Rotory Extraction of Choice?

RTS · Joined: 01 Jan 2005 Posts: 85

Here we have a choice of rotory EXTRACTION tools...
Have you tried all of them in order to make the choice you have?

What made you pick the one you've chosen?

There are the RX-20 (most famous)
The RotoVac (which I believe to be the second most popular)
The Prochem PowerGlide (not sure of too many using this one)

How about the Roto Stair Extractor? Anyone using this tool?

I know there are also some that use a rotory brush to break up
heavily soiled areas and then EXTRACT with their TruckMount.
Has anyone done this? How would it compare to simply using an
RX-20 without the added step?

I have tried several of these methods... including using a Rag Slinger
and I really have seen the proof of simply using an RX-20 and skipping
the other step as I have witnessed the RX-20 to do such a great job
on its own... I saw no need for any other tool.

What do all you EXTRACTION people think about these tools in their
cleaning process?

Jack Daniels · Joined: 15 Jul 2004 Posts: 10

I for one would like an answer to this one also! I've been looking at Hydra-Masters new "DriMaster" machine. Is anyone currently using this machine and what can you report?

Thanks, Jack

doug · Joined: 27 Jan 2005 Posts: 11 Location: coldwater MI

what size of vaccum hose goes on the rx-20? My buddy has 2 prochem powerglides and they use 1 1/2 so he has to change out his hoses every time he whats to use the tool. Is there a easy sollution to this problem? the power glides are for sale to. what size does the rotovac use
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every job is a self portrait of the one who did it, so autograph it with quality.

RTS · Joined: 01 Jan 2005 Posts: 85

You can use EITHER 1 1/2" or 2" hose on an RX.

Don't waste your time and money on the new Dri-Master RX. JOKE!

RX is by far the best rotory tool! RotoVac is hard on the back.

The RX is EASY on the back with the exception of lifting it out of your van.

doug · Joined: 27 Jan 2005 Posts: 11 Location: coldwater MI

Anyone using theres for hard surfaces? WHat kind of surfaces? I have seen 2 diffrant hard surface heads wich one is more versitle?
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every job is a self portrait of the one who did it, so autograph it with quality.

Chris · Joined: 27 Sep 2004 Posts: 2

Is the ROTOVAC hard on the back? I thought it was supposed to be a one handed wonder machine.
Chris
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Chris Connor

Advantage · Joined: 21 Jun 2005 Posts: 4 Location: Kansas City Mo.

Hey I'm new here and didn't see this post before I posted to the "new here" topic.

I this is what I said there:

Wallace Robusto · Joined: 22 Mar 2006 Posts: 5 Location: Texas

I have a rotovac and love it for residential carpet only. It does not work well on commercial because it cannot form a "seal" on the carpet. I agree with several of you all, the rotovac is hard on the back. However, it can be a one arm operation, but you still put forth quite a bit of "muscle."

I have a question about the RX-20HE. I'm thinking about buying one and using it more for commercial jobs. Can anyone tell me if the RX-20HE is really worth it???
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Eye of the Tiger

Klean Karpet · Joined: 05 Jun 2006 Posts: 4

Well I use both an RX-20 and I also Use the Hydramaster RDM... My RX-20 is Great for my Restruant work I do and the RDM is exceptional for Residential, and Lite commericial...I prefer the RX-20 but both work great!

Stanley · Joined: 07 Mar 2008 Posts: 2 Location: Wichita Falls, Texas

I use to use the RX20 only on commercial, and it was about 3X easier than the wand. (3x less tired). and 1/3 faster.
I begin to get too sore after pushing a wand all day, so I decided to start using the RX20 on everything, (residential included). I wouldn't do it any other way. I only use my wand when the RX20 won't fit and around the edges. If there are torn places in the carpet, use the wand, the RX20 wil tear a larger piece out, I bought a set of ramp ends, made me a plywood ramp, and I no longer pick up the RX20 to load and unload. I just take off the roter ever time and run it up my ramp to the van. I can work all day and not even get sore or very tired. I'm 57 years old, and carpet cleaning is easier than it was 10 years ago.

gln238 · Joined: 07 May 2008 Posts: 2

Is this a extractor that is worth looking into? Some of these units leaked oil. How are they if anyone knows?

Jim Martin · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 1

If you want way more bang for your buck Go with a RX-20...get rid of the new star with 3 cone jets and convert it back over to the 5 jets...
put extended check valve on it and some glides and you will have one of the best cleaning tools out there...

The hose size for the RX is 2 inch on the out side but a 1 1/2 will slip into the inside so you would not have to change

Not to mention..you can use it for different things like post bonnet..pre-scrubbing or tile.......

Try starting at the door way and RX into the room and then disconnect and grab your wand..hit the edges and dry stroke the carpet as you exit...you will get better dry times and you will get all the marks out of the carpet easier...

Very good dependable machine............
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Jim Martin
Beyond Clean

charlieclean · Joined: 07 Jul 2009 Posts: 3 Location: Bothell Washington

when I first started, I used the RX-20...for me, just not the right tool. I know guys love it but would be surprised how many take it out to clean with later in the day when they are beat. I found it to be hard to contrlo, heavy and hard to manuver around in occupied homes. I used the Rotovac for many years, did not find it hard on my back..or at least as hard as the wand. i own a 360 now and love it. smaller, lighter and easy to use anywhere. It's just more efficient. It does hard surfaces too with a quick change of the heads.

Each cleaner has to find the best tool for them...test them out before you spend your hard earned $$$

utcc · Joined: 25 Jan 2010 Posts: 1 Location: Lehi

I have used Rotovac for the last year or so. I think it does an excellent job. I posted some videos and explained why I like it on my blog page. I like it for several reasons. First it has been a reliable machine. There is nothing worse having your schedule ruined because of mechanical failure. Second having a rotary machine is great for marketing. And finally it does an amazing job.