[mobile]

Guys

Im looking to start up pressure cleaning soon,  have learnt loads here in the background so what's the view on the flow rates esp 15LPM v 21LPM, the draw back with the latter imo is the need to lug around a wheelie bin, esp since the mrs isn't keen on me getting a transit custom so may need a lwb connect . For now my target market is medium to large domestic drives and patios.

Im torn between them, but would 15lpm support a 18/20" FSC ?

Finally engines - diesel v petrol  and honda v loncin 

ill only buy quality kit from a reputable mainland supplier  within a reasonable budget !

thanks for you thoughts
 

[Smurf]

Decent make washers will only draw from a buffer tank.

[MarkSutcliffe]

Decent make washers will only draw from a buffer tank.

and some no so good ones either

Same boat as this guy.  My budget doesnt sound as generous.. Went to the local pressure washer repair place who stated that, although you get what you pay for, the cheaper ones will run fine provided they are looked after, and worth getting, then replacing with a Honda as soon as you can feasible afford to do so.

My budgets leaving me about 12/13 LPM , and around 3000 psi, going to be transforming a wheelie bin into a buffer tank.

[Matt.]

I think if u save up for a bit and buy the 21 lpm you will reap the rewards once you start getting the work in. I bought mine from Rutland pumps and was really reluctant to spend the money but a few jobs and I was in the profit ...... Well worth it.

[mobile]

My gut said 21 and  it would avoid a future upgrade so will probably take  that route with a standard gx390 not sure I could stretch to a b&s drive set up but will get some options from the Oracle

Does anyone have any thoughts on a loncin diesel engine just I'm sure I've read the yanmar supplier in the UK rates these

[Kev Martin]

Talk to Ben at Rutland he will give you straight honest advice.  If you cannot afford a new one he may be able to sell you a secondhand set up for the interim period.  Call him he doesn't bite

[Smurf]

In this game no matter what you get you will always want something bigger, better with the option of hot/ steam. Especially if you get into the commercial sector as that is a whole different ball game to be able to compete with the big boys like big nozzle.

[mobile]

We'd all like to be bigger I bet 

[Smurf]

Yep as at the mo I feel quite inadequate compared to other big boys about. lol

I'm quite happy plodding alone doing mostly domestic and don't find the need to invest thousands in pressure washing gear just to compete with the big boys on large contracts.

[mobile]

 I'm with you more than happy to deliver to domestics who value a quality service, commercials are so much pain and tight too !

[Matt.]

I would also like a run of the mill domestic pressure washing but all my work is commercial, it's not always about being able to compete with the big nozzles, it's more about having ur customers use you for a variety of jobs to keep the big boys at bay.......

[Smurf]

I would also like a run of the mill domestic pressure washing but all my work is commercial, it's not always about being able to compete with the big nozzles, it's more about having ur customers use you for a variety of jobs to keep the big boys at bay.......

Still it will get to a point when the kit you are using will seem to take forever to do larger areas. As already been pointed out by chris and others a 21lpm pump can't run at  full flow rate on the smaller gx390 engines.  That's when it starts getting silly money wise as then you have to look at getting 30-40 lpm big boys toys to be able to tackle larger jobs efficiently.

[Matt.]

21 lpm is more than enough, would be more inclined to buy a second machine @ 21 lpm and run 2 machines.
U would need a fire hydrant to fill the buffer tank whilst working at 40 lpm.

[MarkSutcliffe]

I have a 600 quid budget to start off..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kiam-KM3400P-9HP-Industrial-Petrol-Pressure-Power-Jet-Washer-Cleaner-3400PSI-/351290183223?hash=item51ca86ce37:g:wVYAAOSwcLxYGeaF

or

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-Gp-200-Petrol-Pressure-washer-with-12-Litre-Ar-Pump-/331971160797?hash=item4d4b05eadd:g:3osAAOSw8vZXMyTg

or

http://www.jwacshop.co.uk/hipw3635-250-8073-p.asp

I'm assuming not the Kiam... last ones local supplier..

[Smurf]

I have a 600 quid budget to start off..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kiam-KM3400P-9HP-Industrial-Petrol-Pressure-Power-Jet-Washer-Cleaner-3400PSI-/351290183223?hash=item51ca86ce37:g:wVYAAOSwcLxYGeaF

or

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-Gp-200-Petrol-Pressure-washer-with-12-Litre-Ar-Pump-/331971160797?hash=item4d4b05eadd:g:3osAAOSw8vZXMyTg

or

http://www.jwacshop.co.uk/hipw3635-250-8073-p.asp

I'm assuming not the Kiam... last ones local supplier..

None of above are really suitable for driveway cleaning. My advice would be not waste your money on one  of those and save up to get a decent spec washer. Or maybe keep an eye out on the likes of  fleebay for a used decent spec washer as good condition ones do come up from time to time.

[MarkSutcliffe]

Start up, so pretty much my limit, but I appreciate what you are saying.

Regards

[Matt.]

If u pushed at £600 and can't really raise anymore money then look at buying a second hand one. Scout round eBay or give the Rutland pumps a ring and see if he has a used machine in stock, at least this way you know It will have been serviced and ready for work. As opposed to buying of eBay it could be on it's last legs. 

[Smurf]

I've not yet bought a brand new washer as I'm a tight arse.  Over the years I've bought 3 used good condition bargains from fleebay which have never let me down yet. Mind there is plenty of poop listed so it's a question of waiting until a good condition used one comes up.

My best fleebay buy to date was a last min bid on a Dual Pumps Delta gx340 reduction gearbox w201 interpump that I got for  £250 http://www.allpressuresprayersdirect.co.uk/delta-dt15200phr-petrol-engine-driven-pressure-washer-15-lpm-200-bar including an 18 inch whirlaway thrown in http://www.allpressuresprayersdirect.co.uk/18%22whirl-a-way-rotary-surface-cleaner  I was the first and only bid as was listed in the wrong section (steam cleaners) so no one looking for a pressure washer had seen it. When I went over to collect it I got the impression the window cleaner that was selling it was none to happy with his missus.

[MarkSutcliffe]

That's the issue, I've been stung on eBay too many times

I've got a full carpet cleaning set up, but i'm struggling to get it launched.. getting 2/3 jobs a week but that's it.  I got stung rotten on that one and took me ages to recover.. This is to go hand in hand with that..

I'm leaning towards the Hiprho for now as its a Honda engine..

The Kiams seema  decent price but have more negative press than positive..

[mikey]

i dont understand why kiams have negative reviews  the 15 ltr warrior looks fine  same spec as the hondas  but different name no one seems to explain why whats the problem with them  iam buying a new washer soon  the warrior is  compact and same spec  what is wrong with kiams products