Convince me to (or not to) buy a better pressure washer

[Shanarchy]

So far the people who have upgrade are convincing me to do so.

Basing it on a 2-3 minute time saving per screen and a $10/hr worker cleaning screens, a $1000 pressure washer would pay for itself in 2000-3000 screen reclaims.

I'd rather do it now while our Greenworks is still working and we can keep that as a backup.

So what brand/models are you using and recommending (for the better models not the box store variety)?

Thanks!

[jvanick]

Greg Kitson has a place right next to him that builds them, I'm sure he can get you the contact info.

I bought mine from Lorchem in Elgin, IL... they're local and 2 of my good friends work there... they were able to get me a deal on a Landa refurb unit (refurb price before discount was around $1100 for a 1000psi 3gpm unit).

someone else on the forum has the big-brother to mine and is happy with it as well.

short list of the features on our unit.
110v 20a 2hp motor... belt drive... stainless steel housing... auto shutoff... fully rebuildable pump.

[pwalsh]

This is kind of like a carpenter asking when to buy a circular saw or an air nailer.

Of course you can keep doing it with what you have, but how much more efficient could you be with better tools.

It is all about throughput of consistent stuff, does not matter if you are building a workbench or reclaiming screens.

If you build one bench the hand tools are more than good enough, if you are in the business of building workbenches automate.

If you think you are a screenprinter accept the fact that you are more of a screen maker than a screenprinter and do everything possible to improve your screen loop.

ESPECIALLY if you are a mid-sized growing screenprinter a better pw can save you 2-3 minutes per screen, EVERY SCREEN.

My 2 cents,

~Kitson

Great advice Greg, and the only other person who might have said it better was Tim Allen

[Sbrem]

I can only add to the "buy a good one" crowd, I've had only 3 pressure washers in 40 years, the current one is at least 25 years old, having been rebuilt once, a replacement pump only, the motor won't die. A quality unit will run forever, and that'll be one less thing on your mind.

Steve

[kingscreen]

As the saying goes, if it isn't broken, don't fix it. 

We upgraded to a pricey unit only after we started going through the $99 units about every other month.
If yours is working fine for you, I don't see a reason to upgrade.  Until you start burning them up on a regular, I'd stick with what you have.

Also, consider the investment.  If you have $1k to put on a better pressure washer, where might that $1k better serve you right now?
Just adding another perspective.

[bimmridder]

I would also suggest taking a good look at GPM on any unit you are considering, not just the PSI.

[mk162]

a lot of the cheaper units are over-rated on their PSI and GPM.  I have a camspray 1500 and I will say it wears my arm out compared to the 1400 psi backup unit I have.  Same GPM rating too.  But the camspray will kick through some screens compared to the other one.

when this one needs rebuilding again I will buy another one to keep at the house.  These are great for small decks and walkways.  I wouldn't dare do  driveway with one.  Also, with a 45 degree tip you can clean your shower grout with them.

[jvanick]

Anyone here is welcome to come to my shop and take ours for a spin...  heck, bring your el-cheapo one and you can side by side them...

-J

[Screen Dan]

So what brand/models are you using and recommending (for the better models not the box store variety)?

I love my Hydro-Engineering HydroBlaster.  3000 PSI, 3gpm...you can easily rip the emulsion off without even using chemical.  I don't recommend that, but it works in a pinch.

Hell, I think you could probably take skin off with that thing...plus having the pressure adjuster on the handle in handy.

It's also awesome for developing HD screens for glitter and HD studs, etc.  Saves hours a week for that alone.  Soak it, blast it with that, done in 5-10 minutes.

We tried the "high end" electric models from Grainger, with supposedly higher pressure and gpm, but, pffft, as has been mentioned already they are definitely over rated...and Mi-T-M makes good stuff...just not as good as H.E.  Quiet, reliable, powerful and also a goddamned bargain.  The "3000psi 4gpm" Mi-T-M was $3500, if I recall correctly.  The HE Hydroblaster was the best $1500 I've spent in years.

[alan802]

We had the CCI unit for about 7 years, and it crapped out so we bought the Greenworks from Lowes to get us by till we bought a good one.  We went through 5 of the Greenworks units in less than a year and now we have a good unit (that we paid way too much for but that's another story you've all heard, don't buy it from Grainger).  We saved several minutes per screen AT LEAST so several hours a week by using a better PW, and you can get one like we have for $600 or so. 

[mimosatexas]

Anyone tried one of these: http://www.lowes.com/pd_637718-348-020601_0__?productId=50328563

I can get it for $180 with a coupon.  Huge GPM and ok PSI.  I still use the same two $79 greenworks units I got a lowe's years ago and have had zero issues with them, but would love to take off 8" strips instead of 2-3" strips...

[Itsa Little CrOoked]

Hell, I think you could probably take skin off with that thing...plus having the pressure adjuster on the handle in handy.

Did that one time in college (40+years ago). I was cleaning a motorcycle engine "cylinder" at a commercial carwash, and laid my left thumb WIDE open with the water from the wand.

Not just a little cut...

I. Was. Injured.

[Sbrem]

We had the CCI unit for about 7 years, and it crapped out so we bought the Greenworks from Lowes to get us by till we bought a good one.  We went through 5 of the Greenworks units in less than a year and now we have a good unit (that we paid way too much for but that's another story you've all heard, don't buy it from Grainger).  We saved several minutes per screen AT LEAST so several hours a week by using a better PW, and you can get one like we have for $600 or so.

I would build my own at this point; a good motor, pump and gun from Grainger is pretty much what ours is, and as I said, over 25 years old...

Steve

[Itsa Little CrOoked]

My last cheapo bought the farm a month or so ago. I wound up with a Northern (115V electric) model that was about 700. I think it was worth every penny. I can back off a ways and "develop" my screens much faster, or up close and reclaim my Diazo based WR25 SOOOOOO much faster.

I can't believe how many hobby class units we went through, not to mention the time wasted. The time is the bigger loss, for sure.

Penny Wise yet Pound Foolish, those cheapies. YMMV. 

We're too big for one of those now, but too small for 3 or 4 thousand. Should have done this years ago.

[jvanick]

My last cheapo bought the farm a month or so ago. I wound up with a Northern (115V electric) model that was about 700. I think it was worth every penny. I can back off a ways and "develop" my screens much faster, or up close and reclaim my Diazo based WR25 SOOOOOO much faster.

I can't believe how many hobby class units we went through, not to mention the time wasted. The time is the bigger loss, for sure.

Told ya