Floor Equipment Repair

Custom Winch

2012-02-06T00:44:00.001-06:00

Simple project for today. Had to make a lift over top of work bench that could lift up to 1500 lbs. I bolted two pocket plates (12 " square plate with 6 x 6 x6 pocket welded on top) to the floor. Then I made a couple of metal brackets to bolt two 6" x 6" x 16' posts to the roof cross beams. I set the posts into the square pocket plates mounted on the floor then bolted the top into place. I then cut a rectangular hole 2" x 2" and fit a round bar into the holes. I then cross drilled holes through the bar to hold it into place. I used 3/8 bolts. I mounted a roller assembly around the bar with a hook on it. I then attached my electric winch to the hook and run my cord. I extended the control cord so I could stand on the floor and operate my winch while I guide whatever I have to lift onto the work bench. Now I can work on medium sized Auto-Scrubbers ( up to 800 lbs) and floor buffers without having to lift them or run them up a ramp.

It's all about making my job a little easier. (Working smarter not harder.)

Until next time....

Oil Seal

2012-01-30T13:58:00.001-06:00

Problem: Buffer comes in with oil leak underneath and a loud engine.

Solution: Cleaned underside of machine so I could check where oil was leaking from. Found three oil pan bolts had come loose allowing the pan to separate form the engine block. This in turn allowed the oil to blow out of the pan giving the engine its loud grinding sound. Lack of oil. Removed the engine from the machine, then removed the oil pan from the engine. Replace the leaky gasket and pan oil seal. I used a large flat washer and deep socket to install the oil pan seal. If you don't have a seal installer this method works well to achieve an even installation. Installed the new gasket and pan, filled with oil. Note: Whenever I install an oil, transmission cover, head or intake manifold i always use a specific even alternating or star tightening pattern so as not to warp parts. Machine was quickly put back online later the same day.

Until next time...

Water Valve

2012-01-25T21:21:00.002-06:00

Floor Auto Scrubbing Machine came in with the complaint.. no water getting to floor. I cleaned out all the fresh water lines with an air hose then tried it again. Finally got the water running through to the floor but it would not stop running. I checked further into the machine and found a large June Bug wedged in the tank filter. The control valve lever working properly but, not stopping the solution flow. The inside of the valve was broken so I removed it and installed a used one I had on hand. Fresh water valves for this machine are very expensive. They often need replacing because they have a plastic flow control that freezes then breaks if not properly drained. Once the valve was replaced the machine was ready to go back to work.

Until next time... keep your floors clean

Shows we like

2012-01-19T08:49:00.004-06:00

Thanks for the post, Kathy Shelton

We have had direct tv minnesota for a while now and we all really like it. My dad likes to watch the tennis channel. My mom likes to watch Food Network and now Oprah’s network. I really can’t believe Oprah has her own network. I really am not sure why that was necessary. Whenever I see my mom watching it, it seems like it is just her old talk shows replaying over and over again. I have seen my mom watching Dr. Phil on the channel a few times too. It seems redundant since you can watch those things on normal TV already. I just am not sure what the purpose of her network is other than for people like my mom to relive sad episodes. My sisters all like different channels and shows. Some of them prefer shows like Jersey Shore and then some of them, like the younger two, still like little kid channels. I really am not a fanatic of any channel, but I really enjoy watching AMC. That is the channel that plays all of the really older movies. I do not know why I like it so much, but I always have enjoyed watching black and white film.

Prevent Downtime

2012-01-18T23:51:00.001-06:00

Those in depth problems I was talking about earlier, well one came in just as I was leaving work a few days ago. One of the Service Techs brought his scrubber in with one wheel nearly off. Upon further inspection I found that the bearings were shot and the wheels needed to be replaced. The next morning I came in pulled the wheels off and started looking around for new ones. The Auto-Scrubber Company gave me a price that I was not very happy with. The more I looked around the better the news got. After a couple hours searching by phone and internet I came upon a set that was the right price. We ordered them from Grainger.com who quickly shipped them to us. I put an out of order sign on the machine for several days until the new wheels arrived. While I was waiting I took the time to clean the machine completely and check all the systems. The electrical, ie. battery, cables, wires and connections making sure they all worked properly, also check the vacuum system and motor, greased all fittings and prepped the machine for the new wheels. When they arrived it only took a half hour to grease and install the new wheels. The machine was back on line and ready to go to work. I put the battery on the charger overnight and sent it out to work the next afternoon. By going over the machines that come in for major repair completely it helps prevents further downtime with that machine. Downtime costs the company money.

until next time...

General Operation

2012-01-18T23:19:00.001-06:00

Sometimes the repairs that come in are simple. Nothing more that a simple cleaning of an air filter or two, change a spark plug or a pad centering device. One such repair was as simple as charging the battery to make the machine work fine. There are many simple things that can be done by the machine operator in the field. If there is vibration coming from your burnisher, check for wrong buffer pad and to make sure the center lock is in place and the hole is not elongated. I would also check the belts to make sure they are tight and operating properly. Make sure pad drivers and attached securely.

