Machine questions

Hello, working on signature in a few hours. I have not started my business yet and have been driving forward through these forums like a monster. I want to buy a machine but have a $1000 cap on it. Its all I’m willing to spend. My question is will 3800psi 3.5 GPM be able to handle a few houses and driveways a week? I have a 15 inch surface cleaner for concrete. Or am I bonkers ?

Sent from my Z970 using Pressure Washing Resource mobile app

I’m not going to say it won’t work, because it will. I’ve used a rented 3.5gpm machine quite successfully. But if I was going to drop that kind of money on a machine, I would pinch my pennies a bit longer and get something like this: EB5525HG 5.5 GPM @ 2500 PSI GX390 Honda GP Pump - KECSupplies.com

that 2 gpm should make a big difference in your productivity. Plus it’s belt driven, so the pump won’t fail after one season.

Edit: to address your $1000 cap. Well, if you can’t spend more than $1k until you know “for sures” this business is gonna work out (trust me, it takes more than that much of an investment before a business is clearly succeeding/failing)… Start out by renting.

But if you do end up needing to bail out, I’d bet anything that the machine I linked will hold its resale value much better than the one you’re thinking of buying. So you would end up being out less money in the long run by investing in a proper machine from the get-go

Well… That machine is closer to what I’m looking for just haven’t been able to find anything over 3.5 GPM that had a decent price for a new guy. If the price holds another two weeks I’ll be snatching that up! That machine should last until I get an 8 GPM I would think it looks sturdy.

Sent from my Z970 using Pressure Washing Resource mobile app

Also just thinking about this I’m using a 55 gallon plastic drum for a buffer tank will this unit or the one I mentioned have a problem pulling water from this drum? These are not things I’m finding with ease

Sent from my Z970 using Pressure Washing Resource mobile app

Would a house water supply be able to handle 5.5 gpm or would a tank be required? I do like that unit though.

Some places yes, some no…Buffer tanks are more about efficiency & machine longevity.

bonkers - and I’ll add, you wont fill out your signature

Signature done… So that machine will not work?

unknown business name till spring
Richard Griffith
417-239-9963
nixa,mo

Bonkers if you expect to be profitable, which is what starting a business is all about.

To make some side money, makes perfect sense and why you’ve limited yourself on equipment budget.

To start small and learn as you go, again makes perfect sense…but not being efficient in equipment choice or budget will hinder you being able to afford to grow your business…i.e. insurance, website, marketing, equipment, etc.

We spent $1,000.00 on marketing materials yesterday, but “I Know” it will return 10+ fold in profits. It’s an investment in the success of our business.

Big difference in starting a “Side Job” or “Building A Business”…and I mean no disrespect in any of my post.

Well I’ve upped by machine budget to about $1500 in hopes to get at least 4gpm but that 5.5 looks great. That should help right? Also I keep hearing about pressure tek with Bob? What’s the take on him?

unknown business name till spring
Richard Griffith
417-239-9963
nixa,mo

Trusted Friend & Distributor.

Is his $1300 4gpm machine good for starting up?

unknown business name till spring
Richard Griffith
417-239-9963
nixa,mo

It is, based on your budget. I started with that same machine two years ago. It will make you money, bank that and buy bigger when you can.

I’m selling mine, it’s only two years old. I like it but doesn’t let me move fast enough.

How much

unknown business name till spring
Richard Griffith
417-239-9963
nixa,mo

If you’re looking to get started out and stay within your budget, I’d sell you my entire 4gpm setup. I’ve gone bigger.

eb4040hg. Includes skid mount in addition to the wheels it came on. HP4040 pump, gx390 engine, belt drive.
1-coxreel with 200’ of hose.
2 or 3 j-rods
one gun
one 35 gallon buffer tank with hudson float valve, 1" Banjo Y-strainer/filter and 1" plumbing to the pump.
The jumper hose and all plumbing that goes with it, all you would have to do is hook it up on your trailer. Everything is there, all you would need is your supply hose.

All of this was bought new in April of 2013. The machine has always been in the basement in the winter. Regular oil and pump oil changes, only filtered water from the tank, never run dry or off a hose. Machine is setup to bypass to the buffer tank, let it sit there and run as long as you want.

$1100 for all.

Well now that seems interesting can you send pictures to my cell the number is on my SIG I’d love to take a look at it at least or post them here?

unknown business name till spring
Richard Griffith
417-239-9963
nixa,mo

Sure, give me a few hours. Most of it is in my basement, I’ll ha e to go to my trailer to take pics of the tank.

Mount all of that on a trailer and get started…That’s a Great Deal!

Yea I’m thinking some chems , downstream, fill hose, surface cleaner would be about I need. Just deciding if I should get newnso I have warranty as safety net

unknown business name till spring
Richard Griffith
417-239-9963
nixa,mo

You can have the rack that the tank sits in. It has a shelf on the back where my battery and roof pump sit. The yellow hose and reel is not included. The lid for the tank is here.

Three j-rods. 1-downstreaming, 1 set of 04 nozzles an one set of 05/065 nozzles.