Need help choosing my first pressure washer

Supplies & Equipment
1

Hi guys,

Been reading the forums for a couple months now - going to start doing this in the summer so I finally signed up to ask for some advice. Currently working on getting incorporated, getting insurance, and getting a Facebook page/Website set up.

After that I have to make a decision on equipment and think I have to it down to three options.

These are the three options I’ve been looking at:
Please note these prices are in CAD and I have excluded hoses/guns/etc as I assume they would be the same regardless of which way I go.

1. Cost $950.

Unit: https://www.costco.ca/Champion-4200-PSI-Gas-Pressure-Washer.product.100423887.html

Pros:
Already built.
Backed by Costco’s return policy.
On a cart.

Cons:
Direct drive.

2. Cost: $950
$400 Engine
$430 Pump
$45 Unloader
$50 Belt and pulleys
$25 2x4s and plywood to build a platform to bolt it to

Engine: https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/15-hp-420cc-ohv-gas-engine-with-electric-start/A-p8449019e

Pump: Green Canpump – Pressure Cleaning and Misting Products, Accessories & Spares

Pros:
Belt drive.
15hp engine.
Electric start.

Cons:
Takes up more space.
Have to build it myself, warranties aren’t as good as Costco.
No cart.

3. Cost: $550
$430 Pump
$45 Unloader
$50 Belt and pulleys
$25 2x4s and plywood to build a platform to bolt it to

Pump: Green Canpump – Pressure Cleaning and Misting Products, Accessories & Spares

Engine: Put it on a 10HP Tecumseh engine I already have, save for a Honda GX 390.

Pros:
Cheaper.
Belt drive.
Able to put away ~$400 towards a Honda.

Cons:
Will this even work with a 10hp engine?
Same as option 2.

I’m leaning towards buying the Costco unit because it has the cart and I will be working out of an SUV until I can make enough to buy a truck. Down the road I could buy a belt drive pump and keep the direct drive pump as a backup or sell it.

Just for reference a Honda GX 390 costs $1200 new here (eastern Canada) and around $600 used if you can even find one. The best price I’ve been able to find on a 4gpm belt drive unit is around $2200 plus shipping. If any one has experience with the Canadian market, please let me know if I’m just looking in the wrong places.

I’d appreciate if someone can shoot some holes in my plan or show me an option I haven’t thought of.

Thanks!

2

Hi :wave:t2:

You don’t say what your budget is?

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Nothing you listed is a viable option for commercial washing. Build up your budget or borrow some money. Hang in there

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Sorry about that. My budget excluding reels/hoses/guns is $1200.

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Thanks. The reason I’m trying to get going now is that I didn’t want to miss the start of the season. Do you think it’s any harder to start mid-season if I were to take a couple months and save up for better equipment?

Another thought I had was that I could line up jobs for Saturdays and knock out a few per day with a rental from Home Depot. They charge around $100/day for their 4gpm belt drive machine.

6

Have to agree with IBS - although you do have to start somewhere, those are not good options really.

We don’t have it here, but I’ve heard Craig’s list is something to scan on a daily basis for that bargain.

In the meantime, keep saving. It will save you a lot of heartache in the long run. The machines you have listed have no resale value, unlike a GX390 set up, for when you want to upgrade.

Not sure how this forum works about putting up a “wanted” ad - but there will be lots of people who might have a GX390 they are willing to part with. I have 3, but I’m in Australia!

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7

After a lot of research this is what I am starting with. I would save up like these guys are saying. Just my .2 cents.

https://www.powerwashstore.com/P/2837/EagleSeriesBeltDrive5.6-2500NoEB5525HG

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8

That’s a nice rig for most things - apart from any commercial flat work :+1:t2:

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giphy-4

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image

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11

“Your a bad bad man jerry, a very very bad man”

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12

IBS, where did he say he was going commercial?

I use a similar 4/4 unit on his list and it works fine for basic surface cleaning and house washing.

That budget limit though, dunno in that. You’ll need another $1000 at least for extras.

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Commercial is anything that makes money. Washing houses, skyscrapers, camels, concrete. If you are washing for anything other than recreation or sport, it’s a commercial enterprise.

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8 bucks a camel all day!

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15

Bingo on the budget. 75k is bare bones minimum to start a washing business. 10k for equipment, 10k for used vehicle, plus insurance, advertising and something to live on for the year it will take to become profitable or bankrupt

16

Sounded like you were talking about commercial vs residential.

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No worries. I ramble on sometimes and confuse myself at times. Squirrel.

18

Whats your total start up budget for everything?

I know when i started i had to pay the full year of ins up front that was $1200 by it self. You also have getting a llc, which was $400. Have to have a way to advertise, thats at least $500. Also need spare parts for everything.

19

Hi again - just wanted to thank you guys for the advice. I listened to what you said and it worked out for me. Instead of throwing money at temporary solutions I just kept saving.

I got lucky and managed to pick this up today for $500 ($375 USD). Everything seems to work good. It is not the best equipment out there, but it is a lot better than what I had originally planned to buy.

20190329_194043
20190329_1940434032×3024 3.01 MB

GX390 + AR Pump 4GPM 3600 PSI
What would you suggest I check over/replace before I run this for too long?

Thanks

20

I would change the oil in the engine and pump. Also the air filter and spark plug. Get a cheap hour meter that wraps around the ignition coil so you can keep up with oil changes. At least that’s what I do since I don’t run it full time so it’s hard for me to keep up with the hours.

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