Who's equipment do you recommend for Express Tunnel build

[wash man 2000]

I've been all over the place on who to use for our new build of an express tunnel, just got back from the Nashville show, and every company's equipment looks the same to me, and every representative tells you that theirs is the best and why...
Especially from operators of multiple locations, who do you use and would use for your next build, why?

Who would you avoid and why?

NCS and Sonny's seem to have the most comprehensive suite of equipment and service and offer the soup to nuts approach, but I'm open ears to anyone who has wisdom to share.

 

[Axxlrod]

I have Sonny's, Macneil and Motor City in my tunnels. All are top level equipment providers, and all are completely capable of producing clean, shiny, dry cars.

That said, each has their unique pros and cons. And varying price points also.

Since it's your first wash, your distibutor is more critical than which brand of equipment you choose. Let that be your guide.

My 2 cents.

 

[wash man 2000]

Wow, that’s great to hear, it’s like I can’t go wrong!

im in Florida so Sonny’s seems like a natural choice, but NCS has distribution right here as well. Thank you for the input.

 

[washnshine]

I like Sonny’s equipment. They have multiple mitter and top brush choices. As far as I know, McNeil only offers a top brush. Sonny’s has a very simple gravity based wrap design with the option to install spider wraps. McNeil’s wrap system seems over -engineered and overly complex to me. Sonny’s also does a great job packing a lot of equipment into a small floor footprint. They have a mitter or top brush frame that accommodates two sets of wraps and also has tire brushes with small rocker panel brushes mounted on top of them, all in one cleaning module. They also have very good high pressure components, dryers and conveyors. This is just my opinion. I have never owned McNeil equipment, but do use Sonny’s.

 

[JustaGuy]

As long as you are dealing with one of the top tier equipment manufacturers, the deciding factor would be the local distributor. You might get better results if you start a new thread with your location asking about distributors in your area.

 

[wash man 2000]

As long as you are dealing with one of the top tier equipment manufacturers, the deciding factor would be the local distributor. You might get better results if you start a new thread with your location asking about distributors in your area.

I've looked them up and it appears that McNeil (NCS), and Sonny's have distribution right near me, while Motor City would be out of state.

At this point I'm going to let Sonny's and NCS work proposals and see where we end up as far as cost, equipment etc. I can update here if anyone cares to know how that goes.

 

[Just Call Ben]

I've looked them up and it appears that McNeil (NCS), and Sonny's have distribution right near me, while Motor City would be out of state.

At this point I'm going to let Sonny's and NCS work proposals and see where we end up as far as cost, equipment etc. I can update here if anyone cares to know how that goes.

Curious how everything worked out. I install and repair tunnels so I've worked with all the majors...

 

[wash man 2000]

Curious how everything worked out. I install and repair tunnels so I've worked with all the majors...

I’m still in the process of getting everything finalized, but it’s looking like McNeil, Vacutech, with Sonny’s POS. I’d love to hear your input though.

 

[Axxlrod]

I’m still in the process of getting everything finalized, but it’s looking like McNeil, Vacutech, with Sonny’s POS. I’d love to hear your input though.

Interesting combo, and not one seen very often.

Please share your thoughts on why you did/didn't select the equipment.

 

[Just Call Ben]

I’m still in the process of getting everything finalized, but it’s looking like McNeil, Vacutech, with Sonny’s POS. I’d love to hear your input though.

I like McNeil equipment but being located in Canada, parts can be a long time away. Are you going with the rTC controller?

For vacuums, have you looked at Eurovac? The lead time is a bit long but the equipment and support are first class. They run circles around Vacutech and Sonny's (Autovac). HP for HP, the Eurotec is a much better value.

Also, Why Sonny's POS? I highly recommend you talk to Greg at FlexWash. It's a vastly superior system with built-in plate readers and no expensive pay terminals. I know Greg personally and saw his development as it went.

 

[wash man 2000]

I like McNeil equipment but being located in Canada, parts can be a long time away. Are you going with the rTC controller?

For vacuums, have you looked at Eurovac? The lead time is a bit long but the equipment and support are first class. They run circles around Vacutech and Sonny's (Autovac). HP for HP, the Eurotec is a much better value.

Also, Why Sonny's POS? I highly recommend you talk to Greg at FlexWash. It's a vastly superior system with built-in plate readers and no expensive pay terminals. I know Greg personally and saw his development as it went.

We have McNeil distribution right here in Florida, so I was not concerned with lead time, yes I am going with their controller.

I saw the vacutech at the carwash show and was impressed, but really only looked at them and Sonny's. The T-Force seems to be an evolution, and I like that. I like the Sonny's POS (I've used them as a consumer), the support, and they have made their pricing hard to compete with others. There are several washes using this combo, and they like it. I didn't think FlexWash had a POS terminals...though, I'm always open to input from those with more experience.

Some of this also comes down to the people I am dealing with along the way, as ultimately I think all the equipment is good, and there is no right or wrong combination. The people I'm dealing with will make the difference.

 

[Just Call Ben]

We have McNeil distribution right here in Florida, so I was not concerned with lead time, yes I am going with their controller.

I saw the vacutech at the carwash show and was impressed, but really only looked at them and Sonny's. The T-Force seems to be an evolution, and I like that. I like the Sonny's POS (I've used them as a consumer), the support, and they have made their pricing hard to compete with others. There are several washes using this combo, and they like it. I didn't think FlexWash had a POS terminals...though, I'm always open to input from those with more experience.

Some of this also comes down to the people I am dealing with along the way, as ultimately I think all the equipment is good, and there is no right or wrong combination. The people I'm dealing with will make the difference.

Correct, FlexWash has no terminals thus saving you about 25-35K each. If you'll notice, most washes do not operate the terminals unattended and thereby invalidating any labor savings.