pressure washer to draw from a tank??

[HCJtractor]

I know this is an old question but I can't find good answers. i need a washer that will be supplied from a 200 gal. tank. Most washers mention a minimum innput pressure or flow, but most info is vague. I have only found one that specificaly states it will draw from a tank but it is pricey. Anyone use or know of a specific washer that will work? I will only use it occasionally to wash off a tractor, so I want one with minimal power and minimal cost.

 

[texasjohn]

I have a pressure washer I got from harbor freight...it will ONLY work from a pressurized water hose....and even the hose MUST not have kinks and be turned on full blast.

I tried to run it from a non pressurized water tank that was raised 10 feet in the air... would not work....no water flow our of pressure washer, and it would cycle on and off funny. I was concerned about burning the pump/motor up.

Net...I DON'T think you could find a pressure washer that would work from a non pressurized water source.

 

[BXpanded]

I have a Karcher that will work from a tank. Don't have it here, so no model number... Sorry!

 

[E/S]

We use truck mounted tank/pressure washers at work a lot. Even the high dollar units don't like a no/low pressure feed.
Our cure was to install little 12v buster pumps under the tanks to supply the pressure washer.
We also added a simple screen type strainer with a clear bowl just in front of the booster pump to keep out the algae.
Hope that helps.

E/S

 

[HCJtractor]

We use truck mounted tank/pressure washers at work a lot. Even the high dollar units don't like a no/low pressure feed.
Our cure was to install little 12v buster pumps under the tanks to supply the pressure washer.
We also added a simple screen type strainer with a clear bowl just in front of the booster pump to keep out the algae.
Hope that helps.

E/S

Yes, I have tried that also, and even used my little Honda gas pump inline to feed the washer. It just complicates things however. I do know that some pressure washers will draw. Last year I saw some online that specifically stated they were capable of that, but I just can't remember where! Surely someone pressure washes out of a tank. How do these mobile car detail people rig their tanks? Do they all use a pump first?

 

[markct]

i know my karcher brand gas powered pressure washer works fine with the washer on the ground and the tank in the bed of the truck, thats how i wash all my maple sap tanks that stay in the woods at the end of the maple syrup season.

 

[HCJtractor]

What Karcher do you have? Know the model #? Thanks.

 

[DMW]

I use a Comet AXD 2520 pump with a 4hp Honda GC engine with no problems ( 2.5 gpm @2000psi). No problems with it drawing the water from the tank. It originally came on a 2 wheel hand cart, but is wasn't practical for my useage. Put it on a small wagon with a 30 gallon tank to make it portable.

 

[ElDorado]

I had the need to do the same around 10 years ago at a remote site without electricity. Here's what I did.

I attached the pressure washer (borrowed) to a sump pump (borrowed). The sump pump was in the barrel (free - dumpster dive) with a ladies nylons as a filter. The sump pump was powered by a generator (borrowed) and the the 55 gallon barrel was filled manually with 5 gallon buckets from the lake.

So I figure my outlay was $2 for the panty hose and countless trips with 2x 5 gallon buckets (always easier than 1). Not sure I would want to do this often... Have fun.

 

[Stonehaller]

I have two power washers that will draw from a barrel. They do not have soap injectors so I draw soapy water out of a garbage can and then connect the garden hose for rising. Here is a picture of one of them showing the label. It is pretty old so the company may not even be around anymore.