Replacing System’s Pump

We recently purchased a Predator 4400 PSI, 4.2 GPM machine from harbor freight, not realizing how much the direct drive pump would set us back.

We are looking into replacing the water pump with a belt driven system that has a similar PSI and GPM. However, I am struggling to find a belt driven pump with adequate PSI, so I figured I would come here for some recommendations. I am based in Arizona.

I am also curious as to whether the type of pump matters. I know it needs to be a pressure washer pump, but what else do I need to look out for to ensure it fits our machine?

Thanks in advance.

Forget about the PSI. Its more about the GPM. Its been rumored that the predator engine in question will put out 7.8 gpm at 2400 psi. I dont believe that but its been said to be verified multiple times by someone who wrote the book on pressure washing so it must be legit. Buffer tank capability is the question.

So you think it would be fine to swap the pump with a 5.0 GPM, 4000 PSI pump?

As long as you have the buffering capacity i think you coukd go six and still keep a decent 2500+ psi

Is there a certain size tank you’d recommend at 5 and 6 GPM? We are still really new and only rocking 35 gal tank on residential jobs.

My backup up washer is a 5.5 gpm and it’s on a 35 gallon buffer……no issues.

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You don’t want or need 4000psi for residential. 3000 or less is fine.

Look, I did all this BS exactly like you are trying to figure out. Trying to put lipstick on a pig with direct drives, buffer tanks, aux water pumps, what GPM to use etc. Sell what you have, go find a used belt drive for ~$800 and use that for a while until you can upgrade to an 8gpm.

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Okay. So to run a belt drive pump, does that mean swapping the engine? Or can I just swap the pump out?

He’s saying you bought the wrong stuff. Sell it. Then buy the right stuff from the get go instead of wasting time and energy trying to make it do what you want.

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