When looking at the solution temperature of a machine, most machines will go up to 230° – 250°F when water isn’t being used, but will they sustain the temperature when you are in a typical cleaning cycle, or using an RX-20? Most of them won’t.

We’ve worked hard to make the Maxx™ series, Boxxer™ and CDS™ the hottest machines in each of their classes. Prove it to yourself, run any of these machines against our competitors and you too will be a believer.

Things to think about…
When comparing solution temperatures on truckmounts, you cannot always believe the temperature gauge of the machine is accurate.
Now why is that?
There are many variables that make the temperature look hotter or colder than it really is.

• Where is the Temperature Gauge sender located? Is it on or near the heat exchanger? Plumbing it near the heat exchanger is going to give you an artificially elevated temperature. The proper location for the sender is at the outlet quick connect manifold. This will give you a more accurate reading.
• Where is the Pressure Gauge reference tap plumbed? This makes a difference because some machines have more pressure restrictions than others. Is the tap plumbed before the restrictions or after? In our testing of various machines we have seen that the actual pressure leaving the machine can be up to 200 psi less than what the gauge is reading (500 psi on the gauge, 300-psi actual pressure). This restriction causes a pressure drop, which reduces the gallons per minute through the cleaning tool. The less flow you have the hotter the solution. In this case you are getting the heat but at the expense of reduced water flow.
• What size jet is being used? This can also reduce water flow.
• What is the Vacuum Breaker set at? Is the vacuum blower inlet connection blower reduced down thus causing restriction of airflow “CFM”? Is the vacuum blower outlet restricted down? This will cause the blower to operate at elevated temperatures reducing component life. Anything that causes the system to operate at a higher “Hg level will produce higher temperatures in the Blower (and the Blower Heat Exchanger). This will also make the engine work harder.

When Testing…
When testing machines for temperature performance it is important to do the following:

• Use an external temperature and pressure gauge. Set the machine at 14” Hg and use a number 6 jet. Connect the external gauges at the end of 100 feet of hose. Adjust the machine’s pressure until the external gauge reads 350 PSI. Use the same set-up for all of the machines you are testing. This will give you an accurate pressure and temperature reading in comparison to all of the machines being tested.
• Let the machine heat up under a full vacuum load for 10-15 minutes. This will allow all the components to achieve their maximum temperatures.
• Do two tests:
  First test- Run the machine for ten minutes with a continuous flow of water. This will give you a Continuous Flow temperature reading. (After ten minutes the machines temperatures will level out). The continuous water flow test will show what the machine is capable of during cleaning with Rotary machines or a continuous spray with a wand.
  Second test- Immediately after the first test, stop spraying water for two minutes. This will allow the machine to recover and heat up. Then cycle the spray with 30 seconds on, followed by 10 seconds off. Repeat this cycle for ten minutes. At the end of this ten minutes, the temperature of the machine will level out. Now take a final temperature reading. This test simulates the machine’s ability to recover and perform heavy duty cleaning followed by a dry pass.

If you have any questions please call HydraMaster.

Wayne Boone
HydraMaster Corporation

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