I don’t want to be selfish and just ask for people to verify, if you’re willing to glace it through it would mean a ton to me. I want to make sure this is the right decision and having some opinions will help, there’s a lot of things to factor in when looking at a setup but with the help of others and based on the information I’ve decided the following would be the most efficient 1-2 year starting setup and based on the money I make, the I hope a 8GPM is in the crosshairs. The following setup is just for a PW setup to softwash using the injector. Thank you.
PressureTek: Direct Drive 4 GPM @ 4000 PSI Downstream Nozzle Kit GP High Draw Injector Kit (Comes with PW and nozzles) Suttner ST-2315 Stainless Steel Quick Connect Pressure Gauge Suttner 4000 PSI Hose - Gray ST-357 3625 PSI Suttner Turbo Stainless Steel Quick Connect Pressure Gauge $1,710
Nothing good washing related come from powerwashstore, Amazon or Walmart. Bob at pressuretek is Aces above all, but this forum is supported by sales from the owner at pwra. @Jordie can hook you up with pricing
I agree wouldn’t order much from Amazon aside from occasional oxalic or others to mix from fla labs. Depends how busy you are since i know your starting but things like chemical injector its nice to have 2. Would hate to get on a job and a small part like that stop you. Especially if your not rinsing the injector after use. Add a pump up sprayer to that list also. (If you don’t already have one). May need stronger than a injector can give you at some point. Not a back pack sprayer most agree don’t want to be strapping chemicals we work with on your back. And some extra fittings like quick connects. I’ve read plenty good about both slo mo and elemonator. I plan to get some soon myself. Personally a 5.5 gpm would do you better if possible but opens up needing more stuff like buffer tank. If you haven’t seen it there is a beginners setup thread that will give you a decent guide on things and where to get some of them like the chemicals. And Jordie can definitely help out.
Yeah I chose a 4 so I didn’t need a buffer because my truck is tiny and I’d rather have the upgrade and get my friend going with me. So you’re saying get a pump up as back up in case my injector ■■■■■ the bed, that’s a good idea thank you. I’m planning on soaking my injector after every job and yes I’ll be getting many quick connects thank you! I’m posting a new updated list now.
As a new PW myself, get a few injectors with fittings. Have the spare injectors on your truck/trailer. The pump up sprayer is for when you need a higher percentage of SH for tougher organics. You will never hit a second story with the pump up. 5.5 gpm is what I have with a buffer tank. I squeezed lot of stuff in the back of a short bed Avalanche. If you can, get the 5.5. Hose reels will save you a lot of time and you will look more professional when you roll up to the house. They are not inexpensive, but worth it.
I’d noticed no reel but knew its a money thing also. When only doing a little here and there its ok but the faster you get setup clean and packed the faster you can get to another. A helper is nice also. But he isn’t working for free. I’m just doing it by myself at moment. Hannay reels is what many like here. Just got mine other day. 2 reasons I bought mine looks more professional my opinion and it only took one day rolling hoses and timing myself to see there has to be a faster way. You can search here believe there has been some cheaper reels mentioned for start up but many will lead you towards hannay. Sprayerdepot has great prices and free shipping on them. I don’t have one for my feed hose just for the pressure hose for now. And the sprayer is primarily for when you need a higher strength of chemical. Injector is great but only can draw so strong. Say the concrete isn’t coming clean you can mix a stronger cleaner in sprayer and treat it. A 12v system is how many do it but that is more money and more involved. Better but sprayer will do you to make money at moment and in a very tight pinch it may help with bad injector but the idea to have spare injectors is for that purpose and I’d agree have a spare fitted up so its a quick pull off throw new on. Then you can fit the new spare up and have it ready for the next failure. The more you wash its not a matter of if it fails but when. And rarely is it gonna fail at a good time. Just remember your mix % change depending if your downstreaming or using a sprayer. The way I rinse mine is towards end I pull the tube out the mix bucket drop it into a clean bucket with clean water you’ll be rinsing house with lower pressure normally so it will pull from the injector clearing the line and rinsing injector. The idea would be buy 5.5 gpm then after some money comes in have a 12v system and you’ll be well on your way. But one step at a time. I do understand the reasoning for not wanting buffer. As many will say also search and read. There’s tons of knowledge here. From what to be careful around, what chemicals for what, how to fix some common issues. I usually read the latest topics then just start flipping through the suggestions at bottom of threads.
Looking back and reconsidering I agree with racer. I also would take his advice over anything i say. I haven’t been here long but highly respect @Racer and @marinegrunt when it comes to their knowledge. ( deck cleaning 101 is a great thread to read through at some point) Direct drive very possibly would not be able to add buffer tank later if you choose. Direct drives don’t draw well normally. Some will some won’t from what research I’ve done. Just to point out buffer tank is for holding water and making sure your not running pump dry but it also allows you to plumb your bypass so your circulating water from tank back to pump keeping pump cool and allowing you to not have to worry if you let off trigger. Without a buffer to plumb to its just what water is in that little black hose thats on pump circulating to keep it cool which will be warm within few seconds and no longer keep your pump cool and a new pump will be a thought very quickly if you don’t train yourself to remember that. It doesn’t have to be a huge tank. I couldn’t say how big it would need to be as I have not got that far into what I’d need for a 5.5 yet. I expect reliabilty may be a factor also on direct drive but haven’t done a lot of research on direct drives just what appears in my random reading.
Hey thanks for these responses, I chose to get a Belt Driven 4 GPM @ 4000 PSI General Pump, I’m planning on upgrading to a 8GPM depending on the money I make, I don’t have the room for a buffer yet that’s why I chose to go under 5.5 .
Great tips, thanks and yeah I guess I should really invest in a reel. The pump is also a good idea I’m going to do that for sure. Thank you for all of the help!
