RPetry 564 Report post Posted August 5, 2011 We only work wood. It's not as demanding as flatwork or truck washing but still, we do clean and strip a fair sq. footage of dead trees per season. Today, my Hydrotech pressure washer broke down in the middle of a job. Not being of mechanical skill, into the truck it went and over to ACR Products for repair. After 9 years of use, the unloader was toast. After replacement and diagnostics, the unit is as good as new. Thank you Tom, Barbara (my sweet wood minx), and crew. Aside from annual oil/fuel filter, pump and engine oil changes, this Hydrotech has never failed to start and do its job. For nine straight years. The AR pump has never been touched, aside from a preventitive belt replacement a few years ago. Moral of the story. Buy the best equipment you can realistically afford. It pays substantial dividends. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John Orr 206 Report post Posted August 6, 2011 I've used a HydroTek skid (8gpm/3000psi) for almost 6 years and somewhere around 4000 hours. I've replaced seals and valves a few times in the AR pump, but otherwise mostly routine maintenance. Not having to wonder whether it will start and run on the next job - or worry whether it will make it through the current job - is worth spending a little extra for. Of course, if you don't do the maintenance, it won't matter, much, what you run. BTW, I carry a spare 5.5gpm/2500 gear drive in the van...better safe than sorry! I wish I was closer to ACR, they're good people. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beth n Rod 1,279 Report post Posted August 6, 2011 We have two Hydro Tek units and keep them maintained annually. As was said above, they are work horses, champions, and serve us well. We bought the first one...well Rod says it was 2002? Pretty long ago in any case. Beth Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Russ Spence 76 Report post Posted August 7, 2011 Love it! Professional equipment last a long time if maintained properly! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RPetry 564 Report post Posted August 7, 2011 Love it! Professional equipment last a long time if maintained properly! + People wash and wax their cars frequently. What's up when they fail to do even basic maintenance on their equipment? It is your living, not another date for dancing or dinner. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim Gamble 20 Report post Posted April 10, 2012 Love it! Professional equipment last a long time if maintained properly! How True Russ. The first rig we built back in 2005 and later sold, is still running with what I heard, no issues except for the reg maintenece...Oil changes, radiator flushes, hydraulic filter changes, etc. Even the 16 ply 17.5 inch tires ( Load range G) are still on the unit. Trailer has no rust anywhere on the unit. All wiring was enclosed in metal harness when possible. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scott Stone 604 Report post Posted April 10, 2012 The oldest rig we currently have is from 1999 I think. The electrical stuff went out on it, so we just replaced the pump and motor to take it to new again. The frame is the same, though... It is on the oldest truck (and only chevy) in our fleet, and the guys hate it, until they use it, because it runs so well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tonyshelton 112 Report post Posted April 10, 2012 We have a variety of units from 2009 to as old as 1989. After following Jerry's "bulletproofing" instruction we've had none of the little problems that plagued us before. I wish he had a class on how to bulletproof and aerial lift! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John T 744 Report post Posted April 10, 2012 We have a variety of units from 2009 to as old as 1989. After following Jerry's "bulletproofing" instruction we've had none of the little problems that plagued us before. I wish he had a class on how to bulletproof and aerial lift! I'll give you one way to bullet proof an Ariel lift Tony but you probably don't deal with these issues. Rinse it down after using Chlorine mixtures all day long. My bucket truck and especially my trailer now is getting eating alive due to Chlorine. That chemical is the best for residential cleanings but is as corrosive as heck with just the gases alone from it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guy B 70 Report post Posted April 11, 2012 The oldest one we have has 1000 hrs on it. I don't keep equipment long enough for it to break. I would freak out if I had a unit with 4000 hrs on it. I've had Alkota's, Mi-T-M's, & Landa's....guess Hydro-Tek is next. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tonyshelton 112 Report post Posted April 11, 2012 I'll give you one way to bullet proof an Ariel lift Tony but you probably don't deal with these issues. Rinse it down after using Chlorine mixtures all day long. My bucket truck and especially my trailer now is getting eating alive due to Chlorine. That chemical is the best for residential cleanings but is as corrosive as heck with just the gases alone from it. Thanks John, but the only chlorine our trucks have ever seen is the single tablet we put in the water tank in the summer to kill tank algae Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AquaMike 36 Report post Posted April 11, 2012 The oldest one we have has 1000 hrs on it. I don't keep equipment long enough for it to break. I would freak out if I had a unit with 4000 hrs on it. I've had Alkota's, Mi-T-M's, & Landa's....guess Hydro-Tek is next. They are barely broke in yet! I've got stuff with well over 10,000 hrs on them. I've actually got a burner that is 23 years old and still making us money! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guy B 70 Report post Posted April 12, 2012 (edited) They are barely broke in yet! I've got stuff with well over 10,000 hrs on them. I've actually got a burner that is 23 years old and still making us money! Yea I know, but I can sell and replace for next to nothing so it makes me feel better.....plus I'm a equipment junkie....Thanks for letting me share;) Edited April 12, 2012 by Guy B Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
