There's no denying that a small shop has fewer opportunities to spread the cost of equipment over several jobs. Simply put, if you can guarantee a tool is used every day, it's real easy to justify the expense.
I'm currently working for a rather substantial firm, one with multiple crews spread across many states. The crew I'm currently on has 7-10 electricians; the next job will likely have three times as many. Work can be described fairly as commercial, institutional, or light industrial.
Our company vacuum is a well-worn Shop-Vac, probably retailing for less than $100. This vacuum has been easily out-performed by a similar-sized (but well kept) Shop Vac, a tiny 1-gal. Shop-Vac, and my new (and tiny) $21 bucket vacuum.
Previously, I was "in the area" as various "major" contractors did 'shut-down' work at a steel mill. These guys had threaders and benders, but 500's were still pulled using multiples of men and various jury-rigged equipment (cranes, fork lifts, etc.) Thousand-dollar vacuums? Not a chance.
It's easy to speak platitudes about improper equipment ... but, good heavens, we're talking about VACUUMS. With the vast majority of (even name-brand) vacuums going for less than $150, I have to ask: what's so special about a product that is priced at 15x the price? I would expect those who have such expensive equipment to be able to explain exactly why it's a better choice.
Cost aside, I see the Greenlee ad makes reference to 4" pipe and 2000-ft. runs. They also claim this wheeled behemoth is "hand carried." Good luck with that! More to my point, that's a bit more than what's needed by most pulls ... why use the semi-truck when the VW beetle will do the job?
Ever see the blowers used to inflate 'bounce houses?' Not much for pressure, but there's a lot of volume. I have often wondered if that's what would make a good tool to blow a mouse through the pipe.
Likewise, I note a variety of rather pricey bits Greenlee offers for the hose end. I'm sure others have found other solutions to this same issue. This thread is their chance to share their solutions with the rest of us.
