Purchasing New Equipment ~ Advice Needed

TexasHunnee

TexasHunnee

New member
Which option should I go with in Y’alls opinion ? This will be supporting a reclaim system

Package 1
1 35 HP Vanguard - the output is 8.5 GPM @ 3,600 PSI, so with 2 guns the output is 4.25 GPM @ 3,600 PSI on each gun. This one has 2 200 gallon tanks. 16 ft trailer dual axle I asked about Idling down to do softwash and they said they could do that.

A) From reading on this site I’ve seen complaints on the vanguards. Would Honda be a better option? If not what would be?
B) The tanks seem small should I go bigger?

Package 2
Or I could get 2 23 HP Vanguards with each have a single gun – Output 5.5 GPM @ 3,500 PSI and upgrade the tanks to 2 350’s or 2 550 tank. This requires a larger trailer 10k dual axle.

A) Pro’s I have 2 units if one goes down.
B) I Can switch them to Honda’s if they are better


I want the versatility to utilize my first system in any situation that I may come across. I’ve been around oilfield work my whole life so I have plenty of contacts in that area to grow into. To start I will focus on small commercial and mix with residential for fill in work. Eventually I want to keep my main rig (this one) for the heavy commercial flat work, building exteriors, garages ect. Being that I’m new into this and don’t know where my niche will be until I get going it’s hard to tell what to get. I’ve already got inquires to do some commercial work but I’m not ready yet ! I just don’t want to purchase the wrong thing and regret it. It’s pretty expensive and not being savvy enough to know sucks. Does anyone know of a local dealer in the Houston Area where I could go see and touch the equipment? I greatly appreciate any input.

Thanks
~Tammy
 
First, I'm not a fan of vanguards, I go Honda. With that said, some like them. Out of the 2 I would go with the second setup. Like you stated, if one goes down you will have the back up. 5.5gpm is great and even with 8gpm 2 200 gallon tanks would be fine. If your going to do commercial have you thought of hot water? You will need it.


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Reading your Bio, sounds like you could tackle building your own rig and save a lot of money.


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Chris Dubbs said:
First, I'm not a fan of vanguards, I go Honda. With that said, some like them. Out of the 2 I would go with the second setup. Like you stated, if one goes down you will have the back up. 5.5gpm is great and even with 8gpm 2 200 gallon tanks would be fine. If your going to do commercial have you thought of hot water? You will need it.


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Definitely agree with Chris- go Honda if you can upgrade to it

2- 200 gal tanks are fine

What kind of pricing are you getting? Im assuming there is a different quote for a Honda upgrade
 
Chris Dubbs said:
Reading your Bio, sounds like you could tackle building your own rig and save a lot of money.


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Chris, I'd love to buy my stuff individually and put it together but I would need help doing that. I know it would be ton's cheaper ! If their is a Houston guy rep willing to help me out with that I'll def consider. I want to do it right not rushed :)
 
You're actually pretty lucky, you have Doug right in your own backyard. I personally would go with a Kohler engine. I had a Honda once also and never had any problems with it. Even if you don't plan on using it right away I would get a hot water unit. 8 GPM versus 5.5 GPM is a difference between night and day. They are more $$$ but they will pay for themselves as far as saving time in a very short period.

As for brands if I had to order a new unit today I would go with Sirocco from Jerry. I've had 2 new Hydrotek units and they both have given me problems. They even put the wrong fuel pumps on both of them.
 
Vince Wood said:
You're actually pretty lucky, you have Doug right in your own backyard. I personally would go with a Kohler engine. I had a Honda once also and never had any problems with it. Even if you don't plan on using it right away I would get a hot water unit. 8 GPM versus 5.5 GPM is a difference between night and day. They are more $$$ but they will pay for themselves as far as saving time in a very short period.

As for brands if I had to order a new unit today I would go with Sirocco from Jerry. I've had 2 new Hydrotek units and they both have given me problems. They even put the wrong fuel pumps on both of them.
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Vince, I'm not familiar with Sirocco ~ can you send me contact info for Jerry ? I've hear bad from everyone on each Kohler, Vanguard and some not as much on Honda's ! I agree with you I'd rather have a beast with too much power and it's there if I have a need than not enough power and regret it. Do you utilize a 2 gun system on yours? I just want to make the right decisions right from the start as best as I can. I appreciate your input really helps.
 
Doug Rucker said:
Get Honda or Kohler.....do not get Vanguard
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Hey Doug - Vince told me your in my neck of the Woods (and I see that on your sig now) If you have time I'll buy lunch in exchange for some equipment info lol... or if you know of a local rep in our area I can reach out to for comparison on what I've already been quoted I would appreciate it.

~ Thanks
 
Chris Dubbs said:
First, I'm not a fan of vanguards, I go Honda. With that said, some like them. Out of the 2 I would go with the second setup. Like you stated, if one goes down you will have the back up. 5.5gpm is great and even with 8gpm 2 200 gallon tanks would be fine. If your going to do commercial have you thought of hot water? You will need it.


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Chris, Yea they quoted me Hot water system horizontal powerline unit (their brand) with 80 coils and all the other bells and whistle's....they just lumped it all together in one price and I like knowing each piece of equipment and the brand name associated with it and the cost of each line item...Soooo they will have to send Monday she said as they are having classes now. That's ok I'm patient and I check everything out regardless and due my due diligence carefully.
 
