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Cold Water Pressure Washer Selection
Basics
by Ian Pearce
Cold water pressure washer units come in a
wide variety of configurations to suit any cleaning needs. Due
to the fact that they don't require heating fuel to heat up the
water supply, they can be used indoors and outdoors.
There are many physical configurations of the electric units.
Some look like upright vacuum cleaners with big plastic wheels.
These units have capacities ranging up to around 4.5 gpm and up
to 3200 psi depending on manufacturer.
Larger portable units have metal frames and wheels for
portability. There is also a box style which has all the
components in a metal protective enclosure and optionally has
wheels on it for added mobility.
If you are in remote locations away from AC power or in new
construction where AC power is not easily available, then a
gasoline powered cold water pressure washer may be just the unit
for you.
These units also come in diesel versions for locations where
diesel fuel is more readily available. These units are for
outdoor use only. These pressure washers come in a wide variety
of mounting styles.
There are units that are hand truck mounted style, cage style
with wheels and skid mounted without wheels. Each style has its
application.
Both electric and gas powered cold water pressure washer types
have two available drive configurations.
There are direct drive units and belt driven units.
The direct drive units are lower maintenance. The belt driven
units have a longer life due to the fact that vibration from the
drive motor is not transmitted to the pump.
The belt helps to isolate the vibration and extent the life of
the pump. Direct drive units are more compact and are also more
economical (read cheaper). If you are using the pressure washer
for several hours a day, 7 days a week, then you will want to
choose a belt driven unit.
For those of you who use the unit once or twice a year to wash a
car or wash the house and/or deck, a direct drive unit is a
perfectly acceptable and appropriate choice. |
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