Equipment for the newbie

[276dylan]

Howdy,
My name is Dylan Gehrken. I am a freshman at the University of Virginia. I would like to start a business restaining decks, cleaning siding, pathways, driveway, and maybe auto-detailing. First of, is 3600 psi too strong for these tasks? Secondly, do most houses have 4gpm to support a 4gpm unit. Thirdly, would you guys suggest that I buy a 3600psi/4gpm honda that has been rebuilt with a 90 day warranty? Or should I buy a 3600psi/4gpm Briggs and Stratton that is new with a 2 yr warranty that costs an extra $250 dollars? Thank You so much for your time

 

[Mark]

I would probably go with the Honda unit, do both units have same pump?

Direct drive? Belt drive??

 

[276dylan]

response from the newbie

I think both are belt driven. Also another question will using a 4gpm machine be a problem if the water source is straight from the house?
thanks

 

[Mark]

You should be able to get 4 GPM from most
residential hose bibs. I suggest using a 3/4"
supply hose to ensure full flow to your pump.

[hand]

 

[276dylan]

Thanks Mark

 

[john orr]

Dylan,

3600 psi is WAY too high for most house/deck work - however, you want the gpm's. So, vary the pressure by using different sized tips, which will change the psi without changing the gpm. (Most decks - with the proper chems - will clean nicely with less than 1000 psi - the same with house washing.)

4 gpm should not be a problem if the house has city water. If they are on a well, even if they have 4 gpm, the constant on/off of the pump while you clean may trip the breaker on their pump. (I know this from multiple personal experiences.)

You can either use a float tank (have the water collect there, then draw from the tank) or have a 5 gal bucket with you when you give the estimate, and time how long it takes to fill.

As to the rig, what was rebuilt, the motor or the pump? If it was the pump, I would go with the Honda - but only because of the price. (If there is a problem with a pump rebuild, it show up quickly.) I have both engines and have had good service from both.

 

[rknight68]

Mi-t-m 3405

I'm a single parent with three kids and looking for a way to get away from the "Con". Every year benifits costs go up, benefits go down, rules get tighter, and I hate my job more and more (regardless of the money I make). This seems to be a lucritive business that I can still dedicate a lot of time to my kids while starting out on the side.

I have been looking for a used unit and have located a MI-T-M 3405 hot water model at a local rental store. The unit is a couple of years old, but has not been rented a lot. There is verry little rust and the paint on the muffler and heat shield has very little signs of use. The unit recently had a winter service and the pump (cat) was rebuilt as well as the entire unit gone through (they have the reciept for the work).

My question is regarding the GPM rating for the unit. It's 3.3 GPM, belt driven fan, 3k PSI. I can pick this up for just under $2k, which as far as I have been able to find is a really good price for a unit in this condition. Some of the used units I found were real dogs. Will this unit be sufficient? Seems like most of the posts are saying 4GPM min.

My other concern is the fact that this unit does not have a temperature control like the Landa's do, should that be a factor?

While I was in the store, another indivual came in and was interested in the equipment, so I don't want to miss a deal (I hate it when that happens), but I don't wan't to jump in with the wrong equipment either.

Thanks for any help or suggestions.

Rog