Hey guys, well I’m in the market for a new PW, time to get rid of this big box store Simpson 2.4 GPM. I feel like I’ve generated some pretty solid customers and am wasting lots of time clearing off huge pieces of concrete with this little 2.4 gpm, the wand has zero ass behind it. I feel like if I had a 4.0 gpm machine, that 12.5 hr job yesterday would’ve been handled in about 9.
Locally, there’s a company named Hydroquip that makes their own pressure washers, and sells them for competitive prices next to the big box 4.0 GPM pressure washers, such as simpson, dewalt, john deere, etc. While there’s no 30 day money back guarantee there, I mean, it would be nice to purchase a pressure washer from the place it was hand-built. Just saying. They all come with CAT pumps, which is a big plus, right? Any of you guys ever build your own?
Which one is the best? Silly sounding question, but I’m serious. I’m either about to buy one of these expensive1000-1500.00 ones, or snag this Husquavarna 3300 3.2gpm in the paper for 400. It’s probably used, and a year old,- but I’ve been reading about this unit and it looks like it’s made for the residential/commercial barrier, not really a commercial unit. I can’t keep showing up to jobs with this 2.4gpm studio cleaner like peewee herman…
What is your budget.?. You paying cash or credit.? My golden rules is “nothing but a Honda motor” . I have my original machine I bought 13 years ago at Northern Tools on credit. 13h.p. Honda motor-4g.p.m. pump. I did have to change a head gasket because I ran the machine to death. Death for that machine was a worn head gasket , which is normal wear and tear,. I still run it today. but also have a 18 h.p. Honda , 6 g.p.m. machine I love. I guard it with my life.
If your serious about this business dont buy anything from a “big box” store. With this local company what engine comes on their units? Is the unit you looking at direct, gear or belt driven?
Also do you have plans to put the unit on a trailer soon? This can help in determine the best unit.
Also buy a surface cleaner.
I looked up his area …I think he’ll be better off driving to the other town where there’s a Northern Tools. These specialty shops are usually alot more expensive because they don’t buy in high volume like Northern Tools.
thinktoomuch, northern tool huh? Sounds like you got a solid machine there, congrats. Good choice, I can only hope I get the same deal; I work my ■■■ off advertising for my company and showing up with a toy like I currently own just seems, well, stupid. I’m about to do my first commercial job, and I’ll be damned if I show up with that mickey mouse washer.
I’d drop 2 grand on a washer, though, if I knew it was honestly worth it- and the best. I’ll check out northern tool.
That company’s website is here, (I don’t know if I can share links, but anyway, I don’t work for em just wanted to show you what they have)
They have a 3.5gpm machine that is 1047, but I don’t want it since it has a AR pump ; I want a cat pump. So, it looks like I’m going to have to spend about 1600-2000, I just don’t know which one to get. Thanks you guys for your input, anyone else have any input, it would be very appreciated. It’s hot as hell outside, but I’m about to print out some flyers and go on a 40 or 50 house hike, generate some leads. The flyers seem to work better when I put em in a persons hand physically, rather than leave it on a front porch door handle.
The thing about buying from a place who builds their own is you can always go back for repairs/maintenance. Also they are invaluable for info as to all the ins and outs of p washing. You get to know them, they get to know you and you can have another resource for your p washing long into the future.
Also, talk to them about all the different brands of pump. Why do you think CAT is better than AR? They will most likely be happy to put a CAT pump on that 3.5GPM machine. That’s what these guys do. Can’t get that level of customization at Northern Tool.
I have a Honda engine with a 4000psi 4gpm CAT pump too. Since 2000. The thing runs like a dream.
If you want a Cat pump then i’d put a pressure washer together. Buy a brand new Honda motor and a brand new Cat pump and buy a frame. This way you got what you want. If you’re in a hurry buy a machine off of Craigslist. I found my 18h.p. off of Craigslist. I’m also a small engine mechanic though so i knew I what I was buying was solid. 3 years later. No issues !!
Don’t buy from northern tools either, they use “north star” pumps. I know some guys run them but most dont and theirs a reason for that. Also a lot of times they come with a integrated downstream injector on the unloader which means from the start your not getting full flow. Also im not sure about rebuild kits for their pumps.
Just buy from one of the main vendors: powerwashstore, southsideequipment, kec, pressuretek.
Buy a belt 4@4k (honda with general pump) for $1400-$1600 shipped, and buy a 16in whisper wash and call it a day.
If I was in a nine line bind, say in the middle of a job and all of my equipment was down, I’d rent one from Home Depot or local rental company to get the job done. The vendor I deal with is out of state, would be nice to have a local supplier, but still I can call my guy on my way to rent a machine and have replacement parts, equipment, or even a whole package on it’s way.
thanks for all the replies, fellas. Really insightful posts and they helped me out a great deal. I was going to build my own, but its about the same price as buying an assembled one. I wanted to build my own, just to say, I built my own; and if something went wrong, I’d have an idea of what to troubleshoot better.
I have a guy trying to sell me a 3500psi, 3.8gpm cat pump on a honda gx390 13hp - for 700 cash, he says the machine has less than 1000 hours on it but also told me he doesnt know for sure.
Home Depot has a simpson 4000psi, 4.0gpm comet pump, for 970. I’m kinda torn. I know big box washers are the lose, but I could just put a new cat pump on that simpson if it does break, I mean it also comes with that honda gx390 and the damn engine and pump alone cost more than what they want for it. Ahhhhhh. decisions decisions.
there is no way to tell how bad the machine has been abused, both the motor and the pump.
if there is no by-pass, how many times did the operator allow hot water to circulate in the pump?
how many times did he turn down the throttle to get lower pressure instead of using tips?
how many times was the machine run at a location with less than adequate volume?
If you do go check out a used one, tell the seller not to have the machine warmed up already for when you show up. See how it starts from cold. That can say a lot about a machine.
Also, what was the machine used for? Around the house? A pressure washing business? LoL!!
I talked to the guy, he owns a pressure washing business. Mostly industrial stuff. He said it was sitting up. I’m gonna go paint a classroom tomorrow at a local school and then go check it out, maybe…it’s an hour drive one way.
Good points especially about the cold start. I already had that in mind, was going to tell him I planned on feeling it when I saw it and want it cold when I arrive
Don’t let people tell you that you have to buy a 10,000 machine. I have been using a pressure pro belt drive 4000 psi and 4 gpm with a cat pump and a great Honda engine and works awesome. Unless you doing some huge commercial accounts this machine will make you a lot of money. I paid 1499.00 for it with free delivery. Buy the best you can afford and good luck.
Hey I run a 4000 psi 4.0 GPM and it has a hot box add on and I would put my northstar against anything and the cat pump is the best you can get my personal opinion
