Pressure Washers

Differences Between Hot & Cold

Hot Water Pressure Washer Hot water pressure washers clean faster and deeper than cold water and is especially effective in removing in removing grease, grime and oil. Hot water pressure washers typically generate a spray of 180° F or higher. While even the hotter water is sometimes needed (steam), it has been proven that hot water under pressure cleans faster and better than steam (low pressure). Cold Water Pressure Washer Pressure washing with cold water is adequate for some applications. Hot water will always clean faster, especially where greasy and oily surfaces must be cleaned. The addition of detergents (also known as chemicals or soaps) which have been formulated especially for pressure washers will enhance cold water cleaning.

What is Belt & Direct Drive?

Belt-drive pressure washers have a belt connecting the motor or engine to the high-pressure pump. A pulley-and-belt mechanism allows the motor or engine to spin the pump so it can produce the high-pressure spray. Using a belt increases the life of the pump in three ways: -The belt reduces the RPM so the pump doesn’t have to work as hard; -The belt absorbs vibration, reducing the wear on the pump; and -The belt runs cooler, reducing pump wear. Direct-drive pump pressure washers have a motor or engine attached directly to the high-pressure pump. Over the years, manufacturers have improved the direct-drive pump mechanisms so they are efficient and carry warranties equal to belt-drive pumps. Direct drive pumps offer an opportunity for a more compact design.

What Does "Powered By" Mean?

Gas Powered Gas-powered pressure washers are rugged, durable, versatile and are for outdoor use only. Gas costs roughly 20% less than diesel. Prices tend to rise in the summer due to more people taking vacations. High demand typically translates to higher prices.

Diesel Powered Diesel-powered hot water pressure washers are super fuel-efficient, cutting your average fuel consumption by roughly 20%. The price of diesel traditionally rises during colder months as demands for heating oil rises, which is refined in much the same way. Because of recent changes in fuel quality regulations, additional refining is required to remove sulfur which contributes to a sometimes higher cost.

Electric Powered Electric-powered pressure washers have some advantages over gas and diesel depending on what you’re looking for. Electric motors tend to be quieter, less expensive to operate, and produce fewer emissions. Perhaps the greatest advantage is that electric motors can be more compact and are available in stationary, skid-mounted and portable units.

Portable & Stationary

Portable Portable pressure washers typically are on wheels or have forklift guides so you can move them to the point of cleaning. You may be limited, however, by the length of the electrical cord or water hose. Some gasoline or diesel powered models are self-contained and can operate in the field, without any electrical hookups, as long as they have a water source, such as a tank. Stationary Stationary pressure washers must be kept in a fixed location because they require hard plumbing such as a natural gas line. Typically, these units are large and often can support multiple cleaning operations with remote wash stations positioned up to 100 feet away.