Selecting The Right Pressure Washer For Your Needs

 

What You Should Know…

 

PSI (pounds per inch)

This indicates the amount of pressure the unit will create if concentrated on one square inch of surface area. The greater the PSI, the better the cleaning efficiency.

 

GPM (gallons per minute)

This tells you how much water (gallons) will flow through your pressure washer (flow rate). A higher flow rate will cut down on your cleaning time.

 

PSI vs. GPM

PSI and GPM are both equally important when choosing a pressure washer. The PSI indicates the amount of pressure and GPM indicates the flow. You must have the correct combination of PSI and GPM to have the most ideal pressure washing system for your needs.

 

CU (cleaning unit)

This is calculated by multiplying PSI by GPM. The number is useful for comparing models. The higher the number of cleaning units, the more cleaning power your pressure washer has.

 

Pump

Pressure washer pumps are driven by the motor or engine and push the water through your pressure washer. The two types of pumps are direct drive and belt drive.

 

Nozzle

The actual pressure is created by the nozzle. Different nozzle sizes (orifices) are available to create the spray angle or pressure needed to fit your cleaning need. The wider the spray, the less cleaning power. The narrower the spray, the more cleaning power.

 

Unloaders and Relief Valves

Pressure washers are equipped with safety features designed to reduce pressure build-up. Unloaders and thermal relief valves prevent heat and water pressure from reaching dangerous levels.

 

Cold or Hot Water?

Cold water pressure washers are great for cleaning dirt from most any surface; decks, siding, concrete, etc. However, cold water pressure washers cannot remove grease and oil effectively. To clean any surface that needs to be degreased, you’ll want to use a hot water pressure washer. Hot water also cleans faster in most applications.

 

What is the difference between Belt Drive and Direct Drive pumps?

 

Belt Drive: Most commonly found on industrial models, a belt driven pump is ideal for cleaning applications requiring 20+ hours of use per week. The belt connecting the engine or motor with the high-pressure pump dissipates the heat and vibration, minimizes the wear and thus the repair on key components, and extends the life of the pump by reducing the RPM demand.

 

Direct Drive: For applications not requiring more than 20 hours of use per week, direct driven pumps are more commonly used. The pump is directly coupled to the engine or motor causing the pump to spin twice as fast as the belt drive models. Although these models are not recommended for heavy, consistent usage they are a lower cost alternative to more expensive, belt driven models.

 

Is time a factor?

A heavy-duty pressure washer can cut cleaning times in half. Shorter cleaning time means less labor, which equals more productivity.

www.mitm.com 800-553-9053 Mi-T-M Corporation 3

Used Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

Alkota Hot Water Pressure Washer Model 3102

120 Volt  1000 PSI  3 GPM  $1500

 

Alkota Hot Water Pressure Washer Model 3152

230 Volt  1500 PSI  3 GPM  $1500

 

Landa Hot Water Pressure Washer Model PHWS 3002

230 Volt  3000 PSI  4 GPM  $1750

 

AaLadin Junior Series Hot Water Pressure Washer

230 Volt  1500 PSI  3 GPM  $1500

 

AaLadin Hot Water Pressure Washer Model 14-423

230 Volt  2300 PSI  4 GPM  $1500

 

Karcher Gasoline Hot Water Pressure Washer Model HDS 3.5/35P

13 HP Honda  3500 PSI  3.5 GPM  Electric Start  $2500

 

Karcher Classic Hot Water Pressure Washer Model HDS 1055

230 Volt  3000 PSI  3.5 GPM  Auto stop/start  $3995

 

Karcher Liberty Series Hot Water Pressure Washer Hand Truck Style Model HDS 2.0/14 Ed

120 Volt  1400 PSI  2.0 GPM  $2300

 

Karcher Liberty Series Hot Water Pressure Washer Hand Truck Style Model HDS 2.0/14 Ed

120 Volt  1400 PSI  2.0 GPM with Auto start/stop and hose reel  $2400

 

Karcher Cold Water Gasoline Powered Pressure Washer Model HD 3.0/30 CH

9 HP Honda Engine  3000 PSI  3.0 GPM  $750

 

Clearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

Winco Tri-fuel (gasoline, LP or natural gas) Portable Generator Model HPS6000HE/E on a 2 wheel Cart

Honda electric start 11 HP GX340 Engine  6000 Starting Watts  5500 Continuous Watts  $1700

 

Briggs & Stratton Emergency Power Transfer Switch for Portable Generators Model 1682 

Upto 7500 Watt  30-Amp  10 Circuits  $325

 

List Updated 11/17/11