If the problem is an Auto-Scrubber squeegee vacuum not working. Check for a clogged squeegee, squeegee hose, or a leak at the waste tank lid seal, or maybe even a hole in one of the vacuum hoses. It could be that the filter inside the waste tank is clogged. If the motor does not start up when switched on then first check the breaker, and move on checking cables / wire connections. If it still will not start then it may be necessary to change the vacuum motor completely.

Hope this helps.
Until next time...

EduBrary Project

2012-01-15T13:25:00.001-06:00

The Educational Digital Materials Library has thousands of documents that can aid most any college student in their studies. It is also a place where professors can learn more about course materials and bounce ideas off other professors to aid in their presentations. This is one resource that is continually growing. It has become so large that is it now called EduBrary or Educational Library. If your a student and would like to boost your grade and get that educational edge, join EduBrary (The Educational Library.)

Quality information related to your course topic, an edge on your classmates, a boost to your grade average are only three of the reasons you should join EduBrary. Another advantage to Edubrary is they are available 24/7.

Aztec Wax Stripper Repair

2012-01-12T13:55:00.002-06:00

This time I have to repair a Kohler Engine on a Aztec Sidewinder wax stripper. We found oil in the carburetor a couple of times. The last time the float bowl was full of oil and the engine had stalled out. One thing I should mention. This is a propane engine we are working with. I started working on this machine the end of October and it took me until the end of January to fix. I worked on it as time permitted. One of those side projects one does while keeping the rest of the equipment up and running so there is no downtime.

Before I could even start I had to go online and track down an engine manual and a machine parts and service manual. The engine manual I found at Kohler.com and the machine manual from AztecProducts.com. The Kohler manual was most helpful because it covered several models of engine. As I dug into this project I found more and more problems. Wheels that were worn out and wobbling, a vac shut off switch that had been disconnected and removed, cracked head and blown gasket, broken muffler mounting brackets, propane regulator that had oil in it had to be removed & cleaned. A complete tune up had to be done, ie, new plugs, coil cleaned and adjusted, and the battery would not hold a charge and had to be replaced. I also had to install a new throttle control cable and rewire the machine. As for the carburetor, it had to be completely dismantled and repaired. I had to put a new choke kit in as well. When all is said and done I had completely rebuilt the entire machine from the ground up. The thing about it I hated most was the interruptions. I would get involved in fixing this machine to the point where I was starting to show headway and I would be pulled off to fix something else. This was the process by which I rebuilt this machine. Long project, lots of tedious time consuming work designing and making new parts.

Let me say its not always the knowledge you have that counts, but also who you know that has more knowledge. The ability to find and ask for assistance when needed is a good trait in a service tech. It good to be trained and highly skilled in what you do but you will also have those situations where you need assistance to complete the repair.

Until next time...

Battery Chargers

2012-01-11T23:54:00.000-06:00

As we all know batteries run down and need to be recharged. There-in lies the need for the battery charger. The larger equipment may require one or a multiple set of batteries and require battery chargers of 12, 24, or 36 volt or larger.

What can be done when the charger no longer works or gets severely damaged. We either need to repair or replace the damaged charger. I have been able to research and get assistance to fix most any problem by using the individual battery charger company websites. To make a long story short. The companies I have had contact with were able to provide me with a manual for my particular charger or help me find my problem and repair the damage. One of the nice things about the manual that is available is the complete wiring diagrams and step by step testing procedures listed. The manuals even provide the usual safety procedures but also some information on battery care.

We had a 24v Lester Dual Mode type 24EL8 that was damaged in a vehicle accident and quit working. We only had a partial number to work with because of the damage. So I used that partial number and contacted a service tech "Curtis" at curtis@lesterelectrical.com. He was of great help to me in determining what I could do to fix the problem. He even gave me methods on how to test the charger to access the damage. Their website is also very helpful if you have the charger numbers. You can locate not only the charger manual but, you will be able to look up the replacement parts and prices for it as well. With all the reading I had to do I learned a lot about how a battery charger functions. It was a learning experience. Charger fixed and back to work.

Reminder: Check to make sure your battery had water in it before charging but DO NOT ADD WATER until AFTER you have fully charged the battery.

Until next time...

.

Moved for the school district

2011-11-01T14:05:00.004-05:00

Post contributed by Hilton Miranda

My wife and I have lived in the San Diego community for seven years, but for the first several years, our children were not of school age. Now that our oldest is in the second grade, we recently moved to be inside an outstanding school district as in every metro area, some districts are better than others, and my wife and I agreed that it was important to find the best schools possible for our children. We originally had planned on waiting for another year to move, but we found a house that we loved at a price we could afford. We purchased a home security system for the home through adt SAN DIEGO, and we also repainted two bedrooms that were in bad shape. Other than that, the house is in great shape and is fairly new. It is the type of home that we can see ourselves in for the next twenty years, and it is located in one of the best school districts in Southern California. Both my wife and I graduated from excellent secondary schools, and we want our children to have the same opportunities that we did.

