How do you guys do it? Fleet washing that is.

[bigdog265]

Hello out there in PW land,

First of all, thanks to everyone for all the great replies that I have gotten so far to my questions.

I wouldn't have a clue if you guys didn't help me.

Ok, so I was wondering how you guys do fleet washing. Here is the procedure I am thinking of to start. This is for the truck only.

1) Spray truck off using clear water and high pressure.
2) Use brush with commercial vehicle washing soap to clean truck. Basically a bucket of soap and brush not connected to PW.
3) Rinse truck using clear water on high pressure.
4) Spray tires with tire cleaner and use stiff brush to clean.
5) Spray of tires with high pressure.

So basically we will hand wash trucks using brush and use PW to rinse.
Does this sound reasonable or will it be too slow to be productive?

Would a brush connected to PW be quicker? Other methods?

Thanks for the tips.
Greg

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[Scott Stone]

There are a lot of things that sound good about what you are proposing. One of the things that you might want to consider is applyig the soap downstream. This will save you a little bit of time and effort. Also brush the wheels and tires first instead of last with a bucket. Then after you have brushed them apply the downstream soap and watch the crud roll off. After you have applied the soap you can brush and rinse. remember the cleaner that you get the trucks the first time the faster they will come clean in the future. If you lose your ... on the first wash it will come back later to you.

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[ameri-clean]

Better yet, 2-step, applying chems under pressure and you will rarely need a brush. Maybe on stacks every once in a while. We wash trucks every day and have tried every thing you can think of. 2-step is the only way to go (for us anyway). You will get a lot of feedback about running acid thru your pump but we have been using the same machine for 3 years with no pump problems at all. Our machine has a CAT pump. Good luck to you.

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[bigdog265]

Ameri-Clean,

Can you tell me more about two-steping. What cleaning agents are used? How much pressure are you using at what gpm? What type of nozzle?

Thanks
Greg

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[Glenn]

I don't wash fleets but if I did I would 2 step....
Glenn

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"Hmmm, If everyone has a photographic memory... mine must be out of film."

 

[ameri-clean]

We use a Model 420C gas cold water skid two step system built by MSI.It is 4.0@2000psi, 11hp honda, CAT pump. We also have the optional remote(well worth the extra expense). We use MSI chems because they were developed for use in the two step machine. Like I have said before, we have tried every way possible to wash a truck and trailer and this is by far the best! Initial expense is a little greater than a downstream unit but it is made up in time saving and labor saving, no brushing!!We have two cold water units and are in the process of having a hot water unit built. The reason for this is that our chems don't work as well when the temp is below 38 degrees. We have always gotten by with cold water but thought we would give the hot water a try.

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