Tuff Super Skid--Hot water unit

[B.E YOUNG Sr]

Need input on possible purchase. 5.0 gpm, 3000 psi, interpump, 16 hp Vanguard, sched. 80, 5 pancake, 12 volt Becket burner, 50' hose w/deluxe wand and a set of quick disconnect nozzles.
price $2995.00 + shipping.
Would this be a better route to go instead of buying a Tuff stand
alone water heater ($799.00-1299. depending on gpm)and using it with a 3000 psi 4 gpm cold machine.
Does this skid unit do a real good job?
Is Tuff reliable?

 

[Mike Hughes]

How big is the gas tank??? Dont get stuck with one of those machines with a little two gallon tank that you have to fill three times a day (dangerous!!) Mine have 11 gallon tanks.

 

[B.E YOUNG Sr]

Mike,
11 gal. metal tank . This unit is being sold by xxxxxxxxxx.
What about the Vannguard engine itself?

 

[Glenn]

B.E.
Give me a call, I'd be happy to help and can save you some money at the same time!
Glenn

 

[Scott Stone]

I don't lke the vanguard engines. they work great for a year, and maybe two and then they come apart. I have one that the flywheel came off of, and was repaired under warranty. It did take them literally 6 months to decide to warranty it, and the other the cam broke on it and shattered a connecting rod. No warranty. It was one week out of warranty when it happened.
I like Hondas better. I mount a 20 horse with a 20 amp charge system, and never have a problem. The engine was cheaper than the Vanguard, too.

Scott

 

[Mike Hughes]

I have Vanguard 18hp engines on both of my machines, and so far I am happy with them. I have had them both since '99 with no problems, but I imagine mine don't have the kind of hours on them that Scott's do.

 

[B.E YOUNG Sr]

Scott, Mike , And Glenn
Thank you all for the reply.
I am partial to Honda engines myself. The seem to run and run and run without problems.
What about the Tuff skid unit in general? Is it reliable???

Glenn I will try and call you sometime next week!

 

[Jon]

One statement which I think all the manufactures need to address is why in this age when a very few offer as stock equipment 18 gallon tanks are most still offering 9 to 11 gallon tanks?

I run all day without even checking my tanks, both gas and diesel are 18 gallons which gives me about 16 gallons of usable fuel.

So how about some answers from the ones who know what we want but won't offer it?

All American before Alkota took over is who includes those 18 gallon tanks, I hope Alkota continues to offer them too.

 

[B.E YOUNG Sr]

Jon,
That is a great point. Any time you have to stop and refuel it seems like it always takes 10-15 minutes to do it. Maybe someone should sale large stackable gravity or pump fed tanks
What is that old saying Time is Money!

 

[Walt Graner]

I've had a couple of Tuff skids , no problems at all

 

[B.E YOUNG Sr]

Walt,
Thanks for the reply. Thats what I was looking for. I dont know anything about the Tuff skids.

 

[oguard]

Fuel tank size is dictated by the package that either manufacturers' are willing to build or users are willing to work with.

I agree the All American units have (had?) very large fuel tanks which prove quite convenient; however IMHO the units appear top heavy and may prove difficult to mount due to a high centre of gravity. This may also exacerbate any lack of motion or impact control of the vehicle it was installed in/on.

Some manufacturers' use blow moulded fuel tanks and the cost associated with the mould must be amortized over many units; hence some of the compromises that appear on the market. Things like small tanks or poor serviceability.

Engine manufacturers also present challenges to a pressure washer manufacturer. Most motors <16 hp rely on a gravity feed to supply fuel to the carburetor, there is no simple reliable accessory fuel pump at a reasonable price available. 16+ hp will be built to use an external supply and incorporate a fuel pump.

If you (the end user) insist on a package that is no more than 31" wide with a wheel kit there is no physical way to fit larger fuel tanks than ~ 11 for diesel and ~4 for gasoline, and keep the unit serviceable.

There are differences and advantages between steel and plastic tanks. Both sweat and condense. However plastic will not form rust that may clog your fuel filter. Steel will deform if impacted and usually not break like plastic. Fittings can be made leak proof in steel and leak resistant in plastic. Steel is easily repaired.

Finally, Do you really want an excuse to transport quantities of fuel over the road? Or an excuse to not check fluid levels and filter condition before you start your job?

I feel that to do a walk around before you start is a sure sign of a thorough operation that may assure your customer that your charges are for a complete job.

Would you prefer to deal with a plumber in a dirty smelly truck looking like they just got out of a septic tank or one whose equipment is kept clean and the worker arrives prepared for your job?

Merely my opinion, hope this helps? Cheers

 

[NORMAN CAVOLI]

TUFTS SUPER SKID

I HAVE THAT MACHINE. I DID GET IT WITH A GENERAL PUMP HOWEVER. iT WORKS FINE. IT HAS 1000HRS PLUS. IT HAD A FEW WORKMANSHIP PROBLEMSI.E., TOO MOCH TEFLON TAPE ON A FITTING,-SPRUNG A LEAK. ALL LINES BURST. BURNER SWITCH FAILED.ETC
IT IS GOOD FOR THE PRICE, OR AS THEY SAY " YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!"

 

[Mark]

Yes All American Is Still Using 18 Gallon Fuel Tanks!

John,

All American is still using the 18 gallon fuel tanks, there
have been some design changes / improvements on the 2002
All American units, but do not worry, the 18 gallon tanks are
here to stay. Although the All American units are not as "low profile"
as your typical horizontal coil models, they do not creat any major
problems for mounting on trailers or truck beds.

Attached is a picture of an All American on a tandem axle trailer with
300 + gallon tank and reels. I will post a picture of a 2002 model on
a single axle trailer with 200 gallon tank within the next week.
(We are expecting one in soon)

Here is a picture of a horizontal Alkota unit on the same trailer

 

[Mark]

New Model

Here is something we have been working on for a while, appropriately
called "The Terminator"

 

[Mark]

New Model

Here is something we have been working on for a while, appropriately
called "The Terminator"

 

[ron]

MARK

Send me a price quote on that terminator shipping quote also
rottie72@aol.com PRO-WASH NJ 07740
also more specks fuel tank size unloader footprint size upgrades ect...
have you put together a trailer package for this one yet?

 

[B.E YOUNG Sr]

Norm,
Thanks for the reply. Does that mean you wouldn't buy another tuff skid unit? Did the company stand behind the burner switch and other problems?

 

[B.E YOUNG Sr]

Mark,
Those pictures are very impressive but I will bet they are way out of my buget. But I guess that is the things dreams are made of.
One day though..............

 

[timhays]

please send pricing on the terminator skid
to me as well.
tim@charlottepressurewashing.com