How to Maintain Trident Carpet Extractors

Carpet extractors are crucial tools for keeping carpets clean and ensuring that commercial spaces maintain a professional appearance. Trident carpet extractors, such as the EX7, EX8, EX12, and EX20 models, are widely used in commercial environments for their effectiveness in cleaning and extending the life of carpets. Regular maintenance of these machines is essential for maximizing their lifespan, ensuring efficiency, and avoiding costly repairs.

This article will cover the importance of maintaining carpet extractors and provide specific guidelines on maintaining Trident carpet extractors.

Why Maintenance is Important for Carpet Extractors

• Prolong Equipment Lifespan: Regular maintenance of carpet extractors prevents premature wear and tear. It keeps the machine's components in good working condition, reducing the need for replacements and ensuring that the extractor remains functional for many years.

• Ensures Optimal Performance: A well-maintained carpet extractor operates more efficiently, delivering better cleaning results. It ensures that the solution spray, brush, and vacuum functions work together effectively to remove dirt, grime, and stains from carpets.

• Maintains Safety Standards: Carpet extractors operate using electrical components, posing safety risks if not properly maintained. Regular inspections and maintenance reduce the risk of electrical malfunctions, preventing accidents and ensuring user safety.

• Improves Productivity: A well-maintained carpet extractor reduces downtime, allowing cleaning staff to work more efficiently. This improves overall productivity and ensures that carpets always remain clean and presentable.

General Maintenance Guidelines for Trident Carpet Extractors

Carpet Extractor maintenance can be divided into daily/regular maintenance, periodic maintenance, and troubleshooting. These guidelines ensure that the machine operates efficiently and safely.

Daily / Regular Maintenance

• Empty and Clean Recovery Tank: Clean the recovery tank thoroughly after each use. This prevents the buildup of residue that can cause foul odors. Rinse the tank with clean water to remove any remaining solution.

• Clean Solution Tank: Ensure the solution tank is cleaned after each use. Leftover cleaning solution may eventually clog the system, reducing performance or damaging the pump.

• Inspect Electrical Cords: Check the electrical cord for any signs of damage, cuts, or fraying. Damaged cords can lead to electrical shocks or machine malfunctions. Replace the cord if any defects are found.

• Check for Blockages: Inspect all hoses and nozzles for blockages. Clogged hoses can affect the machine's suction power and cleaning performance. Blocked nozzles can lead to uneven solution spray, causing streaking in the carpet. Clean or replace any blocked components to maintain optimal operation. Spray tips can be cleaned by removing them from the machine and using compressed air to blow from the outside of the tip to the inside. If there is a buildup in the tip, soak it hot water or Hillyard Nutra-Rinse diluted at two-ounces-per-gallon overnight. Flush the tip again after soaking. IMPORTANT: Do not use pins, wires, etc., to clean nozzles because this can damage the spray pattern.

• Brush Maintenance: Remove debris, hair, or threads caught in the brush. This prevents the brush from tying, ensuring it rotates freely and effectively agitates the carpet fibers during cleaning.

• Inspect and Clean Vacuum Shoe: The vacuum shoe should be free of dirt or debris. A blocked vacuum shoe can reduce suction and impact the machine's ability to extract soiled water from the carpet.

Periodic Maintenance

• Inspect Brushes and Replace as Needed: Over time, the brushes on the carpet extractor may wear down. Periodically inspect the brushes for signs of wear or damage and replace them as needed to maintain effective cleaning performance.

• Check and Replace Belts: The belts that drive the brushes should be inspected periodically for signs of wear or damage. Replace any worn or damaged belts to ensure the machine operates smoothly.

• Inspect the Vacuum Motor: Regularly check the vacuum motor for unusual noises or reduced suction power. Replace it if necessary to maintain the machine's efficiency.

• Check Solution Pump: Inspect the solution pump for leaks or reduced pressure. Clean or replace the pump to ensure consistent solution spray during operation.

• Clean the Solution Screen: Check and clean the inline strainer screen in the solution line.

• Flush the Solution System: Flush a solution of Hillyard Nutra-Rinse diluted at two-ounces-per-gallon through the extractor. This prevents the build-up of alkaline residue in the system.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Loss of Suction: Check the vacuum shoe, hose, and recovery tank for blockages. Ensure the recovery tank is sealed correctly.

• Brush Does Not Spin: Inspect the brush for debris or tangles and check the belt for wear. Reset the circuit breaker. The brush belt may be broken.

• No Solution Spray: Ensure the solution tank is filled, check the solution pump, and inspect the jets for blockages.

• Electrical Issues: If the machine does not turn on, check the power cord, circuit breakers, and grounding plug for issues.

Use and Care Videos

Prefer a video to share with your team? Check out these links

Trident EX7 Carpet Extractor - Use and Care
Trident EX8 Carpet Extractor - Use and Care
Trident EX12 Carpet Extractor - Use and Care
Trident EX20 Carpet Extractor - Use and Care

Let Hillyard Help You Maintain Your Equipment

Maintaining your Trident carpet extractors ensures they perform efficiently, extend their lifespan, and prevent costly repairs. Regular daily and periodic maintenance keeps your machine in top condition, ensuring your carpets remain clean and presentable. By following the maintenance guidelines for models EX7, EX8, EX12, and EX20, you can ensure that your carpet extractor delivers optimal cleaning results.

Hillyard has representatives throughout the United States ready to assist with any maintenance advice you may need for your equipment. We also offer service for all major brands of cleaning equipment, not just Trident. Use the form below to contact us, and one of our knowledgeable representatives will reach out to you promptly to help with your carpet extractor maintenance needs or any other service requirements you might have.