System 2000 or Universal Pad Washer

[KrisMas]

Any review or comparison between the two?

I have a rotary and I think it's time to get a pad washer. Other than the advantage of cleaning pads using DA/ROB with the UPW, any other discerning advantage of getting the new UPW? Which is better for a rotary user?

Thanks in advance.

[Gritguard]

With the UPW, dirt falls through the Grit Guard, into the bottom of the bucket. With the System 2000, it sits on the platform and gets picked up again by the buffing pad.
UPW dries your pads, system 2000 doesn't
UPW cleans the CENTER and the EDGES of the pads, system 2000 only cleans 60 % of the pad.
UPW has a Gamma Seal lid (water and leak proof), system 2000 only has one lid (the splash guard lid and can't be transported without dumping the water)
UPW is Universal - it works with every polisher and buffer

Need I say more?

[KrisMas]

I'm trying to find out which system would be better for the pads in the long term. I mean the UPW is just using friction on the grits but the S2000 has moving wheels/spur that would have a conditioning effect on the pads, wouldn't it?

Anybody has any experience using or trying both?

Buffing pads are quite expensive here in my country and the longer I can maintain them in working condition the better and cost effective it would be for me.

[David Fermani]

I've used my System 2000 thousands of times and it has lasted for about 6 years (until it got ran over) of constant abuse by my detailers. We detailed 25-35 vehicles per day, and it worked effortlessly without one failure. Here's my take after seeing and using the Grit Guard @ Detail Fest:

With the UPW, dirt falls through the Grit Guard, into the bottom of the bucket. With the System 2000, it sits on the platform and gets picked up again by the buffing pad.

Both systems use the "contaminated" cleaning solution to clean/flush the pad mixed with friction. I can't see how either one has an advantage over the other in this comparison. The System 2000 washer uses actual "rear world" plastic spurs to create deep cleaning penetration of the pad's pores/surface (just like a real pad spur). The UPW relies on the outer pad's surface to rub against the Grit Guard; eventually dropping the contaminants out. *Please note that I haven't witnessed the UPW clean a really dirt pad to see how it performs with a heavy application* I feel that anytime a product has loose parts (Grit Guard Extension & lid plastic wing nut), there's more of a chance for loosing/breaking/wearing it out. I wonder after extensive usage if the Extension/plastic wing nut will wear out and not allow it to fit or lock in place. There can only be so much rubbing/spurring on both the extension and/or the lid before it starts to melt away.

UPW dries your pads, system 2000 doesn't

I've never experienced 1 problem with the dampness left after spurring a foam/wool pad in the System 2000. The extra frictional spurring doesn't give it a make-it-or-break-it advantage for a rotary user IMHO. I've found that if you use the UPW's external extension, it will cause the wetness to sling all over the user. Not a good design.

UPW cleans the CENTER and the EDGES of the pads, system 2000 only cleans 60 % of the pad.

I don't feel this is accurate. Both washers clean the entire surface of the pad. Each one requires the user to swivel the buffer as you either clean or dry the pad. Both swiveling is done effortlessly.

UPW has a Gamma Seal lid (water and leak proof), system 2000 only has one lid (the splash guard lid and can't be transported without dumping the water)
UPW is Universal - it works with every polisher and buffer

I've never transported my washer full of water. If you keep the contaminated water inside the washer for more than a day, it tends to smell really bad.
One thing I don't care for is the cheap plastic wing nut the UPW uses to close the lid. I don't think this is as good or as durable of a design as the System 2000.
Will the UPW work with a Cyclo?
The UPW definitely has the advantage of cleaning PC pads. I cleaned my PC pads by attaching them to my rotary and washing them that way. Definitley takes more time and effort.


In addition, the price point of the System 2000 is $15 cheaper than the UPW. That in itself is enough for people to make their decision.

[ZoranC]

Originally Posted by David Fermani

Here's my take after seeing and using the Grit Guard @ Detail Fest: ...

Very thorough analysis and very very good points, David, especially on circulation of equally contaminated water, thank you!

[killrwheels@autogeek]

I liked the DFIII showing ... never owned either however.

[KrisMas]

Thanks David. That was a very informative review and also my thoughts exactly (without any hands-on experience). Any more anybody?

[Totoland Mach]

Well, I just received my Grit Guard washer and took it to the BMW shop yesterday. What a joy to use! Even my 3M loving, skeptic dealer thought it was great.

Washed the wool and foam pads in a few minutes. The only thing I discovered was after washing and sping drying the foam pads, they needed to be blown again with the compressed air nozzle to completely dry them out...not a big deal and I counted to 5 while doing the pad...done!

I typically wash pads daily to keep them in rotation and this washer completes the task quickly, easily, and thoroughly. Can't ask for any more than that.

Great Product!

Toto

[David Fermani]

Toto - Have you ever used the Lake Country System 2000 Pad Washer?

[Totoland Mach]

Originally Posted by David Fermani

Toto - Have you ever used the Lake Country System 2000 Pad Washer?

David: Nossir, I have not used it. The Grit Guard folks showed me their system at Detail Fest and I liked it. At the time, there was no other product to compare it to.

Toto