Rented a pressure washer this weekend to "Spring Clean" off the deck as my 1500 psi box store one was out of town. HUGE difference the 4000 psi machine vs the 1500 psi machine. Got me thinking about an upgrade, but do not want another engine to maintain. Found a Comet PTO driven pressure washer 4500 psi at 4.5 gallons per min that is reasonable in price and seems like a no brainer. No engine to maintain other than the tractor that I already maintain, might even mount it on a 3 point hitch carry all with a water tank just to be more portable. Kinda surprised that it was not a more common thing people do. Am I missing something? or maybe there are just not that many tractors out there? Seeking opinions before starting the "project".
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PTO Driven Pressure Washer
- Thread starter R7237
- Start date
Zebu Fellenz
Well-known member
No reason it won't work. I'm guessing it's not so common because many times people are using pressure washers where a tractor wouldn't easily fit, along with the fact that many people have pressure washers who do not have tractors.
BCS sells a pressure washer for their two wheel tractors so the idea isn't completely unique.
https://bcsamerica.com/product/pressure-washer
BCS sells a pressure washer for their two wheel tractors so the idea isn't completely unique.
https://bcsamerica.com/product/pressure-washer
No reason it won't work. I'm guessing it's not so common because many times people are using pressure washers where a tractor wouldn't easily fit, along with the fact that many people have pressure washers who do not have tractors.
BCS sells a pressure washer for their two wheel tractors so the idea isn't completely unique.
https://bcsamerica.com/product/pressure-washer
Don't know how I missed that one in my research. Also came across this: https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200660220_200660220 which would be a nice add on for some wet sandblasting.
sberry
Banned
That kit is nice and priced right.
You are right, there is a huge difference. You could certainly carry water and depending on tractors it might be economical to run.
You are right, there is a huge difference. You could certainly carry water and depending on tractors it might be economical to run.
matt_i
Well-known member
That's cool! I want one now lol. Gotta get my "big" tractors tuned up. (Farmall SMTA and an International 460 utility)
sberry
Banned
Ok, back to this and the OP. How much does it cost? What tractor would you run it on? You certainly could carry water. It would be good for limited use.
Richard Cranium
Well-known member
I think a pto pressure washer would be a good ideal.
sberry
Banned
I looked on pressure wash direct, a good one is 1500. They are cheap to operate and the engine is very reliable, not a deal to maintain. My bud bought a used one like new for 800, maybe less, don't remember now but it's 13 hp and really flys. If I had to spend a grand to put it behind a tractor I might stretch myself to get the engine drive and get over it.
They run over a thousand hours, can haul it in back of the pickup, very portable.
They run over a thousand hours, can haul it in back of the pickup, very portable.
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WittHay
Well-known member
We have a PTO pressure washer made by a local company called Water Wacker. Works good, i adjust the pump pressure by the tractor speed. Quiet and economical when the tractor is run at low rpms. We have a tractor with the 540 economy setting and also 1000 pto rpm using the 540 output shaft
So, here is my thought. Get a Carry All for the three point hitch like: https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200326162_200326162
Then get an IBC tote from Craigs list (have seen them used for $25 apiece): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intermediate_bulk_container
and then put a gearbox and pump directly on the PTO shaft like the BCS one mention earlier: https://bcsamerica.com/product/pressure-washer . And if all goes well, get one of these: https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200660220_200660220 for wet sandblasting. My calculations, you could get all this for under $1,000. I would probably add a 12V pump on the back of the tank so it you wanted to use it to water plants etc, you have that as a option as well. Heck, even spray herbicide with it, but not sure how long it would take me to use 275 gallons of Round up. But for $25 per IBC tote, and an easy way to move and tote (funny) them, really can't go wrong.
Then get an IBC tote from Craigs list (have seen them used for $25 apiece): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intermediate_bulk_container
and then put a gearbox and pump directly on the PTO shaft like the BCS one mention earlier: https://bcsamerica.com/product/pressure-washer . And if all goes well, get one of these: https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200660220_200660220 for wet sandblasting. My calculations, you could get all this for under $1,000. I would probably add a 12V pump on the back of the tank so it you wanted to use it to water plants etc, you have that as a option as well. Heck, even spray herbicide with it, but not sure how long it would take me to use 275 gallons of Round up. But for $25 per IBC tote, and an easy way to move and tote (funny) them, really can't go wrong.
Ok, so the 12V pump idea is probably a bit stupid. Remembering back to my farm days, I think a better option is just to use a roller pump on the PTO shaft. So, if you want to pressure wash, put the pressure wash pump on prior to the carry all with the water tank, if you want to water trees/garden etc, out the roller pump on.
Alright, here is where I'm at so far in my thought process:
1) use an IBC tote (used) on a Carry all for the 3 point hitch ($100-$500)
2) Buy a good CAT or AR or similar commercial quality pump and drive it with a hydraulic motor ($500 - $900)
3) Either just use the tractor hydraulics or buy a PTO Hydraulic pump with a control lever ($0 - $500)
4) buy a Roller pump for low pressure high volume situations ($100 - $200).
