The capabilities of small carpet cleaning companies are significantly improved with the use of truck mount carpet cleaning equipment. This equipment, mounted in a regular cargo van or box truck, provides cleaning power to match that of the largest service provider. These truck mounts, as they're called, are used to perform carpet steam cleaning which is the preferred method for cleaning most carpets. There are two different types of truck mounts, slide-ins and van powered (or sometimes called direct drive). Let's take a look at the pros and cons of each type.
The slide-in truck mounts are so called because they slide into a regular van and are bolted to the floor. This makes them very flexible and relatively easy to setup. They are powered by gasoline or propane motors that are integrated with the overall cleaning machine thus transforming regular cargo vans into service ready carpet cleaning vans.
The primary advantage of these truck mounts is the ability to use them in any make or model cargo van, new or used. This provides a lot of flexibility especially for small operators who can acquire used vans to start their business while minimizing their capital outlay. The major disadvantage is the noise and heat these machines can generate. They're the equivalent of small air-cooled generators and need to be constantly running during the cleaning process.
The van powered truck mounts use a different source for their power supply...the van itself. They use a clutch-type mechanism that attaches to the drive-train to transfer power from the van's engine to the cleaning machine. This requires much closer integration between the van and the truck mount equipment.
The primary advantages of this type of machine is the quiet and efficient power they can provide. A late model van at idle makes very little noise and can provide all the power required and more. They are also very efficient with space utilization, usually being installed directly behind the front seats using the console area as the place to attach to the drive-train. This leaves plenty of room available for the other equipment needed to fit out a carpet cleaning van.
The primary disadvantage of these truck mounts is the lack of flexibility and cost. The companies that manufacture these machines usually have strict requirements on the age and make/model of the van. A specialist is required to install this type of machine. They are powerful machines and usually the top-of-the-line for the vendor. Thus, their cost makes them better suited to a more established carpet cleaning service.
Both of these truck mounts can provide excellent capabilities for any size carpet cleaning business. Each business operator will have to make his own decision based upon his vehicle of choice and the scope of services provided.
I am a retired executive and small business owner who is trying to provide information to help other entrepreneurs with their business ventures. For a more in depth discussion on the different types of truck mount carpet cleaning equipment, carpet cleaning vans or other aspects of running a carpet cleaning business, check out our Guide to Carpet Cleaning Vans.
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