I have been in two minds for quite a while. Or multiple minds, to be more precise.
I guess I have a very flexible budget. I have a good-looking saving account, but on the other hand, I don’t want to risk it too much. I consider this year as my learning year. I really don’t expect to make any money.
So, the first question would be, should I start with a 5GPM or 8GPM? 2500CAD vs 5800CAD.
There are a lot of stucco homes in my area. According to my research, DS is not an ideal way to clean stucco. X-jet would be a cheaper way. Booster pump with Proportioner would be an ultimate solution, but would cost a lot more (will still get a PW for other applications).
I guess I have kind of made my decision to start with a lower cost, and slowly upgrade. But, every little while, I would hesitate and want to spend more money…
Just hope that someone can slap on my face, and calm me down =_=
Last question, where do Northwestern folks shop? I plan to ship everything to a border mail office and pick them up in person, but still can’t make my decision as of where to place orders.
Tough question, i guess depends on if you think this is something you really want to do. Because once you buy everything it depreciates substantially.
If you’re committed to it then 8 gpm is where it’s at. But lots of pros here use 5 gpm and are happy.
Purchasing wise, check udor in the search, people mentioned Good sources recently.
Thanks for the reply @DoubleH
I talked to a local store and was happy with his expertise. Unfortunately, they don’t carry Udor pumps. I will probably get the pressure washer from him. But I still need to by a lot of other stuff, especially the soap, x-jet, tips, wand, and other small accessories.
Was wondering where do people in the northwest shop…
Not a huge difference between the cost of an 8 and a 5 honestly. I’m running a 5.5 but for the difference in cost, wish I had went ahead and got an 8. Just my $0.02.
Put it like this. If you have a 4 gpm or a 5.5 gpm you’re kind of always wishing you had an 8gpm. But if you’re running an 8, you’re never thinking, " boy, wish I had a 4gpm"
But it’s not just the machine that costs more, you need bigger buffer tank which usually means bigger trailer too. There’s also a lot to be said though for starting with a smaller machine and learning your craft with it and then taking your profits and upgrading as you go and you get more experience. There are some differences in technique you’ll need to adjust as you go up in size.
The machine it self is almost double the price, plus now you have to run a bigger buffer.
4gpm/5.5gpm belt drives are around $16-$1800 and a 8gpm is around $3500 (before shipping).
Another way to look at this, is if you will be working by your self all the time or with a partner.
I rather have two 5.5 machines going, than one 8 going for about the same price. Now your getting twice the amount of work done.
That all depends on what you buy. No disrespect, but my Pressure Pro 5.5 3500 was over $3k and not much less than the same in 8gpm. If your looking at one of the 5.5 2500 machines, then yes, the price is almost double. But lets make sure we are comparing apples to apples. I didn’t want to sacrifice that much psi going down to a 2500psi machine, so I never considered them. However, I agree on the bigger buffer. I run a smaller buffer with my 5.5 and couldn’t get away with it with an 8gpm. So there is more to consider than just price.
I started with a 3 then up to a 4 then 5.6 then 8. My helper uses the 5.6 now and sometimes I jump on it and can’t wait to get back on the 8. The efficiency is so much higher. If you have the money definitely go for it. If you get a good one (Honda engine & general pump) you will get a good amount of life out of it so you will not need to upgrade as your business grows. I have washed stucco with the downstream you just have to mix it up very strong and sometimes it takes a few washed. I did build a soft wash for certain situations which only cost about $200-$300 with a 5 gpm flomaster pump & materials from northern tool & home depot. Good luck!
I would agree on flat work 1x8gpm is faster than two 5.5 machines. But as far as house washes and things of that sort. Two 5.5 machines would be certainly get more done.
It doesn’t matter if you have 5.5 or 10.5 gpm you can’t speed up dwell time .
Once you go bigger than a GX390 I don’t see why you would not get a 8gpm. Like it was mentioned it’s not much more for the 8 vs the 5.5. The 5.5 at 2500psi is a good machine to get your feet wet and see if you can build a business in your area without spending a ton of money. But if you already know you are in it for the long haul the 8gpm seems to be the way to go.
Thanks to everyone.
Finally made a decision to go with 5GPM after a lot of homework and a half day in a local store.
Four major reasons helped.
The store can get me a 5GPM belt driven for 16xx CAD, great deal.
I will have the opportunity to add another 5gpm machine later and get a 10GPM result with less than 3400CAD.
I just did thorough research on how much money I will have to spend on accessories. I have to say, I was shocked well.
5GPM will be pulling more chemicals, very important for stucco. I can probably do roof washing with x-jet.
Not once you run 8gpm. I would hate to ever go back to lesser. with that said if I eventually add on kitchen floor cleaning then yes I would want the lower gpm.
Cloverdale Lawn & Garden. I helped the owner on computers, and he really gave me some serious discounts.
Though he did not sell me the machine for $16xx in the end, $18xx instead, but did waive the PDI and some oil change convenience kit he built for me.
And the Aussies have a FB forum?!
