Lets talk about pressure washers. I need help

[maxwell]

last year i went and purchased this machine from canadian tire http://www.diamondpowerproducts.com/products/details.cfm?p_id=18247

3800 psi, 4Gpm, Honda 390 engine, how could i go wrong?

i am extremely underwhelmed with this unit, and quite frankly done with gas pressure washers. im wondering if im doing something wrong if there is some way to crank this thing up? its no more impressive than some of the much smaller units ive had.

im sort of leaning towards an electric wall mount, like the easyclean but its only 3.6gpm at 2800 psi?

i have a shop that needs to wash our 30+ fleet trucks so im looking for something that works, and is easy for the guys to use. This gas job is prooving not to be the answer

 

[deaner]

I got to know my tool repair guy in Edmonton really well when I was contracting (after buying a full set of rigid tools). I would ask him advice on the best tools to get and he was never wrong. I remember asking him about pressure washers and he said whatever it is, it needs to be a piston pump design. The best he said are the triplex type that they use on the rigs.

 

[Bnorth]

Hotsy and be done.

 

[lilduke]

I got a real nice one from Pumps and Pressure in Red Deer. 11hp (could be more HP, id have to look at it) Honda with E-start. built in Kerosene boiler steam cleaning capable.


Nice unit It was 10,000$ though.

 

[Stg2Suby]

Make sure you supply it enough pressure & flow, ie large diameter and short hose. The plunger machines can lose prime easily if they aren't fed enough water, still work but kind of in limp mode.

 

[06yamahaapex]

I got to know my tool repair guy in Edmonton really well when I was contracting (after buying a full set of rigid tools). I would ask him advice on the best tools to get and he was never wrong. I remember asking him about pressure washers and he said whatever it is, it needs to be a piston pump design. The best he said are the triplex type that they use on the rigs.

I have a yamaha one like you speak of. It’s amazing.

 

[Clode]

General pumps, or Cat pumps are really good and you can buy parts for them easily. Either mated to a honda or electric motor will make you happy.

 

[Summitric]

Google "water wacker" and they are one of the best units for what you're looking for. We've had ours mounted up on the shelve, running 110v, 10 ft in the air for 10 years, and it's still running good. Cannot put full hot water through any pressure washer unless it is designed for it. We use 50/50 cold/hot water. I think they were under $1000 if i remember correctly(but i'm old, so i don't know for sure)

 

[Ronaha]

There’s a pumps and pressure in edmukastan aswel

 

[DeNytroguy]

Google "water wacker" and they are one of the best units for what you're looking for. We've had ours mounted up on the shelve, running 110v, 10 ft in the air for 10 years, and it's still running good. Cannot put full hot water through any pressure washer unless it is designed for it. We use 50/50 cold/hot water. I think they were under $1000 if i remember correctly(but i'm old, so i don't know for sure)

We have an older Gas water wacker and a newer gas kärcher unit. The Kärcher justs sits around. Although the karcher has 2hp more the water wacker has more power. (Same tip)

 

[sirkdev]

The setup you have maxwell is a beast. Have you adjusted the unloader. Crank in for more pressure. It should be comparible to a heavy truck wash. I have one and cranked up my 15 year old can barely handle it. Also have you checked your valves?
As an example I wash our grader with ours.. and cats in 30-40 min

 

[pfi572]

It’s GPM that’s more important then the psi .
I have a med size Hotsy and it’s been good . Have to have heat IMO or useless .

Yours Sean , should be putting out more then enough .
Get it checked out maybe

 

[maxwell]

The setup you have maxwell is a beast. Have you adjusted the unloader. Crank in for more pressure. It should be comparible to a heavy truck wash. I have one and cranked up my 15 year old can barely handle it. Also have you checked your valves?
As an example I wash our grader with ours.. and cats in 30-40 min

I’m wondering if the guys have been running hot water through it wrecked the seals now that you say that

 

[Chump]

My old man has a karcher heated diesel. Works great. Will heat the water to 400°. Not cheap, but if your running a fleet probably worth the investment

 

[catalac]

Pressure washers.... you get what you pay for, buy a real one and not a Cambodian tire especial.

 

[sirkdev]

I’m wondering if the guys have been running hot water through it wrecked the seals now that you say that

pump rebuild kits usually available online cheap.. also ensure as suggested above that you have a good supply and check your suction strainer sometimes the wire screens scale off and or catch debris.

 

[Bogger]

My Crappy Tire gas honda one didn't last more than 3 months before it started acting up, pressure on and off again like limp mode as stated before....

Went to electric simonize after that and have had no issues since, it was cheaper and honestly works better.

 

[S.W.A.T.]

Hotsy and be done.

Yup

Although my Briggs and Stratton I bought from newfie speed and wheel has held strong since 2006. Changed oils in for the first time this summer. Doesn't miss a beat. Think I paid 450. Probably the best thing I've bought from CT over the years

 

[zal]

I have a Yamaha. Works great. She’s a bit heavier than what’s out there though...

I have ran hot water through it and it chit out the seals. Seals are not made for hot water. Resealed it and away I went, with luke warm water.

 

[arff]

At work we have Hotsy units from Pumps and Pressures. Pay more for them but they sure work good. Also electric running hot water.