How do I inspect a carpet cleaning company’s truck-mounted equipment?
Watch the unit run a full job, from heat-up to rinse, and check pressure, heat and recovery. Inspect the hoses, wands, pump and engine for wear, then ask for the service records. Bring a qualified technician who knows these machines, since problems are rarely visible from outside.
Ask to see the machine start cold and work for a real stretch. Listen for rough running, check for leaks, and look at the water temperature and suction as the job proceeds. Watch the operator too; they know the quirks and how often they happen.
Then check the parts that wear. Hoses, wands, filters, heat exchangers and pumps all wear out, and replacement costs add up. Ask when each was last replaced and what the operators do at the end of the day to flush and clean the system. A rig that is cleaned daily lasts longer.
Inspect the vehicle as well. The truck carries a heavy load and runs the machine from its engine, so ask for its service history, kilometres and any repairs. A mechanic can check the truck, while a carpet cleaning technician can check the unit. Finally, ask about replacements. If the main machine is near the end of its working life, plan for the cost. Ask whether any financing remains on it, and have your lawyer confirm ownership. Ask for photos of the machine over time, since earlier pictures can reveal repairs or changes. Keep a record of what you saw on the day.
Key takeaways
- See the machine run a real job, cold start to rinse.
- Ask when pumps, hoses and heat exchangers were last replaced.
- Hire a technician for the unit and a mechanic for the truck.
Related reading
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Due diligence
Sources
This answer is checked against primary sources. Links were last confirmed on the dates shown.
- 01Business Development Bank of CanadaGovernmentEquipment valuation: How to do it
- 02Business Development Bank of CanadaGovernmentHow to conduct due diligence when buying a business
- 03Business Development Bank of CanadaGovernmentWhat are the steps to buying a business?
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