Got $1800

[Methodical]

to spend on a pressure washer. I'm looking at the Pressure Pro EB4040HC (see below). I like that it delivers 4 gallons per minute, has the Honda engine and is belt driven. One thing I am not too sure about is whether to go with the version with the Cat or General Pump (leaning towards Cat because I've always heard good things about them).

The PW would be for work around the house and I do some side work for neighbors etc. (house wash, decks, sidewalks etc.). I'm tired of chucking down money on the little crappers, so I decided to venture near the big boy area I'm not a contractor, but want quality as I've gone through 2 cheaper PW and don't want to repeat that process.

What do you think? If you have any other PW suggestions, I am open to them.

Note: I'd love the 5 gallon PW, but the price jumps significantly from 4-5 gallons.

http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/Images/Pressure-Pro-EB4040HC-Pressure-Washer/i2828.html


Thanks...Al

 

[On-Wheel]

Wish I bought the 8 gallon minute for 5k. Any ways it sounds like you would be fine without the belt drive ,so far I have.I think I've had my 4k psi 4gl-min for 4-5 yrs.It works great with a turbo nozzle.Its a General EZ4040G pump.Other than that I really don't know what's better except your in the right direction.Buy local you'll thank me on that some day.Most cities have a supplier.

 

[kd3pc]

As a self proclaimed "household" user....this is over kill times a few....but your money and your project.

For me $1800 will buy 18 years worth of little crappers....and I clean boat hulls, nasty piers/docks/etc at least a few times a week with my little one.

best of luck

 

[Methodical]

Wish I bought the 8 gallon minute for 5k. Any ways it sounds like you would be fine without the belt drive ,so far I have.I think I've had my 4k psi 4gl-min for 4-5 yrs.It works great with a turbo nozzle.Its a General EZ4040G pump.Other than that I really don't know what's better except your in the right direction.Buy local you'll thank me on that some day.Most cities have a supplier.

Thanks for the input. Why don't you think the belt drive is necessary? Curious.

As a self proclaimed "household" user....this is over kill times a few....but your money and your project.

For me $1800 will buy 18 years worth of little crappers....and I clean boat hulls, nasty piers/docks/etc at least a few times a week with my little one.

best of luck

Not sure about the overkill part, but I am sure that I don't want to be in the business of buying the little crappers anymore. My time is too valuable to waste spending time buying things that don't last and testing my patience.

Thanks for the input

 

[WhiffySpark]

http://pressuretek.com/beltdirivencat.html

You'd be better off buying from pressure tek. He's a great guy. Also gpm > psi

 

[b7labelle]

What crappers have you been buying?

 

[On-Wheel]

I think belt drive was about $4-500 more? Every year I told sales man I should have bought the belt drive.He asks why .I say well aren't they better ? One guys say oh heck yah.Other 3 guys say my pump will last a real freak in long time. The only thing I could get is the motor will run slower due to pulley size,pump enough water for rinsing.Big deal,these Honda motors will run all day every day . That's why I think you can get by without belt,for along time.I have! With the savings bought 2 50' hose ,$37 siphon hose fitting for soap/chemicals,$100 turbo nozzle.$15 gal soap,$17 gal gutter cleaner.ect
I don't know if a belt would be money ahead in the long run or not,so far it's been great.Id say 30 hours a year.I couldn't get a year out of a 3-4$ unit.Twice!

 

[beamrider]

Cripes, I run a "crappy" Ridgid from Home Depot a solid 50 hours a month, 6 months a year. Change the plug once a year, along with engine and pump oil, it's never given me a single problem.

 

[On-Wheel]

Model # GPM PSI info might help others looking for a unit that's known good.
My last one was a 3100 psi,3gal Simpson,lasted 6 months,if.Pump was on bottom of motor.
It pumped a lot better than 2500 psi Excell 2.2 gal minute did.Pump also on bottom.1 year.

 

[Git]

Sounds like a little overkill - but I would recommend SprayMall

13hp Honda, Cat Pump, Belt Drive, 4000 psi $1,500

http://store.spraymallstore.com/bedr13hphosh.html -

 

[CNGsaves]

^ ^ In true GJ fashion . . get the BEST tool for the job . . . that's NICE !!
That model will now be wishful find on CL !!

What you want on those high pressure models is good way to "spool down" the power for more delicate jobs so you don't cut the wood in half !!