TexasHunnee said:
Hey Doug - Vince told me your in my neck of the Woods (and I see that on your sig now) If you have time I'll buy lunch in exchange for some equipment info lol... or if you know of a local rep in our area I can reach out to for comparison on what I've already been quoted I would appreciate it.

~ Thanks
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Sure thing....Busy the rest of the week but early next week looks good. Just let me know when and where.
 
Now if i had a budget to work with I would call Paul or Bill at "THE POWER WASH STORE " I am sure they could take care of every single need you have and then some. They build some pretty nice stuff and will work with you every step of the way. Call them they are awesome.
 
TexasHunnee said:
Vince, I'm not familiar with Sirocco ~ can you send me contact info for Jerry ? I've hear bad from everyone on each Kohler, Vanguard and some not as much on Honda's ! I agree with you I'd rather have a beast with too much power and it's there if I have a need than not enough power and regret it. Do you utilize a 2 gun system on yours? I just want to make the right decisions right from the start as best as I can. I appreciate your input really helps.
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I actually use a 1 gun system on my unit since I do 99% commercial work. If you use a 2 gun system at 8 GPM 3500 PSI you will get 4 GPM 3500 PSI out of each gun.
Jerry's website is pressurewasher.net I know there are some pictures of some of his equipment on this forum somewhere. I bought a reclaim unit from Jerry not too long ago and haven't had any issues with it at all. Plus he is only a 2 hour drive from me in case something does break. Bill and Paul actually build great equipment as well.

I run 27 HP Kohler engines on my Hydroteks and they use about the same amount of gas as my old Kohler 18 HP did. My reclaim system has a 9.5 HP Kohler on it.
 
Most don't use 2 gun systems. When on person let's of trigger the other on surges. It's harder on the hoses and equipment and more fatigue on the workers.


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junker1 said:
Now if i had a budget to work with I would call Paul or Bill at "THE POWER WASH STORE " I am sure they could take care of every single need you have and then some. They build some pretty nice stuff and will work with you every step of the way. Call them they are awesome.
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Thanks Steven I'll check them out....the more options I have the better I'll feel. Knowledge is power !
 
Vince Wood said:
I actually use a 1 gun system on my unit since I do 99% commercial work. If you use a 2 gun system at 8 GPM 3500 PSI you will get 4 GPM 3500 PSI out of each gun.
Jerry's website is pressurewasher.net I know there are some pictures of some of his equipment on this forum somewhere. I bought a reclaim unit from Jerry not too long ago and haven't had any issues with it at all. Plus he is only a 2 hour drive from me in case something does break. Bill and Paul actually build great equipment as well.

I run 27 HP Kohler engines on my Hydroteks and they use about the same amount of gas as my old Kohler 18 HP did. My reclaim system has a 9.5 HP Kohler on it.
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Vince/Chris ~ I asked that question about a 2 gun system and if it would effect hose pressure and the other gun (user) and I just got NO it wouldn't. It makes since that it would the way you put it Chris. So, glad for this Forum ! I think the 8 GPH @ 3500 is the way I want to go but now talking to y'all def single gun. I need to talk to someone about how I want to set it up and get straight answers face to face. I really appreciate the input guys ! I probably need two systems for 2 workers. I plan on doing the smaller stuff but will need man power for the bigger stuff. I can't be a solo operation but I sure as heck will put in the effort that I can to make it work lol...
 
I just unloaded my business account to build a commercial rig for flatwork and gas stations. I did a lot of looking around and found Powerwash store to have the best deal. I saved about 4k putting it all together myself with a couple friends. For oilfield work you will need those big tanks, but fore everything else you can get by with 200 gallons. Also, know that you will need diesel engine to work in the oilfields. No need for double axle in my opinion. I got a stellar deal on a new trailer at Texas Trailer Supply, which is in your backyard. They really like cash. Craigslist has some good deals on all the accessories you'll need. It's easy to go overboard in buying equipment and chemicals. Heat is great, but unnecessary. I scrap most gum off by hand. I washed houses for a year with a little generac machine that I carted out of the back of my truck. It worked and low overhead. I sometimes wonder why I didn't just stick with that business model....
 
$10k you can get a gas 8 gpm machine + burner + trailer + tank(s).

The only way option 1 does not surge is if it has 2 pumps and 2 burners, 1 pump/burner per wand. 35 hp is a high number for the output of that machine. I have a 35hp briggs 3300 hours, no leaks, just filters/plugs/oil changes just sayin. I wouldn't do a briggs though, kohler would be my choice.

Don't know what your water situation is, ie need to bring or you can get it on site, but it's easier to hual and fill less then add more water later. You need to understand what is needed and required for the work you are chasing.

Honestly go gas pressure washer and as big of trailer and tank as you think you need. Take the pressure washer off later and put it on the 450 that you are looking to get down the line with the small tank. Put the big or dual wand pressure washer on the trailer where the first one was and start making 2x the money with the 2 units. This also allows you to build up your customer base and have less debt to payoff while you are starting.

Everybody wants the ultimate rig and to cover all the bases when you start, problem is you are starting out with hopes and dreams and those don't pay the bills for the new rig. I went 3.5 years on 4.5 gpm, 600 us gallon tank, with a small burner and made 10x + what the rig+equipment cost and built up a good customer base and idea what I needed for equipment.
 
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