Airlessco Pros vs Cons

Looking at a second machine. I have a Graco now and am looking at a sure stripe 4000 (new). Any comments for or against??

We use one and I have had no problems. When it is time to repack the pump they give you all the tools to do the job.

How long can one go before re packing the pump is usually needed?

First find out where you can get one worked on. Second ask them how long for a simple repair. this last time we bought a about new one and after only 80 gallons of paint had to take it in for $400.00 worth of work done on it. Was covered under warranty but my question will this happen 80 gallons later? WE have only two places in NC that can work on them and it is very hard to get them to without waiting for a week or more. I had one one time I took in ( a two hour trip) at least 15 times never could fix it finally gave up. Get Graco if you can best in the striping business...

JimJack, Not sure where you are in NC but have you tried Interstate Supplies and Services in Stallings? I took my Airlessco 4500 down to last years expo with me and they had it ready by the time I left (3 or 4 days). They were very helpful. I think Dean (S.A.M.) pointed me in their direction. Their number is [phone removed]. The owners name is Josh and he was very helpful. As far as Airlessco machines go...I have two and have had some trouble but I'm pretty sure it was all user error. I am self taught and never used any kind of striper until I bought these machines. Also, they were both bought used so who knows how the previous owners used or possibly abused them. When I do finally get them working I think they put down a pretty nice line. In hind sight I would have been better off buying one new Graco then these two Airlesscos because after putting money into them to fix them I am well above the cost of a new Graco. My advice would be to buy the best machine you can afford and definately go new. Hope this helps. I just wanted to ad that the reason I say I would be better off with a new Graco is not because I think Gracos are better than Airlesscos ( I have never used a Graco so I can't really give an opinion on that) but because like JimJack pointed out it is hard to find an Airlessco rep in New Jersey who doesn't send the machine out to be fixed. That is why I had to bring it down to NC with me. You may not have this problem since as you stated you are looking at a new 4000 and the company you buy it from should be able to service it for you. Hey!! I just noticed I've been upgraded to Jr. Stripe Poster...it only took me 3 years!! Jay

when it comes to repacking the pump all you have to do is put this little bar into the pump and retightin it down. I am not going to lie to you. We have a problems with the machine in the past. But we just sit back and after awhile we figure it out. We don't have to take them back up there anymore. We are able to fix them in the field or shop if need be. But for the money and a intro machine best machine hands downs.

Jay, that is where I took machines. They never got them fixed right. They were complete jerks. If I could find the pictures years ago of how dirty and clogged they left my machine after I picked it up. It blew and bent piston rod only after 15 to 20 gallons of paint. Cost a lot of money to sandblast up. I made over 30 trips of about 100 miles round trip and they never came close to fixing machine. It was just a game after 10 trips. Finally I took it to a guy near Raleigh, N.C. and after taking pump apart found problem in less than 10 minutes.. Pump housing had a bent place on it.. Since then painted about 500 gallons with it. Still not right but just use as a backup.And one more funny thing. I called there technical support in California one time. The person that answered the phone said there were only two techs in that day and one was out to lunch.. Call Graco and you get hundreds of people in tech support. That's the difference. BUY Graco you can't go wrong..Darn it felt good to tell this....

and one more thing.. As many parking lots as there are in the world why is there just a few companies that make line st riper machines???

That's too bad JimJack...I guess I lucked out. Definately hard to get the Airlesscos serviced. I met a rep from the company at the expo and he was suppose to send me a owners manual for the 4500 but never did. For some reason their website doesn't have a manual for the 4500. My brother-in-law recently purchased a Graco to use as an add on to his sealcoat business and has been having trouble with it. Like me he is teaching himself how to use it so it may be user error. The problem he had the other day was he couldn't get a line any wider then 2 inches. He called Graco and the Graco rep told him he was using the right tip but no matter where he positioned the gun he got a 2 inch line. I told him to increase the pressure and he said the Graco rep told him not to run it above 900psi...I told him I thought that was way too low but I'm no expert. You Graco users have any input on that?? Jay

Jay - I have never heard of the 900 psi thing, we run up to 2700 depending on what's spraying. Usually when the line isn't wide enough, the paint is too thick. It might be an old bucket or one that has been partially used. It never gets to that point for most people, but the tip could also be badly worn. I bet if he thins the paint a little, he will get a good line.

Jay, like Robert said check tip sounds like he is using wrong tip.even if tip had printed on it 317 or319 can still be cut wrong.

I got a batch of 215's the other day that sprayed like 419's.

Thanks for the input guys...I'll pass it along to my brother-in-law and let you guys know if it works. Jay

Jim....I also use ISS in Stallings, sometimes their good other times they $uck...I am bound because of our account with them. Try Myers Svc & Distribution 1115 Commercial lane, Charlotte NC [phone removed]. I am not sure if they service Airlessco's, they did some work on our old Graco, the turn around time was fast, price was good.

thanks Mike.. I know of Myers.. they seem to know what they doing..

Hey Guys, My brother-in-law took your advice Robert and the machine worked great. He thanks you for the help. He was ready to sell the striper and sub the striping work out. He has since changed his mind and is going to look for more striping work. Too bad because I was hoping to pick up a striper cheap and get some work out of it...LOL!! Jay