Van mount vs Trolley system

[Kerby0814]

Morning all,

The title is exactly what this is about, but for a bit of context..

I'm just starting out, I currently do have a cleaning business which centres around ovens but I do also do pressure washing but I want to move away from the core of the business being oven cleaning as I much prefer the idea of the regularity of window cleaning having customers every 4-6 weeks rather than 6-12 months.

Now I have a citroen berlingo and the funds for either a second hand van mount system, or a a new trolley system. 

What would you guys suggest would be the better option?

 

[Master Jedi Alejandro]

It depends on your funds mate. Could you stretch to a van mount + a Gardiner backpack on a trolly? I ask as you can do all work with a backpack, but not all work with a van mount. However, a van mount is miles better (I only use the backpack when I absolutely have to). 

Basically a trolly will let you do more, while a van mount will make it easier. 

 

[dazmond]

Morning all,

The title is exactly what this is about, but for a bit of context..

I'm just starting out, I currently do have a cleaning business which centres around ovens but I do also do pressure washing but I want to move away from the core of the business being oven cleaning as I much prefer the idea of the regularity of window cleaning having customers every 4-6 weeks rather than 6-12 months.

Now I have a citroen berlingo and the funds for either a second hand van mount system, or a a new trolley system. 

What would you guys suggest would be the better option?

you need a  van mount mate...tank,pump,controller,battery and 100m of microbore hose on a fixed reel in the van....you can always get a backpack too if you want with a foldaway trolley and bungee strap and use that if parking is awkward...i have one but only use it for chemical application...even if parking is awkward i always find a way of getting my hose to a property using the van mount...

check the payload of the berlingo as you wont be able to fit in a tank any bigger than a 350-400l max

 

[TWC]

Is the Berlingo purely for window cleaning?

if you’ve got the dip tank for oven cleaning in there you won’t have much spare payload for water

 

[dazmond]

Is the Berlingo purely for window cleaning?

if you’ve got the dip tank for oven cleaning in there you won’t have much spare payload for water

this is a good point......you ll need a separate van for window cleaning or sack off the oven cleaning

 

[TWC]

I started out oven cleaning and just wasn’t busy enough so added window cleaning as a side line. Within 6 months I ditched the oven cleaning. Best decision I ever made. 
I actually had a Berlingo as well and a dip tank installed so at first I just used 100l in barrels and a trolly system. I’d clean ovens till middayish then change to window cleaning. 
Best way to get customers is have window cleaning on the back of your work tops. When you’ve got your head in the oven the customer notices you also do windows and ask for a quote. I got loads of work that way

 

[Kerby0814]

you need a  van mount mate...tank,pump,controller,battery and 100m of microbore hose on a fixed reel in the van....you can always get a backpack too if you want with a foldaway trolley and bungee strap and use that if parking is awkward...i have one but only use it for chemical application...even if parking is awkward i always find a way of getting my hose to a property using the van mount...

check the payload of the berlingo as you wont be able to fit in a tank any bigger than a 350-400l max

Yeah the payload for my van is 600kg so minus me at a light 105kg, it only really leaves a 350L system after all the gubbins are in there too and I'm loaded with water. 

Is the Berlingo purely for window cleaning?

if you’ve got the dip tank for oven cleaning in there you won’t have much spare payload for water

It will be mainly for window cleaning, my dip tank is a portable one anyway that isn't bolted in buddy so won't be in there while I'm window cleaning. 

 

[Deleted member 7446]

Morning all,

The title is exactly what this is about, but for a bit of context..

I'm just starting out, I currently do have a cleaning business which centres around ovens but I do also do pressure washing but I want to move away from the core of the business being oven cleaning as I much prefer the idea of the regularity of window cleaning having customers every 4-6 weeks rather than 6-12 months.

Now I have a citroen berlingo and the funds for either a second hand van mount system, or a a new trolley system. 

What would you guys suggest would be the better option?

