were afraid of it, some didn't want to learn about it, some just trusted us to take care of it properly. Most operators I've encountered who run their washes themselves can't do more than the basics a good attendant could handle.

 

[Waxman]

I'm not knocking distributors or what they do. Just saying that, out of necessity, some owners use other resources; this forum, factory techs, etc. When I fixed my wash, I emailed my distributor, telling him the problem as well as the fix, because he had not a clue about the particular relay that had gone bad.

Automatics are complicated for sure. Had a customer curse my wash and say I needed a new one. Sure, maybe, but these are very complex machines run by computers. Most customers have no concept of what that is like.

 

[JonKush]

We have an Istobal M12. We are running for about 14 months. We chose this machine for several reasons but the main reason is it will do a touch or a touchfree wash. We were limited on space and didn't want to lose a customer over this issue. We just had our first major failure. The wheel on the drivers side of the gantry seized up. Other than that I had the high pressure hose that goes to the pumps blow. As for distributors I have learned to always make sure you have a back up person (tech) that can work on the machine or help you out. From what I see all machines have good and bad. If you are hands on try to learn as much about your machine as possible. We are fortunate to have the forum and from what i see most of the people on here will try to help you to the best of there ability.

 

[mac]

I think you've got your thinking right waxman.While in this so called industry a good distributor is invaluable, it needn't be so. Do you NEED a good distributor when you bought your car, house, appliances, computer, or lawn mower. The less reliable you are on outside help, the better your bottom line. It's a lot to do with the arcane way some manufacturers build these things. Some are built with "only from them parts", some are built because some idiot engineer came up with a way to do something that impressed the sales people. Some build things simply because they don't know any better. Get something you can fix, get help with over the phone when you need it, and that doesn't break down much, and momma will be happy.

 

[CW.Vet]

I own one and love it. Have 9 machines and very experienced

 

[bigleo48]

I have a Laser M5. My distributor is very good and doesn't want to drive out and fix something simple like a relay pack. He only seems to want to come out for difficult stuff. However, after 5 years, there isn't much we can't fix ourselves...so we just mainly buy parts from them.

Complex machines...yes and no. My M5 is 5 windows CE nodes tied together via Ethernet. Not overly complicated...but with interconnect computers, you troubleshoot with logs. They tell you what's going on, process and communications wise. That type of troubleshooting can be done remotely also. The rest are pumps and solenoids for process chems. The arch/bridge moves via motors and gear boxes that are positioned via proximity switches and the virtual treadle is simply ultrasonics. When you break it down that way, its actually simple enough for a non-distributor/company employee to manage. That's why I like the M5 and why I would likely purchase a used one before a newer laser with all that aluminum.