A truckmount is an invaluable investment for industrial cleaning and restoration professionals. Versatile and efficient, these heavy-duty carpet cleaning machines typically allow for more powerful cleaning properties than portable machines.
Unfortunately, with higher power, often comes a higher price tag. So, how do you get the most out of your investment? Proper care and routine maintenance are essential to keeping your cleaning equipment running smoothly — and a truckmount is no different, if not a little more extensive.
While each model is unique, and we recommend turning to your user manual for specific instructions, there are several pro tips that can make it easier to maintain your equipment. From getting a service appointment on the books, to taking note of the temperature, read on to learn more about how to get the most out of your truckmount.
Schedule Regular Service Inspections
Being proactive can go a long way toward extending the life of your equipment. While regular wear and tear happens during jobs, taking your truckmount to your local service center at regular intervals will help reduce unnecessary strain on your equipment. Between service appointments, stay alert for unusual sounds, increased vibrations, slower performance or anything out of the ordinary. Even if the changes are small at first, these can be signs of a loose or broken part, power issues or blocked components that need to be cleared. The sooner these issues are addressed, the less damage they may cause in the long run.
Don’t Forget to Change the Oil
Just like the engine in your vehicle, your truckmount needs regular oil changes to keep on truckin’. Without it, the engine won’t stay properly lubricated and can break down and overheat. To keep things running smoothly — literally — keep an eye on the fluid levels and schedule regular oil changes. This can happen during your routine service inspections; or if you prefer to change the oil yourself, many companies offer engine maintenance kits that come equipped with spark plugs, fluids and air filters. A good rule of thumb is changing the oil after about every 200 hours of use. However, check your user manual to find specific guidance for your make and model.
Flush Out Buildup
Corrosion and hard water buildup can clog your hoses, vacuums and wands. This affects efficiency, making it more difficult to complete jobs due to lower pressure, and can also cause damage if left untreated. There are several products, like Prochem’s Truckmount Descaler, specifically designed to remove calcium carbonate and magnesium deposits. Investing the time and energy to regularly descale your equipment can keep you from losing productivity to downtime on a job. Or, if you’ve hit a snag due to build-up, descaling allows you to get back to full operating power and pressure quickly.
Adapt to the Seasons
Weather and temperature play a bigger role in truckmount maintenance than you may think. As temperatures rise during the summer month, the chance of overheating rises with it. Taking additional precautions, such as cleaning your radiator, replacing air filters and even keeping the area around your machine free of clutter, can help improve airflow and reduce the risk of overheating. When winter rolls around, shift gears to keep your equipment protected from the cold. Since truckmounts require water to operate, they are more susceptible to freezing temperatures and can be seriously damaged. Be sure to add antifreeze to your machine and, if possible, keep it out of direct contact with the elements.
Following these steps throughout the year will help keep your truckmount going strong. If you have questions or want to learn more, reach out to us. Whether you’re searching for a service center, hands-on training or truckmount equipment and accessories, Atex is your one-stop shop for professional cleaning supplies. Our team is here to help you get the tools and materials you need to take care of your equipment and get the job done right.