Opinions before I purchase machine

[InCogNeato]

Hi gang!

It's been awhile since I've posted anything. Been pretty busy. At any rate, here goes.....

First off, I do power washing part time and my jobs have been getting bigger, thus, it's time to upgrade my equipment for more efficiency, time and quality wise. I mainly do mobile homes, decks, concrete, RV's, small houses, garages. I have a HUGE historic house with very badly pealing paint and needs to be stripped for paint prep.

Now, I'm on a VERY tight budget and looking to get the best I can for the money I can afford. I've done much research and am ready to go for the RIDGID 3000psi unit. It has a Subaru engine which is a major plus in my book. Below is a link to the unit I want. I know the pump always seems to be the biggest issue with any unit.

Link:
3000 PSI / 2.6 GPM Premium Pressure Washer - RIDGID Professional Tools

I can get and afford this unit at (cringe) Home Depot for $399.00. For a extra $200.00 I could get the 3300psi unit, but just can't justify the extra bux for 300psi.

Okay folks, any experiences with this machine? I would greatly appreciate any and all input
in regards to this. Or, for about the same amount of cash, is there something better?

Thanks in advance!
Brian


Grime Busters Power Washing Services
Clinton, Michigan
GrimeBuster@comcast.net
586-321-4983

 

[Bryan C]

Its not the PSI, its the GPM. Neither of those machines is professional equipment - it is homeowner quality. If I was looking to hire you and you rolled one of those up to my property, I would think twice. You aren't a 'professional' at that point, just hired labor IMO.

If you have been busy, put back some money and buy a quality machine that will last and will be efficient in cleaning. That machine won't last you 6 months with regular use.

Don't mean to come across tough - just trying to save you some coin.

 

[jetstream1]

Yeah what he said..LOL

It is true the unit will not last for a daily work
If you have the work you need to set a 3rd of each job to buy a new unit
if you cant go to big start with a 4 gal cost around 1,000 or so shop around maybe graigs list
I see them all the time for sale.Then again if thats all you can afford I guess you have to crawl before walk..Good Luck

 

[jzox2001]

I agree with the others. If you a machine with a axial pump, plan on throwing it out very soon. That thing wouldn't last me past two weeks. If your truly in a bind, check around the used market. Check your local pressure washer supply store. Sometimes they have rental units that they replace with newer ones that they need to unload. If you have good equipment, and take care of it, it will take care of you. My number one advertisement tool is my rig. When I go to make a sale with the rig attached to my truck, I haven't lost one yet. A nice looking rig shows professionalism. When it comes to someone who spent their life savings on their home, you'll find out they will spend a little more for someone how presents them self as a professional business, versus a guy with a pickup with a homedepot unit sitting in the back. Just my two cents.

JZ

 

[InCogNeato]

First off, thank you to the folks that took the time to reply. Points very well taken.

Now, I think some clarification is needed on me, my situation and services.

Due to the injuries/degenerating condition of my spine, I am disabled. Thus, being on disability, it goes without saying that the check I receive every month (my only income) covers my bills, but only leaves me about $50. a month to live on. Yes, I have cut/slashed/parred EVERYTHING down to where I can "live within my means". There's no HBO, hi-def, nothing that isn't absolutely necessary. No credit cards, no nothing. Food is provided by a very wonderful family w/ 14 adopted kids that makes huge meals. She brings me leftovers or stuff that's going to be thrown out. Basically, I live at poverty level. No, no food stamps or any other kind of assistance. Can't get it and don't want it.....I'm no welfare case. I do okay on my own. There is no money in the bank, savings or rich uncles. I have no family. There's much more to this, but I think you can get the point. (BTW, I was born and raised on a farm, knowing only hard work and the morals/values that were instilled in me that still drive me to get what I want/need by the sweat of my brow.) I live in a "mobile castle" in a tiny village in rural Michigan...in a beautiful park. It's a nice home, beautifully furnished, ect. all mine and paid for. Oh, can't afford to own a car either. My transportation is a Jeep mountain bike with a full suspension. With everything so close by, it works out fine most all the time and doesn't smash my spine into submission. Things weren't always this way...I had it all at one time and lived very comfortably. I can adapt to just about anything or situation. What other choice do I have? *LOL*

