WorldofClean.com

There has been much talk about portable extraction cleaning equipment lately. More so than I’m used to seeing so I’m wondering the cause of so much chatter throughout the online cleaning industry community. We are in a sluggish economy so maybe it is the low cost of portable extractors that makes them so attractive? Everyone is pinching pennies, right? Or could it be the high cost of fuel and the talk of conserving energy the reason for their recent popularity. I think it may be a little bit of both plus another factor. That factor being a “better product”.

For too many years it seemed(to me anyway) that portable extractors were marketed to those that could not afford truck mounted carpet cleaning equipment or those with a niche market. Those niche markets might include high-rise buildings and businesses with a “closed door” policy. Lately however,I see manufacturers stepping up to the plate and pushing the envelope on the design and performance of their machines. Could it be that these portable extraction manufacturers are no longer content at being the second choice for cleaning professionals? I’m sure many of these manufacturers will say that has always been their goal. That may be true, but from my perspective it did not show in their finished product.

To be continued….

Back in 2006 my brother tells me he is going to clean windows for a living. On the outside I was very supportive but on the inside I was thinking he might as  well sell Amway. I  mean really,  Windex and a roll of paper towels and you are going to call that a business?

I’m now glad to report that I was the ignorant one and not my brother. He now has a thriving window washing business that caters to high-end residential clients and a few big commercial accounts which total just under 100k anually.

Ironically I now work summers with my brother picking up extra cash cleaning windows and I thoroughly enjoy it.

For those of you who are looking for new business opportunities you should definitely look closer at window washing. Weather adding it to an existing business or a stand alone business you can reap rich rewards washing windows.

Minimum requirement Window Washing Tools  :

• Various Squeegees
• Ladders - 6′ & 25′
• Buckets
• razor blades
• strip washers
• Extension pole
• Dawn dish washing liquid
• Amonia

For those of you who are already washing windows please feel free to comment and ad anything I may have overlooked.

Jeff

WorldofClean.com

So I’m new to this Blog thing but I’ll give it a go and see where it takes me.

Anyway, for the last few weeks I’ve been working on some new designs for my truckmounts.  The coolest thing though is this new Google Sketchup program I’ve been using. If you like to design and tinker then this program is for you. Its a 3d modeling program for the laymen and its a free downloawd. Also you can  build your project virtually without having to pick up a wrench or a welder until you are ready.

Back to truckmounts. Im not and engineer so I’m not reinventing the wheel here with my designs but I’d like to think I am making them better and easier to maintain. Ultimately I’d like to make the “Butler” of slide-in truckmounts.  For those of you who are familiar with Butler you know they are top-notch and have created a system that has no need for a chain of distributors to maintain. Parts are not crammed together too tightly and are easy to service or replace quickly.

I have designed the blower silencer and the heat exchanger so that they can be removed in less than 5 minutes. I know what some of you seasoned guys are thinking; ’sure its easy to remove when new but what about over time when things get rusty or otherwise mucked up’?  Well that wont happen because the blower plumping is stainless steel and is not threaded into the blower or silencer but clamped(more on this later).

The oil drain is on the front panel for ease of maintenance and the internal high pressure hoses all have stainless steel high pressure and heat flow through quick disconnects.

Thats about it for now. Hopefully, in time my writing skills will improve. Please feel free to respond with any constructive criticism you may have.

Thanks,

Jeff Ellis

WorldofClean.com

COLUMBIA, MD — The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) annual Convention and Exhibition will be held on March 10-14 in Palm Springs, CA.

Keynote speakers include Edward Hallowell, M.D., on the topic of managing today’s hectic schedules in a time when everyone is overstretched and overworked; and Gary Dietrich on how to garner effective media coverage for cleaning and restoration businesses.

Special day-long presentations before and after the convention include: Randi Klein Hyatt, Esq., on personnel issues for employers; Peter Crosa on how to build working relationships with adjusters; Aaron Groseclose, CRS, Thea Sand, CRS, and Val Arbab on specialty rugs and wool care; Edward H. Cross, Esq., and Peter Sierck, CMC, CMRS, CIEC, on project management and risk assessment considerations for restoration and environmental contractors; Dana Clark, Ph.D., on behavioral assessments and effective interviews for new hires; and Barb Jackson, CR, on pack-outs.

Education session topics during the convention will address: Contracts and documentation, achieving accountability results, restoring fine arts and textiles, innovations in rug cleaning, fiber I.D., government contracting, professional conduct, marketing versus advertising, bacteria and indoor health, working with property managers and the appraisal process.

For more information on the convention, exhibition and presenters or to register, visit the Restoration Industry Association website at restorationindustry.org or call (800)272-7012.

– Associated Construction Publications, 12/10/2008

Kohler Co.’s Global Power Group, a global leader in engines and power generator systems, is introducing a diesel engine line for the North America market.

A total of seven air-cooled models from 6.7-34.9 horsepower and six liquid-cooled models from 16.8-64.4 horsepower are among the new line of KOHLER diesel engines.

The new KOHLER diesel air- and liquid-cooled engines are in production and available for order from Kohler Engines dealers and distributors throughout North America and the Asia Pacific region.

The Kohler diesel range features both single- and multi-cylinder models (50kW and under). The new KOHLER diesel engines are emission compliant, to the latest EPA and CARB emission requirements.

“Kohler is very serious about competing in the non-highway engine market on a worldwide map and this diesel line complements our current gasoline engine offering,” said Cam Litt, marketing manager-Kohler Co.’s engine division.

Kohler Co.’s engine division, in operation since the 1920s, manufactures air and liquid-cooled, four-cycle gasoline engines in the 4 to 40 horsepower range.

Kohler engines are supplied to equipment manufacturers worldwide in the lawn and garden, commercial and industrial, agricultural and construction markets.

“Customers are seeking contemporary diesel technology at a competitive price point that is backed by a far-reaching service network, which Kohler provides,” Litt said. “Our Kohler distribution and dealer network are poised to provide our new customers with industry-leading parts, service and sales support. We’re pleased to see the enthusiasm and expertise they will bring to this new diesel line.”

The new KOHLER diesel engines will feature an extensive range of both air- and liquid-cooled units that offer advanced fuel efficiency and low sound levels, and a myriad of air intake and oil-filtration system options, said Litt. “The KOHLER diesels will be supported by a solid application engineering team as well, ready to work with OEMs in a responsive and creative manner.”