Tips On Selecting The Right Bus Wash System For A Fleet

By Christian Murillo, Office Manager for Bitimec Wash-Bots, Inc.

There are mobile wash machines ideal for small to medium-sized fleets, capable of washing up to 30 vehicles in a single shift. (Photo courtesy of Bitimec)

Operators must evaluate several critical factors when selecting a bus wash system to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. Key considerations include:

Cost Considerations And Return On Investment

Investing in a bus wash system involves evaluating both initial costs and long-term returns. There are advanced and affordable mobile bus wash systems that deliver positive ROI to public transit fleets. A single operator can wash a bus in 6-8 minutes, and the compact machines do not require a dedicated building, saving space and reducing overhead costs. Priced competitively, these systems transform one detailer into an efficient wash crew.

Water Usage And Environmental Impact

Water consumption and drainage are significant environmental considerations. Traditional car wash systems may require substantial water usage, ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 gallons per hour. In contrast, there are mobile bus wash systems that are engineered to be water-efficient, using approximately 30 gallons per wash, which equates to about 200 gallons per hour for six washes. This efficiency reduces environmental impact and operational costs.

Environmental And Road Conditions

For fleets operating in harsh weather conditions, such as snow and slush, it’s advisable to use more aggressive detergents and under-chassis sprayers to prevent rust from road salt. There are mobile systems designed to handle such conditions effectively, providing thorough cleaning to maintain vehicle integrity.

Fleet Size And Operational Efficiency

The size of the fleet and the desired washing frequency are pivotal in selecting the appropriate system. There are mobile wash machines ideal for small to medium-sized fleets, capable of washing up to 30 vehicles in a single shift. For larger fleets, these machines serve as excellent solutions for satellite locations, during facility renovations, or as backups to fully automated systems.

Maintenance Requirements

Ease of maintenance is a significant factor in operational efficiency. Look for wash machines that are designed for minimal maintenance, requiring approximately 15 minutes every three months. With seven grease points, servicing is straightforward, allowing technicians to perform necessary upkeep swiftly, totaling about an hour per year.

Brush Material And Cleaning Effectiveness

The choice of brush material is crucial to prevent vehicle surface damage. Closed-pore foam brushes, also known as closed-cell foam, are smooth and prevent sand particles from lodging in depressions, reducing the risk of abrasive damage during washing. There are systems that utilize such materials to ensure gentle yet effective cleaning.

Location And Mobility

Determining whether a wash system should be stationary or mobile is essential. Fixed installations may face challenges such as hoses freezing in winter if located outdoors. In contrast, mobile systems, like battery-powered machines, offer flexibility by allowing operators to move the unit indoors or outdoors as needed, ensuring year-round functionality.

Selecting the appropriate bus wash system requires a comprehensive assessment of operational needs, environmental factors, and budget constraints. There is a range of mobile wash machines that offer versatile and efficient solutions tailored to various fleet sizes and conditions, ensuring vehicles remain clean and well-maintained with minimal resource consumption.

Bitimec’s cost effective mobile machines are designed to make jobs easier and faster while using far less labor, water, and time than conventional methods.

Call (203) 340-9388 or visit www.wash-bots.com for more information.