Which touch-free machine would you say is the best today?
- Thread starter WikiWash
- Start date
Greg Pack
Wash Weenie
I guess you have to define best. IMO the more reliable inverted L machines don't clean as well as the more maintenance intensive Gantry units. Inverted L units are almost non-existent in my neck of the woods because they can't do an adequate job cleaning. But many satisfied inverted L owners in other locations tell me that apparently that is not the case in other places.
Do you own any of the two?
hmmm that is food for thought. I left it open-ended so I wouldn't limit a person's opinion.
Jeff_L
Well-known member
Identify a trusted distributor first. You'll most undoubtedly have issues with any unit you go with, especially in the first six months as the loosening of things from shipping, installation, etc, show their ugly heads. Picking a unit you're unfamiliar with and using a distributor you trust will be a winning combination. As rph says, the equipment is just half of the equation. Chemicals, application order, dwell times and such are a big factor as well.
I've had a LW360 for 7 months now, don't regret it a bit.
I've had a LW360 for 7 months now, don't regret it a bit.
washme1
Member
I replaced a D&S Quicksilver with a WW Razor and have been very pleased. Prior to the replacement, I assumed it was normal for an automatic to breakdown 2-4 times/month due to the tough environment. I've had the WW 6 months and have had 2 minor issues causing a shutdown. It cleans as well or better than the gantry style machine I had previously, washes a car about 20% faster ($$$) and the uncluttered bay is a benefit to me and the customer.
Waxman
Super Moderator
what was the total cost of the upgrade?
how is factory service?
how close to your wash is the distributor?
is the machine simple enough to fix yourself?
how is factory service?
how close to your wash is the distributor?
is the machine simple enough to fix yourself?
Hey Waxman!
I'm replacing one of my machines due to a vehicle striking it. I'm not worried about cost, my insurance is covering that.
I'm only 1 - 2 hours from any WW, PDQ, Istobal, and Belanger distributors, that isn't a concern for me.
As far as maintenance anything is easier than what I have now. These inverted L's are simple compared to my TF gantry machines.
Waxman
Super Moderator
my next machine will be affordable, fast and easy to work on myself. what i'd like also is factory phones support that knows the machine inside out and backwards so when a problem comes up they can tell me what needs attention.
When asking which machine is best, there are just so many variables that's it's hard to answer. Remember that ALL touchless machines clean with chemicals and high pressure. Most also use the same or similar high pressure pump. I like the newer ones that offer an uncluttered view to your customer as opposed to a gantry. Just seem less intimidating. You are doing the right thing by asking here.
In our area there are so many 4 door pickups with long beds and the gantry style wouldn't clean them. We have a Belanger Kondor inverted L, the machine is great. Chemicals are the key. Our distributor has spent a lot of time with us setting up the best chemical combo. Belanger tech support is second to none in my opinion.
Waxman
Super Moderator
the best touchfree machine is easy to troubleshoot and repair yourself or easily w/factory phone support. it is user friendly for the customer (virtual treadle etc). it washes fast and well. yes chems are critical but so is design; i like inverted L.
cellardale@aol.com
Member
Waxman
Super Moderator
Okay. Please state the reasons why.
tdlconceptsllc
Well-known member
wash world has all stainless contruction vs the laser 4000 the JO cabinet is so easy to program no crazy codes to enter can do about everything programming wise from your home computer, live wash count ect.. customer support its just a simple time proven design the flex pass speeds everything up car count per day. Same guys that designed the laser 4000 at PDQ just quit them back in the day when they sold to Dover and opened wash world and just perfected the concept.
