Used Thermax CP-3 Carpet Extractor To buy or to not buy??

[kochdalton87]

Today while doing some errand running at a local store I saw this carpet extractor sitting on the front porch. It is a Thermax CP-3 and is listed for $280. From what I have seen through research it is a $1200 commercial heated carpet extractor. It runs at 60psi, has 100" of water lift, and has 3 gallon recovery and solution tanks. If I'm correct it uses a boiler type set-up verses an in-line heater to heat the water.

I talked to the manager and he said it used to be a rental unit that they had but switched over to Bissel. As far as he knows there isn't anything wrong with the machine. It is a store I trust (small Mennonite owned store) and wouldn't foresee them lying about it if something was wrong.

It has three attachments included and for the price I am interested. I was looking at an extractor earlier but sort of pushed it to the side because of the price. It would only be used on the weekends as I am only a weekend warrior running a small business. Overall I am looking for opinions on whether or not to pursue it. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Sorry for the quality of the pics. They were taken with an older iPod.
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[Sterling138]

Make sure the heater works, only problem with that machine it takes the a while for the water to heat up. That was my 1st machine I bought in 1994 it did the job and will be good for weekend work.

[kochdalton87]

Thanks Sterling, they told me they never had any trouble with the heaters.
Bump, anyone else have any experience using this machine?

[Levithan9]

I rented that exact machine from an ACE Hardware store last weekend, and it worked pretty good.

I used it to extract the crap in the carpet of a 2003 Acura TL i bought from a customer for $300. The timing belt broke, and he didnt want to fix it. :xyxthumbs:

The only problem I saw after a few hours use was that the water didn't stay hot. I nhave a bad a@@ water heater in the house, and i can get damn near 170 degree water from the bathroom tub. But, like i said, I think the heater element had gone out on it.

I did clean the carpet by the front door, and it came out great for not having any solution to pre-treat the area

If the heater works...get it.

Hope that helps on your decision making.

[Matt@FourAcesMD]

For $280 you're not going to find a decent commercial grade extractor. Especially a heated one. I'd say pick it up while you can.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using AG Online

[kochdalton87]

Thanks for the responses guys! I did end up picking it up mid-week and even negotiated the price down slightly. The heater and pump both work but I noticed the solution hoses leak ever so slightly around the attachments and other connections so I'll have to fix that with a little plumbers thread tape. Other them that I can't complain. I can't wait to have some time to use it on a crusty interior but that might be a little. Thanks again for your opinions and help!