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Air shammee

W

Wet Spot

Member
I'm considering the air shammee, and possibly the air logic . Both appear to have a similar boom system. Has anyone had a problem with these booms rotating on a bolt rather than a bearing.

Also, it looks like I have a few options with the air shammee for motors. 110,220, and the single blower motor.
What's the best setup motor wise? I like the single motor, just not the $1500 motor if needed to be replaced. The vac motors are cheap, but I don't care to be changing them often. Any feedback would be nice.

Thx
 
I’ve had Air shame in three bays for about 5 years. I assume the boom design has not changed. The one motor option was not available when I purchased. Likely I’d of selected the three motor option, reason being if one motor is out, you’d still have some limited use prior to switching out the motor. I went with the 220 volt motor. Since install.....
1) replaced one motor
2j re-attached one hose
3) replaced two nozzles. These get damaged by customers dropping on ground. In some cases I’ve been able to repair with new rivets and or epoxy putty patch over cracked area. Looks pretty good and saves a ton as the nozzles are a bit pricey.

My units all have “hours” meters so I know that my units have more than covered cost.
 
Just got 2 of the single motor Diskin units installed last weekend so too soon to tell. Hour meters are on order so that will determine if I get more. At $95 for a gun replacement and a boatload for a motor, I hope maintenance is minimal.
 
I have the air shammee, three motor unit, attic mount. Have only had to replace the nozzle, as it gets abused by the customer, not from use but from tossing it onto the floor like they do the high pressure wands. After all, that's where you're supposed to put the equipment when you're done, right? :-)

Never replaced a motor, I presume since they are mounted in the attic, out of the elements, it keeps them from breaking down as easily.
 
I had one air shammee installed about two years ago. No issues so far and it gets used constantly. Purchased a second that I need to install. Went with the 230 volt and three motors.
 
I just put in 4 air shames last week. they are the 3 motor 120v version. I don't know if that's good or bad. I do recall that I had to put 2 units onto a double pole breaker because I couldn't find single pole breakers with a high enough amperage. All I can say is I pulled up Friday and the customers were using them in 2 bays at the same time. I was stoked. I hope this was a good move.
 
So, what would one consider good ROI? Let's use this example. $2.00 Start / 4 Min or 50 cents minute (Adjust for your situation.) Let's also say your cost for equip and install was $2000. Would Would 1800 minutes / 30 hours / $900 / year be decent? Enough to warrant adding more?
What would not warrant it? 10 Hours / $300 / year?
 
I originally had a “stand alone”sign in the bay near the nozzle holder. When I redid my signage I dropped that sign and included the info on my bay sign near the meter box. I believe too many signs just add confusion. New customers see the dryer once in the bay...and often try it spontaneously. A great idea...a vac in reverse...and great income
 
We put 3 in the busiest of our 6 bays.(3 motor 220v). Best option we could have added. CC readers are a must. They get used just as much and sometimes more than foam brush. We have 12" x 12" signs above each bay.
 
But, I think I have a LOT of customers, whom use my 2 busiest bays, that would not use the Air Shamee. Thus, rendering it a little less effective. If I put it in a couple of bays further over, maybe it gets used more, word spreads, & a few more come use it (especially motorcycle guys)...
 
I started with one unit during a free install and trial period. I wanted that installed in my busiest bay....the installer put it in the 2nd busiest that was closer to the equipment room, and they avoided going into attic to run cable. The dryer was well received and I soon added to two other bays. I have “hour” meters on the units so I could watch them quickly pay off. Really should add to my (4th) slow bay, but I keep telling myself one day I may convert that to 2nd IBA. Make sure you put the meters on yours it will make you feel great about the investment.
 
I have looked at both the 1 motor & 3 motor dryers, and will ONLY go with the single motor dryers. Last year we took a road trip and found a couple car washes in the bay area that have the 3 motor dryers (Air Shammee & Blasto Dry) and I was NOT impressed! :O They must have had a couple motors out because my hairdryer at home put out MORE air! Customers were not using them either, because they were NOT working! It wasn't until I talked to the manufacturers at the last WCA show and tried them for myself, did I realize how much air they're supposed to put out. Yeah, at $1500 the 1 motor is expensive, but when it dies, IT'S OBVIOUS! Also, it's a safety issue. The more time I spend on a ladder or in the attic, replacing motor brushes, increases my risk of falling. I can't work any harder - ONLY SMARTER! :)
 
Yes, when all 3 motors are working the suction is great! Bu like your vacuums, when 1 motor goes out the suction drops considerably. Customers don't that and it's not always feasible to test your dryers every day, throughout the day to check if all 3 motors are working properly. That's why the 1 motor system makes the most sense to me. When that 1 motor dies - it's DEAD!
 
Kleen-Rite used to have a check valve to put under your vac motors so if one failed you wouldn't lose a tremendous amount of suction through it. There should be a way to do the same thing with a blower.
 
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