A/C Recovery Machine

[IntegrityAutoCare]

I have recently started my own mobile auto repair business and I am doing very well. Still not making much money, mind you, but I have more customers than I can even keep up with and I have only been in business for about 8 months!

 

Anyway, I am wanting to purchase an a/c recovery machine but what I am wondering is if anyone has any experience using the smaller, less expensive, portable a/c recovery machines and what your experience was? Do these type machines have any sort of filter that would allow me to re-use the r134a from vehicles and charge it directly back into the vehicles a/c system? I assume I would have to purchase a refrigerant scale seperately.

 

Essentially I am just looking for ANY way whatsoever to be able to do my own a/c work without having to pay $3000.00 or more dollars for one of the full scale robinair type fully automatic digital display recover, recycle, recharge machines! For one I just don't have that kind of capital to play with at this point and for another thing I was hoping to find something a little more portable as I am running a MOBILE auto repair business.

 

ANY advice?

[Alex]

I believe Mastercool has a R134a portable unit @ $1000.

 

Flyer: http://www.mastercool.com/media/69100-flier.pdf

[IntegrityAutoCare]

I believe Mastercool has a R134a portable unit @ $1000.

 

Flyer: http://www.mastercool.com/media/69100-flier.pdf

I have seen that one, just can't really find much info from anyone who has actually used it for automotive application.

[ATLAuto]

I have seen that one, just can't really find much info from anyone who has actually used it for automotive application.

 

The ability to measure how many pounds you have pulled out of the system is a powerful diagnostic tool. This will tell you if the system was overcharged/undercharged or maybe even charged perfectly and you've got a completely different issue. I do not believe that mobile tool shows that information ... but maybe you could have a scale to weigh the tank on?

 

Some of the mobile mechanics that I know in Atlanta service a particular group of office buildings and have made deals with mechanics in the area to use their equipment and/or sub-contract to completely them for stuff requiring the equipment. This would allow you to keep your customers, still make a little cash, and not have to invest all that money on the big equipment.