There are two major types of carpet cleaning machines, truck mounted and portable systems. Each of these types of cleaning equipment can be broken down further into additional categories:
Truck Mounted methods:
- Direct Drive methods
- Slide In systems
Portable methods:
- Commercial Portable methods
- Consumer Portable methods
Truck Mount - Direct Drive
Direct drive truck mounts have a power take off (PTO) unit that the truck’s engine powers. They also have a heat exchanger to heat the water supply.
The PTO powers the vacuum and the pressurized water system.
Truck Mount - Slide In
Slide in units are self-contained systems. They use a small gas engine to generate power and heat.
Portable - Commercial
Commercial portable machines use electric motors for water pressurization and the vacuum. Some of them include a water heater as well. These are plugged into outlets for a power source.
Portable - Consumer
Consumer portable units use electric motors for water pressurization and vacuum. these typically do not include a water heater.
Used Truckmounts
