Ok, so I have a pool company that has seen my work, and has asked me to do work for them. On the car level I am prepared, but they have asked me to clean their heavy machinery and wax as well. My question is what kind of wax do you suggest using, is it worth is to wax, has anyone worked on heavy machinery before?? I know that the paints are not the same as the cars I work on, and I doubt if there is clear coat present on them. This is an area where I am not familiar and would appreciate any and all input. Thanks!
Heavy machinery??'s
- Thread starter MCWD
- Start date
imported_d00t
New member
I'd say it's probably some sort of one-stage type paint. I'd say use a cheaper sealant.. such as glanz wax or something like that.
Envious Eric
New member
collinite 845 would get my vote...durable and protects pretty well from stuff sticking too badly
It will be a lot of powder coating and Imron paint. If they are looking for 100% scratch and swirl remover make sure you figure accordingly because it can be some really hard stuff to get through. also remember you'll be dealing with a lot of grease and possibly hydraulic fluid. Honestly, I think you'll need to concentrate more on degreasing and power washing and just getting the equipment clean. I doubt they will be looking for some type of super gloss perfect finish.
imported_wagonproject
New member
Danase said:
:werd:
I clean equipment all the time in the summer on a weekly basis. From front end loaders, backhoes, dump trucks, etc. Theres no way I would ever even consider polishing one. Also the paint is VERY hard. We sandblast semi frames, semi trailers, etc and equipment (which even with our huge commercial blaster it takes so long to blast equipment as the paint is VERY hard like stated). If your going to clean them I would suggest in a POWERFUL hot water pressure washer. We have a huge one at the shop. Its a mess, as the grease doesn't just fly off. It smears, gets everywhere. We do it outside under a huge half circle canopy with side cement walls (old sand blast pit) and the floor is COVERED with grease/chucks of grease daily. Also your going to have to think about are you going to go back and grease all pivot joints, etc or are they? Its a very dirty job if your not working on new equipment. I wear full rain suits along with an old sand blasting helmet that has tear offs on the lenses.
imported_slicknickis3
New member
MCWD said:
I do some commercial vehicle work and always use Collinite 845.
The most important piece of advice I can give you is always OVER ESTIMATE your price on these kinds of jobs. They often take longer than you originally thought...
imported_wagonproject
New member
Theres no way I would wax equipment....maybe a dump truck cab or such, but never a loader, backhoe, etc...
For the time involved its not worth it, think of how many times you wax your car...or maybe I do to much, lol. Throw something on the windows possible and call it a day.
For the time involved its not worth it, think of how many times you wax your car...or maybe I do to much, lol. Throw something on the windows possible and call it a day.
Envious Eric
New member
heavy degreaser and a PW are a must. I DOUBT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR ANY TYPE OF COMPOUNDING AND POLISHING. Its a work truck, no need for perfection
GlossyTundra
Tractor Detailer
PM sent.
FWIW, I wax equipment all the time. I've waxed several backhoes, graders, skid steers and tractors. When a piece of equipment costs $100k + and you keep it for many years, you want to keep the exterior clean as well. Not waxing your equipment is just as bad as not waxing your car.
FWIW, I wax equipment all the time. I've waxed several backhoes, graders, skid steers and tractors. When a piece of equipment costs $100k + and you keep it for many years, you want to keep the exterior clean as well. Not waxing your equipment is just as bad as not waxing your car.
imported_slicknickis3
New member
toyotaguy said:
That's what I thought too! A company contacted me to maintain their trucks. One of which was a 20' long 15' high box truck that the owner wanted polished and waxed. He wasn't aware of how much something like that would cost, but he did pay it. He's now an excellent customer of mine and I maintain his fleet.
I did my grandfather inlaws new tractor, two mowers, and a a chisel plow this year. (look up the chisel plow, that thing sucked!)
I used a pressure washer, lots of APC/Degreaser, and a RV wash/wax (can't remember the name), then topped it all with Mothers Pure Carnauba (not going to use my DP Max Wax or Wolfgang DGPS on something that shovels $hit in the sheep barn all day!)...
It's a job though that's for sure.
I used a pressure washer, lots of APC/Degreaser, and a RV wash/wax (can't remember the name), then topped it all with Mothers Pure Carnauba (not going to use my DP Max Wax or Wolfgang DGPS on something that shovels $hit in the sheep barn all day!)...
It's a job though that's for sure.
imported_MBenz
New member
Cleaning and "detailing" (if you could even call it that) equipment is a whole different ball game. Most of the work is degreasing and pressure washer work. If a pressure washer is not an option, do not even bother trying with the garden hose and buckets.
Yes wax equipment, but do not polish it. 815 is a good wax for equipment.
Yes wax equipment, but do not polish it. 815 is a good wax for equipment.
GlossyTundra
Tractor Detailer
MBenz said:
There is no reason not to polish. Equipment often has tree branch marks that a wax alone wont take care of. Also, the single stage or Emron paint often has oxidation that only a polish can take off.
Belive me, detailing equipment is 90% of my buisness here in Youngsville.