Honest answer, either way isn't cheap once you've brought a trolley, backpack, poles, ancillaries buying pure water or producing your own. In my opinion you'll still need around 3k as a budget 

 

[Kerby0814]

Honest answer, either way isn't cheap once you've brought a trolley, backpack, poles, ancillaries buying pure water or producing your own. In my opinion you'll still need around 3k as a budget 

I agree that if buying new, the costs may well go upto and far beyond that. 

But I have seen/found a few systems at a significantly lower price than that, albeit used.

I also won't be making my own pure water so I'll be getting it from a filling station due to having nowhere to store a tank in the garden. 

Thanks for you're reply though mate. I genuinely appreciate and opinions/help ?

 

[Deleted member 7446]

I agree that if buying new, the costs may well go upto and far beyond that. 

But I have seen/found a few systems at a significantly lower price than that, albeit used.

I also won't be making my own pure water so I'll be getting it from a filling station due to having nowhere to store a tank in the garden. 

Thanks for you're reply though mate. I genuinely appreciate and opinions/help ?

We are here to help and a friendly bunch.

Here's a valid tip for you.

If you see something that is a possible purchase spend your time looking at the bigger picture, if it's second hand ensure that it is serviceable and fit to be put to work.

Many chaps have gone out and snapped up bargains later to find they've wasted their money on defective junk.

 

[Kerby0814]

We are here to help and a friendly bunch.

Here's a valid tip for you.

If you see something that is a possible purchase spend your time looking at the bigger picture, if it's second hand ensure that it is serviceable and fit to be put to work.

Many chaps have gone out and snapped up bargains later to find they've wasted their money on defective junk.

Thanks mate, from looking through the forum (even at posts 10yrs+ ago) it seems like everyone is friendly and willing to help which is great. 

That's my only worry, being sent up the road only to find its a pile of cr*p. Time will tell, and I'm in no real rush to dive into a purchase!

 

[iconicfranchise.co.uk]

When I first started (back in 2005) I started with a pure freedom trolley… I used it for a few years… Other window cleaners that I knew kept saying to go van mount instead… I didn’t listen at first, but then eventually went van mount, and then wished I had done from day 1 ?

if your funds allow - go the van mount route ?

Andy

 

[Pjj]

Personally I would look to the future ware do  you hope to be in 12-18 months time ? Trolly are ok but for  speed ,efficiency, and less effort a van mount wins hands down every time , each to there own but we certainly couldn’t do a fraction of the work that we do  each day with a trolly 

 

[Kerby0814]

When I first started (back in 2005) I started with a pure freedom trolley… I used it for a few years… Other window cleaners that I knew kept saying to go van mount instead… I didn’t listen at first, but then eventually went van mount, and then wished I had done from day 1 ?

if your funds allow - go the van mount route ?

Andy

Personally I would look to the future ware do  you hope to be in 12-18 months time ? Trolly are ok but for  speed ,efficiency, and less effort a van mount wins hands down every time , each to there own but we certainly couldn’t do a fraction of the work that we do  each day with a trolly 

Thanks to you both for the replies. 

I have settled on a van mount system and I'm going to view one on Saturday that is used, but is exactly what I want for a reasonable price. 

I dont have the facilities to store any water but I'm a stones throw from a filling station which is convenient. 

If it all goes well this weekend I will actually have the spare funds for a Gutter vacuum. 

Thanks for all your help. And the posts and comments you guys have made over the years. I have been over almost all the posts going. Now just chomping at the bit to get going! 

 

[Deleted member 7446]

Thanks to you both for the replies. 

I have settled on a van mount system and I'm going to view one on Saturday that is used, but is exactly what I want for a reasonable price. 

I dont have the facilities to store any water but I'm a stones throw from a filling station which is convenient. 

If it all goes well this weekend I will actually have the spare funds for a Gutter vacuum. 

Thanks for all your help. And the posts and comments you guys have made over the years. I have been over almost all the posts going. Now just chomping at the bit to get going! 

Make sure that the system you are going to look at is safe, fit for purpose and if it has and integrated RO DI system ask how it's plumbed and what ages and service life the membranes have as they can be very expensive to replace 

 

[dazmond]

id forget the gutter vac for now mate..your in danger of spreading yourself too thin and becoming jack of all trades...besides you dont have the room in a berlingo.....

