Some points
Hi All,
Was reading this post and wanted to share a few points. Belt drives pull water from tanks, lake, etc...better because they have lower RPM's. Think of it this way; if you stick your hand in a vat of pudding, and pull it out real fast, the pudding won't have time to fill in behind your hand, and a void will develop. If you pull your hand out slowly, then the pudding has time to fill in behind your hand, and you would countinue to be able to "draw". That's just what is happening with your water, and pump. A direct drives RPM's are much faster than a belt drive, having the same effect with your water supply.
I see your comparison of prices here, also. I can't get into the specifics of prices here, but can say most belt drives are ranging from $1,000 to $1,500. Yes, most "homeowner" machines are a little lower in cost, and quite often are direct drive, with Radial pumps. As stated here many times, 3000PSI, and 4 GPM machines are the excepted minimum for professionals, but even if you can use a lower rated machine, ask yourself this; "If it breaks down, who services it for me"? If you can do it yourself, great. If not, I know from contact with other distrubutors, that not many repair places want to deal with those kind of machines. We do, but the word from our customers is it is very tough to find someone willing to work on these machines. Hopefully you have someone in your area that does.
If you are going into this PROFESSION, then I think you need to spend a little more up front to have quality equipment. I know you sometimes have to crawl before you run, but in the long run, what does skimping on your equipment cost you later. (Answer;Time, money, quality....)Just a thought...
Last point; Before purchasing a machine, ask yourself what the primary use of the machine will be. That should dictate the specs. of the machine for you. If you are a window cleaner, adding PWing to your service, a direct drive may last you a long time. If cleaning parking decks daily, a direct drive may work, but longevity may be compramised. Will you make enough to cover a new machine,when the time comes, or does that machine NEED to last longer. Once you answer those questions for yourself, than your distributor can put you into the machine that fits your needs.
Sure hope this didn't sound preachy. Just wanted to add some points that seem to be pertinent to this topic.