25,000 sq ft Driveway

1

Greetings PW folk. I got a call today to quote a 25,000 sq ft driveway. It’s at this big ass mansion. I currently have a 4200psi 4gpm machine with a 15" surface cleaner. Obviously this would take me forever to do this job with a 15" surface cleaner. Does any one have any suggestions on bigger surface cleaners that will still spin at 4200psi? I’m thinking about renting one this time around just because it is only the driveway they need washed.

2

You cant really go any bigger than 18 inches with a 4gpm machine. But I’ve heard people using a 20 inch surface cleaner with a 4gpm and having good results just move a little slower. My advice would be bite the bullet and buy a bigger surface cleaner and have it forever. In reality the job your getting will pay for the new equipment once your done. Im all for new tools paying for themselves in some sort of fashion.

1 Like
3

I finally got the whisper wash classic, its a 19", and Love it. I only run a 4gpm/4k, just have to move a bit slower, but keeping a steady pace, post treat, no lines or goofy circles. It’ll spin no problem even at 2200-3000 psi. But im sure a 5.5 or 8gpm would speed things up significantly.

4

Buy yourself an 8gpm machine with a classic 20 and just charge them $.20 a Sq ft.

Your job will be done much quicker and you will pay off your new machine.

You will thank me later.

3 Likes
5

These comments worry me a little. I took bought an existing business and am using a 24" with 4GPM 4000 psi unit. I’m wondering if that’s why it seems to be so slow. I think I need an 8 GPM. What size is needed for a 32" or 36" surface cleaner?

6

4 inches per GPM

7

I started with a cold water 4gpm 4kpsi, belt driven washer and i ran a 28" surface cleaner off of it for about a year and it worked great for me.

8

I rent a surface cleaner for anything more than a 4 car driveway, but make sure it has casters. If it has casters and your gpm isn’t quite what the “rule of thumb” calls for you’ll just have to slow your pace a little. If it doesn’t have casters you can skip shoulder and leg day at the gym.

Call another pressure washing company and make friends. They may rent it to you for less than an equipment rental place and a case of cheap beer. It might be helpful in the future if you need to tag team a commercial job too.

If you’re feeling shy, most equipment rental places carry them for $40-$60/day.

1 Like