Direct drive vs. belt drive washers (new business)

SaintStephen

New member
Hey fellas,
Starting a new pressure washing business where I'll be doing everything from business signs to driveways and houses. What would be a better option, direct drive or belt drive pressure washer?
I'm looking to purchase an inexpensive Dewalt GX 4200psi....


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Belt drive lasts longer and will pull from a water tank. Direct drive doesnt last but s couple years if you're lucky and doesnt always pull from a tank. Dewalt 4gpm 4200 psi machine is $1000. A good 4.5 gpm 3500 psi belt drive machine is like 1400-1700 or something like that

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I do use both belt and direct though. Bought the directs so i can have my guys pull around anywhere on a job and bc they were a little cheaper and its what was best on my wallet at the time

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Hey fellas,
Starting a new pressure washing business where I'll be doing everything from business signs to driveways and houses. What would be a better option, direct drive or belt drive pressure washer?
I'm looking to purchase an inexpensive Dewalt GX 4200psi....


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Welcome Saint....please fill out your signature and go with a belt drive....thanks
 
Thanks for the responses. Belt drive it is. Just sold my first job today.

And my sig is in the works Doug. Thanks


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I have both as well and without a doubt, belt drive is the way to go!!! You won't regret it......

Congratulations on your first job!!!

Mike
 
Definitely nice having both if you have a couple of guys. Especially if you mostly clean vinyl siding and small driveways. 4k4gpm with 100ft of hp & garden hose and a few extras your making money. But then theres always the gear drive which will be my next machine. Doug Rucker if you maybe have a link to your residential pickup truck skid may really help him. 2500psi 5.5gpm I believe
 
Spend an extra $500 and you'll be able to push more gpm and clean fast. Build or buy a gear reduction drive complete. 13hp engine and 5.5gpm 2500psi you'll be kicking ass. Skip the hose reel and put the money towards a better machine
 
4/4k and a 5.5/2500k belt driven are the same price, and are right about 1500-1700 with shipping. I would go with the 5.5gpm, 4k psi is not really needed. Also not sure about the gpm in your area but once you start to go over the 4gpm you may need a buffer tank.

For my sign cleaning, I figured 4K would be needed to clean from the ground on higher reaching signage. Would 2500 still have enough pressure for a long spray? Or is gpm more important in that regard? Im looking for mainly "plug and play" to get started as I'll mainly be focusing on residential to start, with some sign cleaning jobs I sell as filler.


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Volume will have more impact at greater distances than higher psi with less flow. Plus, you will have less "drift" higher up with more volume!

Mike
 
Volume will have more impact at greater distances than higher psi with less flow. Plus, you will have less "drift" higher up with more volume!

Mike

I appreciate the input! I'm obviously a rookie and this forum has been invaluable before I even started my first thread. This is my first time "out on my own", so to speak, as I've always been a company man (auto dealer finance manager) and am excited to give it my all and do some honest work as a small business owner. Thanks again!


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