Steam-capable hotboxes?

Supplies & Equipment
21

Do you have a link to the northern tool one? 1500 is a good price if it’s a capable unit. Anyone here used it?

22

I believe @Ikii mentioned above that he’s used one for several years. It’s rated at 4gpm and 250°, IIRC

Edit: here’s the link

https://m.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200377863_200377863?cm_mmc=Google-pla&utm_source=Google_PLA&utm_medium=Pressure%20Washers%20>%20Electric-Hot%20Water%20Pressure%20Washers&utm_campaign=NorthStar&utm_content=157495&gclid=CjwKCAjw5_DsBRBPEiwAIEDRWw-2GkNblWdbS9Ht2lpXzfNHx_agRgy_JT8s2DsYolRLrMeDcNotiBoCB70QAvD_BwE

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23

You’re right. I meant for ice dam removal? Or other applications?

24

Pretty sure he’s in an area that sees little or no snow.

25

Thanks for the link!

26

Finally found the heat rise chart for it in the owner’s manual. Looks like it maxes out at 190° rise. That would probably give me an output temp of ~230° In the middle of winter :thinking:

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27

Some interesting opinions about the purpose-built steam machines:

28

I had read it before… i’m not convinced… i’m sure i agree on some points but overall no.
I think having the specialized equipment may be worth it just to not have to explain all this to every single customer.

29

Hi!
I’m making the move for the ice dam steaming! How should I compare the efficiency from two different dry steam machines? One is 1 gpm and the other one is 2.4 gpm. BUT the 1 gpm one i found in my city, the other one will cost me much more with international shipping and such fees.
Here are the two machines i am comparing:

https://www.alkota.com/product/steam-cleaner-246-dry-steamer-alkota/

Thanks for your help.

30

From my research, I would go with a wet steam machine. Water is an excellent conductor of heat, and will melt through ice much faster than a dry steam can.

I would assume that just as with washing, GPM is king.

If I were going to get into this service, I would definitely go with a steam capable pressure washer, and then just select the tips, gun, etc that would be appropriate for the work.

Get a nice sign made up to cover any mention of “pressure washer” on the machine. Have it say “Ice dam steam machine” instead :wink::smirk:

31

Did you ever end up doing any ice dam removal, Pierre?

32

Oh yes. Loved it.

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33

What machine did you end up getting? I’m thinking I could just slap a different pump on my hot water machine. Did you get much business? I’m in Illinois. We can get some pretty brutal winters but I’m sure nothing like you. I believe you’re in Canada? What kind of pump do you have on your machine? From my understanding it takes a low pressure low gpm pump. Right around 1-2 gpm and 300 psi?

34

I bought a Whitco 2525 steamer.
2.5 gpm, 250 psi.

Worked great and we had a few busy weeks at the end of the winter. We are based in Quebec but just across the river from Ottawa Ontario, our nation’s capital. Lots of snow and ice.

Burned almost as many gallons of diesel (for the steamer) as gallons of coffee we drank.

Insurance did go up a lot though. But i just love working outside in the winter and being able to bring an efficient solution to our clients’ ice dam problems.

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