MAINTENANCE
There are two basic types of truckmount
systems:
1. Slide-in systems are powered by their own
engines and are bolted into a van or truck.
Vehicle-powered or clutch drive truckmount
systems (CDS) use the truck’s or van’s
motor to power the extractor. Most of the
suggestions and steps apply to slide-in
systems that have their own motors and
pumps.
2. Vehicle-powered or clutch drive systems do
not have their own motors so, for the most
part, their winterizing concerns are tied to
properly winterizing the host vehicle.
Prepping the machine for winter
Although each truckmount manufacturer
will have specific recommendations for their
equipment, the following are general steps that
will likely apply to many, though not necessarily
all, truckmount machines:
• Get familiar with requirements. Long
before cold weather arrives, carpet cleaning
technicians should be fully aware of what
steps they should take to properly winterize
their equipment. Sometimes serious and
costly problems may arise if winterizing
steps must be taken at the last minute, just
hours before a blast of winter arrives.
• Select the proper antifreeze. Before
discussing how much antifreeze to use for
winterizing the machine, it is necessary to
discuss what kind of antifreeze to use. The
major differences among the various brands
are the “corrosion inhibitors.” Some brands
of antifreeze are formulated with very highquality inhibitors to provide the needed level
and types of protection for the truckmount
and its components. In contrast, a lesser
quality brand may not contain the additives
and corrosion inhibitors to thoroughly
and properly protect the extractor. Many
manufacturers recommend and install 100
percent glycol-based antifreeze and will
likely recommend the continued use of this
type of antifreeze for the machine.
• Drain any mix tanks, water boxes or
containers your truckmount may have. Some
machines will have a drain valve to release
antifreeze; others will require the pump to
be on and water to be released out of the
wand. Some machines will automatically
switch off when water is drained; others
must be manually turned off. It should also
be noted that antifreeze can be considered a
hazardous material, and most communities
have regulations on how it is to be disposed.
• Fill with antifreeze, in the amounts
recommended by the manufacturer.
With some manufacturers, this may be
100 percent antifreeze, not diluted with
water. With other machines, it may be a
50/50mixture of antifreeze and water.
• Either turn the ignition key on or start
your machine, depending on the procedure
necessary to circulate the antifreeze through
the machine. The antifreeze must be moved
through the entire system and be completely
circulated, as this will allow it to protect all
components that are affected by water.
Here is a link to a video we prepared on how
to freezeguard your machine.
For specific directions on how to winterize
your HydraMaster Truckmount, contact your
local HydraMaster Distributor and refer to your
equipment manual. You can also see specific
videos for each machine at our resource library:
www.youtube.com/hydramastertv.
Other steps to be prepared for winter
weather
• Carpet cleaning technicians should carry
antifreeze with them during the winter
months, in case more must be added.
• Wands and hoses should be stored indoors
when not in use; this also applies to virtually
all tools and chemicals.
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