Which pressure washer to buy?

[Mr and Mrs window cleaner]

Hi there,

We've had a successful first year of window cleaning with plenty of patios and driveways pressure washed as a sideline - happy days! We are now looking to upgrade our kit and wondered what you guys would recommend?

We bought a B&Q domestic washer for the first year which did us nicely but each job took way longer than it should have done.

Which pressure washer replacement would you recommend? It'll still be used as a sideline to window cleaning but we need the job to be done far quicker so happy to spend a bit of money on professional kit if necessary.

Also, should we buy second hand?

Thanks! Jo

 

[Wheelie Clean]

Do you have a budget in mind? Are you going to go with a Flat Surface Cleaner or just stick with a turbo nozzle?

 

[Njones]

A 13hp petrol machine should give you best bang for your buck - and is about as big as you can reasonably go without spending huge money.

If budget allows go for a honda engine, if budget is tight Loncin engines are actually not bad (i've had a few) and accept honda parts so can be repaired.

If budget allows go for electric start - - it may seem like a silly expense, but I guarantee its worth it. So much less messing about & frustration (as well as effort) - just turn the key & you're working instantly.

If budget allows, get LOADS of high pressure hose (The lighter & easier to pull 2 wire stuff is my preference). These machines are heavy - its nice to be able to hook them up & do the whole job without moving it once. Saves a lot of time too. I had a reel & 30mtrs of hose on it - and an extra 20mtr extension in the van for big jobs.

Don't get caught up in the thinking that more PSI is better - flow rate is actually more important. I had two 13hp machines, one rated at 4000psi and 14lpm, the other at 3000psi and 18lpm - - the 3000psi did the job just as good, but tore through the work faster! You can get geared pumps which run at 21lpm,.. I was tempted by these, but left the business before I cot chance to buy one!

 

[Wheelie Clean]

Some sound advice there @Njones.

 

[Mr and Mrs window cleaner]

Hi wheelie clean - we were thinking of a flat surface cleaner as it leads to less mess. Looking to spend upto £500-700 I think.

 

[Mr and Mrs window cleaner]

Thabks njones, v helpful. Is there a specific model you'd recommend? And yes we were caught up in thinking of psi so good to know we should be thinking about flow rate.

 

[Wheelie Clean]

Hi wheelie clean - we were thinking of a flat surface cleaner as it leads to less mess. Looking to spend upto £500-700 I think.

With that budget you will struggle to be fair, a decent FSC will set you back £450 alone. As Njones said, a 13 hp motor would be best. A Honda GX390 like this BE Pressure B4013HGS 4000 psi Honda GX390 Powered Pressure Washer: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

A Loncin would be maybe £200 cheaper?

With your budget in mind I would go second hand, try your local pressure washer service centre for a used Honda.

 

[Ben23]

remember also that high flow rate machines need a buffer tank (wheelie bin or barrel, anything that can hold a large volume of water) as outdoor taps rarely have a flow rate higher than 12lpm which is a problem if pushing out 15-21lpm through the machine. as far as flat surface cleaners go then whirlaway are mid range price wise and reliable, whereas mosmatic are viewed as the best but come at a higher price

 

[Njones]

Honestly - I know loads of people who have them & don't use them. I found a turbo nozzle cleaned better & faster than the FSC most of the time. My advice would be put this money towards a top notch machine and maybe when you've had a few months getting used to it & building up the work to make it pay for itself think of buying one then,...

Hi wheelie clean - we were thinking of a flat surface cleaner as it leads to less mess. Looking to spend upto £500-700 I think.

 

[Ben23]

I certainly use mine on most jobs, but your right they are far from essential. A turbo nozzle will do the job but with the choice of the two I definatley use the FSC more than the turbo, Njnoes is right with the idea to put the machine as the priority though, no point having a low spec machine with an FSC as it defies the point really, the FSC spreads the stream out of two nozzles so without a large flow rate they are quite weak really

 

[Mr and Mrs window cleaner]

Good advice on the FSC, thanks. Sounds like we should go for a turbo nozzle then.

 

[peter rogers]

Fsc is great for flat drives ANd concrete but really bad paving is not to good and hard to get corners Take space up also. I would suggest 12lpm and a turbo nozzle and extra hoses to extend so less moving of the washer. U can't go wrong If like me u do about 10 jobs a month it is enough

 

[unit]

I use this and has not let me down yet,give them a call and pop over for a demo.

I was so happy with there kit that I then brought my gutter sucker from them.

http://www.jetstreamdriveclean.co.uk/shop/patio-paving-cleaning-packages/honda-slip-stream-pro-20/

 

[Mr and Mrs window cleaner]

Thanks Peter

 

[unit]

Sorry just looked at the budget.

 

[peter rogers]

Wat size van u got.

 

[Mr and Mrs window cleaner]

Hi Peter, we've got a Toyota Hiace with a 650ltr water tank in it, so there's a good bit of spare space for bigger tools when we need to take them.

 

[steve garwood]

Just phone ben at Rutland pumps. I got my Briggs and Stratton of him and its the mutts nuts. He is full of info

 

[Mr and Mrs window cleaner]

Cool, thanks Steve. I always love a referral!

 

[Trev81]

Or spend next to nothing and just soft wash them with SH ?

 

[Chris Dall]

Speak to Ben at Rutland Pumps