Texas A&M

2011-09-21T10:42:00.003-05:00

Guest post from: Kent Lara

For four years I lived in Laredo, Texas when I was attending Texas A &M. I went back for the last homecoming and could not believe how hot it was! Maybe its because I moved to Seattle after I graduated, but the heat was almost unbearable. I bet the Laredo Tx Energy Rates are much higher than they are in Washington state. I barely have to turn on my air conditioner. When I was in my hotel room in Laredo, I ran the air conditioning non-stop the entire time I was there. I even left it running when I was not in the room ( bad I know) it was just too hot to come back to a steamy room. I heard on the news before I left that the average temperature in September ( the beginning of fall) was ninety-five degrees! I really just do not remember Laredo being so hot when I was in college. Maybe it was because I spent most of my time inside lying on the sofa and laughing when my roommates.

Vacuum Motor Overhaul

2011-08-03T13:33:00.001-05:00

Vacuum motor overheated on an auto-scrubber shutting down the breaker. Found one of the brushes was twisted sideways. It had warn down enough to allow it to twist also found a large clog in the suction tube. A toothpick had gotten caught in the hose eventually clogging the tube.

Fix: Flushed out the suction hose & tube also cleared filters and waste tank of all debris. Next I had to fix the Vac Motor. I did not have a new one to put in at that moment. I took two 24 volt motors apart and cleaned up the armature and replaced the carbon brushes. I cleaned all the suctions fins as I put the motor back together then installed into the machine. Reset the circuit breaker and then tried the motor. Worked fine. I had taken all the numbers down off the original motor and ordered a new re-manufactured one as a back up.

Shortly after we ordered the new motor we purchased a couple of used scrubbers for parts. Now we have a couple extras on the shelf. This is a good thing since we now have a dozen 24 volt scrubbers in operation and this will help keep us running.

Humidity is HOT

2011-07-05T13:09:00.002-05:00

Post contributed by Leonard Phelps

There’s nothing worse than being stuck outside in a humid climate and having a haircut that totally doesn’t fit with the weather. That’s how I found myself when I first moved to Texas and although it took me a few years, I finally wised up. I got it all cut off last summer and I’ve never been happier here when the thermometer goes up! It gets really, really hot in Dallas, hot enough that no amount of hairspray really makes a difference when you’ve got really naturally curly hair like mine. I even installed a better air conditioning unit complete with a visit to ShopElectricityRatesTEXAS.COM to make sure I was getting the best deal but still, my hair was a total frizzball. Oh well, at least this shorthair cut keeps my frizz down and my husband says he doesn’t even mind it too much! He was the one I was most worried about when I got it all cut off since he’s really big into long hair! Whatever it takes to keep me looking good…

Pretzel Rods

2011-05-11T18:14:00.001-05:00

Burnisher came in today and the tech was complaining it was difficult to start. I tried the clean the filters, and plugs but it didn't change anything. It was still very hard to start. When i finally got it started it sounded like it was a bomb about to explode. I listened to both cylinders and told the tech I thought it was running on only one cylinder. Sure enough, when I unplugged the spark plug wire on the left side it died instantly. I checked the compression on both side and found the right side only had 25 'pounds of compression. The left side had almost a hundred pounds. Pulled the valve cover on the right side to find both valve rockers loose and the push rods were twisted like pretzels. Changed them out and adjusted the coils and the machine now runs great. Total parts cost around 15$.

Until next time
keep the engine running.

The Ellen DeGeneres Show Will Always Put A Smile On Your Face

2011-05-11T18:05:00.003-05:00

Guest Authored by Raymond Whitney

You can't watch the Ellen DeGeneres Show without smiling. From Ellen's fun dancing at the beginning of the show to her entertaining guests the Ellen DeGeneres Show is a feel good show. There are so many days that I hate turning on the TV to hear all the bad news, but I know when I watch the Direct TV. Ellen always seems to be having fun, and truly seems to relate to her! guests and her audience.
Ellen DeGeneres keeps her show interesting with much more then just her guests. Ellen has many fun game segments that let her audience win great prizes and are very fun to watch. I love the silly games that she comes up with. Unlike other talk shows where the audience is rarely seen or heard from, Ellen really includes her audience in her show, they seem to be involved in almost every aspect.
The Ellen DeGeneres Show has great guests that appeal to many different age groups. I can watch The Ellen DeGeneres Show with my mom or with my daughters and they all love it. The Ellen DeGeneres Show is always entertaining and fun.

