Author Topic: Another dumb question about stair tools (Read 477 times)

Infamousdave · « **on:** December 31, 2011, 12:09:34 AM »

I've been doing a few jobs now as word is starting to get out that we do carpet cleaning now. I did one today who had a split entry of stairs that needed to be cleaned worse than any other parts of the job but I had to tell the customer that I would come back at a later date and do the steps because I do not have the proper tools yet. It wasn't a problem because I know this family fairly well but I need to get a step tool so I can take care of this.

What I would really like to have for doing them is an Oreck 550XL or whatever it is called like Mike sells but I'm not sure if I want to shell out that much money at this time if I also end up needing a good handheld unit. I for sure do not want to purchase both types of units right now so I was thinking I should get a handheld polisher like a Hesco or a GEM since they seem a bit less expensive than a stepson or a Cyclo. I know there are also some orbital polishers at Harbor Freight that have been recommended to me in the past but I'm just not too sure about them.

I guess my questions are:
1. should I go right for the Oreck and wait on the handheld or will I need a handheld sooner than later? I don't have much interest at this time in doing upholstery because I just don't think I know enough about it yet but that day may come but I could see a handheld being usefull for the stair risers that I would not be able to get with a floor type machine.
2. If I go for the Oreck, what pads would I use and where can I get them?
3. If I go for the handheld, what type should I get? What style are more comfortable to use? Something off-set like a cyclo or a grinder style polisher? Or the style with 2 handles on the side like a hesco or stepson?
4. What type of pads again, and is there already an acceptable way of driving these pads on these machines or is that another attachment?

ChemBright · « **Reply #1 on:** December 31, 2011, 06:35:17 AM »

Get the unit from Hesco and use 15" Glads.

bigchuckie · « **Reply #2 on:** December 31, 2011, 06:59:12 AM »

Dave I use a Makita polisher and 8 inch Tuway pads The Oreck looks like it may be a pita for the stair risers. The stepson weighs alot and would kill my back Jmo

jtmellon · « **Reply #3 on:** December 31, 2011, 07:05:03 AM »

Go to Rick G's place he sells a stair tool that yo put on a drill. I have had it and it works. I now use a 3 gal mini extractor, I also purchased this from him. It is a very useful tool and its about 350.00 But to save some money check out his 8 inch Drill Driver Carpet Cleaning Accessory.

George Barnett · « **Reply #4 on:** December 31, 2011, 08:16:54 AM »

I use the Oreck for stairs with their pad holder, carpet brush, and bonnet. Also ordered some 14" Tuways from mike to use. I have microfiber pads for it. Ordered cotton pads to fit but the pad holder is too rough for those.

Stand on the stair above the one you are working on and it works really well.

CACBServices · « **Reply #5 on:** December 31, 2011, 10:41:07 AM »

I have the Oreck Orbiter, Step Son, small extrator and a Cyclo. All get used some of the time. However, if I had to go with just one set up it would be some kind of orbiter hand held scrubber and the extractor. This is what I use on the worst stairs and it gives you a lot of versatility including some beginning auto detailing and upholstery. The Oreck is nice for a lot of things, but I haven't found it good for the edge and riser of stairs. The step son was my go to tool for the first couple years. It works well, and it is heavy and without the versatility of other tool combinations. I find the Cyclo and extractor a better option for upholstery than the Step Son.

Infamousdave · « **Reply #6 on:** December 31, 2011, 10:56:30 AM »

Thanks for the replies. Anyone ever hear of or use the orbital from a company named GEM? Looks like a good heavy duty orbiter also.

Infamousdave · « **Reply #7 on:** January 03, 2012, 11:40:27 PM »

I just went ahead and pulled the trigger on this hand held orbitor:
http://www.detailsupplyonline.com/product_info.php?products_id=404
It seems to me to be of the same quality as a Stepson or the Hesco orbital. The housing is metal instead of plastic like the cheap-os and the motor is a higher power, lower speed motor just like the stepson. Comes with an 18 month warranty and is rated for every day commercial use. Best part of it is I found one on e-bay brand new for $200 including shipping! I couldn't pass that deal up so I hope it is as good as advertised.

Grant D. · « **Reply #8 on:** January 04, 2012, 10:45:19 AM »

That machine is what the challenger stair tool is only Velcro is glued on the pad driver. Should work well for you.

