Home Forums Heavens Best Forum Pads & Buffers Lighten The Load (Buffer)

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  • #143632
    Loren Turner
    Participant

    I am sure that some of you seasoned operators already know this so this is for the ones that don’t and mainly for the new operators. I am going to break this down my way for all (which is what I try to do in my posts)

    A way to take some of the weight off of the buffer…

    I use male and female locking plug ends (not sure of technical term)
    Cut the cord about 18 inches from the buffer, attach the male (3 wires follow the color code) then attach the female the same way to the left over cord. (Sort of like creating your own extension cord)
    So to give you a visual, you now have a buffer with a cord only about 18 inches long hanging from it, now equipped with a male end plug attached to it. It takes off about 10 to 15 pounds from the weight of the buffer depending on how long the cord is. It’s that easy!
    So, when I go out to the van I put the cord over my shoulder like a bullet belt (it’s the best I can describe it) I grab my dirt napper, pads and my jug of cleaner and go into the home.
    The buffer is not only lighter but easier to maneuver. Also, when in a residence on the second floor especially, you save the time of not having to re-wrap the cord around the buffer. Just wrap the cord up, put a clip on it, grab your napper, pads and sprayer and go down the steps.
    (Since I prefer to work from the top floor, down.)
    I vacuum and pre-spray from the bottom floor, up. (Since I use F.A.E. in my power sprayer, it already on the top floor when I am getting ready to clean.)
    Next, I go to the area I am getting ready to clean, spray down with cleaner, unwrap the cord, plug the cord in, set it in position, go and get buffer and start. (For me, this saves time.) I own 5 of the old Advance Buffers, 1 Noble and 8 cords.

    Advantages of doing it this way for me…

    All the cords are interchangeable, I don’t have to worry about the cord bundling up and causing disconnections in the buffer housing, and I don’t have to deal with the dreaded split cord end. The cords actually last longer. (Sorry Cody) Also, the cords are easier to clean when needed. Being portable now, you can bring them into your home to do so, and not have to be in the elements like the postman.

    I hang the cord on an “S” hook in the back of my van; I use an orange round clip with teeth that I purchased from the Home Depot to secure the cord.
    I use the large industrial locking plug ends also found at Home Depot.
    The larger orange clips (H.D. seems to always be out of) and the male/female locking plug ends, I have a hard time finding them and when I do it’s usually only 1 set for the plug ends. Sometimes I have to go back 3 or 4 times, since they only keeping stock 1 set at a time.

    Maybe this is something Corporate would be willing to start carrying (since at least where I am they are pretty much hard to find) if enough people show interest.

    See ya!

    #149296
    WA06
    Participant

    Hey Steve

    I did this after we spoke at the regional meeting in NJ last May. It is a great tip.

    This is what this board is all about

    Thanks
    Joe

    #149297
    pacheco
    Participant

    I did the same thing after hearing about it several years ago. I recently had a problem with the locking plug and just last week replaced the entire cord with something a whole lot lighter. The outer PVC covering is not as thick nor heavy and does not get caught between the drive plate and buffer housing. It is a lot easier to manage and deal with now. Also, I just loosely coil the cord, tie with a Velcro tie, and hang it on the handle making it easy to maneuver. MUCH, MUCH lighter and not another trip.

    We always use the Oreck buffer on the steps…never ever use the Nobles on steps. Too dangerous.

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