Hey guys, as the title states i’m looking for the best bang for the buck engine/pump/unloader combo for under a $1000. I’m trying to build up some business but its really frustrating using the ole’ troy built 2.3 gpm…
Little back story, was in the aviation industry for 12 years. Started to really hate it, long hours management, etc… Virus hit and killed that gig so after months of couch potato i met a neighbor of mine that did lawn care and he needed some help. In doing that it really opened my eyes to how i make an income and that i don’t have to punch a clock or deal with A-holes at work etc. and showed me how much i could make from just helping people in the community. So that only lasted awhile with him because he just couldn’t pay me what i needed but the experience was priceless…
fast forward a little i ran across a gig on CL of all places for pressure washing help. So i called and been working full time with a guy that runs 2 trucks 5 days a week mostly in the same neighborhood year round.
Before working for this guy i had already decided i wanted to do this for myself so what better training aid then working with a guy thats been doing it 20 years. He runs 2 8GPM hondas and using those machines makes the jobs a piece of cake and always give great results.
So its just gonna be myself running solo for awhile and wanted something thats gonna get the job done easier but not break the bank too much. I already have hoses, gun, tips, injector etc… just need a good machine that’ll run at least a 16” SC. I’ll be doing mostly residential.
$1k is not a lot to work with at all. Doesn’t sound like you have a buffer tank, so 4gpm. Udor for the pump. Make your own skid out of 1/4" steel from the scrapyard.
$1,000 isn’t enough if you want a reliable well built setup for house washing. However, you can find direct drive 4gpms with honda engines all day for $600-800.
Ok, whats it gonna take then? $1500, $2000 and whats the setup…?
I’m super mechanically inclined, and pondering using an HF engine… i’d be happy if i can get a 5.5 that would also run a SC. Seems like a lot if the 5.5’s are lower pressure pumps.
You don’t really have enough info for anyone to give you a solid answer. Are you going to put it in a truck or trailer. Do you have or need a buffer tank? Do you want new or used equiptment?
You can build an 5.5 or 8 gpm with a predator engine and gear driven pump for around $2000 but you would have to run a buffer tank. You have to have hoses and you’ll be kicking yourself if you don’t get reels. ($275 each) Then comes the surface cleaner. (Around $5-600)
If you’re doing this full time you also need extra hoses, wands, guns, an unloader, qc couplings, injectors etc.
In my opinion, you really need to invest no less than $6-7k in equiptment to wash houses efficiently. And that’s going as cheap as possible.
I know the cost of a full blown setup, i could have a $10,000 rig in the driveway but getting business is the real hurdle as we all know when starting out.
I’m simply looking for a more efficient machine, as stated in the OP i have most of the other items and if i need a buffer tank i’ll get one.
I’ve not read through the entire thread. But yes, there have been a few predator builds here. @SchertzServicesLLC has one. And I think @Patriotspwashing might’ve built one or two with Allison geardrive pumps? I could be mistaken.
You can make a belt drive hf with general pump for about 1200. In that range you’ll be able to pick between a 2500/5.5 or 4k/4. Don’t buy/build a direct drive if you can help it. If you can’t then you can do that for under 1000. That said, don’t think you will get much efficiency out of such a basic setup, especially if your washing brick. Its a world of difference between 4 and 8 gpm. If you want to do this full time I would spend every spare minute on here reading, and if you can finance then come March or April do that as an 8gpm will pay for itself quickly. That said, make your business plan and run it by us before doing it so you don’t become statistic.
Also remember that at 5.5gpm and above, your entire setup changes. Now you’re either towing a trailer or building something in your truck bed, because you’ll have to have a buffer tank.
This 5.5GPM budget build is in an excel file with links to everything. The total is $1331.11
Predator 420 13HP Electric Start
6.8GPM @ 3500PSI Pump with assembled and attached gearbox.
Expect 6GPM 2500PSI-3000PSI
Steel Skid with Rubber Mounts ZK1 Unloader with 1/2 fittings to down size to 3/8 for two of the connections Unloader Block.
Two whip lines to connect pump to unloader and then reel.
Plumbing kit (all attachments and fittings needed)
You just need a tank, reel, hose, and gun to run. I run this with a Honda GX390 5.5GPM @ 2500PSI and it’s a beast of a little second unit. I run mine with a whisper wash 16” Ultra 2x25035 tips.
You’ve only read for 21 minutes, and you’re asking questions that have been answered many, many times in this forum.
The best thing you can do for yourself is use the search function to find the answers to your questions. You’ll be amazed at how much you’ll learn in a very short time by researching that way, and you’ll be in a much better position right out of the gate.
I appreciate your link, thats exactly what i was looking for.
I still do work for that guy running a truck for him 5 days a week… I can’t afford or have the need for a setup like his at the moment. There’s no question if i’m running 5gpm or more that i’ll need a tank… OK picking up a tank is easy and affordable compared to picking out a machine. Likewise with getting a trailer, that’s straightforward.
I just want to get the most for my money instead of just walking into a shop and swiping my card for their $1600 “package deal 5.5 2500”
Also don’t think that because i’m new member that haven’t been reading or doing my research. Just wanted to ask and see if the was anything more current than 2-3 year old threads and the info they provide.
Lol man, I think you forgot what it’s like to just get started.
My original setup was just a wheeled 4/4 with a couple 50’ hoses, xjet, gun and a $100 Maxx surface cleaner. I think all told with insurance it came to about $1800. Been at this two years, my equipment has changed quite a bit.
Word of advice, put most of the money you make back into the business. Pay the bills of course but the sooner you can get that 5.5/3500 or bigger the more you will make money exponentially.
I started with a lot more than that. My budget was around $50k for equipment. I didn’t start a business to have it grow enough to afford real equipment. I started a business to make money.
