Hi all,

I know that hot water is better than cold, but I just want to start off doing residential houses, driveways, and sidewalks. I can get a 13 HP 4 GPM 3500 machine for $1099 Direct Drive or $1269 Belt Drive (both with general pumps). I can also get this as a hot setup (12 Volt) for $3360 (add $270 for a heavy duty gearbox... assume this one is Direct Drive)...

I may try to team up with some landscapers in my area as well...

I want to also get a vacu-boom system so I can redirect the water from leaving the property/storm drains. So the price difference between the two units is almost as much as one of these systems.

Thanks for any help!

Rob

I do new construction... Note the "New."

Everything I do is nothing compared to a home with oil in the driveway and other types of stains that other guys come across.

I couldn't ever imagine trying to pull off what I do with a cold water machine.

Basically, a cold water P/W is good for preping something to be painted and the sort.

I would go with the Belt drive, for many many reasons...

Give yourself the room to grow without having to replace equipment to do it, you will thank yourself in the future.

A vacu-boom, in my opinion, is extremely over priced. I took care of this for $30, that could easily direct water to an area to be reclaimed, and others use fire hoses.

Hope this helps....

Orangecrest,

I saw the diverter you made... I can't find anything on the "fire hoses" that other people use?? Can you explain how that works and maybe an idea of where to get them?

Thanks,

Rob

Very good question Rob, was just going to post something similar.

Oragnecrest--

I am looking at doing primarily decks, with alittle bit of driveway and sidewalk work, let's say 90% decks and 10% driveways and sidewalks, what type of machine would you recommend for the beginner?

Also, should it be cart mounted, or truck mounted?

Thanks,

Gary

OrangeCrest.
Could you elaborate a little more on your response to the purchase of a vacuboom. I am presently doing a lot of housewashing and would like to come up with an alternative way to divert the soap back into the grassy area and keep from gettinging in the storm drain. I am currenty using a push broom or a floor squeegie to do this. Any cost effective way then purchasing a vacu boom and it needed equiptment, would be greatly appreciated,

Degraffreed
JayCam Pressure Wash

Sorry for the delay, for some reason these post didn't pop up when they were posted, for me...

The way I understand the fire hose is filled with sand, not all the way, need some give, and clamped at both ends.

This would will be more flexible and can be shaped to the position you need, i.e., circle, curved, straight, good on uneven surfaces.

I have checked out new fire hoses at White Cap and other places. Not cheap!!

I was going to ask the fire station right out side of my communities gate, but while I just wrote this, it occured to me, I have a fire cheif that lives right across the street. Duh!!

I personally love my RK-41 that I purchased from Delco. With additional hose, you could do the decks with out a problem. Since you don't need heat to do the decks, you shouldn't have to worry about killing the grass from the hot hoses, but remember, if you do use heat, do something to prevent the hoses from killing the grass: plywood, cardboard, etc...

One of the deck guys can probably answer your question better than I can. As for everything else you mentioned, a truck or trailer mounted.

I prefer trailer because if the truck breaks down, you can rent a truck and still get to work. Also, you can garage it and drive your truck around without exposing your equipment, unnecessarily.

The biggest drawback that I have encountered, parking! It is hard to squeeze in 40' of equipment plus front and back clearance in some sites.

Buy with the intention of growth. I bought a 17' trailer, which has just now gotten a little tight.

It was great for hoses, surface cleaner, tools, wheelbarrow, etc. But now, two 325 gal tanks, a tool box, and my P/W, looks like I will be moving into the bed of my truck, LOL!!

Hope this helps.

I don't use the Vacuboom. I feel it is totally over priced, very unreasonably so!

If you goto: Water Diverter

You will see my alternative. Also two post up you will see the firehose idea that will work just as good, if not better.

Wow, you guys are awesome. I would have never thought about the hot hoses killing grass until I screwed up one of these expensive places. They'd have wanted me to re-sod their lawn no doubt. lol...

Thanks for all the great tips... Yeah, fire hoses are way expensive. Not sure what other alternatives there are to an actual fire hose....

Rob

I forgot to post that you may try your local fire station to see what they do with their old hoses.

It doesn't have to be water tight, plus a small hole could be sewn closed.

As for the alternative to the firehose, you could try my diverter idea until you get a firehose. Link is above.