Cute winter cape look

2011-02-27T10:41:00.002-06:00

Guest post written by Michelle Rice

When I first decided that I wanted to get a winter cape, I was so afraid to do so because I had no clue what to wear with it. See, before that all of my winter jackets were actually just puffers or meant for skiing. Looking good in them became a second priority to keeping warm in them. But I had tried on my best friend's winter cape and when I found it to be really warm, i decided to get one on my own.

I decided to just go ahead and buy a cape and then start worrying about what to wear with it after I got it. I found one on clearance with my Clear tv bundle that was pretty similar to my friend's, so I thought that one would be a pretty safe bet.

Then once i had that on order, I decided to start worrying abotu what would look good with it. I decided that skinny jeans and some knee high boots would look good, which I actually already had and I was right. So it was nice to not have to order anything new to go with my cape.

Eating healthier at the college dining hall Guest post written by Morgan Wilson

2011-02-27T10:36:00.002-06:00

Most of the times when I go into the dining hall to eat, IÕll go straight for the make your own waffle station or where they have slices of pizza. It's an all you can eat deal, so I just get a random mixture of a bunch of stuff, but since I got to college I've definitely gained weight and I need to come up with some ways to shed some of it and start eating healthier.

When I decided that I wanted to start eating better, I went online with my clearwire internet to figure out some of the things that I could be eating from the dining hall to make that improvement. I found some great stuff, but also realized that some of the things I like to eat are actually good for you.

Out of all the healthy dining hall food, I'm going opt make an effort to eat more vegetables. I'm so bad about going to the salad bar and drowning my salad in dressing, bacon bits and cheese. But I'm going to start getting more fruit when I make that trip.

Lesson Learned "The Hard Way"

2010-10-22T23:46:00.000-05:00

Recently we had a problem with a battery powered buffer. The batteries were dead all the time so we figured it was finally time to change them out. The machine calls for 6 6volt batteries hooked in a series to ramp up the voltage to 36 volts dc. Well instead of using 6 volt batteries the company that had the machine prior to us used 6 12volt batteries to ramp up the amperage and lengthen the time frame of operation. Well someone hooked up the 12 volt batteries in series and ramped the voltage to 72 volts and fried the control box. After several days of testing and checking with various people I learned you need to create 3 12 volt zones then tie them together to make 36 volts. The machine we put them is has two rows of batteries one over top of the other on a metal & wood frame. So this is how we hooked them up. There is also a 200amp Shunt fuse in place of the 70 amp circuit breaker to handle the added amperage. It is my strong suggestion that you check your voltage after every two batteries to make sure you have what is supposed to be there. Then at the end before you hook up the negative battery terminal to the machine check between the positive machine term and the negative machine term to make sure there is not more than 38 volts.

TOP ROW OF BATTERIES

Start with the top row rear + terminal to the right (connect after testing voltage)

First connection is the rear battery – terminal to the center battery + terminal

Second – connect the center - terminal to the front – terminal

Third – connect the top front – to the bottom front –

Fourth – connect the top front + to the bottom front +

BOTTOM ROW

Fifth – connect the bottom front – to the bottom center –

Sixth – connect the bottom front + to the bottom center +

Seventh– connect the bottom center – to the bottom rear +

Eighth – last terminal should be rear battery – terminal ( connect after testing voltage)

Auto-Scrubbers

2010-06-04T18:28:00.000-05:00

It's good to be back to work, even if it is part-time. I have been out for some much needed surgery. Finally got the doc to let me back to work.

Yesterday was the second day back to work. I dove right in swapped batteries between a couple of machines. Also had to remove the squeegee carrier frame and swing frame on an Advance 260B Auto-Scrubber. Some how the main frame had gotten bent rather severely. After using a vice and hammer I managed to get the frame back into alignment and spread to the proper size. Mounted it back up and lubed the pivot points. The swing frame needed springs attached and a new squeegee lift bolt put in as well as lube the pivot pin.

Trailer Wiring

2010-05-06T21:46:00.000-05:00

Completely removed the tail lights and all the wiring from an 6 x 8 covered trailer. Purchased 25' for actual trailer wire and threaded it from the left rear tail light to the right side tail light of the trailer. Next I ran the wires to the front then down through pvc tubing and out the front. I plugged the pvc with silicone caulk to keep the water out. Installed a new trailer plug end. Next I installed both tail lights and spliced wire into the right corner and ran down to the tail light. Next I connected to a vehicle and tested the lights to make sure they all worked. Project complete .

until next time... keep the motor runnin'

Transportation Coverage

2010-04-30T12:22:00.003-05:00

We all know the law when it comes to our vehicles. You must have your vehicles insured if you plan on driving them anywhere. I took some time a few days ago to look over my Insurance Policy to see just how much I was covered for and if it was enough. I found my policy in need of a little repair, so I started checking around with the different companies. That's when I found this very informative website. They provide you with quotes and rates like all the others and they include lots of info that can help you understand the Insurance you are purchasing. A huge glossary of terms helps to explain some of the terms and phrases used in insurance language. There is also a section that explains the different types of insurance. There is even a section that helps teenagers understand insurance and gives them tips on how to keep their insurance premiums down.