I realize I am probably overthinking this whole thing, but thought I would share my thoughts.
The problem I have with the PTO pressure washer listed above from NorthernTool, is that I really also want to carry water on the 3 Point hitch as well as the pump and think that hydraulic might be the better solution.
1) use an IBC tote (used) on a Carry all for the 3 point hitch ($100-$500)
2) Buy a good CAT or AR or similar commercial quality pump and drive it with a hydraulic motor ($500 - $900)
3) Either just use the tractor hydraulics or buy a PTO Hydraulic pump with a control lever ($0 - $500)
4) buy a Roller pump for low pressure high volume situations ($100 - $200).
I realize I am probably overthinking this whole thing, but thought I would share my thoughts.
The problem I have with the PTO pressure washer listed above from NorthernTool, is that I really also want to carry water on the 3 Point hitch as well as the pump and think that hydraulic might be the better solution.
PNWguy
Well-known member
I bet I could cut steel with a 35hp PTO pressure washer!
Sign me up.
Sign me up.
Milton Shaw
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 11, 2011
- Messages
- 4,856
I remember the biggest pressure washer I ever saw, it was in high school on a part time job at a welding shop. It had a V8 Ford industrial engine to power it with a couple of step down multi belt pulley reduction setup. 8" to 48" or so as I remember it. It was rated at 20,000 plus psi and something like 10 gallons a minute. From talking to the operators two men could control the spray for about 30 minutes before they had to rest and be replaced and they also had to replace the diamond nozzle every 30 minutes because the pressure dropped as it wore. It was used for cleaning paint booths of the paint build up. The 35 horse power one would put out a good stream that would cut steel as someone else mentioned.
Just to keep this post updated, here is what I found and will probably go with:
http://www.arnorthamerica.com/produ...6c56a6c44-77FE2577-155D-009B-03810965E6903340
This would let me use one of their RK pumps and thinking this one would be the right choice for me:
http://www.arnorthamerica.com/produ...1450-rpm-n-version-24mm-solid-shaft/rk1828hnl
Given that this pump needs 12 hp to run and the tractor has a PTO HP rating of 37 hp, the question is this: 1) if I run this pump at a lower rpm, do you get a drop in PSI as well as GPM? or does it maintain the 4000 PSI just at a lower GPM rating? 2) Will it cause any problems to let this pump run at a lower RPM? My though it that for basic pressure washing, just run at idle but if doing concrete or need the extra like wet sandblasting, run at PTO RPM. Make sense?
http://www.arnorthamerica.com/produ...6c56a6c44-77FE2577-155D-009B-03810965E6903340
This would let me use one of their RK pumps and thinking this one would be the right choice for me:
http://www.arnorthamerica.com/produ...1450-rpm-n-version-24mm-solid-shaft/rk1828hnl
Given that this pump needs 12 hp to run and the tractor has a PTO HP rating of 37 hp, the question is this: 1) if I run this pump at a lower rpm, do you get a drop in PSI as well as GPM? or does it maintain the 4000 PSI just at a lower GPM rating? 2) Will it cause any problems to let this pump run at a lower RPM? My though it that for basic pressure washing, just run at idle but if doing concrete or need the extra like wet sandblasting, run at PTO RPM. Make sense?
sberry
Banned
It won't make pressure if not using the gpm. The reason for getting a good pump is to run it at rated output. I am sure you could slow it down but why?
How much is that pump? $
How much is that pump? $
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Milton Shaw
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 11, 2011
- Messages
- 4,856
Restricting the flow is what makes the pressure. The hole in the nozzle is what determines the final pressure and flow rate. Slowing the pump down and reducing the gauge size of the hole could maintain the same pressure. Would take some trial and error to determine what size nozzle to use. Too small an opening and the pump would be releasing pressure through the pressure relief valve or busting something. Use a gauge to determine what the pressure is and a 5 gallon bucket and timer to measure the flow rate. Without a nozzle on the hose/gun the flow is max but the pressure is nothing.
Farmall450
Well-known member
I bet I could cut steel with a 35hp PTO pressure washer!
Sign me up.
Or 100, lol.
WittHay
Well-known member
Sounds like the pump you are using is rated different or the flow volume is different then mine. Ours is a Italian made Interpump with a aluminum gearbox bolted to it and mated to a 540 pto shaft. It it usually run by 70 to 80 hp tractors. No difference if you hook up a 30 hp or a 130 hp tractor.
On ours 800 psi is good for washing vehicles. over 1000 psi paint starts coming off old equipment. 1600 psi is used for cleaning the concrete pad and you feel the trigger when squeezed. That 800 psi difference in pressure is easily controlled by tractor rpm.
