Need some advice on best addition to improve efficiency. I have a 8.5gpm gx690. 200 buffer, 100 gallon sh tank. 5.5 12 v with proportioner. enclosed trailer so space is limited. I want to add a piece of machinery but I am on the fence because I would like to have two guys working flat work at same time or I want to be able to have one guy washing siding while other is doing flat work. I was thinking of adding a 5.5gpm for the extra hand doing flat work or an AR roof pump so we can do the house siding and the flat simultaneously. What’s the better move?
I have a 24" surface cleaner to go with the 8gpm machine. I let my helper do all the concrete work and I use a 5.5gpm for houses, pool cages, fences, etc. When we just have concrete work, I use the 5.5 for detail work around doors, edges, etc and rinse as he cleans. I’m usually right on his heels as he washes. By the time the surface cleaning is done, I’m 80% done rinsing the dirt, after that a quick SH rinse and we pack up and move on.
Are you using a portable 5.5 and hooking up to domestic? If it’s plumbed. How big is your water tank that it can handle 2 machines
Both machines are mounted to my trailer and plumbed to a 125 gal water tank. On big jobs, we have to be careful not to let the water get too low, but it works just fine most of the time.
I was worried about running out but I am at 200 or 220. Probably could disable my float if it is a problem. Thank you. Worst time to buy one is now.
I got a contract to clean a 16 bldg townhouse community, fences, sidewalks, entry, everything. We just hooked up the first hose as normal and took the cap off the tank and stuck a second hose thru the top. Once in a while it overflowed, but it kept the tank full all day. On normal residential you can almost always find a second faucet if you’re concerned about running low, just keep extra hoses with you.
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Would you guys rather be able to have one guy wash siding while the other surface cleans or two guys surface cleaning. I was thinking getting the AR roof pump which I could be doing the siding while my guy surface cleans. Then I’m stuck with one surface cleaner on big flat work jobs.
I’d do two Pressure Washers, unless your doing a lot of commercial washing, I feel the AR roof pump is overkill for residential ….we use two pressure washers for house washing and flat surfaces, it’s efficient I feel.
I wish I could fit two pressure washers and the ar. I was thinking the AR because I run into a lot of 3 story houses and I can’t reach peaks with my 8.5 gpm especially with a breeze. I hear that ar can shoot? Maybe I need to reset my unloader. Feel I should be shooting further.
I hit three stories on my 8 gpm with Guy Blackmons shooter tip. Not sure what’s going on there…check your unloader make sure it’s set right for sure. I think AR is great for certain applications but not convinced if residential is one of them…another washer can be used for flat surfaces too, so….it’s definitely another tool to have if you do bigger commercial wash jobs…yeah weigh it all out.
I’m hitting 3 stories but just barely. Maybe I’ll grab one of guys or Davis and reset unloader.
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When you guys say 3 stories, are you taking 3 full floors plus the peak of the house, or 2 floors plus another 10 or so feet for the peak?
With me, it’s 3 stories plus the peaks and gables
2.5 stories including peaks. I run 200" of hose so it cuts down on flow a bit. If I need more I grab the 8’ lance.
Just get the AR. I use it more than my 8gpm. I love it with the red gp washdown gun. 5/8” hose and 3 stories is nothing. Plus that gun goes from cone to stream just by pulling the trigger more. additionally it is much cheaper than another Pressure Washer so wear and tear expenses will be cut down. Only get it with the proper size proportioner and remote control. Batch mixing with that system is annoying and will run out super fast all the time. My first new big piece of equipment was the Hydrotek kubota 8gpm hot pressure washer but I was way more excited when I got the ar all set up properly. For flat work it would be super easy to pre and post treat with that and then wash with the pressure washer. It’s great for residential too wash at any strength on the fly and rinse with almost 12 gallons a minute. I got the mixer with two soap valves and use the second one for neutralizer.
