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FAQ's Vector |
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- How much does a Vector™ cost?
- Where can I see a Vector™ in operation?
- Can you help me secure financing for my project?
- What size bay does the Vector™ require?
- What utility services does the Vector™ require?
- Does Belanger supply construction drawings and installation schematics?
- How do I get my Vector™ installed and Serviced?
- What Vector™ features drive revenue and impact ROI?
- How many cars an hour can the Vector™ wash?
- How many packages can be programmed?
- What do you mean “toggle between seasonal or speed menus”?
- How does the Vector™ re-enforce the customer's extra revenue purchase?
- Can I use the Vector™ name to market my car wash?
- Does the Vector™ have remote diagnostics?
- Does the Vector™ page out errors, malfunctions and faults?
- Does the Vector™ use high pressure swivels?
- What happens if a vehicle hits the spray arm?
- Does the Vector™ measure the vehicle?
- At what pressure and volume does the Vector™ operate?
- Does the Vector™ use a one or a two step cleaning process?
- What is a variable flow pumping station?
- How much maintenance does the Vector™ require?
- How does the Vector™ reduce chemical consumption?
- What do you mean by clean bay appearance?
- Can the FlowCell™ Dryer be wall mounted similar to the Vector™?
- What about a weep system?
- Do you offer door controls?
- What entry station and POS does the Vector™ feature?
- Can the Vector™ deliver a high pressure wax?
- Is the Vector™ reclaim ready?
- Does the Vector™ have a docking dryer?
- Can the Vector™ be floor mounted?
- Is there a stainless steel option for the Vector?
- What is the warranty for the Vector™?
- Why is soft water important?
- Why should I include a spot free rinse system?
- Why is heat important?
- What support does Carwash Solutions offer?
The Vector™ is market priced according to the needs of each customer. It is very competitive. In fact, we guarantee to meet or beat our competitor's value proposition.
Where can I see a Vector™ in operation?
Vectors™ are located throughout North America. Contact Us to request the name of the site nearest you.
Yes, Carwash Solutions has several financing options available to our customers that can provide leasing or traditional financing. Contact Us so that we can help find a financing solution for your specific needs.
What size bay does the Vector™ require?
The smallest bay that the Vector™ Wash can fit into is a 25'L X 14'W bay. A well equipped Vector™ with dryer and rocker spin cleans fits comfortably into a 36'L X 14'W. A back room is required. We have many creative solutions to allow the Vector™ to be used in situations outside of the standard parameters. If your wash bay differs in some way from the information provided, Contact Us so that we can assist you in developing a creative solution for your specific needs.
What utility services does the Vector™ require?
The Vector™ operates on 208/230 VAC only. The Vector™ requires a minimum of 100 FLA for a wet wash and 200 FLA for a wash and dry. The addition of optional equipment will change the amperage draw and must be considered during site engineering. A minimum of 1 ¼" @ 45 PSI incoming water supply is required for each Vector to operate without a holding tank. The Vector™ requires 15cfm @ 100PSI for pneumatic controls. If your wash bay differs in some way from the information provided, Contact Us so that we can assist you in developing a creative solution for your specific needs.
Does Carwash Solutions supply construction drawings and installation schematics?
Yes, we can assist you every step of the way. We provide standard AutoCAD prints for site and construction preparation as well as VectorCAD for site specific layouts and drawings for trades people. Belanger also provides a building preparation manual that contains all the information you need to get yourself ready to receive your new Vector Contact Us so that we can assist you in developing a creative solution for your specific needs.
How do I get my Vector™ installed and serviced?
The Vector™ is supported by a network of factory trained and certified installers and service technicians in place and ready to go to work for you. The Vector VAR network offers the following services:
- Installation
- Permitting Assistance
- Layout, Economic Modeling and Financial Assistance
- Operator, Sales and Service Training
- Marketing Support
- Scheduled Maintenance and Emergency Service
- Imaging & Signage
- Speed - Speed - Speed
- Operator Level Programming for Site Specific Optimization
- Graphic Confirmation of Services Rendered
- Graphic Promotion of Available Services
- Up Time
- Simplicity and Durability
- Minimal Operational Costs
- Cleaning Performance
- Clean Bay Appearance
- Complete Offering for Superior Performance
- Complete Support Before and After the Sale
| How many cars an hour can the Vector™ wash? The Vector™ is substantially faster than its rivals. |
Ten packages can be programmed into the Vector™.
