PSI needed for commercial flatwork?

I posted this question on another forum, and would like some more input.

I am looking into upgrading to a 5.6 GPM unit, but it is only 2500 PSI. People have said this will be enough for res work, but what about commercial? Also, what has been you all’s experiences cleaning driveways etc at this PSI?

I really want this machine because I like the extra GPM, but am concerned about the PSI.

Thanks in advance.
David

Get more.

When moving into commercial work there are 3 things you need to be efficient …#1…GPM…#2…PSI…#3…Heat

Remember with that machine (2500 psi) you will have factor in pressure drop because of hose length…now you’re in the 2000 psi range. Plus I see nothing about if this is a hot water unit, so I take it it’s not…2 strikes.

You don’t race NASCAR with a 4 cylinder car…You don’t tournament fish with a cane pole and a worm…Get The Right Equipment For The Job.

As Always…Just Saying.

My answer is pretty much the same as Guys. Get heat for commercial and a higher PSI. The GPM is fine. We run pretty long hose lengths when it comes to commercial so we need at least 3500 psi per machine so we can get close to 3000 psi on these jobs.

Don’t sell yourself short because 2000psi after you run with some hose length just will not be enough in many cases when it comes to commercial.

This should be more than enough pressure for residential concrete though, right?

As far as commercial, I didn’t know heat was always required. I know it makes lifting stains easier obviously, but I thought cold water could do the trick and you save the hot water for oil stains and really tough stains. Also, wouldn’t something like EBC work in lieu of a hot water machine, or would that cost too much? Excuse my ignorance, I am pretty much res only right now.

Also, if I were to stick to just res work, would you all recommend I choose this machine over a new 4 GPM that is 3000+ PSI?

I read that EBC works good with cold water washing which is good news. That aside a ton of commercial flatwork involves gum popping and there is nothing in this Industry that works to pop gum then hot water.

Almost all commercial store front walkways their going to request gum popping so hot water is paramount for this.

What about a turbo nozzle?

Yes…

Unless you know how and when to use one…no!!!

Hot water at low psi pops gum better and with less damage than a turbo nozzle…we’ve got them on the trucks, but haven’t used them in years.

You can use a turbo nozzle but when the Crete dries there’s a good chance your customer is going to see the scarring that you did. Hot water will just peel the gum away in seconds. Pop pop pop.

It’s not “Always” required…but…it is required to be more efficient and in my opinion more cost effective than relying on cold water and chems.

We do 90% residential work but our trailers have hot water units…it’s (heat) only the flip of a switch away when we need it and has MORE than paid for it’s self over the years.

Kinda like a pocket knife, I carry 1 (or 2) always…I might not use it or need it everyday…but it’s there when I do.

When I first started out I used a turbo nozzle on every concrete job. :eek: Thankfully there was never any etching but boy did I learn quick! it pains me to think back at that now.

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I use a turbo nozzle for every crete job as well. I operate with a 2.5 GPM, works awesome, never an issue, but iam upgrading to a 4.0 GPM 4200 PSI. I am planning on upgrading my turbo nozzle as well. I do all rez work

Ryan if you’re going to upgrade i suggest you look into 8 gpm or at least 5.5. You’ll thank me later

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