If you're looking to save money or just understand your policy a little better. This site offer rates and quotes from several of the top Insurance companies and most everything else you need to purchase your insurance wisely. Here's a tip from "Auto Insurance Me", "It's cheaper to purchase your insurance online direct from the Insurance company than it is to go through an agent."

Until next time ... Keep the motor runnin'

The Importance of Maintenance

2010-04-07T22:17:00.002-05:00

The importance of a good maintenance schedule is second only to knowing how to properly operate your equipment. If you maintain your equipment on a regular schedule you will surely reap the benefits. Electric motors need brushes checked as well as cords, gas or propane engines need to have oil & hoses checked daily and oil changed according manufacturer specs. A good tune up, (plugs replaced, dust & dirt blown off or our of the engines cooling fins & filters, clean and adjust the coils, check belts for wear and cracks, and make sure the battery is fully charged.) These things need to be done at least once a year. By doing this you will keep the machine on the job and your production will stay up. Fail to maintain your machine or equipment properly and downtime will occur and that leads to lost wages, and expensive repairs....

Until next time.... keep the motor runnin'

Back in Operation

2010-03-26T20:14:00.005-05:00

Yesterday I got the parts to put together the Sidewinder that has been laid up with "center pan pulley syndrome." If you remember from the post "Broken Pieces" the center pan pulley was snapped out of the top pan of the brush drive by the boom carrier when it snapped during operation. I took the top pan to a very experienced welder and explained what I needed to have done. He was more than happy to help me out. It took him all of about 20 minutes and he had me back underway. As you can see here the new bearing carrier has been securely welded into place and the new center pan pulley assembly has been installed. A big thanks to the guys at Theisen Manufacturing and Design for their expert work and fantastic customer service.

This particular model of Sidewinder does not have an inspection plate that can be removed to access the top drive belt. So once you get the lower drive unit back together you need to literally set the rest of the machine over it until the mounting bolts line up, insert them enough so you can tilt the machine back wards. Then take out the forward two bolts and let the entire 75 - 80 pound unit hang from one bolt while you support it with one leg. Then you reach down between the upper deck and the drive unit and string the belt around three pulley's and lift the unit up into place. Once you have the unit lifted up into the upper deck & start one of the two bolts you check to see if the belt stayed on the pulley's. If it did you can carefully set the unit onto the floor and tighten up the bolts and test the machines operation. However, if you are unlucky and the belt slips off one or more of the pulley's you then have to repeat the process until you are successful. I am happy to say the machine in question is ready for use and is headed to a job site in a couple days.

Until next time...Keep the motor runnin'

Broken Pieces

2010-03-23T10:11:00.009-05:00

Not long ago I replace a Head Boom Carrier on a Sidewinder wax stripping machine. This is the second one this season I have had to replace. Now both our machines have new carriers in them. After talking with a company service tech, it seems the most common reason for the carriers breaking is dropping the machine. Below, is our newly designed Head Boom Carrier.

This time when the carrier went out it snapped in half causing an incredible twist on the center pan pulley. It twisted it so hard that it broke the bearing ring off the inside of the upper cover. When I pulled the brush unit apart the center pan pulley assembly was in three pieces. I had to chisel the lower bearing out of its carrier. What a mess. A new assembly is approximately 160.00 plus the normal tax, shipping. I will have to take this part to an experienced welder to have the new bearing carrier welded to the upper cover.

When all is said and done the downtime on this machine will be about 7 days. It is a good thing we have a backup machine to use. Otherwise we would have lost wages for several people during that time. We would also have been one store behind in our schedule for the season.

Treat you machines with respect and they will be there for you to use. Give your machine the once over, then check the oil, and if possible check the belt. When your done with your checks start up and get to work. Remember repairs on this machine are expensive so DON'T DROP THE MACHINE!! SET IT DOWN EASY!!

Until next time...keep the motor runnin'

Starters

2010-03-07T21:30:00.005-06:00

One of the most common mistakes I see when people are starting engines, is the use of the starter.

When attempting to start a machine for the first time you should first be sure everything is connected properly, check the engine oil, (add if needed), so the engine will start right away. You should never hold the key or starter button for more than 15 to 20 second at a time. Continuously holding down the starter button or turning the key while attempting to start the engine, overheats the brushes and armature and will surely cause failure and downtime. Remember an electric current, whether from a 110 circuit or battery, runs through the starter when your trying to start it. Electricity creates heat do to friction as it flows through wires. Starters need to have a few minutes between attempt's to cool down a little. You should check the starter after a couple minutes of trying to start the engine to see if it is heating up. Be careful not to burn yourself on the starter case.

