Century 400 Sensei Carpet Extractor question

Reflections · 11-01-05, 05:35

Hey everyone! This is my first post.

I'm looking to start a mobile detailing business, and I want to get carpets done the right way. After doing plenty of research, I've decided it's probably worth the money (even if it means working my butt off and saving all winter) for a machine such as the Sensei as seen here:

http://www.topoftheline.com/sencarex.html

My question is for people who've used this machine before or who know something about "electricity" (i.e. witchcraft):

I've read conflicting information regarding whether this machine can have both plugs plugged in to a home (garage) outlet. Since I'm planning to be mobile, I need to be able to plug my extractor in to a wall outlet, but I don't think it would be very professional if I start tripping breakers. Someone mentioned somewhere that they heat the solution first, then disconnect or don't use the heater somehow before starting the extraction so this is something to consider.

If it's going to blow breakers I'm probably going to have to downgrade to a 60 psi / 75 inches of lift heated machine (although I'm having trouble finding a smaller machine like this that is available in

where I live). Any information on either issue would be appreciated!

P.S. I realize extractors have been discussed in 19 other threads but if anyone knows of any midsize heated units ($400-$700) that are reliable (i.e. not Durrmaid "We put the DURRRR customer service") and available in Canada, please let me know so that I can consider some alternatives.

Terran · 11-01-05, 06:38

Another thing is what kind of vehicle you have. The sensei is pretty big. TOTL has some much smaller units though they're not as powerful.

Accumulator · 11-02-05, 06:31

IMO not being able to plug it in (without blowing breakers) will kill the whole idea. Check the amperage draw, I bet the combined amps will be over 15. Do you want to hassle with a generator to power the thing?

Practially speaking, IMO you're not gonna be able to do the "use one feature while turning off the other" approach. You'll simply need the correct power source(s).

I have that machine's bigger brother (the smaller of the "Ninja" models) so I dunno how valuable my $0.02 will really be. But if I were gonna do mobile detailing, I'd just get the smaller, more portable one that TOL sells to avoid the whole issue of electrical capacity.

Won't do the same work, but then the 100 psi one isn't as powerful as my 200 psi one which isn't as powerful as the 500 psi one, etc. etc. Just consider the trade-offs and live with the inevitable compromises. The big thing IMO is to be able to *use* it no matter what the working conditions.

Reflections · 11-02-05, 08:51

topoftheline.com somehow knows (cookies I guess, or maybe my accent) that I am from Canada, and when I view a product such as the Century 400 Spotter, instead of a price, it says "This product cannot be sold in Canada." It only says this on some products (the ones that I would actually want.) The Durrmaid by specs looks perfect but I've read some horrifying stories on this forum about its reliability and customer service.

I was recommended this Canadian distributor
http://www.kleenkuip.com/

I went here, and there are some interesting products, but THERE ARE NO PRICES ANYWHERE! I fired them off an e-mail asking for a price list.

I've decided I'll probably have to go with a smaller extractor because you're right, I need to make sure my machine is going to work 100% of the time. So I'm looking for a heated unit around 60 PSI/75-100 inches of lift. I think 2.5. - 3 galons of storage is enough for both the water and recovery.

Any further suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Edit: with the strong Canadian/weaker American dollar right now, I think it might actually be better to order from an American distributor, although I'm concerned about not being able to have the machine serviced locally.

Accumulator · 11-02-05, 09:14

I think it's smart to get something you know you'll be able to use every time you need it

Maybe you could get somebody in the US to buy the model you want.

I know what you mean about the service issue. If this huge extractor of mine ever needs service I'm sure not gonna be shipping it off.

brwill2005 · 11-02-05, 03:19

The Spot Plus, which is the small Century 400 unit that TOL sells, is a great machine. It is small, but pretty darn powerful. It does not have hot water though. I just poor hot water into the tank. It has also been very reliable for me.