I had called Les about 8 years ago because I had wanted to upgrade my old Hydramaster truckmount from the 1980's (with the old 20 hp. Onan cast iron engines that still had points!!) Lol. and Les was kind enough to refer me to someone that was proficient in customizing upgrades. That was John at John's Custom Machine in Florida. Old John had passed away a number of years ago but I will tell you that that was one of the best referrals I had ever gotten from someone. I have one of the simplest and low maintenance truckmounts I have ever seen and I'm sure it's quite similar to a Judson. Now, Les could have tried to talk me into buying one of his new truckmounts in order to make a sale but he actually chose to help me rather than just help himself. This is one honest guy. My local dealer turned me off recently , downgrading my truckmount as "1980's technology" and he wanted to sell me a very expensive truckmount with all of the bells and whistles, relays, breakers, switches etc, etc. I told him, "It sprays the hottest water and sucks really hard with a 4-7 blower- now how much technology does that really take?" I'm almost NEVER down- for years!! (I did have an issue with the 27 hp Kohler but they had a redesign and eliminated the not so "smartbox" and that eliminated my problems completely- an old small engine guy diagnosed it instantly). I know guys that have owed those other kind of machines and they have nothing but problems in diagnosing all of that crap. Some had almost tore their hair out and almost quit carpet cleaning trying to figure out what was wrong! Cancelling appt after appt for weeks! Cutting out in the middle of jobs for no apparent reason. You need someone that works on them all of the time to figure things out, at a hefty hourly rate! I don't want to spend my life diagnosing some crappy truckmount, I want to clean carpets. I'm not in business to keep these "specialized mechanics" busy. On the rare occasion I'm down, it's usually for minutes or a day if I need a part or a hose line pops. Any small engine mechanic can work on my TM (or a Judson) because they are so simple. I have basic wrenching skills and I can usually fix or at least diagnose the issue in minutes. I have a buddy that has a like new condition Boxxer sitting on a shelf in his warehouse. Can't sell it for anything but scrap. Now, if I ever need a 2nd truckmount or needed to buy a new one I have no doubt that I would buy a Judson. It's an absolute no brainer. These guys have already figured everything out. Over 40 years in the business. My buddy that sold me that old Hydramaster TM for $500 has over 40 years in the business too and he told me that simple is the way to go. He lived through all of those horror stories and we witnessed others too. I've been cleaning for 22 years now and I will never buy a brand new truck and I will always buy the simplest truckmount slide in. I'd rather make big house payments than big truck and truckmount payments! But that's just me. I also have a propane heater and it's very economical to operate. I don't remember if I had ever called Les back to thank him. I had better make that phone call just in case.
You know Les I just trust you! I have a successful janitorial business (13yrs) and I do a lot of carpet cleaning and I want to extend into full time carpet cleaning. So, I bought a machine with a little giant heater and i am happy to some extent, but It is not powerful enough. My goal is to be able to afford your equipment one day. I bought it for 8k with 100 hrs on it. I am trying to sell it as a down payment for one of your units. Everything about you just feels sincere. I have watched tons of your videos and it just makes since. My dream is to own a new Judson! I will continue to work hard and one day my dream will come true!
Hi all, we have been in this cleaning industry since 1968 purchasing our first TM in I think 77-78. And in a few years with 5. All are simply a motor, a blower, a pump and a heat source. I'm taking no sides here, as I have never owned a Judson, so just keep in mind what matters is the configuration and construction of these same or simular pieces that make for a quality unit. Allan "A.J." Cooper. Cascadia Clean Carpet. Since 1968.
