Power Washer Question

[Haoleguy]

When I rent heavy equipment to do jobs on my remote property it is delivered to me. If I get any mud/heavy dirt on the thing I need to clean it off before the renting agency comes to pick it up. My question is can I use a power washer that is hooked up to a gravity fed tank to clean the machine? My question really is does the power washer pressure pump require a significant positive water pressure to work? Last year I had a devilish time getting mud off of excavator tracks with just brushes and improvised mud tools. Looks like I will rent again later this month and I want to get this figured out before the equipment shows up. Thank you, Gary

 

[5030]

A pressure washer pump will develop a small amount of suction, not much however. A gravity fed tank of suitable capacity (to equal your anticipated running time, times the GPM rating of the pressure washer pump) should work just fine. An advantage is you could add a bit of surficant to the water (detergent) to aid mud removal.

 

[charlz]

From what I have read before it varies, some can work with little inlet pressure and others need a minimum inlet pressure. Probably need to read the manual before purchasing a unit.

 

[hizoot]

Do check the specs on the pump. I tried this before as I needed to wash a remote condensor at a radio tower out in the boonies. I had a couple of 5 gallon buckets with bottom drain hose bib glued in. Set the buckets up high and washed away. It worked sporadically as the gpm wasnt sufficient. The pump died a couple of weeks later,and I imagine a result of this.

 

[5030]

Most pumps are rebuildable if triplex inline with ceramic plungers. Not much inside, a crankcase, crankshaft connecting rods ceramic plungers and poppet valves. The internal parts last forever (with proper lubricant). The plungers and poppet valves go bad and are replaceable from outside.

 

[hosspuller]

direct drive pressure washer pumps are sensitive to inlet water pressure. Without water pressure to the pump, the pistons cavitate, causing pump failure.

 

[5030]

direct drive pressure washer pumps are sensitive to inlet water pressure. Without water pressure to the pump, the pistons cavitate, causing pump failure.

Plungers, not pistons. Quality pumps like Cat are made of ceramic to withstand heat and thermal shock. I agree however, it's a bad thing to not have water present at the inlet to the manifold at all times.

I've roasred a few in my day and rebuilt a few as well.

 

[radioman]

If I was in your shoes using the tools I already have, like a troy bilt pressure washer, high flo 12volt pump from TSC and water tank.

-From the troybilt manual : Place pressure washer near an outside water source
capable of supplying water at a flow rate greater than
3.3 gallons per minute and no less than 20 PSI at
pressure washer end of garden hose. DO NOT siphon
supply water.

-From tractor supply website specs of high flo pump:12 volt demand style diaphragm pump
3.8 GPM
45 PSI maximum pressure
Not for use with bleach or petroleum products
1 year limited warranty

I have 55 gallon plastic drum to hold water

hmmm - it looks like it should work with what I have. Maybe this would give you some idea what to check with what you have.

 

[Haoleguy]

Thanks for the posts thus far. I've been occupied by grandkids the last couple of days and haven't responded until now....they have headed off to the beach. The responses so far are confirming what I thought and that is I need to look at the power washer specs. That is a bit tough to do since I will be renting the power washer just for this one application. My water tank is a 50 gallon half moon truck tank that lays in my truck bed which is often used by horse people. It does not generate a lot of water pressure by gravity flow. The flow I would guesstimate to be 2 gal/min through a garden hose. Think I will stop by the rental company and see what brand/model they carry and ask a few questions and separately look it up myself.....Thank you, Gary