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The price is listed in the HB Store. If I recall, it’s $1175 but dont hold me to it
For those of you that have a Minuteman buffer (model fr17115?) and have also used the Nobles, how do you feel about the adjustment lever for the handle being down on the base as opposed to on the handle? This alone makes me not want to purchase the new buffer and I am potentially in the market for a new one (still troubleshooting). We already have to bend down enough with putting pads on/off the floor/drive plate. Having to bend down 2-3 more times to release the handle for every room/area is not something I want to subject myself or my employees to. Would like opinions on this, especially from those that have used the Minuteman.
Dave,
The handle release lever is on the handle by the switch lever, not down on the base of the unit. I will try to get a picture of the machine so it will eliminate some of the confusion.
Cody,
Big John told me it was down low. Maybe I heard him wrong. Some pics or operator feed back would be appreciated.
When will the Minuteman Buffer be available at the HB Store? As of this writing, it was not listed yet.
I would like to order a new buffer and would prefer to try Minuteman instead of the Nobles.
Also, is it Model fr17115 as Dave asked? I would like to do a little research on it first.
Thanks!
I talked to Cody and this is what he said.
Price:
The price will be the same as current buffer.Model:
MINFR17115Description:
Infinitely adjustable ergonomic handle
Heavy duty frame construction
Heavy duty planetary gears for smooth operation
Built to operate in commercial and industrial applications
Comes with pad driver at no additional cost.The Minuteman 17″ Front Runner comes with many features to enhance the cleaning process. Includes standard 1.5 hp, triple planetary gears, and all handles are made of tubular coated steel to resist rust and corrosion. Also equipped with a 50′ 14-3 wire heavy duty water resistant power cord. Features a heavy duty capacitor start that provides the needed power even in the toughest cleaning situations.
For safety, this floor machine comes with a heavy duty 14-3 jacketed power cable designed for long wear, and hospital grade plugs that meet all health care compliance regulations. Also includes safety interlock switches that prevent accidental machine operation, heavy duty non-conductive strain relief that protects operator and power handle, and a wrap-around bumper that protects all environmental surroundings. The power indicator light lets the operator know when the machine has power, and all operator control handles are non-conductive to protect the operator.
Pictures:
[attachment=3:1y3pjf6h]frontrunnerfl.jpg[/attachment:1y3pjf6h][attachment=2:1y3pjf6h]floor-vacuums-220.jpg[/attachment:1y3pjf6h]
[attachment=1:1y3pjf6h]mm17polisher.jpg[/attachment:1y3pjf6h]
Available:
It is available now in the shopping cart. (I could not find it, so maybe call and ask Adam.)More Info:
See pdf file attached below.
Thanks Michael.
So are there any operators out there that have used both the Nobles and the Minuteman that would care to compare for those of us that haven’t seen/used the Minuteman? I assume the “buffing” to be comparable, but what about build quality? Also, how do you foresee maintenance in the future in regards to how the finish of the machine will age? Do water spots from an accidental ovespray appear easily, and if so do they wipe right off? Is the machine employee friendly, i.e. does it easily leave marks on customer walls/furniture if an employee isn’t paying attention and bumps them either when buffing or when carrying (we know this doesn’t happen with the HB owners-LOL)? Likewise will the finish dent/mark up easy? Inquiring minds want (and need) to know. Like I said, I am potentially in the market for a new buffer and this type of hands on info would be extremely helpful. Thanks.
Just bought the Minuteman buffer. One of my Nobles buffers needed too many repairs. We have been using it for a week.
The Minuteman buffer has larger wheels. The Minuteman buffer is about 2 inches taller from floor to the handle. The length from the front of the Minuteman buffer to the wheels is about 2 to 3 inches longer than the Nobles. Just takes a few tries to get the pad on correctly. If you need to replace the electrical cord, just unplug from an outlet on the buffer just like an extension cord.
The Minuteman buffer motor runs very smooth. So far, paint etc. on the bumper comes right off. It’s easier to turn the Minuteman buffer “sideways” to concentrate on a spot.
