Need info on self priming pressure washers

[fisheye]

I need to wash the mud from my Kubota tractor and backhoe so I can grease it properly. Where I am using it has no electrical power or pressurized water supplies. I was hoping to purchase a gasoline powered pressure washer that can take suction out of a pond. I am hoping to hear from someone with experience in this who can recommend a manufacturer and model and give me tips on use.

 

[HCJtractor]

I had the same issue. I would recommend using a standard pressure washer and a water tank in a pickup truck bed. I also collect rainwater from my barn roof into a 300 gal. cistern and draw water out of it with my pressure washer . I seriously doubt you'll find one that can draw water from a pond and lift that water. Guess you could build a platform, place a plastic water tank or a tote on it, pump water into it with a pump, then simply attach your pressure washer to it, and let gravity help the water flow. But a 100 gallon water tank from Tractor Supply and a regular pressure washer would be all you need.

 

[Panik]

I seriously doubt you'll find one that can draw water from a pond and lift that water.

I tend to agree. Additionally, I would think that at some point, even if were able to find a pressure washer that would self prime, you would have to deal with filtration at the intake end. I have a tendency to think that pressure washers likely don't enjoy running material through their innards.

If the 100ga tank suggestion HCJtractor suggested is too large/expensive you could also use a 50ga poly-barrel or olive barrel. It would be a relatively simple to purchase bulk head fittings and rig up a gravity feed from the tank to the pressure washer.

 

[tungularafishcamp]

I wear out a pressure a year so you can take my advice or not since I go thru them so fast
The only ones I have that self prime reliably are the cat pumps, put a foot valve at the bottom of the suction line with window screen around the foot valve and you keep most of the crap out.

Since I go threw them so quick I can't justify the extra expense of a cat pump, I just buy the cheapos and hook a 12 volt bilge pump(also screen covered) to the bottom of the suction line and never have a problem with prime.

 

[rustyshakelford]

I used a 300 gallon tote on my trailer. The head pressure is enough to prime the pump. Don't get a cheap water hose from the tank to the PW or it'll collapse. Probably be good to have some potable water out there so get a food grade tote and clean it out.

Brett

 

[fisheye]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I'm kind of intrigued by the suggestion of using a 12 V bilge pump to provide positive suction to a standard gas powered pressure washer. I did read a advertisement that Karcher Pressure Washers are self priming but couldn't find any information as to how high they would lift the water. I guess it wouldn't be a huge deal to set up a head tank and fill it to provide suction to a washer.