 

[redmondjp]

I currently have a Graco 4Kpsi 4.3gpm belt drive, with a General pump powered by a Briggs Vangard 18hp twin. With the turbo nozzle on it, it will clean anything.

But honestly, it's overkill for homeowner use. It is actually tiring to use because of how much force it takes to control the gun - it seriously pushes back on you and it's amazing how sore you can get after using it for a couple of hours. It's gotten to the point that I don't really look forward to using it (my back feels 25 years older than I do!). Plus the noise from the tip means I use earplugs as well as over-the-ear protection.

Anything with 2Kpsi and 2-3gpm will be just fine for anything around the home. As stated above, if you're cleaning wood, or a roof, you don't want that high of pressure anyways - the flow is doing the cleaning, and 2Kpsi is more than enough for most jobs.

The cost goes up on all of the parts as your size of unit goes up. I had to replace the bypass/relief valve on mine (the one that switches the flow back to recycle when you pull the trigger), and just that valve alone was close to $300 after taxes.

Bigger isn't always better. The size of the unit is such that mine doesn't stay in the garage; it is stored outdoors under a metal cover, meaning that the bottom of the unit is getting all wet right now as we are having massive rain showers as I type this.

I also have a Karcher 1200psi 1.2gpm electric unit that I've had for 25 years now (German-made; still running!). It is fine for small jobs like cleaning patio chairs and car engines. Zero maintenance too, as compared to my big machine.

That's my $.02.

 

[On-Wheel]

Sounds like a little overkill - but I would recommend SprayMall

13hp Honda, Cat Pump, Belt Drive, 4000 psi $1,500

http://store.spraymallstore.com/bedr13hphosh.html -

I think this is the guy that actually makes the base and puts them together.
Buys motors and pumps then assembles into a pressure washer.This is what I bought.http://store.spraymallstore.com/e413hogepu40.html From his brother in VA @ Power Works.Great guys! http://pressureworksinc.com

 

[Methodical]

Wow fellas thanks for the link to spraymall. You made my day. I can get some extras, too. Their prices are definitely better and for the same unit. Glad I posted here. Will check them out for sure. What do you'll think about the add on hose reel?

Btw, I need at least 4 gpm for house washes for tall homes (so not an overkill)-not so concerned with psi. I have used 4gpm unit with PressureTeks's downstrean nozzle kits and was able to reach the peaks easily. The cheapos I've had just can't get it done, hence, why I want/need at least 4 gpm unit. I wish I could get a 5 gpm unit, but the prices jump significantly.

Thanks.

 

[Methodical]

I think belt drive was about $4-500 more? Every year I told sales man I should have bought the belt drive.He asks why .I say well aren't they better ? One guys say oh heck yah.Other 3 guys say my pump will last a real freak in long time. The only thing I could get is the motor will run slower due to pulley size,pump enough water for rinsing.Big deal,these Honda motors will run all day every day . That's why I think you can get by without belt,for along time.I have! With the savings bought 2 50' hose ,$37 siphon hose fitting for soap/chemicals,$100 turbo nozzle.$15 gal soap,$17 gal gutter cleaner.ect
I don't know if a belt would be money ahead in the long run or not,so far it's been great.Id say 30 hours a year.I couldn't get a year out of a 3-4$ unit.Twice!

Thanks for the input. I was thinking the same thing, except maybe a larger surface cleaner.

 

[Methodical]

^ ^ In true GJ fashion . . get the BEST tool for the job . . . that's NICE !!
That model will now be wishful find on CL !!

What you want on those high pressure models is good way to "spool down" the power for more delicate jobs so you don't cut the wood in half !!

I do this with PressureTek's nozzle kits (sweet tool).

 

[Methodical]

What crappers have you been buying?

Got one of those BlackMaxx from Sams club and the thing never ran right from the start. Called BlackMaxx and never heard from them, so this go round I am not wanting to deal with such ****. I also had one I got from Lowes about 11 years ago that was good for the DIY homeowner, but it started giving me problems, too, and to get it fixed just was not cost effective. So now, I am going straight to the entry level professional model and I need at least 4 gpm to do what I need to do.

 

[Trey T]

You're on the right track with the 4gpm unit. However, I don't know if it's necessary to spend the extra $500-600 on belt driven pump for primarily home use and occasional contracting work.

The reason why I bring up about belt driven vs direct pump is because there hasn't been a problem that ppl reported on direct drive. I believe if you run your PW 8hrs a day like the pros, I would recommend belt driven pump but for occasional use, a direct drive would suffice.

