Construction Contractors Community

expertwasher · Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 12 Location: Maryland

I haven't been in business very long and I'm still trying to get some new pressure washing equipment. Right now I'm on hand-me-down and used equipment but I would like to get a new pressure washer by spring.

What is the best pressure washer to buy and what are the benefits to it?

Barry M · Joined: 05 Sep 2007 Posts: 90 Location: Indiana

It depends on what services you're planning on providing. You may be able to get away with a cold water unit for now if you're going to provide residential services only. If you're going to get into commercial work you will probably need a hot water skid unit.

Let's say for now you are planning to get a cold water unit. If you plan to be in this business for any amount of time, I highly recommend spending a little more money on a belt driven unit as opposed to a direct driven unit. The direct drive units, like sold at most of the big box stores, are cheaper but don't last as long especially when their used every day. On a direct drive unit the pump turns at same same RPM's as the engine even though it could run at much less RPM. This coupled with the fact that the pump is also more susceptible to vibration from the engine lessens the longevity of the pump. A belt driven unit is more expensive but will last for years and years if maintained (oil changes and such). The pump receives almost no vibration and operates at much less RPM's. There is also gear reduction washers that try to achieve the same results as the belt drive but they aren't as reliable. If a tooth breaks you're screwed and the gaskets always leak, and you have to change the gear oil, its just more stuff to break. Belt driven is the way to go.

You're washing speed comes from the gallons per minute (GPM) not the PSI. A small consumer grade unit usually puts out around 2 to 2.2 GPM. For a professional pressure washing contractor that isn't going to cut it. Minimum and I mean minimum would be at least 4 GPM. It would be even better to start out with a 5.5 GPM, this would give you the speed and efficiency you need to be profitable.

As far as name brand, don't fall into the trap of paying for the name. Like Hotsy for instance, IMO these units are okay but they are pricey and aren't easy to work on if need be. Kinda like most cars today, they don't want you to work on it yourself, they want you to take it to a Hotsy dealer Rolling Eyes

There are several vendors that I can recommend where I buy equipment. You can visit their stores online; watercannon.com, pressuretek.com, mobiclean.com.

The main thing is to go with belt driven, even if start up costs are tight, you won't regret it. Also get enough GPM or you'll be spinning your wheels trying to wash every day with a squirt gun.

If you are going with a hot water skid unit, I would go with a 12V burner as opposed to the 115V. Sorry for the long winded post.

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Pressure Washing Contractor Providing Deck Cleaning, Concrete Cleaning and Other Power Washing Contractor Services

FCPWLLC · Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 13 Location: Lexington, KY

Ditto what Barry said.

I like pressuretek.com

Bryan C · Joined: 17 Nov 2007 Posts: 13

Ditto what Barry and Michael have said.

Nothing wrong with starting with used equipment. Brand new stuff will only look that way until the first job.

Do all the research you can before you buy new stuff. Find out what you will be targeting and what your needs are. Concrete? Definitely helps to have a hot water unit and a surface cleaner. Wood? I think we all started with rollers and brushes. After seeing an airless sprayer this summer at a PW RT, I dropped the money for one. Have only used it a few times, but can't imagine doing another deck without it.

Everybody differs in their set-ups but most agree on the same equipment and cleaners...

jenpwr11 · Joined: 17 Feb 2008 Posts: 1

Talk to John Allison at Envirospec. I purchased a powerwasher from him in 1989 and it is used everyday in the summer and only on weekends in the winter. It is a 3000psi, 5.6gpm, hot water skid rig. Replaced water pump once and heting coil once in the 19 years Ive owned it. The Kubota water cooled engine is still running without a problem. He is the most knowledgable person in the powerwashing industry.

Barry M · Joined: 05 Sep 2007 Posts: 90 Location: Indiana

It's just a shame that Envirospec has been ripping contractors off for years by adding in extra shipping costs. I'm not just speculating and I don't have a resentment against them, I've only bought stuff from them a time or two. I wouldn't talk garbage about any company if it wasn't true.

If you don't believe me all you have to do is check with UPS after something is delivered from them and see what the shipping costs should of been. Envirospec charges more, and it's not like a couple of dollars but 20, 30 even $40 more, they pocket the extra. If you call them and bring it to their attention they play it off like it was a mistake and give you store credit. What they are doing is extremely unethical and should be prosecutable in my eyes.

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Pressure Washing Contractor Providing Deck Cleaning, Concrete Cleaning and Other Power Washing Contractor Services

sealerguy · Joined: 20 Feb 2008 Posts: 3

Wow, as hard as companies work advertising and marketing to gain new customers, and do something like that is the kiss of death, expecially for a few bucks extra. Maybe the smart thing to do would have been to bump up the prices a little on the products if the stuff is that good, would of seemed more legitimate.

Barry M · Joined: 05 Sep 2007 Posts: 90 Location: Indiana

It is really sad but it's the truth.

Where do you get equipment and supplies from if you don't mind me asking?

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Pressure Washing Contractor Providing Deck Cleaning, Concrete Cleaning and Other Power Washing Contractor Services