The Minuteman buffer does not look very sturdy with the thin vacuum like look from the handle to the buffer but it feels as sturdy or better than the Nobles.
You can adjust the handle up or down even when buffing.
Given the choice, I would prefer the Minuteman buffer over the Nobles. I like the look of it as well.
Great info. Thanks Lew.
I was able to fix my Nobles (just needed new wires internally) so I don’t need a new one yet (knock on wood). How is the Minuteman to carry vs the Nobles? Does it feel lighter or heavier (specs don’t always give an accurate picture)? Also, is it easy to carry with how it is designed, or is it awkward? Would love another update after a couple months of use too in regards to durability, fit/finish/appearance, etc. Thanks again for the info.
Ok, it’s 2 years later. Can people who have owned both give some feedback on the Minuteman vs the Nobles now that they have had some time behind the wheel of it? How is it holding up? What are the pros and cons of each against each other? One of them easier on the back than the other (see lighter)? One easier than the other to navigate around furniture? What about marking up furniture if they bump it? Just had sparks shoot out of my original Nobles (10+ yrs old) and it stopped working. Hoping it’s just a capacitor or wiring issue (fingers crossed), but got to cover my bases and be ready to pull the trigger on a new one if needed and would love some info on the two choices we have.
You might want to check the wire at the base where it goes into the motor. I’ve had mine short out there twice. It’s a fairly easy fix but the last time I had alternator business fix it and it cost me $30 and none of my time.
I agree the wire at the base on my Noble has shorted twice and it is very likely what has happened to yours. I own one Nobel and two Minute Man units. My Nobel is 6 years old and has been trustworthy work horse. My Minute Man’s are 5 years and 1 year old. Both have been proven to be reliable. The Nobel is by far easier to carry especially upstairs as I usually balance it on my right thigh. The Minute Man base is longer and overall heavier and thus is a real pain to carry up and down stairs. The wheels get in the way. I think both are the same as far as bumping furniture and I would give a slight edge to the Nobel. I believe the Minute Man provides a much better professional image than the green blah looking Nobel unit. The Minute Man provides tighter positions in the handle whereby allowing you to adjust it to precisely where you want. You can even adjust the handle while the unit is in use. The Nobel has just a few “notches” to position the handle. There is no “throttle” on the Minute Man like there is on the Nobel making the Minute Man much more comfortable to maneuver. The motor on the Minute Man plugs directly into your cord and the top of the motor. You wont have to worry about a wire shorting at the base like you have on the Nobel. The Minute Man ground prong on the plug is prone to falling out.I have had to replace the plug on both units. The Minute Man arrives not assembled and the base is very heavy to move without it being assembled, however, it is very easy and quick to assemble the unit using the allen wrench that is provided. The Minute Man has a much lower profile than the Nobel. While using your Nobel I am sure you have experienced the cord getting stuck under the drive plate. With the Minute Man this is unlikely to happen given how low it sits. In summary, I believe once you “drive” a Minute Man I do not think you would ever consider a Nobel again. The Minute Man is very quiet and very very smooth so fire up the HB Store and get one ordered. 😀
Mark, thanks for the great info/review on the minuteman. Thankfully for me, it was just a wiring issue (which is what I was hoping) on my nobles. We’ve had it happen before like others, so that’s what I was guessing it was, but you never know until you dive into it.
I have both Nobles and Minuteman. Myself and my employee both agree that we DESPISE the Minuteman. Mainly due to the fact that it is EXTREMELY awkward to carry. The Nobles fits very comfortably on your thigh while carrying, so your legs do most of the lifting. The Minuteman does not. Although you could still awkwardly position it on your thigh while carrying, your arms and back are forced to handle the brunt of the weight. It’s an absolute back breaker. Other than that, it’s a very nice smooth running machine though. Oh yea, the cord is also a pain to wrap up. Like I said we both hate it and can’t wait to pick up our Nobles which is currently being repaired.
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