Okay, so you’re thinking about purchasing a new pressure washer, but the options seem endless, and perhaps there might be a more cost efficient way to perform the task than what you are currently using. No matter the size of the job, the frequency you will be washing or the time you have to complete it, Hydro Chem Systems, Inc. has the expertise to guide you through the decision making process to make sure the next pressure washer you purchase will be the appropriate machine for the application. Offering complete pressure washer sales and service in Michigan.
Cold Water or Hot Water
What Type of Power
Portable or Stationary
Belt Driven vs. Direct Drive Pump
Diesel vs. Electric vs. Natural Gas Heated
Cold Water or Hot Water
Pressure washers come in two major categories:
Cold water - For blasting dirt or debris, stripping paint, and washing most surfaces.
Hot water - Even more effective cleaning of dirt, greases and grime.
What Type of Power
Once the water choice is made, there are options in both groups, such as:
Electric-powered: Typically used indoors because there are no fumes and run quieter.
Gasoline- or diesel-powered: Self-contained and portable so they can be used in the field (no electric cords); all you need is water.
Portable or Stationary
Portable: Mounted on wheels so the pressure washer can be moved to the cleaning action.
Stationary: Used most often in fixed wash bays where portability is not needed.
Belt Driven vs. Direct Drive Pump
Belt-Drive: Indicative of industrial models; the belt connecting the engine or motor with the high-pressure pump dissipates the heat and vibration, minimizes the wear and thus the repair on key components, and extends the life of the pump by reducing the RPM demand.
Direct-Drive: Pump is directly coupled to the engine or motor causing the pump to spin twice as fast as the belt drive models; not recommended for unlimited usage.
Diesel vs. Electric vs. Natural Gas Heated
For hot-water pressure washers only, there are these choices:
Fuel Oil / Diesel-Heated: For use outdoors, it offers the most flexibility with portability and ready-access to fuel.
Electric-Heated: For use indoors; no fumes, but also no portability.
Natural Gas: Used mostly indoors; fumes can be vented, but no portability.