I’ve been using a 3000psi 2.8GPM pressure washer because most of my work is for paint prep. On the odd occasion I do driveways but they take a long time. I think it’s time for me to upgrade to a bigger machine.
Buy used or better yet your own for cheaper. I see your in Canada go to Greencanpump and price out a pump and engine. Get a belt drive or get a gear box.
Not everyone wants to, or is able to carry around buffer tanks to go 5.5 or larger. I only do a small amount with a pressure washer, so I picked out a 4 gpm for that exact reason. All the houses in my city can easily supply enough water. If you’re only doing small residential driveways and sidewalks, 4 gpm is fine. Compared to a 2.8 it’s going to be a huge step up for him. He said it’s only for odd occasions. The other nice thing about a 4 gpm is you don’t have to mount it to your truck or a trailer. Start getting bigger and sure, you can still keep it on a cart, but it’s going to suck to transport it.
If you’re buying a direct Drive unit you could probably save $300 or so by buying the parts individually and putting them together. You would buy the base, the engine and then you can even get a pump with an unloader already on it. When I started I was able to get a used pressure washer with the GX 390 motor for about $90 and then I cleaned the carburetor and bought a general pump 4 gallons per minute 4000 psi for about 400 bucks and use that for the first year
What matters the most other than the flow you need is that you either buy a belt drive or a gear drive. There’s no reason to want a direct drive in any situation.
Between those two for the purpose you state, I’d definitely go with the EZ4040G. I run those on my smaller setups, and have been 100% happy since day 1 (2011). Was NOT happy with the Comet pumps I tried… I maintained them all with equal care but found the General Pumps last way longer and are less prone to damage from things like clogged filters, interrupted water flow, etc. Now that I think of it, I’ve never had an EZ4040G die, and I’m talking wayyyyyy more hours than their industrial rating.
Re: @MuscleMyHustle and direct drive… I see that sentiment that a lot on these only forums, and have never felt the same way. I’ve been 100% happy with the 4gpm direct drives I’ve had (Honda 390/EZ4040G), including the first I purchased in 2011 which I still run. Other than an occasional broken pull (starter) cord, 0 mechanical breakdowns, super-easy maintenance, zero need for a buffer tank. In contrast to that, I’ve literally sold two direct-drives directly off my truck to local painters who were desperate for a working machine, after their belt drives crapped out in the middle of a job.
I also run a belted machine, but only because it’s not available in a direct-drive at that higher GPM.
I used a direct drive when I first started out as I didn’t have this forum to know any better and my pump died, I replaced it with a EZ4040KG… it’s a good direct drive pump if you need to replace your current but… if you can make the switch to gear or belt drive I would make the switch
I have one at home I got from a neighbour, specifically use it to wash my boat, the way I throw it in the corner after I’m done with it you would think I live in a bowling alley. They do have some uses, just not 8am - 5pm Monday to Friday.
