Truckmount purchase experiences

[Joe]

I need to know what questions you would want answers to when buying a truckmount.
What problems you've had after the sale that coulda been avoided if handling during the sale.
Tricks salesmen play?
Between the line stuff that hits you in the pocketbook or causes downtime.
How many feet of hose do you really want to see come with a package?
Do you need a dual wander?
Should you have a choice of accessories hose, wands, cuffs, glide etc or is it understood you'll take whatever they give you?
When is a lemon really a lemon?

[GreenTech]

I think anyone that wants a "package" is more than likely a first time buyer.

The TM I just bought had all the package items taken out which really reduced the price. I already had the hoses, wand, reels, etc.

Most guys don't need a dual wander 95+% of the time.

Where I bought mine, they wanted me to take a Blazer, but I was the one who insisted on taking the bigger Legend. $12,500 with fresh water tank, fuel tap, installed.

On the other hand, I have a friend who bought a $79,000 direct drive and van with ALL the bells and whistles. After two years he has 70 hours on the machine! He didn't know what he was buying or what he really needed.

[Joe]

I see package buyers all the time, always bitching about their hose and wands too.
You're of the internet crowd. Those package buyers, some are new but many are experienced.
They just don't know any better.
Gradually things are changing.
Just talked to 2 somewhat new guys this AM, both were buying 2nd hand units avoiding suppliers like the plague.

[Mat]

A Butler unit was our third truckmount in 1986 and we have run Butlers ever since.

I enjoy all the bells and whistles that come with a fully loaded Butler package!

Only problem is they're still selling that same package 30 years later.

[IbrokinServicemaster]

I have not purchased yet but hope to after the new year. Going to look for something used. I prefer chevrolet 3 quarter ton. My main concern will be how the unit sounds and blower .

[kevinj6121]

For me, when it comes to TM'S i'd prefer to buy new, you'll have a warranty and you won't be possibly "buying someone else's problems" I've heard to many stories. Not saying there's not good used ones out there, it's just me. I always just buy new

[Briteway33]

Just buy a TNT won't regret it. Simple powerful and any problems just one quick call to les and he'll answer any questions you have.

[kevinj6121]

Well i'm on the hunt for a new van, so once I get that next step would be a judson

[Joe]

I don't recommend Judson anymore.
Last time a guy bought one on my recommendation he complained about how loud it was and sold it.
Then there's all those guys who are afraid of propane. Just too big a hurdle.
I've begged Les for years to make a HX system but just like he promised he'd have a presence here, he didn't.

[sammillerscarpetcare]

Got hooked up by Mitch at Empire Floor Machine in northridge.

New van pro1200se 120 gal water box and auto hose reel.

$56,000.00

Best deal I could find.

Great machine so far.

I live having on board water and a auto reel.

[mccarl1]

I just put 100 hours on a new Judson TNT. I've been using a boxxer 427 for the past 10 years or so one of the worst experiences of my life. Not impressed with hydramaster nor the dealership in Spokane Washington at all. I had it in their shop on a regular basis to have it maintained. at 1900 hours the motor went out. Come to find out that the motor was discontinued hydramaster wouldn't help me nor the dealership. Actually they did help me by selling me an overpriced upgraded motor. Lots of other problems with the machine they discontinued the model it was so bad but neither would help me at all. would never do business with either of them again.

[MarkPhares]

This is an interesting topic, the sad thing is that most people are sold on bells and whistles. In my humble opinion, all you need is HOT water and good suction. The rest is how you want to present yourself and how handy you are. I apologize that I haven’t had much of a presence this last six months, our business has exploded to twice it’s size. I would like to throw in a little butt smooch to Wanders, the equipment that I have purchased here in the last year has played a major part in our growth. NO down time equals more time to make hay!!