fireandrain
New Member
I am considering buying a surface cleaner and was wondering what experiences you all have regarding wheeled OR floating/hovering? Any tips on making my purchase? Greatly Appreciated!!!!!! 
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Floating Surface Cleaners vs. Wheeled Units
- Thread starter fireandrain
- Start date
Mathew Johnson
New Member
All three of mine have wheels... think I would like a floater, but I have never used one.
Dave Olson
New Member
The first surface cleaner I tested had 3 wheels and was heavy. I didn't buy it!
The "Floater" type are lighter, and are just like using a floor polisher. It glides anyway you direct it.
The one it the picture is the type that we've used for 10-12 years. Be sure you get one that will handle hot water. We run ours with two #5 tips, 200 degrees, 3000 psi.
Dave Olson
The "Floater" type are lighter, and are just like using a floor polisher. It glides anyway you direct it.
The one it the picture is the type that we've used for 10-12 years. Be sure you get one that will handle hot water. We run ours with two #5 tips, 200 degrees, 3000 psi.
Dave Olson
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MR ALAN
New Member
I use the Steel Eagle wheeled model. Two pneumatics tires in the back and a single heavy duty caster in the front.
If you are doing sidealks with a driveway or wheel chair ramp, you can tilt it back on the pneumatics to keep it from bottoming out.
If you need to go side to side like a floater, you just lift up and swing it on the front caster.
If you run over something that starts banging on the spray bar, you can tilt it back on the pneumatics and let the debris blow out from under the unit.
I have a floater and a caster unit as well, and they are more difficult to maneuver.
If you are doing sidealks with a driveway or wheel chair ramp, you can tilt it back on the pneumatics to keep it from bottoming out.
If you need to go side to side like a floater, you just lift up and swing it on the front caster.
If you run over something that starts banging on the spray bar, you can tilt it back on the pneumatics and let the debris blow out from under the unit.
I have a floater and a caster unit as well, and they are more difficult to maneuver.
I have a 24" Steel Eagle, like Mr. Alan, and I love it. (I USED to have a 20" Water Jet - which I also loved - that an employee ruined to the point of almost $800 to repair!)
My first sc was a Whirl-a-way, 18" as I remember, with 4 little wheel. Worked great, but the wheels kept getting clogged and they are not cheap. I still have it, as a back-up.
Last year, I bought a floater, 20" with the Hula skirt. I hate it! Too much effort to move forward. Not too bad going backward - side-to-side is murder on the arms and shoulders.
My first sc was a Whirl-a-way, 18" as I remember, with 4 little wheel. Worked great, but the wheels kept getting clogged and they are not cheap. I still have it, as a back-up.
Last year, I bought a floater, 20" with the Hula skirt. I hate it! Too much effort to move forward. Not too bad going backward - side-to-side is murder on the arms and shoulders.
fireandrain
New Member
Hi dave,
I currently have a 4GPM 3750PSI unit. Do you think a hot unit is really worth the investment? I do alot of conc. flatwork,driveways,patios,etc, ( moss removal as well), and decks. I know HOT not cool w/ wood generally, but do you think it wise for a residential guy like myself to invest in a hot unit? A bit concerned about how i would fit the unit in my truck (its much larger,eh?) . Thanks Dave!
I currently have a 4GPM 3750PSI unit. Do you think a hot unit is really worth the investment? I do alot of conc. flatwork,driveways,patios,etc, ( moss removal as well), and decks. I know HOT not cool w/ wood generally, but do you think it wise for a residential guy like myself to invest in a hot unit? A bit concerned about how i would fit the unit in my truck (its much larger,eh?) . Thanks Dave!
Dave Olson
New Member
The longer your in this business the more likely you will need/want hot water.
Most of our work is industrial/commercial not residential. We have done many different types of cleaning projects over the years.
Volume also is a major key to cleaning well and getting good productivity.
Currently we have on our trucks, General TSF-2221 pumps (3000 psi @ 10.2 gpm) and burners rated at over 900,000 Btu.
Dave Olson
Most of our work is industrial/commercial not residential. We have done many different types of cleaning projects over the years.
Volume also is a major key to cleaning well and getting good productivity.
Currently we have on our trucks, General TSF-2221 pumps (3000 psi @ 10.2 gpm) and burners rated at over 900,000 Btu.
Dave Olson
drivewaysonly
New Member
Dave Olson said:
serious cleaning there. Just for giggles, how fast could you clean a 600 sqft foot driveway? Like, four minutes?