Coleman Hanna E-Fusion

[washnshine]

Does anyone have one of these machines? What are your thoughts? I’m starting to consider a friction IBA at one of my self serve locations and I’m open to just about any machine out there at this point. Im not interested in the combo touchless/friction Fusion X, just the friction e Fusion.

 

[Greg Pack]

I had a fusion X for about seven years and that was a mechanical monstrosity. E fusion is a solid machine with a simpler design that does a good job and would last forever. I am a long time Coleman fan, I have two wizards and they are cleaning monsters and will outlive me if they are well maintained. But frankly I can't recommend Coleman IBAs unless you have a good local tech. Factory support for their IBA products has become very difficult to get.

I will add that five years ago I said I'd never buy another touch free unit, but last year an express tunnel opened a block away from me and my friction sales have dropped drastically, whereas touch free sales have remained strong. I know there are many considerations there but just food for thought.

 

[washnshine]

Thanks Greg. That’s very helpful.

 

[Blanco]

If your looking for a good simple brush machine that cleans better then a tunnel. Take a look at Istobal. I always never liked brush IBA but I bought a Istobal few years back not knowing if I was gonna love it or rip it out after few months. I absolutely love it. It is a straight workhorse. Cleans great, reliable, and easy to work on. I got a 3 brush and my top wash is about 5 min 30sec for my pick up.

 

[Greg Pack]

I also have two Istobals and they have been overall good machines.

 

[washnshine]

Blanco and Greg - are you operating your Istoblal friction machines without an attendant most of the time? How are damage claims?

 

[Blanco]

Mine is completely unattended 24/7. In the two years I’ve been running it I think I may have replaced a few wipers and one side mirror. The side mirror was questionable but it was a newer vehicle and the lady was really nice about it so I replaced it.

My main worry when purchasing the machine was how it would react with roof racks, brush guards, trailer hitches. All the stuff you wouldn’t want to put through a brush machine. Being that mine is unattended there would be no way of stopping those people. So far have not had a single issue.

 

[washnshine]

Thanks Blanco. That is good to hear. I have to see if there is an Istobal installer close to me. I’m also thinking about the pickup truck drivers that don’t fold in mirrors. I know that would happen to me if unattended.

 

[Greg Pack]

No real issues here. No attendant needed. Damage claims are minimal, and chemical costs are a fraction of the cost of operating a touch free. Looking at quicken last year I paid $219 in damage claims over the total site. It's a more consistent clean too. Cameras are needed, as well as disclaimer signs. I also use parking curbs as guide rails to keep the customer in the center of the bay.

In five years and 60K cars I've replaced several rear wiper arms and two or maybe three side mirrors. I know one of those side mirrors was a rail jumper but I did it out of goodwill. The other my bay camera was down so I had to take his word for it but can just about guarantee another rail jumper. ALL of these vehicles were new F150s and it's not damage caused by the brushes. If they get too far over to one side and don't fold their mirror in the machine itself can catch the side mirror on the way home and break the cover. The rails will stop that if you bring them in a couple inches closer than factory specs

One notable damage exception was on a friend's infiniti where he said that it broke two clips on his grille. I agreed after watching the video. tech support told me to adjust the front brush sensitivity (takes 2 minutes) so it's a bit more gentle on the front of cars.

Anyway, if your concern is excessive damage claims or needing an attendant I can assure you this machine is generally safe. I've got about 60K cars on mine.

 

[washnshine]

Thanks Greg. Definitely going to check this machine out.

 

[Blanco]

Thanks Blanco. That is good to hear. I have to see if there is an Istobal installer close to me. I’m also thinking about the pickup truck drivers that don’t fold in mirrors. I know that would happen to me if unattended.

My machine is extended height and extended width. It can wash sprinters and duallys. Your bay probably is not tall enough but you may be wide enough for an extended width machine. The extra width along with the stainless steel led guide rails is probably why I dont have any issues with people not folding in mirrors. There is no jumping those rails unless your a complete retard. My machine has not been hit once with a mirror.

I installed my own machine along with one Istobal installer that I paid to have sent out to make sure things go smooth since it was my first install with that machine. You can pay for a full install from them and they will send out a team to knock it out.

Feel free to message me for my number if you want to talk or have any questions or come take a trip to Michigan and watch it work at my wash for a day if you end up considering one. Theres tons of strip clubs on 8 mile that I like to take clients to for the food!

 

[Fatboy769]

Feel free to message me for my number if you want to talk or have any questions or come take a trip to Michigan and watch it work at my wash for a day if you end up considering one. Theres tons of strip clubs on 8 mile that I like to take clients to for the food!

I just may make a trip up your way, just for the food of course!