 

[Methodical]

You're on the right track with the 4gpm unit. However, I don't know if it's necessary to spend the extra $500-600 on belt driven pump for primarily home use and occasional contracting work.

The reason why I bring up about belt driven vs direct pump is because there hasn't been a problem that ppl reported on direct drive. I believe if you run your PW 8hrs a day like the pros, I would recommend belt driven pump but for occasional use, a direct drive would suffice.

Thanks. I am debating between the 2 now. Just checking to see what other accessories I need/can get with the difference. I will be ordering within the next week or so.

Btw, based on the pricing of the 4 pgm units (@ spraymall), there's only about a $200 difference in pricing between belt and direct drive units - a bit more at other places though.

Questions. What has anyone's experience been with Spraymall.com? How's the customer service?

Thanks

 

[fatfillup]

I have sold about 100 of the pressure pro's the OP is looking at. Absolutely top quality machines. Overkill for a homeowner? Probably but if you buy a direct drive washer with a Honda GX390 motor, the motor will outlast 4 or 5 of the pumps and will cost you more in the long haul. So the belt drive is the best way to go if you can afford it.

Now the big question is which pump, General or Cat. I only sell the Generals. Much cheaper to fix, parts are more readily available at most any pressure washer distributor.

Many will say Cat makes the best pump,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,I ask which model?? Cat's slow spinning, industrial pumps are the best made,,,,,,,,,,,but that isn't what is offered on that machine and you will choke when you see what Cat parts cost. 2 to 4 times what General parts are. I won't even try to rebuild that model or most other models of Cat pumps because unless you replace everything, your chances of success are slim and if you replace everything (on the wet end) (packings, plungers, valves) you can easily pay for a new General pump that is far more repairable.

Also, Honda GX is the only way to go. I won't mess with Honda GC's.

Very important, check to see that you have enough water flow where you are going to be working. Take a 5 gal bucket, a stop watch and the hose you plan on using with the washer. You need to be able to fill it up in a minute or you won't get enough water to the machine and it will cause damage. The nice thing about belt drives is you can **** water out of a tank if needed, direct drives don't **** well.

 

[Methodical]

I have sold about 100 of the pressure pro's the OP is looking at. Absolutely top quality machines. Overkill for a homeowner? Probably but if you buy a direct drive washer with a Honda GX390 motor, the motor will outlast 4 or 5 of the pumps and will cost you more in the long haul. So the belt drive is the best way to go if you can afford it.

Now the big question is which pump, General or Cat. I only sell the Generals. Much cheaper to fix, parts are more readily available at most any pressure washer distributor.

Many will say Cat makes the best pump,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,I ask which model?? Cat's slow spinning, industrial pumps are the best made,,,,,,,,,,,but that isn't what is offered on that machine and you will choke when you see what Cat parts cost. 2 to 4 times what General parts are. I won't even try to rebuild that model or most other models of Cat pumps because unless you replace everything, your chances of success are slim and if you replace everything (on the wet end) (packings, plungers, valves) you can easily pay for a new General pump that is far more repairable.

Also, Honda GX is the only way to go. I won't mess with Honda GC's.

Very important, check to see that you have enough water flow where you are going to be working. Take a 5 gal bucket, a stop watch and the hose you plan on using with the washer. You need to be able to fill it up in a minute or you won't get enough water to the machine and it will cause damage. The nice thing about belt drives is you can **** water out of a tank if needed, direct drives don't **** well.

Thank you for the insight and I agree between the few PW I purchased that did not last, I could've purchase one really good one, which is why I am looking at these models. I don't mind spending the extra couple hundred for a belt drive because I only want buy a PW one last time.

So, pound for pound the general pump and Cat pump are on par as far as performance, but the general pump is easier to repair and parts are more readily available? Which general pump would be on par with the Cat pump on the Pressure Pro model that I linked to?

Oh and one thing I did read during my research that you touched on, which caught my eye during my research, is that you can draw water with a belt drive system and not a direct drive system.


Thanks again for the insight.

 

[redmondjp]

Not to be obtuse, but what possible difference is there in the pump itself that a belt-driven pump can draw water but a direct-driven one can't?

I have machines with both and I can see no difference in the high-pressure sections between the two types.

 

[chuckcrj]

Not to be obtuse, but what possible difference is there in the pump itself that a belt-driven pump can draw water but a direct-driven one can't?

I have machines with both and I can see no difference in the high-pressure sections between the two types.