Reminder, starters and starter assemblies for, floor burnishers & wax strippers, are expensive. A new starter can run between $140 and $365 dollars plus tax, shipping and installation. You could be looking at a bill of $200 minimum for each one. Sometimes however, you get can lucky and a simple cleaning and set of brushes will solve your downtime starter problem.

Until next time....Keep the motor runnin'

Uncontrollable Downtime

2010-03-02T09:21:00.003-06:00

One of todays repairs involved a Kohler 12.5 hp that had stopped suddenly in the middle of operation. This engine is mounted on a 30" wax stripper. The operator was running the machine across the floor when it came to a sudden stop with a loud pop. They ran the battery dead and swapped for another battery and ran that dead. They also tried to start it using the recoil (pull) starter. One of the crew pulled so hard on the recoil starter they actually pulled it in half, separating the locking mechanism from the rope carrier.

All my work ticket said was, won't start, recoil broken, stopped suddenly. Replaced the recoil with one off another machine for now. Charged the battery for about an hour while I attended to another simpler problem. Had to increase the rpm on one of the other machines and fix a tire. Both simple fixes. When I came back to this wax stripper project I tried to start it and found it wouldn't even turn over freely. I pulled the spark plug to see if that helped. It spun over, until I put my thumb over the spark plug port. Stopped the engine cold. My first thought was a bent push rod or valve. Pulled the exhaust and the valve cover to find the rocker block had a bolt snapped off and was hanging to the side causing a valve not to remain closed at all times. I bet trying to pull start that machine was like beating your head against a brick was expecting to make a dent. Good thing someone didn't through a should out. Anyway, I remove the assembly and used and easy out to remove the old broken bolt. Replaced both bolts and torqued them into place. Reassembled the rest of the parts except the exhaust. I wanted to make sure it was going to start. I moved it to the big garage door and tried to start it. The engine fired twice and puffed a large amount of blue smoke. I guess it just had to clear its throat. I put the exhaust on and started the engine. Let it idle for a couple of minutes then revved it up only to find the under carriage would not move but instead belched another cloud of stinky blue smoke from a burning belt. Replaced the belt with one from the shelf and tried it again. Machine back in operation and sent back to finish the job it had started the night before.
Until next time ...Keep the motor runnin'

Frozen Lines - Equals Costly Down Time

2010-02-02T03:18:00.003-06:00

Auto Scrubbers and Carpet Extractors need to be kept drained and in a warm place during the winter months. If they are not, the damage can be costly. Broken lines, and control valves or cables will result from the expansion of the solution or a technician forcing a valve open or closed. All of this results in the one thing a company of any size does not need - "Down Time." You wind up having to buy new parts and paying your equipment tech to install them.

No matter how you look at it, the Technician is the one responsible for draining the fresh and waste solution tanks on the Auto Scrubbers & Carpet Extractors. Once the tech is done scrubbing the floor or extracting the carpets they need to drain the fresh & waste solution tanks completely, leaving fresh solution control valve in the open position if possible. Drain all waste water tanks, clean all filters and flush waste tanks completely with fresh water making sure the drain hose is completely drained so it won’t freeze. This means stretching the drain hose out as low and straight as possible. These tasks should be done as soon as the tech has finished with the equipment; before they begin waxing or buffing the floors. In the case of the Extractors, set up your fans and then empty and wash your machine. This way you will be drying your floors and getting your equipment ready to load. Don't forget to wipe the outside of your equipment. This helps keep it looking good and makes a better impression on the customer when we enter the store. If at all possible, load your scrubber or extractor prior to waxing your floors. This way your machine will be ready to go when you are done and it won't be in your way. If you are unable to load your equipment before doing any waxing try setting your machine out of the way so you can wax continuously until finished. Remember to properly tag any equipment that is not working properly so your service tech can get it repaired in a timely manner.

Continuing Education

2010-01-11T13:23:00.003-06:00

The one thing i have found to be the most helpful as I repair our equipment. Online manuals and good quality tech support from the individual companies who make the machines. Now I'm looking to expand my education a little by taking some instruction on the proper adjustment of propane fuel systems. Until next time keep the motors hummin'.

Follow up on Zoom Zoom

2010-01-08T20:12:00.004-06:00

Upon further investigation of this machine we found the valves a little out of adjustment and the propane fuel filter was a partially plugged. Now waiting on a new battery and a new filter. This one has been a nightmare and an interesting challenge at the same time. I will keep you updated as this propane burnisher comes back online.

It's Supposed to Idle.. But ..ZOOM ZOOM....

