Truck-mounted extractors feature a pressure pump, solution heating system, and a positive displacement vacuum, all powered by either the vehicle’s engine or a stand-alone power source. A carpet wand is the typical tool for applying and extracting the heated carpet cleaning solution. Other types of extraction tools are also available. The heated solution is pumped through a pressure hose to the spray jets on the wand and the dirty solution is extracted by the high volume of vacuum air moving through a large hose attached to the wand. A large wastewater tank in the truck holds the dirty water for proper disposal later.

 

entry continues below ↓

By contrast, portable extractors run on electricity, which limits the size of the pump and vacuum motor(s) to those that can run on power available from a standard wall outlet. Larger commercial portables may use two vacuums, but require an additional electrical circuit. Some portable units also heat the water, but not to the temperatures truck mounts are capable of. Truck-mounted machines offer higher application pressure, greater air flow, and hotter water.

Even with all these advantages, a truck-mounted extractor will only be as good as the operator using the equipment. Before hiring a contractor, ask if all of his technicians have been trained and certified by a recognized organization, such as the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). In addition, ask for references and ask these customers about the contractor’s performance.