Help me pick the right pressure washer for shop

[River Runner]

Good day,

I need to pickup a pressure washer for my shop but have very limited experience in this area. I definitely want to get a hot water pressure washer and am inclined to utilize propane for heating it since it will be inside. I have a 40 amp dedicated circuit to the location already so electric is preferred and I don't need it to be portable. I am trying to minimize the footprint to save on space and could even build an elevated platform for it.

I will have a dedicated wash area to clean vehicles prior to service. Removing the road salt and grime and greasy undercarriage is my goal. I also would upon occasion need to clean small heavy equipment like skid steers and tractors. I also envision this area to be potentially be used for occasional car detail work so I would be spraying directly onto the painted surface of a vehicle.

I am not sure how much PSI and GPM I need to satisfy these needs. I've looked at units with 2,000 PSI and 2.2 GPM to 3,000 PSI 4 GPM. Some have the ability to produce steam, some do not. I am not into fancy features, just want reliability and simplicity. Budget is about $5k-7K.

I forgot to mention that my shop has an 8,000 CFM exhaust fan to remove humidity and vapors when washing, in case anyone had that concern. In the summer months I would do most if it outside but in the winter as I don't want an ice rink.

If you have any experience in this area and have recommendation for a unit that would be fabulous. Thanks!

 

[PoorUB]

The largest one you can afford! You can always adjust the pressure lower for daily use. For heavy gunk build up on heavy equipment there is no replacement for heat and more PSI, except for a steamer.

Personally, 3000 PSI and 4 GPM sounds like a good choice.

 

[River Runner]

Its my understanding that you can't really adjust the pressure, but change the tip to a wider angled pattern to disperse it more?

Here is a machine made by Spartan Manufacturing. It is a lower GPM and PSI but can produce steam and generates a hotter stream than others.

https://www.daimer.com/pressure-washers/super-max-7000.htm

It appears I can buy directly from Spartan for several thousand less as they make the machine for Daimer.

Fury Series | Spartan Manufacturing Corporation

Fury machines are ideally suited and widely used for medium to heavy duty steam cleaning or hot pressure washing. Learn more.

smcwashers.com

The Fury IV is around $5k.

 

[River Runner]

Here is another that seems to fit the ticket..a little more expensive.

Easy-Kleen EZN3004-1 Buffalo Industrial 3000 PSI Electric - Hot Water Belt-Drive Stationary Pressure Washer w/ Natural Gas Burner 220V 1-Phase

Buy Easy-Kleen EZN3004-1 Direct. Free Shipping. Check the Easy-Kleen Buffalo Industrial 3000 PSI (Electric - Hot Water) Belt-Drive Stationary Pressure Washer w/ Natural Gas Burner (220V 1-Phase) ratings before checking out.

www.pressurewashersdirect.com

 

[ZX3ST]

Its my understanding that you can't really adjust the pressure, but change the tip to a wider angled pattern to disperse it more?

They manufacture tips with varying orifice dimensions. (Not to be confused with the spray angle)

Going to a larger orifice will lower the operating pressure. And depending on the pump type, can also either raise/lower the flow rate a bit, but not always.

I did this to my little homeowner-grade pressure washer to get the pressure down to around 1000psi for washing cars.

https://www.royalbrassandhose.com/blog/post/how-to-select-a-replacement-nozzle

Flow is king for this application. The more the better. You can fine tune the pressure to your liking with nozzle selection.

 

[Sumboodie]

They don't go that much diesel, so if piping propane is $$, may not be worth it.

I've washed stuff for 5-6hrs straight at 240* and used maybe 2 gallons of diesel.

Mine is a 240v powered Landa I got at auction for around $250. Had a funky cord end and I think most figured it was 3 phase.

I had a 20hp diesel engine powered one as well, but sold it. It was cranky overkill, like 5000psi and would **** dry a garden hose in 5 seconds.

 

[mike93lx]

@fatfillup is the guy you want

 

[fatfillup]

Forget the Spatan and the Easy Clean.

Easy Clean maybe cheap, but it is cheap.

Spartan is a niche machine with about zero market presence and not the machine for what you are doing.

40 amp circuit will run up to 8 hp 220 volt which will be 3000 psi at 4gpm. Bit overkill for what you are doing.

I am first a hot water guy and second higher gpm guy. The higher pressure you go, the more you beat your stuff to death and it wears out components quicker.

Check you water flow through whatever hose you plan to use. For 4 gpm, I want to be able to fill a 5 gal pail up in a minute. Always want a bit more water available then you use. Protects the pump from cavitation.

I would recommend you buy from a local dealer so you can get support when needed and you will need it.

Brands I would recommend

Alkota
Aaladin
Hotsy
Landa

Alkota are also sold as All American Whitco and Electro Magic

General pump is my choice followed by AR, then Cat

If you are going LP, keep the machine stationary. My shop machine is lp and not vented outside. I do have 16 ft ceilings and the shop is not tight. No issuse with moisture burning indoors. You can of course vent it to the outside if you choose.

A good size and keeping a small footprint would be 2000 psi at 3 gpm. 4 hp 20 amps

5 hp 25 amps will do 2500 psi 3 gpm

6 hp 30 amps will do 2300 psi 4 gpm

Adjusting pressure is easy, get some nozzles with bigger holes. That way you don't have to play with the unloader


If you do decide to buy online, Northern Tool would be my choice

I wouldn't worry about steam option, you won't use it.

Good luck and either quote this post or pm me or I may not see your question

Good luck

 

[River Runner]

Thanks for the input!