Things I've Learned About Production and Processes in Cleaning Fleets of Vehicles

Prior to retirement, I ran a mobile truck washing franchising company, and about a dozen years ago, I went in with 4 of our franchisees in the greater Phoenix AZ area to secure an account with the big water and power company there to negotiate a contract to clean all of their vehicles. It turns out the utility company already had a nationwide fleet washing company cleaning their vehicles. In fact they were doing the vehicles for only $2.80 each. You might think that price is far too low, and so did we at the time, at least my franchisees did, but I was more than happy to undercut my competitor.

One thing you need to understand when cleaning fleets of vehicles is the money is in the time, not the job. And when you have 100 work vans, "all the row" and all the same size, it's really easy to clean 60 to 100 vehicles in an hour with a small crew. We should've taken that account, but we didn't. Later we ended up with a cable company with about half as many vehicles and our crews bid only three dollars per vehicle and made a lot of money because they had the production process, and system down to a science, similar to an assembly-line.

Later, they went back to bid on the contract for the utility company, but by then the utility company had signed a three-year agreement, renewing the old agreement with a competing company. A lesson learned I suppose.

Another thing I have learned about cleaning fleets of vehicles is to always have long hose reels for both the fill up tank, a 300-400 feet long 1-inch industrial hose, and 250 to 350 feet or more of high pressure hose with quick disconnects every 50 to 75 feet. This will allow you to fill up with water while your washing is under full production. If you keep the team moving while you are cleaning, it is amazing how many vehicles you can do per hour.

Indeed, you must think about fleet vehicle washing in terms of production, assembly lines, and systems, and not look at each vehicle as a separate entity to be cleaned. Further you should care more about the time you spend on the job to adequately do quality work, than the price per vehicle that you will be billing. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and learn some of the lessons that our company learned the hard way. If you do this, I believe in the end you will make more money.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, http://www.truckwashguy.com/ and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes writing 24,222 articles by July 22, 2011 at 2:22 PM is going to be difficult because all the letters on his keyboard are now worn off now..

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Cleaning the Streets Is Easy With a Vacuum Truck!

Only a few people perceive the importance of a vacuum truck in maintaining cleanliness and orderliness along the streets. This highly sophisticated vehicle, engineered for high performance, high-efficiency and high demand, has set the standard for sweeping excellence. They are seen brushing the road side completely with its fully automated broom that removes and carries away debris. The powerful suction system and superior brushing abilities of this machine with its considerable maneuverability on virtually any kind of road surface can help clean deep spaces. In addition, this truck is as easy to maintain as it is to operate.

Modern Design

Vacuum truck sweepers are world-renowned for their reliable and cost-effective performance. This multi-tasking vehicle is an environmentally friendly work monster. It complies with all relevant emission regulations and SPM10 compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In addition, the twin-engine design allows for minimal fuel consumption in normal cleaning operations and maximum power when required. No wonder the vacuum truck is the sweeper of choice for most governmental bodies, contractors, large and small cities, as well as operators of this helpful vehicle.

In dual sweep mode, this vehicle can offer a 12-foot path through simultaneous vacuum nozzle operations on the shortest base. A vacuum truck has a powerful suction system, superior brushing capabilities, and agile movement capability wherever it works. Independently controlled brushes remove the most stubborn road side debris.

The channel brushes are mounted on the thriller arm with a kick-back feature allowing them to swing away from contact with an object should they strike one, consequently protecting both the sweeper and any street objects. They are fully adjustable to clean along curbs with all-angle adjustments controlled from inside the cab leaving no trace of debris behind on the road. In addition, the central wide-sweep broom swivels left and right to move debris towards the nozzle.

Meanwhile, larger objects and bulky material such as bottles and cans can be picked up with the powerful vacuum nozzles. It also features an internal spray nozzle for dust control. A high pressure water system is a common option for jet washing the road surface; there is also a retractable hose for cleaning other objects, road signs and the machine itself.

Latest Machine Configuration

With the advancement of technology, vacuum trucks are configured into machines that can operate in crowded city environments. They are engineered for ease of use, outstanding performance and low-cost maintenance. The new configuration, where the brushes are in front of the cab, allows access to areas other machines are unable to reach. Its dimensions are small, which allows for excellent movement around miscellaneous street objects and parked vehicles. This new design delivers unexcelled power and productivity. The independently controlled front brushes and the unique sweep gear arrangement and its ability to reverse direction allows for the proficient removal of anything that is behind vehicles and most other street obstructions. The front brush can clear any corner that is 90 degree or less as well as dead-end alleys.

Vacuum truck sweepers are very effective in sweeping and rapid servicing. Their unique designs are suited to brush city streets and they can even perform in the most crowded and busiest environments such as parks and recreational facilities. It is the ideal vehicle to clean the streets with ease and provide reliable and cost-effective performance.

Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. To find out more about Vacuum Trucks for Sale, go to the main website at: http://www.vacuumtrucksales.net/home.

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