The Vector™ can accommodate ten different wash packages. There is an operator level function named "quick toggle", which allows the packages to be changed from one to another in a matter of minutes. For example, using packages 1,2, 3, and 4 the operator can program a four tier menu into the Vector™, (good, better, best, ultimate). Using packages 5,6, 7 and 8, the operator can program the exact same four tier menu but increase each package's speed. During normal demand, he would operate using packages 1-4. During peak demand, the operator can "quick toggle" from package 1 to 5, from package 2 to 6, from package 3 to 7 and from package 4 to 8 to increase throughput capacity. This functionality is what is meant by "toggling between speed menus". The same principle would apply for packages based on seasonal adjustments. The degree of operator level flexibility to adjust the wash to maximize revenue is truly a distinct advantage of owning the Vector.
The Vector markets its services to both the customer in the wash, and to the queue watching the wash in action. The wall mounted sign is mounted at eye level for the driver in the wash, which works in conjunction with an optional on board sign for the queue. The wall mounted sign flashes for the customer during a given cycle, and the on board sign flashes for the queue.
Yes, you can use the Vector name as long as it conforms to the guidelines for use established by Carwash Solutions. Contact Us to request the guidelines for use of the Vector name.
Does the Vector™ have remote diagnostics?
If a telephone line is connected, the factory technical support desk can remotely view your car wash machine functions to assist local VARs in trouble shooting and repairs.
Does the Vector™ page out errors, malfunctions and faults?
Yes, the Vector™ features an extensive internal diagnostics system that identifies and annunciates errors, malfunctions and faults via pager.
No. There are no swivels on the Vector™. Unlike every other touch free automatic that suffers from the headaches and costs of swivel failure and replacement, the Vector is 100% swivel free. No leaks, no downtime, no costs.
What happens if a vehicle hits the spray arm?
When a vehicle drives into either spray arm manifold, the patented Break-Away Arm is able to take a hit and swing away without suffering any damage. It is a detent style spring-loaded universal joint. The break away sensor initiates a fault condition, and a programmable annunciation pages the manager or a technician. In seconds the operator can push the arm back into position and reset the program with the push of a single button, and he will be up and running with no down time and no service call. The thick safety foam protects the vehicle from damage as well. All other touch-free machines get damaged if a vehicle hits them.
Does the Vector™ measure the vehicle?
The Vector™ measures each vehicle individually, both length and width, and then automatically adjusts its movements to maintain optimum cleaning distances. Patent pending sonic sensors pinpoint the vehicle dimensions for storage in the industrial duty controller and then redundantly verifies the size of each vehicle on a real time basis.
At what pressure and volume does the Vector™ operate?
During the high-pressure rinse cycle at maximum pump speed, the Vector™ will operate at 36 gpm @ 1100 psi.
Does the Vector™ use a one or a two step cleaning process?
The Vector™ uses a two step cleaning process as standard, but can be set up as a one step if the operator chooses.
What is a variable flow pumping station?
The Variable Flow Delivery Pump Station (VFD™ Pump Station ) can be programmed to adjust pressure and volume for each cycle of the wash process. The pump station is controlled using a frequency inverter that safely varies the motor RPM to create desired flow rates and pressures. Controlling the volume and pressure using the pump output frees the Vector for nearly infinite adjustment of water pressure, volume and chemical titration. Moreover, the VFD Pump Station frees itself from down stream valve complexity used to vary flow and pressure on less capable machines. This reduces wear on the pump and un-loader valves, keeps leaks minimized and drives down maintenance costs. The VFD Pump Station stands alone as the new standard for water delivery systems for in bay automatics.