Okay, so with the economy being what it is and getting worse, I needed a way to make a couple extra bux and I found that powerwashing is something I can handle doing, but still leaves me sore and in even worse extreme pain. So I'm not out there every day working. I pick and choose my jobs to fit what I can handle, both size-wise and physically. I probably do 2 or 3 mobile homes a month, maybe a deck or 2, concrete walks/sidewalks, ect. I'm small potatos to you guys, yet I AM professional in every way. I'm proud to say I do a perfect job, every time. Never one hint of a complaint and through word of mouth from my happy "clients", I probably could build this up into something much bigger. But I'm a one man show and can only handle so much because I have to recover physically between jobs. They take a lot out of me. And I've never found anyone that will work up to my standards.

Most of my work is right here in the park where I have a 20+ year history. It's a small park, mostly geared towards retired or older folks. I think they get a kick out of my determination and my "rig" when I ride up on my Jeep bike, with a matching trailer that I designed and built, with all my equipment on it.
No, maybe it's not what some people would expect (trucks, self-contained water units, ect). But my personality, reputation, work ethics, and the final product are what people around here look for. And I know what I'm doing, not a amature, and am VERY meticulous about my work. When I can, I'll post a pic of my "rig". Then again, maybe I better not, lest I embarass myself in front of you guys.

I guess to sum it all up....I'm just some very poor disabled schmuck trying to eek out a existence in this rotten, mismanaged world and wanted to get some advice from the pros about this machine before buying. I think I may have come off as a guy wanting to start a business and that wasn't my intent at all.

I'm not trying to make a living....just trying to live. It ain't easy being a single, divorced, disabled, white male with no dependents or family (that give a damn anyway). And no, I'm not on my pity pot.....just plain facts and my humble attempts to live with a little dignity. [wsmile]


P.S. I did get the machine in question and so far am satisfied...with a few minor exceptions which I have fixed on my own. Only more time will really tell. Being a ex drag racer and building my own engines, I take very good care of the engine and if the washer is going to sit for more than a day after a job, I spray DeWalt pump protector through the pump. Maybe it's overkill, I dunno. After a few runs/hot/cold cycles, I went all around the unit and retorqued all nuts and bolts on the engine and pump. I added a hour meter, tach, pressure guage and flow regulator.

 

[David Potter]

Brian what a amazing story good for you Way to go....go getem


David potter
index

 

[David Potter]

Brian your quote I'll post a pic of my "rig". Then again, maybe I better not, lest I embarass myself in front of you guys.

You go ahead and post I'd like to see it Thanks David

 

[Larry L.]

I too would like to see it.

You never know about units like that,I know a guy in south Mississippi that washes out grain trailers with it and his has lasted over 3 years now.

I think a golf cart would be idea for your businness...

 

[Dan S]

just go within your budget . sum-times those "high rated" machines is a joke but with a different name !! I have had a wal-mart out last a Landa - and a few others.

Mostly it's the pump that needs attention but for the most part ............ a Honda is a Honda . a briggs is a Briggs......... and a Kolher Is a Kolher no matter what kind of pump they slap on it ! .....

Those home-depot machines are built just like all the high dollar ones ( kinda-Sorta ) they go thru the same ole china assembly line ~!!~

It's nice to get advice and you got alot of good advice .......... But do what ya can afford ......... Make the most money and stay outta debt and you will be happy as pig in Chit !!

show me the picture !!

 

[DAFF]

Brian, it is all about baby steps in the buisiness world. Having such a connectioon in the area try to add some local kids to the mix and be the GM. This way you can concentrate on the getting work part and increase your daily capacity. Good luck

DAFF