Its quite a range to have 1000 to 4000 psi coming out of the same pump and that would have to be set by the pressure control knob
On ours 800 psi is good for washing vehicles. over 1000 psi paint starts coming off old equipment. 1600 psi is used for cleaning the concrete pad and you feel the trigger when squeezed. That 800 psi difference in pressure is easily controlled by tractor rpm.
Its quite a range to have 1000 to 4000 psi coming out of the same pump and that would have to be set by the pressure control knob
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sberry
Banned
A pto is not a bad idea but a stand alone unit is so handy, even has resale. It can be loaded in a pickup and could even be fed from a 250 tote type tank if a guy had to. It could be set up in semi storage, plumbed on ready to use vs hooking up and tying the tractor down or adding an extra labor step in the process. I have an engine drive but actually use electric every day, so worth the convenience of switching it on.
If a guy has remote work then its a thing, might be worth some hose on a property if it would reach from a stationary? Just a thought.
If a guy has remote work then its a thing, might be worth some hose on a property if it would reach from a stationary? Just a thought.
Seeking opinions before starting the "project".
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It won't make pressure if not using the gpm. The reason for getting a good pump is to run it at rated output. I am sure you could slow it down but why?
How much is that pump? $
Pump on ARPumpsOnline is $360 I think.
The reason for running slow is with my small tractor, the rated HP on the PTO is 37 hp and I don't need that. Was thinking the pump would probably use 2-3 gallons per minute at idle on the tractor and if I needed to do concrete or wet sandblasting, run it up to PTO rpm, but might have that wrong. I can't figure out what that pump will do at lower rpm in my mind,,, I guess I will know after I build it.
A pto is not a bad idea but a stand alone unit is so handy, even has resale. It can be loaded in a pickup and could even be fed from a 250 tote type tank if a guy had to. It could be set up in semi storage, plumbed on ready to use vs hooking up and tying the tractor down or adding an extra labor step in the process. I have an engine drive but actually use electric every day, so worth the convenience of switching it on.
If a guy has remote work then its a thing, might be worth some hose on a property if it would reach from a stationary? Just a thought.
I think the reason I am thinking PTO is because I am tired of maintaining small engines. Got the chainsaw out the other day, been months since I used it,,, so that means pull the damn carb and clean it up before I can use it. Pressure washer is the same way,,, for something I use twice a year, I hate having to deal with an internal combustion engine that only gets started twice a year. PTO was the way I went with my backup generator, and think it makes sense for something like a pressure washer. Got the wife an electric blower (EGo brand) and she loves it so much had to add the weed eater and hedge trimmer. No pulling cords, just stick battery in and go and nothing to maintain which to me is the best part. Considered an electric Pressure washer as my backup generator is portable (PTO) and might go that route, but the IBC Tote and directly mounted pump is a cheaper option.
sberry
Banned
I agree battery power is the best. Prefer electric too. I have electric pressure washer too. But, to me another engine isn't much a problem. The better engines last so long. Especially if you buy new.
Chain saws are kind of bad if you don't use them, cant really run them out of gas as easy as 4 stroke.
Chain saws are kind of bad if you don't use them, cant really run them out of gas as easy as 4 stroke.
I agree battery power is the best. Prefer electric too. I have electric pressure washer too. But, to me another engine isn't much a problem. The better engines last so long. Especially if you buy new.
Chain saws are kind of bad if you don't use them, cant really run them out of gas as easy as 4 stroke.
One thing I am trying on the chainsaw that was recommended is:
https://vpracingfuels.com/product/2-cycle-501/
I didn't pay that much for it, but wanted to post a link. Supposedly, not only Ethanol Free, but shelf life of a year. Using less than 2 quarts a year, I don't ming the extra cost if it lets my chainsaw start every time I pull the cord.
Did some measuring last night, seems like the distance from the 3 point hitch arm to the center of the PTO shaft will be a bit close. I hate buying the gearbox and pump and it not work because of size, but worst case, will at least have the pump and could go buy a honda GX motor to drive it if it does not work out. Will keep the forum posted.
I'd love to re-open on this topic now that some time has passed. I could really use a pto-driven pressure washer. I have a small electric unit that works well for cleaning cars, but I really want something bigger for the house & driveway. I have a Kubota BX tractor with a 540rpm pto at about 18 hp. I would much spend the $ on a quality pump and gearbox and use the tractor engine instead of another small gas engine.
Northern Tool sells a couple of Comet brand pto washers but they're ~$2k, which is out of my price range. Does anyone know where to find a reasonably-priced gearbox to increase my pto speed? Then I can easily find a pump to fit it. I see a ton of speed-reduction kits, but not much for speed increasing.
Northern Tool sells a couple of Comet brand pto washers but they're ~$2k, which is out of my price range. Does anyone know where to find a reasonably-priced gearbox to increase my pto speed? Then I can easily find a pump to fit it. I see a ton of speed-reduction kits, but not much for speed increasing.