Equipment question

[fire&water]

I’m planning to purchase a pressure washer to start my business and after reading a lot of posts on this and other boards I have a few questions that I need your opinion.

I will be cleaning concrete and curbs for strip malls.


1. What GPM/ hp do you recommend for surface cleaning with a surface cleaner?
2. What size surface cleaner?
3. What is a good size tank to start with? 250, 500+ (I don’t won’t to go too small.)
4. Should I buy a cold unit and add a hot box later as cash flow allows or save and get a hot unit to start. This is a part time venture and I have some small accounts already lined up with a friend that sweeps parking lots.

(Get to work or save money and try to do it right from the start. I don’t want to look like a fly by night operation with a small machine and 25’ of hose, but if it makes money to by bigger equipment then I see on foul.)

I value everybody’s opinion on this. Thanks

 

[John B]

I know a guy that cleans concrete with a 3500 psi at 5 gpm.. Cold Machine and has a 20 inch surface cleaner and a 300 gallon tank.. He does a pretty good job.. I use hot water machines . Cold water works but your jobs will take longer than if you used hot water..

A good cold water machine will run about 1200.00
A good Hot Water unit will cost about 4500.00 to 6000.00
A Water Tank will run about $200 to $300
If you buy a hot box you will then have to buy a generator or be near a power source..

As an Example I used a 3500 psi @4gpm 200 degree Hot Water unit with a 20 inch surface cleaner that I built Myself.. for about $275.00 .. I Cleaned an average size sidewaLK at a restaurant for $175.00 it took 2 hours.. The restaurant said that I Did it real quick .. they said the last guy used a cold water machine and it took him almost 5 hours....

 

[K.J.]

For a QUALITY surface cleaner,check out this thread http://www.propowerwash.com/board/upload/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=5925

 

[John B]

Yall know what freaks me out .. I have a 1100.oo adjustable steel eagle.... and the homemade surface cleaner cleans better....I cant figure it out..

 

[Carolina Prowash]

Look for Tom Vogel - ACR Products, Inc. acrproducts@epix.net acrproducts.com
1-866-455-1293

He has machines, chems, etc... He's a super guy, very knowledgable and knows what you will need and won't and can get you going with what you can handle.

Celeste