It's on the Internet so it must be true! Lol

 

[fatfillup]

Not to be obtuse, but what possible difference is there in the pump itself that a belt-driven pump can draw water but a direct-driven one can't?

I have machines with both and I can see no difference in the high-pressure sections between the two types.

Speed of the pump, quality and design of the packing systems, diameter of the plungers. Note, I am not an engineer but have 32 years experience in selling and servicing industrial pressure washers and have maintained pumps that have sucked water out of tanks exclusively.

One of the hardest things we make a pump do is **** water. Direct drives spin at engine speed, 3600 rpm or so. They have very short strokes and most times 15 or 18 mm plungers. The short fast stroke is not conducive to drawing a vacuum which is needed to **** water.

A quality belt drive pump will spin from 1200 rpm to 1750 rpm and have a longer stroke and a larger bore (20mm mostly). The longer stroke and bigger bore are far better suited to pull a vacuum long term.

Direct drives will **** water to some degree but won't hold up long term.

Many of my customers make their livings with pressure washers and the machines will run 8 hour shifts. They need the best to limit down time.

Oh, also, if you put a quality belt drive pump next to a direct drive, you will note the belt drive is much larger, more oil capacity, bigger bearings,crank and rods. Also, the packings (water seals) are better designed.

Now, there are some cheaper belt drive pumps that are made that won't necessarily meet the above description.

OP, you asked which general pump. Pressure Pro uses a General TSS1511 on their belt drives of that size. Any General pump of their T Series 47 line is a good pump. The Tss1511 comes from that line.

 

[redmondjp]

Thanks for that very detailed reply! I knew that the belt-drive units ran slower but wasn't aware of the other differences. I don't remember which General belt-drive pump that I have, but it is 4.3gpm and can go up to 4Kpsi (I have it dialed back to 3K right now).

 

[Methodical]

It's on the Internet so it must be true! Lol

Did Fatfillup answer the question for you. Do some research and you will see. Do you see those trucks with the large water tanks connected to the PW and belt driven pumps. Below is a link about a tank setup and how the PW can pull water. See post #6 straight from Pressure Pros mouth on this very subject. Also, see post #11.

http://www.painttalk.com/f9/feeding-pressure-washer-tank-15538/

...OP, you asked which general pump. Pressure Pro uses a General TSS1511 on their belt drives of that size. Any General pump of their T Series 47 line is a good pump. The Tss1511 comes from that line.

Thanks again.

 

[Methodical]

I have sold about 100 of the pressure pro's the OP is looking at. Absolutely top quality machines. Overkill for a homeowner? Probably but if you buy a direct drive washer with a Honda GX390 motor, the motor will outlast 4 or 5 of the pumps and will cost you more in the long haul. So the belt drive is the best way to go if you can afford it.

Now the big question is which pump, General or Cat. I only sell the Generals. Much cheaper to fix, parts are more readily available at most any pressure washer distributor.

Many will say Cat makes the best pump,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,I ask which model?? Cat's slow spinning, industrial pumps are the best made,,,,,,,,,,,but that isn't what is offered on that machine and you will choke when you see what Cat parts cost. 2 to 4 times what General parts are. I won't even try to rebuild that model or most other models of Cat pumps because unless you replace everything, your chances of success are slim and if you replace everything (on the wet end) (packings, plungers, valves) you can easily pay for a new General pump that is far more repairable.

Also, Honda GX is the only way to go. I won't mess with Honda GC's.

Very important, check to see that you have enough water flow where you are going to be working. Take a 5 gal bucket, a stop watch and the hose you plan on using with the washer. You need to be able to fill it up in a minute or you won't get enough water to the machine and it will cause damage. The nice thing about belt drives is you can **** water out of a tank if needed, direct drives don't **** well.

Update:

Just wanted to again thank you for the insight. I researched more and found that what you stated about General vs Cat pumps to be true. I searched the net to see what folks had to say about General vs Cat pump and the majority said just what you stated, I checked the price for a General vs Cat pump and found that the Cat pumps are waaaay higher, I also talked to a rep at the Spraymall, who stated they have a rental side of the business and rent out these machines daily and he even confirmed just what you said - if I go direct drive, go with General pump as it will last longer and is cheaper to replace or rebuild vs the Cat pump and if I go belt drive, go with Cat pump as it will be a bit better than the General pump will but still cost more to replace or repair. So, I decided to save some money and go with a Direct Drive with General pump since this is for home use and a side hustle and not my day to day job.

Again thanks...Al