2009-07-22T04:35:00.003-05:00

Hello again. I have been a little busy these past few days. Equipment breakdowns and floor services to tend to. Most of the problems I have been able to manage. However, there is one problem I have not been able to solve. I am working with a burnisher with a 17hp Kawasaki engine. I can't seem to get it to idle correctly. One minute it is idling nicely then it revs up as much as 400 rpm the drops 600 or more and stalls out. If you rev the engine to high / fast it runs at over 4500 rpm. I'm afraid someone is going to blow the engine. So I had to pull it from the available list until I can get it solved. Other than that. We got lucky with one engine where it sounded like the connecting rod had snapped. I pulled it down only to find that the intake valve had snapped and dropped into the combustion chamber at the wrong time and got slapped up against the top of the chamber. Its bent into an "s" shape. A new valve has been ordered. Well any ideas on the idling problem would be greatly appreciated. Until next time ..

Over Rev'd

2009-07-13T23:49:00.005-05:00

I recently had the pleasure of being what my kids call the motor surgeon. I opened up a Honda 13 Hp with a vertical shaft, took everything out and inspected it then put it all back together. The reason for this is the report i got that it had stopped working. I tried starting it and it hammered just like a connecting rod had come loose. Surprise, after I had taken everything out and was ready to order new internal engine parts to rebuild its driving force. When i looked up into the piston cylinder i saw the main problem. The intake valve had snapped off at the lock and dropped into the firing chamber at the wrong time. As the piston came upwards it made contact with the valve that had nearly cleared its guide and was jammed in the top of the firing chamber in and s shape. I had to use a big hammer and a punch to remove the stuck valve. We were expecting to spend nearly $800.00 to repair this motor but in reality it will only cost us about $50.00 in parts plus the labor to fix it. We got very lucky.

As I was disassembling the machine I noticed a wire had been fastened to the frame of the machine. What I didn't like was where it was fastened on the other end. The wire was just the right length to fit around the engines speed control,(governor.) This had happened once before. Just a little tip to all of you running gas or propane engines there is one thing to remember. KEEP THEM FULL OF OIL AND DON'T OVER REV THE ENGINE. If you do so it can be very costly to repair.

Old Squeegee Blades

2009-06-25T02:55:00.007-05:00

Hello again. What to do with all those old auto scrubber squeegee blades. Well, here are some examples of the uses I've found: Recently while on a strip and wax project I used an old blade to fashion a makeshift skirt around a wax stripper in place of a plastic one that had broken. By doing this we were able to use the machine for several nights to complete the project. It worked but, it would have worked better if it had been a little wider and a little longer. One of the machines we are using for general cleaning and deep scrub and re-coat projects has a wide, long, thick blade that I will be saving the next time we change them. They will become either a new Wax stripper skirt or new side skirts on a smaller machine. When cut to the correct size they work good to replace the thin suction pump drivers on the Aztec Guzzler wheels. Blades that are approximately 1/4 inch thick work well for this. They provide the stiffness to actuate the pump while at the same time they are flexible when pulling the machine backwards. The thinner squeegee blades can also be cut to make gaskets on Auto Scrubbers. These are just a few of the many uses for those pesky old squeegee blades. In this day and age when we are told to reuse. I guess this is one way not only to reuse those old squeegee blades but, you can save your company money at the same time.

Commercial Tile Floors Strip and Wax

2009-06-24T22:45:00.009-05:00

Hello again. Recently I was on the road doing a complete strip and wax service at several stores. This is when we go into a store as a two or three person team to completely renovate the look of the tile flooring. On this particular trip it was a two person team. We started by first using scrapers to remove all the gum, stickers, and anything else that may be stuck to the floor. One of the hardest things to remove is old wax buildup from along edges or where some piece of furniture or shelving has been removed.

Then we sweep the entire floor with a dust mop.

From this point on the floors will be extremely slippery. Watch your step and if there are others in the store be sure to mark-off and post wet floor signs around your work area to prevent any slip and fall accidents.

The next step in this process is to mix the stripper. A mix of 1 part stripper to 4 parts water is sufficient to remove most wax. Stripper is the chemical that is high in ph and when mixed with water becomes active. When applied to wax on a vct tile floor in a generous amount it will mix with the wax, this is called slurry, so that it can be lifted off of the floor.

Once the stripper has been applied to the area you are stripping you agitate the solution with a mop first using a figure 8 motion until it is spread evenly along the edges and across the entire surface area being stripped.

Next you use a propane powered wax stripper or an auto-scrubber with heavy pad pressure and black coarse stripping pads, to loosen the rest of the wax from the tile. A Edgewinder can be used to clean up tight along the edges of the shelving. If an Edgewinder is not available then a 4' pole scrapper and doodle bug with black coarse pads can be used to clean the edges. Once the wax has been loosened from the edges use a 24" squeegee to pull the slurry from the edges so the Guzzler can clean it up.

Once you have all the wax on the area loosened up use a machine called a Guzzler or once again an (auto-scrubber with defoamer solution in the waste water tank to keep it from foaming up and shutting down the scrubber) to suction the slurry off the floor before it drys. If it should happen to dry out on you, you will need to spread a light coat of stripper on the area that has dried and re-strip it.

