Choosing the right kind of equipment for your pressure cleaning company
can make a world of difference in the results and the time you’ll take to complete the job. There are different kinds of pressure washers and
power washers in the market and you can choose the ones according to surface you intend to clean, the kind of dirt and grime you’re dealing with, and of course, the scale of the task at hand. Here are a few factors you must keep in mind when picking out the best equipment to hire or purchase.
The Right Machine for the Job
Residential Jobs
In case you’ve been called in to deal with a residential pressure cleaning job, you’ll probably clean small decks and verandahs, garden furniture, play sets in the yard, windows, railings and grills, and perhaps, cars and other private vehicles. For these kinds of items, you can use an electric powered pressure washer with 1300 to 1900 PSIs. The machine you’ll need can be lightweight and easily manageable with different nozzles and hoses, a power cord, wands, and other smaller attachments. You can also look for a unit that carries a detergent or chemical tank.
Semi-commercial Jobs
Jobs like these typically involve the cleaning of boats, vehicles, decks, fences, sidings of houses and business establishments. To clean them effectively, you’ll need a gas engine that provides you with a power of 2000 to 3100 PSI or 2 to 2.5 gallons a minute. You’ll need a machine with a sturdy, durable frame, large wheels for moving around, steel or poly braided hose that can take high pressure, an overhead valve or premium overhead cam engine, pro-style spray wand of steel with quick coupling to help with easy connecting, and a range of spray tips. Make sure it includes an axial cam pump with a brass or aluminum head that can withstand high pressure.
Commercial Jobs
These jobs need heavy-duty equipment since you’ll clean construction sites, remove paint and wash graffiti and perhaps, clean entire fleets of vehicles. Accordingly, you’ll need a commercial series gas engine capable of giving you power of 3200 to 4200 PSIs or 2.8 to 4 gallons per minute. Look for machinery with heavy-duty pneumatic wheels on steel hubs, heavy-gauge welded steel frame with solid-steel axle, pro-style steel spray wand with quick-connect coupling, commercial-duty triplex pump, and a range of spray tips and nozzles.
Professional Pressure Washers
Professional pressure washers can be powered by electricity or gas, though; the gas-powered units can give you a higher PSI and are also available in the belt-driven range. You can use them for cleaning with both hot and cold water. While you can choose from the wall-mounted range, having a unit with wheels gives you better movement and flexibility. If you intend to transport your units on a truck or trailer, you can opt for the advanced range that gives you the most effective of power cleaning possible.
Pressure Washer Nozzles Colors Decoded
You’ll probably notice that pressure washer nozzles come in different colors. These colors indicate the force of the spray pattern they can express and their narrowness.
● White – 40°
● Green – 25°
● Yellow – 15°
● Red – 0°
● Black – Soap dispenser
Best Commercial Pressure Washers
1. Generac 6602 OneWash: 3,100 PSI, 2.8 GPM, 4-in-1 PowerDial, Gas Powered Pressure Washer https://www.amazon.com/Generac-6602-OneWash-PowerDial-Pressure/dp/B00IEO8BAK/ref=pd_sim_sbs_86_5?ie=UTF8&dpID=51CtCr2Y31L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&psc=1&refRID=ZSQ49VYZHH8V94PGJAJP
2. SIMPSON Cleaning MSH3125-S 3100 PSI at 2.5 GPM Gas Pressure Washer Powered by HONDA with OEM Technologies Axial Cam Pump https://www.amazon.com/SIMPSON-Cleaning-MSH3125-S-Pressure-Technologies/dp/B004MXKUCY/ref=pd_sim_sbs_86_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=51CovJBjwnL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR155%2C160_&psc=1&refRID=ZSQ49VYZHH8V94PGJAJP
3. Campbell Hausfeld CP5211 2,000 PSI Commercial Grade Electric 120 Volt Pressure Washer With 25-Foot Hose https://www.amazon.com/Campbell-Hausfeld-CP5211-Commercial-Electric/dp/B002VOB5WA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1471329513&sr=8-1&keywords=professional+heavy-duty+electric+pressure+washer
4. Shark SGP-353037 3,000 PSI 3.5 GPM Honda Gas Powered Hot Water Commercial Series Pressure Washer https://www.amazon.com/Shark-SGP-353037-Powered-Commercial-Pressure/dp/B003VS01HA/ref=pd_sim_sbs_86_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=51sBEzFkQyL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&psc=1&refRID=ZSQ49VYZHH8V94PGJAJP
5. Pressure Pro E4040HC Heavy Duty Professional 4,000 PSI 4.0 GPM Honda Gas Powered Pressure Washer With CAT Pump (CARB Compliant) https://www.amazon.com/Pressure-E4040HC-Professional-Powered-Compliant/dp/B003P9XAS2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1471329347&sr=8-1&keywords=professional+heavy-duty+gas+pressure+washer
Using this guide, you can find the best of power washers available for you pressure cleaning business. Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using, storing, and maintaining your equipment and you’ll find that they prove to be viable, long-term investments.
References:
1. Berendsohn, Roy. “Everything you Need to Know About Pressure Washers.” Popular Mechanics. 19 Aug. 2013. Web. 16 Aug. 2016.
2. Teitelbaum, Brian. “Commercial Pressure Washer Buyer’s Guide – How to Pick the Perfect Professional Power Washer.” n.d. Web 16 Aug. 2016.