A Good Pressure Washer?

[JDgreen227]

Should have mentioned this...I don't add antifreeze to my power washers after use or for storing them in cold weather, it's much easier to blow the water out of them using compressed air. Someone told me that if you use car antifreeze it helps keep the seals from drying out but I can't comment on that method....

 

[dixiedrifter]

From someone who does commercial pressure washing for a living, I can tell you this:

GPM is more important than pressure. My rig is a monster 20 HP 3500 PSI at 5.2 GPM. The only time I use my full 3500 PSI is when I'm cleaning concrete. Most applications use much less, around 1200-2000. If your using more than 500 PSI on a wood your doing damage. Look for something around 3-4 GPM range.

When you need to adjust your pressure, switch nozzles to one wiht a larger orifice. By using your pressure regulator, it cuts down on both pressue and the all critical flow. Quick connect nozzles run about $7 bux a pop on the net. For most purposes, I like to use either a 15 degree or 25 degree.

The particular brand of washer is not important since they generally use the same power plant and pump combinations. My recommendation for a pump is one made by general pump. A general pump will last as long as a cat, and is a whole lot cheaper to rebuild and replace.

To extend the life of your pump, try to rig up your unloader to where it will dump out on the ground in by-pass mode instead of looping back into the supply line. That way you can run your washer in by-pass mode continously without risk of the pump overheating since it's always getting cool water.

NEVER USE A ZERO NOZZLE, YOU WILL DESTROY SOMETHING. They ain't red for nothing.

Antifreeze works well to winterize your pressure washer. Personally I will not risk the chance at having any straight water in my rig when temps are below freezing, and running your pump dry is not good for it.

Pump up sprayers are what you should be using to apply your chemicals. They are cheap and no worries about having to run harsh chemicals thru your pump. For doing houses, get an x-jet made by the xterior company.

 

[_RaT_]

"NEVER USE A ZERO NOZZLE, YOU WILL DESTROY SOMETHING. They ain't red for nothing."

I use the red or zero degree nozzle frequently in the Fall for moving the leaves out of the flower beds, off the gravel parking area and around other areas where raking takes to long. The amount of leaves you can move with it is much faster then a blower. The distance you stand away is much greater as well.

 

[dixiedrifter]

I guess it's ok to destroy leaves.

Anyhoos, I bet my Redmax EBZ8000 backpack would give a pressure washer a run for its money.

With 72cc's and 950 CFM of leaf moving power it doesn't take long at all to clear a yard.

 

[_RaT_]

I find the difference is that I can continue moving leaves for about 50 to 60 feet even when "wet". I have an old Echo that was pretty good, but my pressure washer is amazing. I have been beating the same old drum now for years here, it's the gpm then the pressure thats most important.

 

[dixiedrifter]

I've heard several ppl comment on how well a PW works on leaves. If I were doing a yard, and all I had to do was move them off into the woods or next to the side of the road for pickup, I'd probably be doing it myself. But, if you plan on burning the leaves or bagging them I'd say it would be a no-go.

Wish I had some picks from the last yard that I did with my backpack. I had a pile of "moist" leaves going on 3 feet high, 10 feet wide, and about 50 feet long. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[_RaT_]

I remember those days when we used to rake the leaves. Ever since getting out and having acerage, the last thing we do anymore is rake and bag leaves. Even back in the old days, all the leaves went to the garden to improve the soil. Now I simply "blast" them to the grassy areas and will eventually run the finish mower over them to aid in their decomposition. It's amazing how quickly they disappear here. In our area, we have high humidity in the winter and low humidity in the summer. This seems to aid in the disposal of the leaves and grasses.

 

[wilkinr5]

There's a guy in Appomattox that supplies commercial hot water washers. He knows a lot about different brands and kinds. He can supply a good commercial washer. If you're looking for the most inexpensive, he has re-built ones/trade-ins that may be a good option for you. His number is 434 944 1253.