Here are some very good questions our customers have asked regarding Ashbys PowerClean range of truck mounted cleaning machines, answered by our expert at PowerClean Industries, Mr Jim Nape.
Question - 'On the Genesis-zXT and the Liberty-XT, does the cleaning chemical go through the pump?'
Jim says
'The Genesis has a very unique water flow system, which was engineered to handle higher cleaning pressures. The chemical does flow through the pump and the entire system. I outlined a few reasons for your review.
The last step metering system is traditionally accomplished with a last step pulse pump, which utilises a diaphragm combined with a total of 3 check valves. 2 are located on the pulse pump itself and the 3rd is in line. We have found that even though some of them are rated at higher pressures, the higher pressures will cause the diaphragm to prematurely wear, which in turn causes failure.
We also found that the in line check valves can cause premature failure due to spring wear when running at higher pressures.
The Genesis features a very simple and reliable chemical feed system. As the fresh water flows into the stainless steel mix box, it is metered through the variable GPH meter through the venturi system.
The actual chemical metered does not change with the desired water pressure. Once it is set, it does not have to be "bled" or recalibrated on every job.
Because the metering is prior to the pump, the pressures do not cause any premature wear on the components.
Our system can be set for larger companies with a maximum setting. Meaning once the maximum setting is calibrated the technicians cannot exceed a certain metering parameter and cannot waste chemical.
Because our system meters the chemical prior to the pump, it allows the
chemical to mix more thoroughly within the system, allowing it to get heated along
with the water rendering it to be more effective.
The Liberty on the other hand does have last step chemical metering. This is utilised with a pulse pump and check valves. The Liberty has pressure capabilities up to 2000 psi therefore allowing the last step system to be reliable and effective carpet cleaning machine.'
Question - 'On the Genesis-zXT and Liberty-XT, how can you change from one chemical to another (i.e. carpet cleaning to patio / graffiti removal)?'
Jim says
'Both units will require the system to be flushed prior to use. (As does every other machine on the market)
Step 1. Pick the desired chemical and mix it in the 5-gallon chemical jug.
Step 2. Insert the chemical feed hose.
Step 3. Turn the chemical feed to the desired metering level.
Step 4. Set the water pressure up and go to work.
You will have approximately 3.5 gallons of "old" chemical in the system on the Genesis that will have to be flushed and approx 2.5 gallons of water in the Liberty. This is the "simplified" method.
Or
Step 1A. Pick the desired chemical and mix it in the 5-gallon chemical jug.
Step 2A. Insert the chemical feed hose.
Step 3A. Turn the chemical feed to the desired metering level.
Step 4A. Run a "bleeder hose" on either unit into the waste tank for approximately 2-3
minutes. (Make sure the bleeder hose is connected to the end of the solution hoses to
flush them as well).
Now the systems are bled of the old chemical and you are ready to go to work. Keep in mind that all PowerClean truck-mounts are designed to run from 50 psi up to 3000 psi (depending on the model), without having to change any settings other than the pressure. Our systems are designed to handle higher pressure to allow you to clean at
higher pressures with heat! This is a great benefit. Other units require a separate unloader and a series of valves, which bypass the heat exchangers.
Keep in mind that the Genesis also has "Hot", "Warm" and "Cold" outlets to clean virtually any surface. We have found that hot or warm water will splinter wood surfaces and cold water only should be used on them.'
Question - 'Can the Liberty-XT 36 have a stronger blower fitted?'
Jim says
'The Liberty is available with a 36 blower being the largest. Some people think that putting a larger blower on a unit can be accomplished relatively easily if there appears to be enough horsepower to run it. This is not true.
Many of the "dynamics" of the unit change when adding a larger vacuum blower. Our units are designed with longevity in mind meaning our philosophy is never to run an engine near or at its maximum capabilities. The 24 hp engine runs at approximately 65% of its maximum capabilities under full load. This in turn provides a multi-surface cleaning system that will outlast other brands because it is nowhere near it maximum
capabilities.
A good analogy is if you were to run a Chevrolet Corvette on the highway at 60 mph for 24 hours or run it at 110 mph for 24 hours, which one would show more wear?
We also do this because our units can be run at any engine speed without concern. This gives more versatility to the end user based on the particular jobs cleaning needs. If the area to be cleaned is lightly soiled or it is a maintenance cleaning, the unit can be run at a much lower speed saving on fuel costs, wear and decreasing sound levels.
When adding a larger blower, the drive system needs to engineered to accommodate it. The blower inlet and exhaust systems need to change to allow for the added air volumes.
If a you are interested in a larger vacuum system, I recommend the Freedom series. That unit is engineered to accept the Roots 36, 45 or 47 series vacuum blowers.'
Question - 'With my current dual operator truck-mount, to ensure we both have enough vacuum, I must work in complete synchronicity with (i.e. - stroke for stroke) and side-by-side to, the 2nd operator. How does the Genesis-zXT truck-mount compare?'
Jim says
'This is not the case with the Genesis range. The unit is designed to be used for BOTH single and dual wand cleaning. The vacuum system produces enough vacuum whereas two operators can clean in different areas and not notice a difference when one of the tools is lifted off of the surface.
We have even had customers forget to put the plug in the vacuum port on the waste tank without realizing it until the job was completed.
For single wand cleaning, run the engine at approximately 2300-2500 RPM, the unit will produce plenty of vacuum and heat - and in turn will not burn as much fuel. For dual wand purposes, run the unit at a higher speeds to produce the vacuum and heat levels needed for the longer hose runs and the increased water flow.
Question - 'I notice the Genesis-zXT has a dedicated upholstery cleaning solution line. If I am cleaning a carpet using my wand upstairs, and a 2nd operator is working on upholstery downstairs, will we notice a loss of vacuum if we do not work together (i.e. - one of us puts down our tool to move furniture)?'
Jim says
'No, there will not be a noticeable difference. I do recommend using an upholstery tool like the Kleenrite high pressure with jet by-pass and vacuum relief. This tool will allow for vacuum adjustment and decreases the water pressure to an acceptable level - and is ergonomically designed for comfort. The unit will run the carpet tool at higher temperatures, while simultaneously being able to run an upholstery tool with warm or even cool water.'
Questions - 'With regards to the Liberty-XT pump, what does the ability to run hot and dry actually mean?'
Jim says
'The Liberty-XT truck-mount pump is designed so that lets say the incoming water supply is inadvertently shut off, or the user forgets to turn the water on - this scenario will not damage the pump seals. Traditional pumps require water to lubricate the seals. This is not the case with the GP hot and dry pump. I performed testing and ran the pump for 6 hours without any water, introduced water and it performed perfectly. Any other pump and the seals and valves would have needed to be replaced.'
Question - 'What is the fuel consumption of the Liberty-XT?'
Jim says
'Consumption depends on the speed at which your customer runs the unit and what type of load he puts on the system. Running the unit at approximately 3000 RPM cleaning carpets will use approximately 1 gallon (UK) per hour.'
Question - 'With the Liberty-XT, what size fuel tank is required for two days work?'
Jim says
'18 gallon (UK) will ensure 2 days of cleaning regardless of the circumstances.'
Question - 'With regards to the Liberty-XT, what is the recommended Service Schedule?'
'We recommend an initial 15 hour check-up and then another 50 hour check-up. After that carpet cleaning machine servicing will normally comprise of changing / checking fluids, checking belts and a periodic descaling if necessary. A good suggestion is to carry this out every 100 hours and increase the span as the client gets more familiar with the unit.'
