Surface Cleaner Question - Power Wash Network "The Power Wash Contractors Forum"

Jonney_boy · #1 (**permalink**) 07-22-05

I currently have a 13hp honda pressure wash with a general pump on it (3500psi @ 4gpm), cold water. I tried searching the fourm but didn't really find the answers I was looking for.

In the very near future we are thinking of purchasing a surface cleaner, prob a BE 20" or 24" model. Most of what we clean would be general resdential cleaning (driveways, patios, etc).

Is there a big difference between a 2 nozzle model and a 3 nozzle model? Would I have enough power to use one of the larger 24" models?

As for the tips, I do understand how to read the tip charts but not when i'm taking into consideration multiple tips. Do you just multiply the diamater and assume it is one big tip (ie the BE 24" whirl-a-way comes with 3 020 tips.. do you just look up a 060 tip on the chart?) For the pump i'm using would I need to replace the tips with something smaller/bigger (manfacture only states max ratings, not min).

Having not used a surface cleaner before i'm not sure what to expect/want. Are castors a good thing or bad as it seems some models come with it but others don't (18" whirl-a-way has castors but the 20" model does not). Also, since i'm only planning to purchase one surface cleaner, I should get the biggest one my pump can handle (24") and just do the corners/etc with a turbo nozzle?

I'm currently doing most of my work with a turbo nozzle, while I know it's not the best thing for concrete using a regular wand takes too long and seems to leave stripes.... would a surface cleaner be able to produce results similar to a turbo nozzle? is it faster?

ps.. This is my first post, If I have violated some fourm rule, please feel free to point me in the right direction

Thanks

Mark · #2 (**permalink**) 07-22-05

Jonney,

Welcome to the PWN.

Three nozzle surface cleaners perform better
than the two bar models (clean faster) providing
you ave enough volume and pressure (GPM & PSI)
to power the surface cleaner you could use the
20" or 24" model.

Casters or floater is a personal preference. You are
correct in how to calculate tip / nozzle size.

My suggestion is for you to go with a 20"

desi · #3 (**permalink**) 07-22-05

please go over how to calculate tip / nozzle size again.

MR ALAN · #4 (**permalink**) 07-22-05

Quote:

Originally Posted by desi

please go over how to calculate tip / nozzle size again.

Eric,
Use this Nozzles help

Jonney_boy · #5 (**permalink**) 07-22-05

Are the tips on a surface cleaner (such as the BE units) hard to change? Is it just a screw off the old tip and screw on a new tip job or is it more to it than that?

Also, after doing the math it seems that the 24" BE unit will give me 2000psi with the "stock" tips..... would this be enough cleaning power for normal concrete cleaning (patios and driveways). Would it be faster and more benificital if I droped down to a 015 tip to raise the pressure up to 3000psi?

Mark · #6 (**permalink**) 07-22-05

They are easy to change.

Yes higher PSI would be helpful.

Keep It Clean · #7 (**permalink**) 07-26-05

For what you are running i would stay with a 20 whirl-away.

Jonney_boy · #8 (**permalink**) 08-02-05

Thanks for the info everybody...... I ended up purchasing a 24" stainless steel whirl-a-way and so far am happy with it

The pump seems to be able to keep up with the surface cleaner and a pressure guage (connected between the pump output and the high presure hose) is showing 2400-2500psi.

I did clean my own patio when I got the surface cleaner and could not belive how FAST it was. Cleaning the patio used to be a 4 hour job (turbo nozzle)... I got it done with the surface cleaner in approx 20 mins....... and another 15 mins to rinse off the dirt + catch the edges........

35 mins vs 4 hours.... i'm happy

now, having gotten the surface cleaner, I have a few more questions.
1) I don't use the surface cleaner that often, is there anything I have to be aware of when storing it for months at a time.
2) I'm planning to install a quick disconnect between the high pressure hoze and the whirl-away's head... this is to allow me to disconnect the handle from the base and store it seperately at home (taking up a lot of floor space at home). I have read a post on this fourm saying that quick connectors placed AFTER the trigger wear out quickly. Is this of concern?
3) The head on the BE whirl-away needs to be greased as per the manual's instructions. What grease should I use? and where the excess grease come out?
4) What do you guys use to rinse the floor after using the wirl away. currently i'm using a 40deg, 1500psi tip and it seems to work alright, but is there anything that would make my job faster / better?
5) How do you guys start your PW? I found it to be very "intresting" trying to hold the trigger on the surface washer with one hand while pull starting the pump with the other....... is there a better way to do this? I can't start the pump without releasing the pressure on the line........ i'm a small dude.. hehe.