OK, I’ve followed the watering machine threads for years, anticipating this day - my new company underway and a contract landed with a big account. . . but I’m still undecided about which machine would be best for me, a 130 lb no longer young (except at heart) gal. If anyone could weigh in on this for me I’d be most grateful.

Thanks, Diane

Diane:
I would suggest "The Waterboy",for a water machine that has thought of everything. Try Primescape Products or Scape Supply.
My strongest suggestion is to attend TIPE this January in Fort Lauderdale and see all models for yourself, as well as all of the other suppliers of supplies and plants.
Rick W.

Rick’s tips are first-rate...the WaterBoy is a good machine, maybe a bit bulky for your size, but it has engineered-in details that will make up for that small minus, like the attachment that permits you to roll the tank in and out of your service vehicle lying on its side.

Tanks-a-Lot’s fiberglass tanks are the one redeeming feature of their tanks, and maybe if the other manufacturers would copy it we’d have a winner. My money is on the Aquamate or WaterBoy, even though their sturdy steel construction means extra empty weight with which techs must deal.

Rick’s suggestion to attend TPIE or another large regional conference where all of the machines will be on display is a great idea, since you will then be able to "play with" each and make up your own mind. It’s tough to research and buy a watering machine online or via catalogs and tearsheets...as tough as buying a car without test-driving it, I’d say. You really want to "kick the tires" before deciding, since you’ll be living with your choice for many, many years, and a mistake will be costly in terms of $$$ and misery.

Clem

Hey Clem, been a while since I chatted with Bill Lyon...but I thought that water boys were fiberglass tanks as well as similar to aquamate, but better engineered. I heard that he might have to switch tank suppliers several months ago, so are the water boys now metal like water boy? Maybe I misunderstood.......
Lynnae

My bad...of course, the WaterBoy’s tank is fiberglass...it’s just that the machine is bulkier than the Aquamates I’m used to and so I wonder how smaller or less physically strong techs might like it. Our tech is a sturdy guy and loves his WaterBoy...I’m partial to the lines of the Aquamate despite the steel construction.

One note about the innards of these things...the Aquamate has a rubber bladder that is integral to and attached to the inside of the tank...WaterBoys have vinyl "bags" inside the fiberglass tanks, which can be removed and replaced fairly easily if they should become damaged and leak. Once an Aquamate’s bladder fails, it’s history.

Clem