Single dryer to stacked conversion

[dsoesman]

I am looking at buying an existing mat and upgrading it. Many of the mats I look at have the old single dryers. It seems like a no brainner to me to upgrade them to Stacked dryers which will increase the number of dryers and or free up space.

I have seen the local used equipment dealer advertise used stacks from $1,400 to $2,000.

I looking for the other costs involved, Hook up, install, construction. Is it a pretty straight forward swap or are there other considerations such as air intake and exaust issues?

Any feedback from those that have done the conversion would be greatly appreciated.

[laraquinto]

how weird! I came here to post the same question as you. I called a distributor and he gave me a quote over the phone of about 50k for 20 dryers (10 on top, 10 on the bottom) he said this includes delivery and hook up... he also said that since this is an old location, the ventilation system had to be updated, therefore the high estimate.
I've put in a call to speedqueen, and im awaiting their response. let me know what kind of estimates you get. thanks

[Duane]

$4k per stack or about $4500 delivered and installed for new stacks is a fair deal. Replacing the venting system is a must and making sure you have more than enough make up air is essential.

Don't forget you will need double the electric and gas capacity. Probably not gas volume as much as gas connections.

If going through the trouble of putting in stacks, don't cheap out and put in used equipment. The only cost you are saving is on the equipment, you will still need to invest in all the upgrades.

You will also get a better warranty and better efficiency with new.

Customers will like new.

With new it would be a great time to raise prices.

[petefritz]

5k a dryer installed.... makeup air included? Hmm,, not a great deal, but.. make, model, would help still, base price dryer around 4k-4.5k, install 200, so maybe 5k a bit high, though this quote seems to be a worse case deal?
I would get another quote yes.

[fatboy]

Do you need the capacity? or are you just upgrading to upgrade?

[coin]

I was quoted $1300 for refurbished stacked Speed Queen dryers installed. Brand new is a few more thousand. You have to figure out when you'll get your money back if you bought new dryers. Also, repairs seem straight forward on dryers.

In my situation, I'd rather invest in more front load washers. I think that'll increase revenues and improve efficiency.

[dsoesman]

It is for a capacity issue. One mat I am looking at has 20 front load washers and 13 single dryers. I have seen people waiting on dryers there.

[hotwash]

make sure you add a lg dryer either 50 or 75 # maybe 2

[petefritz]

Dryers is where many owners skimp becuase they cost so much money. Even your dry only customers can afford a washer, but not a dryer many times becuase of electrical needs. I do know people sure do like new dryers if you have stores around you with old ones you will increase business.
Used dryers can work, but be carefull, some older models are crappy. As part of an upgrade and capacity expansion people will be atrracted to newer modern ones.

[fatboy]

I thought I kept hearing that people liked older single pocket dryers?!?