Building a new pressure washer, comments welcome

[gear junkie]

So my current setup is 4.5 gpm 3000 psi and currently use 3/8 hose to reduce pressure loss at the nozzle. I want to go to 1/4 hose (this is for sewer jetting) and am seriously contemplating changing my setup. I'll be offloading this off the van and onto the ground close to my work area. So here's what I'm thinking.....

-18hp vanguard engine with recoil start and built on gas tank. Looking at this to reduce some weight

-Cat pump 700G1 gear driven Spec wise it should be good for 4.7 gpm 5000psi but realistically I should get between 4300-4500 psi with that engine

-K9 flow unloader. Currently using a flow unloader now and really like the soft start.

The unloader will be on a mounting block and I'll also be installing a thermal relief valve, pop off valve and my version of an easy start valve.

Still on the fence about the frame. Thinking of a flat cart style with lifting eye at the balance point. No hose reel(hate them).

Any thoughts or comments?

 

[Benjamin]

First thoughts,

Most jetting hose that I have seen/used is 3000 psi max, unless you pay crazy money and get some piranha hose which allows higher psi.

Also a pump that allows a jetting setup or valve would be best for this route. Don't know if a flow unloader will last and or do well with a jetting valve either.

Hose reels save you time and keep wear off the hoses, and help save space.

These are just observations, do what will make you money and pay the bills!

 

[gear junkie]

Good point on the unloader.....I found one....General K9. Cost about 500ish. I really don't like the pressure unloaders...too jarring on the system. currently use a flow unloader and really like it. Jetting valves imo are a waste and the same can be accomplished by stepping on the foot pedal quickly. I do use the piranha hose already rated for 5000 psi. The thermoplastic hose on a hose reel is causing me nothing but trouble. The hose jumps out the winding and often needs to be completely unwound then rewound....it's not like the single or double wire hose for trigger guns.

I'm trying to build an aussie style pressure washer. The australians use 5-6 gpm at 5000 psi because they 1/4 hose.....this way they have 3000+psi at the nozzle even with the pressure loss. Here's a link to a typical jetter setup there. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fooXyqchIoE&list=UUr9KnjC0EM9o7yLiENktMOQ Because of the unloader and other components...I'm thinking of upping the gpm and going down on the psi. General has a 6.3gpm 4350 psi pump that I'm thinking about. Seems that passing the 4500 psi mark greatly increases price!