Extractor for around $200, can it be done?

Are there any decent quality extractors for around $200? I have a 5hp craftsman shop vac but I would like a dedicated extractor or maybe I might just make my shop vac into one. Are there are decent ones for that price range? I know the little green machine or whatever is around $79 and the heated one is $99 but they are so small, I can't see myself using that to do a whole car.

The volume would be around 1-2 cars a week at most. And something mobile is preferred. That is my problem, I would drop $500 for a basic rug doctor but that would be impossible to lug around in my hatch.

 

Anybody have any input on this? I actually can drop about $300 if I sell a spare set of wheels I have. I know I should spend the most I can and get the best I can first, and that is what I've been doing with all my tools and will never look back. But, my budget got tight so I am trying to get the best bang for the buck.

 

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I use a spot bot, older version of the little green machine and it works fine for me, ( I do alot of SUV's) if the car is "that bad" I sublet it out to my friend who has a industrial carpet type extractor, its cheaper for me and saves me time, I still make money and I don't have more equipment laying about; plus ( I also don't like doing carpets) I just can't seem want to spend the money on it........

how bad are the cars you are doing?

 

I was going to buy one, but I didn't know if it would last. The carpets I do I can handle with some APC, Zep High Traffic, a scrub brush, and my 5hp shop vac but I'd rather something dedicated. Also, I'd like to be prepared just in case I get something bad.

 

That is what I do, pre treat with APC, OPTPC and then use my spot bot. It is 8 years old, in fact I was not planning on using it at all, but my wife suggested and it worked great...... its a pretty stout machine, but that is for spots, stains etc. floormats are a different story. how much is it to rent a rug doctor? Ive never even considered it but if you had a car that was a disaster it could be worth it, and the customer would obviously absorb that cost.

 

I like to keep costs relatively low. Instead of renting tools as I need them, cut out the middle man, and raise the price slightly and buy a better machine.

 

buy the little green (whatever its called now) at costco, if its not what you want return it........ I hear you about middle man, also if you are mobile (which I am not) size is a consideration, I totally understand.

 

At the moment I am mobile but I reallu am considering settling down..

 

If you want to turn your shop vac into an extractor for around $200, check out my thread here. Extractor on a Budget

 

Might be worth investing in one...... Ive seen some nice set ups (too big for mobile) on craigslist before.

 

I wonder is making my own but on a larger scale would actually be better. I am very handy, have a lot of experience working in hardware store so I know my tools. I am definitely considering making my own extractor.

 

So I just picked up a Bissel little green. Works great for how small the thing is. It definitely won't be able to handle a seriously dirty car but with a little prep work, it does great. Sorry no before and after pictures but I would definitely recommend this for the price. It's all plastic, which sucks, but I feel like if you take care of it, it will work for a long time.

 

Congrats on the machine. Little Green is great but be gentle with it and follow directions for proper use and care as they can be a bit sensitive.

Someone on this forum had made a thread how he was able to use an adapter to connect a hot water extractor nozzle to his shop vac and said he was getting great results sucking up liquid/water from dirty carpets. Does anybody remember this thread/poster? The guy gave pics and listed items needed, and it was a very cheap and easy modification.

 

I made my own. Shop vac(59) plus rug doctor nozzle and hose kit(89). Connected chemical hose to my hot water heater in the garage with adaptor and hose clamp from Lowe's($5)


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Im still in school so I can't settle down yet so I needed something small and portable. I had some luck using my shop vac to extract but I needed something dedicated. When I settle down, I plan on making my own too.

 

why not just have solution in one of those pump sprayers and just get extractor hose. spray, agitage and just suck with vet/dry vac. what is the need for pump?

 

I will have sorta the same setup this season. The wand kit for a carpet machine is cheap like he said, and I will just be using a pump sprayer in place of the hot water heater for pressure for the water part of it.

RIght now I just use the attachment from a Bissel rug extractor my parents have with my shop vac, that little opening for the crevice and 6HP creates a lot of suction.