After the slurry has been picked up the auto-scrubber with fresh water is used to do a primary wash of the floor. The second member of the team uses a neutralizing solution of vinegar or (dibbs tablets neutral cleaner) and cold water in a bucket to mop the entire area that has just been stripped. The Dibbs Tablets are used, 1 tablet per 2 gallons of water when neutralizing after a strip or 1 per every 4 gallons of water if doing a daily mopping.

As the section you just finished is being neutralized the next section to be stripped should be being coated with fresh stripper so the process can start over and continue uninterrupted until the entire project is completed.

Once the entire store has been stripped and neutralized it is ready for wax. Depending on the size of the store either one or both will do the waxing. These were rather small stores around 7000 sq ft. One of us started doing the waxing while the other cleaned and loaded all the equipment into the trailer.

Once the floor had dried sufficiently we started laying down the second coat of wax in the opposite direction of the first coat. The Third coat was laid down in a different direction. The use of different directions to lay down the wax is one way to be sure there are no missed spots on the floor and provide an even, brilliant shine without leaving mop or applicator lines.

The one thing to remember; This is a big job and the more tension that is created between the team members the longer the job takes and the more chance of errors you will have. Work together keeping busy at all times. If one is busy doing one thing then the other one should be doing the next thing in the process. Any breaks should be taken together and limited in time, this will insure that the job is completed in a timely manner.

Until next time - Happy Waxing

Deep Scrubbing and Recoating

2009-06-18T20:57:00.007-05:00

There are several steps to doing this project. Like most floor cleaning projects, first you need to remove all debris from the floors. Next you need to clean up all the edges to make sure they are free of gum, hair or other trash that may have been waxed in from a previous waxing. A long handled sharp floor scrapper works best. Makes the job a little easier on the back. Once this is done you will need to sweep all the edges and the main floor to be sure its clean and ready for scrubbing. Next you will use an Automatic floor scrubber or Swing machine with the proper amount of neutral or slightly stronger ph cleaner ( about 1oz of cleaner to 4gal water), to scrub the floors. Use a semi-course, green or blue pad of appropriate size for your machine. Once the entire floor has been cleaned, making sure to overlap each pass to assure a complete cleaning. Next use a mop and bucket to clean along all edges one final time. This will remove all the debris that the dust mop or the scrubber could not get loose. When applying wax you need to start in the furthest corner of away from your exit and work your way backwards applying a smooth even lite coat of wax. If your project calls for a second coat allow your wax to dry about 45 min to an hour then you can start over and follow the same direction but lay your wax the opposite way. i.e... If you laid your first coat from left to right across the room then your next coat should go the opposite way. This will give you a nice smooth coat and should hide any mop / applicator lines. REMEMBER TO ALWAYS MOVE YOUR MOP / APPLICATOR IN A FIGURE 8 MOTION SO YOU DON'T MISS ANY SPOTS. WHEN CHANGING DIRECTIONS OR STARTING FROM A CUT LINE OVERLAP BY AT LEAST 2 FEET. Be sure to keep enough wax on your mop / applicator so you won't have any dry swipes (holidaze). Follow these instructions and you should have a well done project. Be sure to clean all equipment thoroughly when you're done. Keeping your equipment clean promotes longer equipment life with less downtime. Until next time.

Floor Buffer Cleaning & Tune-up

2009-06-17T11:45:00.019-05:00

Advance 27" Floor Burnisher with a Kawasaki motor. This machine is designed so you can tip in backwards and stand it upright to work underneath it. First remove the pad driver then cleaned all the old wax and debris from the underside. Check the belt and lube up the belt tension pulley if needed. Replace the pad driver and secure the pad and set the machine down. Next, remove the dust cover for the top and wash in water until clean. Wring out and set up to dry. Use the quick drain to drain the oil. Be sure to dispose of oil properly at a local recycling center. While oil is draining remove the spark plug and replace with a new one that has been properly gaped. Remove the flywheel cover and blow out the dust from the engine fins and up under the flywheel. Check the gap on the coils. If they are out of adjustment. Loosen the hold down bolts on the right side could first and set the proper distance from the flywheel and tighten the hold down bolts. Repeat the process on the left side. Close the oil drain, remove and replace the oil filter. Refill the engine with oil. Replace engine and dust cover. Start and run the engine on low for a few minutes before revving the engine up. Until next time...

Technician Introduction

2009-06-15T18:54:00.004-05:00

Hello, My name is Wes and i am a cleaning equipment servicetechnician . I have been doing this now for the past 5 years. I have worked on everything from Swing Machines to Automatic Floor Scrubbers. It is something I really enjoy doing. I don't by any means know it all. I'm still learning. I welcome any comments and questions. If I don't have the answer I will do my best to steer you in the right direction. Until next time..

Wes