Cleantech · « **Reply #9 on:** January 04, 2012, 11:38:00 AM »

Quote from: Infamousdave on January 03, 2012, 11:40:27 PM

I just went ahead and pulled the trigger on this hand held orbitor:
http://www.detailsupplyonline.com/product_info.php?products_id=404
It seems to me to be of the same quality as a Stepson or the Hesco orbital. The housing is metal instead of plastic like the cheap-os and the motor is a higher power, lower speed motor just like the stepson. Comes with an 18 month warranty and is rated for every day commercial use. Best part of it is I found one on e-bay brand new for $200 including shipping! I couldn't pass that deal up so I hope it is as good as advertised.

Wow good buy !

Mike M · « **Reply #10 on:** January 04, 2012, 11:53:13 AM »

Dave bought a Gem polisher. CCS uses a Gem with a higher output motor.

The unit made by Challenger is not a Gem but made by a competitor of theirs.

With some modifications it should work fine.

Infamousdave · « **Reply #11 on:** January 04, 2012, 12:04:03 PM »

Quote from: Mike Martell on January 04, 2012, 11:53:13 AM

Dave bought a Gem polisher. CCS uses a Gem with a higher output motor.

The unit made by Challenger is not a Gem but made by a competitor of theirs.

With some modifications it should work fine.

Thanks for the clarification Mike, I have some more questions for you.

Is the CCS GEM made especially for CCS? This one that I bought was the highest output motor that they have available according to their website.

Do you know who makes the unit for Challenger?

What modifications will I have to make to my GEM?

Mike M · « **Reply #12 on:** January 04, 2012, 07:31:41 PM »

According to Gem that unit is made for CCS. I contacted them some time ago about selling those. They were hesitant to sell to me because they had a deal with John. I was cool with that.

You need to make a velcro pad driver for your machine. You could try the bonnets that Gem makes. Not sure how they will work?

I do know who makes the Challenger unit...........its a secret.

Had also thought about selling those.

You could try contacting Challenger or CCS to see if they would sell you a pad driver. No idea what they would charge?

Pretty sure the unit you have will work fine for you. Price was right too.

For stairs I would have gone Gem or Orbiter.

Grant D. · « **Reply #13 on:** January 04, 2012, 09:05:42 PM »

Sorry if my information was somewhat inaccurate. Mine looks just like the GEM so I just figured it was the same thing with maybe a sticker taken off or something. Anyhow, that unit should work well for you. I think if I ever had to get another one i would get the ccs one due to the larger motor and ccs pad driver.

Infamousdave · « **Reply #14 on:** January 05, 2012, 11:45:19 AM »

Quote from: Mike Martell on January 04, 2012, 07:31:41 PM

According to Gem that unit is made for CCS. I contacted them some time ago about selling those. They were hesitant to sell to me because they had a deal with John. I was cool with that.

You need to make a velcro pad driver for your machine. You could try the bonnets that Gem makes. Not sure how they will work?

I do know who makes the Challenger unit...........its a secret. Had also thought about selling those.

You could try contacting Challenger or CCS to see if they would sell you a pad driver. No idea what they would charge?

Pretty sure the unit you have will work fine for you. Price was right too.

For stairs I would have gone Gem or Orbiter.

Thanks for all the info Mike! I hope I didn't screw up by buying the GEM. I guess I'll have to wait till I get it to know for sure what I need. Would the Hesco model have been more heavy duty and had the correct pad driver on it already?

Mike M · « **Reply #15 on:** January 05, 2012, 11:55:27 AM »

Only machines modified for our business have the pad driver setup you would need. That would be CCS or Challenger.

You didn't screw up. The worst thing that happens is you buy some velcro and make it yourself. FYI - CCS has velcro and adhesive on their site.

Infamousdave · « **Reply #16 on:** January 05, 2012, 02:42:00 PM »

Quote from: Mike Martell on January 05, 2012, 11:55:27 AM

FYI - CCS has velcro and adhesive on their site.

I saw that on their site and that was going to be my next question. Is that all I will need?

Mike M · « **Reply #17 on:** January 05, 2012, 03:15:01 PM »

Patience?

Infamousdave · « **Reply #18 on:** January 05, 2012, 04:23:46 PM »

Quote from: Mike Martell on January 05, 2012, 03:15:01 PM

Patience?

I'm screwed!

ChemBright · « **Reply #19 on:** January 05, 2012, 04:45:00 PM »

Dave, dont sweat the driver part. Just go online and look for a sheet of "hook and loop" and use 3M glue to fix it to the machine. Cut to size.

Infamousdave · « **Reply #20 on:** January 05, 2012, 09:17:40 PM »

Thanks Chembright. I guess if thats all it will take I'll be just fine.

News:

Author Topic: Another dumb question about stair tools (Read 477 times)