Laserwash G5 Dryers

[Dahmed_PlatinumWash]

Hello everyone,

First post on this platform, so bear with me…

im relatively new in this space and have about 8 months under my belt after buying an incredibly neglected and mismanaged Carwash, which included a Laserwash G5. Obviously this unit isn’t new by any means, but my budget is stretched thin between acquiring the property and reviving it with countless repairs and parts.

my latest catastrophe was the dryers for the Laserwash. For background, the dryers are integrated into the Laserwash unit itself, and has 4 dryers in total. Both of the center dryers are shot, and the motors are completely seized. Customers are finally starting to come back after taking notice of new management, and the biggest complaint has been the dryers not working.

I got a quote for new dryer motors (10Hp originally) and from what I understand, the newer motors are around 7.5Hp. The price was something I wasn’t expecting, around $4k, and that got me wondering if this was normal / expected? To be honest, I wasn’t thinking the dryers would be that much, and was wondering if anyone had experience or insight on how to proceed.

The dream would be to replace the G5 completely with something else (like a Mark VII), but that likely isn’t going to be happening any time soon… so I want to try and retain customers as best as possible, without breaking the bank.

any and all thoughts are welcome - thanks in advance!

 

[GPAW]

I was quoted more than that 5 years ago to replace a g5 dryer. I ended up biting the bullet and buying a new 360+, this lead to 7 more machine purchases as the unit was so successful.

 

[washnshine]

Another possibility for thinking and planning into the future - if this is possible:

Install a set of free standing drive through blowers at your exit. This will set you up for your next machine purchase to be cheaper because you will not be buying one with onboard dryers. You can then install your Razor or Mark VII or whatever you want and your drying system will already be in place. This will increase your throughput both in the future on your new machine and on your current G5 machine while you still have it. It can be tough to justify an expensive repair to an older machine - especially if you want to get rid of it soon. A new free standing dryer arch will last you over 20 years and could probably be in place for your next 2 or 3 machines!
This will be more than just replacing just your blower on the G5, but not as much as an entirely new machine at this point if that is not feasible. It is a bit of a compromise between and all new machine and a new blowers on the G5, but will also future-proof your drying needs down the road.

 

[Jaltavela]

If the impeller and housing are still good on your dryers then you can still buy the 10hp motors. You'll have to get them from an electric motor supplier but most cities have those. I am in a similar situation to you. We had two dead motors and didn't want to put $10k in to a machine that is going to be replaced soon. We were able to buy new motors for $850 a piece from our local motor supplier. We considered washnshines option as well but our bays were too short and mounting them outside wouldn't have worked.

 

[soonermajic]

I like WashNshine's idea.
If u don't, then shop Carwashconsignment for a set of used 10hp motord. They have plenty for FAR less than half your price.

 

[Dahmed_PlatinumWash]

This is great - thank you all!!! Truly appreciate the insight, happy washing!

 

[Jaltavela]

Where are you located?

 

[Dahmed_PlatinumWash]

Where are you located?

Buffalo, NY!

 

[Jaltavela]

I sent you a DM im actually not far from you and do have spare used dryers. for the G5