 

[Kerby0814]

Make sure that the system you are going to look at is safe, fit for purpose and if if has and integrated RO DI system ask how it's plumbed and what ages and service life the membranes have as they cam be very expensive to replace 

Thanks mate, it doesn't have any of that thankfully. It's pretty Billy basic but the seller is showing me it working etc when I view ?

id forget the gutter vac for now mate..your in danger of spreading yourself too thin and becoming jack of all trades...besides you dont have the room in a berlingo.....

I'm not dead set on one just yet. The main issue being the room in the van. As we all know. Its bloody tight in them. However I would rather have it for when I need it, than wish I had it. 

Plus, if I don't spend the money, the other half sure will ?

 

[THWC]

When I started I had a backpack and 10 20ltr barrels, bought them from a guy from red hat diving with my poles, I cleaned ovens, carpets and offered end of tenancy cleans before going window cleaning.

I built a comfortable 2 days a week with this, then I built my own trolley, cost me about £300 by memory, proper puka trolley, that was a van mount, I could put hose in a drum and be portable or connected to my tank and ran through hose, with backpack I used less and less out of the van so when time was right I went fully diy van mount, but trolley served me for 5 years and may suit your situ better as will be easier to take out when you do not need, but in all honesty a backpack would be enough to get you started and you will keep the backpack after so in my opinion the best start out method, cheap easy out of van when not in use.

beat of luck though and hope you have bugged everyone’s brains on here about the best way to build your round 

 

[Kerby0814]

When I started I had a backpack and 10 20ltr barrels, bought them from a guy from red hat diving with my poles, I cleaned ovens, carpets and offered end of tenancy cleans before going window cleaning.

I built a comfortable 2 days a week with this, then I built my own trolley, cost me about £300 by memory, proper puka trolley, that was a van mount, I could put hose in a drum and be portable or connected to my tank and ran through hose, with backpack I used less and less out of the van so when time was right I went fully diy van mount, but trolley served me for 5 years and may suit your situ better as will be easier to take out when you do not need, but in all honesty a backpack would be enough to get you started and you will keep the backpack after so in my opinion the best start out method, cheap easy out of van when not in use.

beat of luck though and hope you have bugged everyone’s brains on here about the best way to build your round 

Thanks for that mate, I actually went and picked up a van mount system today, I managed to get a CLX27 pole, 2 heads, 350L tank with frame, leisure battery with split relay, water genie controller and shurflo pump, a trad set, some step ladders and 2 hose reels with 100m of hose on them. All for just over £400.

It all works perfect (bar my own c*ck up which is in another post here). Its filled with pure water already and I'm ready to start canvassing tomorrow afternoon. 

I think I've read every post and watched every YouTube video about how to pick up customers, the only thing to do now is go and try it myself! 

 

[THWC]

@Kerby0814i think that’s a good price for what you have got, good starter.

best of luck with the canvassing ???

 

[ched999uk]

Sounds like you got a decent deal with everything you need.

First off please bolt your tank down and put spreader plates under the mountings. The tie down loops in a van are not up to stopping 350kg of water hitting you in the back in the event of an accident!!!

The next thing I would do is start cleaning your own windows. You will learn a fair bit from your own then friends windows. Simple things like judging the angle the brush should be at on the glass before you extend the pole. Hose management, pump speed to name but a few.

You really need to canvass with confidence that you can do a good job. A custy I canvassed and got the job, but when it came to first clean I realised I couldn't actually reach a rear bedroom window as the extension was so big I just couldn't get to the bottom of the window. Boy did I feel embarrassed!!!!  

Don't be worried by saying that you can't do a certain window, customer will be ok or say no to your quote. Always better to over deliver than under! 

Also try and get your pricing right, don't be afraid to start high on first few quotes, if you get none then you can reduce prices a little till you are winning about 80% of quotes.

Be warned that first cleans take much longer - maybe twice as long as maintenance cleans. With little experience you will take longer still on your first jobs. Little things slow you down like where to lay your hose, not tripping over your hose, watch where you stand as you will be looking at window not where your feet are, etc

Good luck and let us know how you get on.