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Hydraulic or Electric For Tire Shine Machine

T

TEEBOX

Member
Hi,

I'm considering adding a tire shiner in my tunnel. I like the bristle brush applicators from Sonny's and McNeil. However, I'm wondering which way to go?

What are the pro's and con's are about using hydraulic or electric?

Also, it looks like the Sonny's unit can be ordered in 8 or 9 feet lengths.

Any insight is most appreciated!
 
Not direct answer but still would not trade my Viper Shine units for another type. About as trouble / maintenance free as a unit can be.
 
Hate the MacNiel unit (especially backroom components). Love the Sonny's. Only difference I've seen hyd vs electric is the electric unit we have there is not a rotation adjustment.
 
MC3033 said:
Hate the MacNiel unit (especially backroom components). Love the Sonny's. Only difference I've seen hyd vs electric is the electric unit we have there is not a rotation adjustment.
Click to expand...

Ok thanks! Do you currently have a McNeil? What about the Sonny's do like about?
 
Most brushes I've come across are fairly similiar in design but the Sonny's is more robust then the MacNiel. Was easier to tune in and has ran for 3 years without issue. The maciel has taken awhile to tune in and has been problematic. Vehicles seem far more likely to climb on the MacNiel unit. Sonny's backroom panel is very customizable and I love it. MacNiel uses a proprietary design that seems a bit silly
 
MC3033 said:
Most brushes I've come across are fairly similiar in design but the Sonny's is more robust then the MacNiel. Was easier to tune in and has ran for 3 years without issue. The maciel has taken awhile to tune in and has been problematic. Vehicles seem far more likely to climb on the MacNiel unit. Sonny's backroom panel is very customizable and I love it. MacNiel uses a proprietary design that seems a bit silly
Click to expand...

Where did you place your tire shine unit? After the blowers or prior in drip space?
 
I have experience with both, I do not see a huge difference. Both are available in 9' lengths which I recommend if you wash a lot of trucks. We chose the Macneil because generally I have been more satisfied with Macneil's equipment.
Both backroom applicators have their issues. I like Macneil's concept but it gave us some issues with some products. Sonny's use Flojets which are not as good when trying to use very small amounts of product. I have actually modified both to use a Yamada pump and like the results.
I went with electric, I don't have a strong opinion either way on electric vs hydraulic

We placed ours in the drip space.

David
 
DavidM said:
I have experience with both, I do not see a huge difference. Both are available in 9' lengths which I recommend if you wash a lot of trucks. We chose the Macneil because generally I have been more satisfied with Macneil's equipment.
Both backroom applicators have their issues. I like Macneil's concept but it gave us some issues with some products. Sonny's use Flojets which are not as good when trying to use very small amounts of product. I have actually modified both to use a Yamada pump and like the results.
I went with electric, I don't have a strong opinion either way on electric vs hydraulic

We placed ours in the drip space.

David
Click to expand...

I spoke with Sonny's Rep about placing an electrical unit in drip space. He wasn't to thrilled about electricity and water blowing in same area. Does this hold merit? I have Electric Wraparounds (Quickfires from Belenger) and don't see a problem.
 
I guess I understand what he is saying, electricity and water don't mix. However, ours are 4 years old with no electrical issues (now that I said that, a motor is going to fail tomorrow)
There are a lot of electric motor applications in car washes. You mentioned Belanger, Macneil has been mostly electric for a long time, many other manufacturers are offering electric wraps. We also use a lot of electric motors in our inbay automatics, which have more water blowing around than most tunnels. I wouldn't be too concerned unless he knows of Sonny's having issues with their electric installs.

David
 
He words were if your planning on placing unit after the blowers electrical is fine, if your placing it in drip space hydraulic is the way to go.
Yes, I was concered with that statment.
 
MC3033 said:
Most brushes I've come across are fairly similiar in design but the Sonny's is more robust then the MacNiel. Was easier to tune in and has ran for 3 years without issue. The maciel has taken awhile to tune in and has been problematic. Vehicles seem far more likely to climb on the MacNiel unit. Sonny's backroom panel is very customizable and I love it. MacNiel uses a proprietary design that seems a bit silly
Click to expand...

Where have you placed your unit? In drip space or after the blowers?
 
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