Relative to other in bay automatics, the Vector requires very little maintenance. The Vector has no grease fittings because all of the bearings are totally enclosed, industrial grade, greased for life (GFL). The use of wet atmosphere motors and epoxy coated gearboxes, over sized tires and rollers, and a completely shrouded head has reduced in bay maintenance to a very minimum level.
How does the Vector™ reduce chemical consumption?
Unlike other machines that pivot in the corner and spray costly chemical on the ground, the Vector™ arms move around the vehicle corners in a smooth, rounded sweep, always keeping the spray aimed at the car.
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The Vector capitalizes on the use of elevated travel rails to present the customer with an open and inviting bay. The clean bay is further enhanced by hiding the utility runs above the machine using a boom rather than festooning them along the wall. Moreover, the Vector FlowCell™ Dryer mounts to the walls, keeping the floor clear of machinery. |
Can the FlowCell™ Dryer be wall mounted similar to the Vector™?
Yes, the FlowCell™ Dryer comes standard with a wall mount system.
What about a weep system?
The Vector™ has a simple, effective weep system. The weep system option includes a temperature sensor and a software upgrade. On an intermittent basis, the VFD pump will deliver low pressure water to the Vector arms and undercarriage while it moves slightly to shake free any ice build up.
| Yes. Check out the Door Control Package.pdf file for a complete product description. |
Can the Vector™ deliver a high pressure wax?
Yes, the Vector has a simple option that allows the operator to provide a high-pressure wax.
Yes, the Vector is reclaim ready with the addition of a reclaim "T" Assembly option. However, it should be noted that reclaim water will have a negative effect on the cleaning process and will degrade the reliability of the machinery. Please consult your Vector VAR for more information regarding the use of reclaim water.
No, the Vector does not have a docking dryer option. The Vector is focused on speed. A docking dryer significantly reduces throughput capacity.
Yes, the Vector can be floor mounted by purchasing the floor mount option.
Is there a stainless steel option for the Vector?
The carriage assembly of the Vector comes standard with corrosion resistant materials. The carriage frame is manufactured using powder coated aluminum and stainless steel shuttle rails. The Vector travel rails can be upgraded to stainless steel.
What is the warranty for the Vector™?
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Why is soft water important?
Water hardness negatively impacts the touch-free wash process. It affects water temperature and wash solution activity most dramatically. Water temperature is adversely effected as scale builds up on the heat element or exchanger, insulating it from the water, reducing effectiveness and increasing energy consumption. The hardness in the water (calcium and magnesium) attach themselves to the ingredients in car washing detergents making them neutral. Therefore, higher concentrations of detergents need to be used to overcome this neutralizing effect of the hard water, costing more money and less effective cleaning. Insure that you select a good water softener for your Vector. Carwash Solutions offers an excellent range of softeners manufactured by Kinetico.
Why should I include a spot free rinse system? |
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Chemical reactions are temperature-dependent. Higher temperatures promote better cleaning and require less soak time. Most car wash solution manufacturers recommend temperatures of 80 to 100 degrees F. Some recommend higher temperatures, but most agree that less than 80 degrees lowers the reaction to unacceptable levels. Carwash Solutions highly recommends the use of hot water in conjunction with the Vector Rapid Wash. Your ability and desire to provide hot water is a function of whether or not utilities (gas/electricity) are available at your site, what the cost is to make them available if they are not, how your economic objectives will be affected as you use more or less of the available utilities, and your operational objectives regarding the cleaning quality you want to provide. There are tradeoffs as you select your equipment configuration. Carwash Solutions offers a tiered approach to hot water that allows you to match your economic pre-requisites and operational objectives with the equipment configuration. Carwash Solutions makes an instantaneous wall mounted heater designed for the specific flow rates of the Vector, which can deliver solution at the nozzle tips as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit! Carwash Solutions also offers an excellent range of heat systems manufactured by Huron Valley, a Vector Partner. Huron Valley can be contacted at 1-313-278-5200.
Belanger has a fully staffed Customer Service Department and Technical Support Help Desk to back up and support our superb field service organization. The customer service department is available for general assistance and parts sales, with standard or overnight delivery upon request. For technical questions, our Technical Support Help Desk is ready to provide answers to virtually all your technical questions.