Equipment Thinking

ptapaul

ptapaul

New member
I am new to this business but here are the activities that consumed me the last 6 weeks:
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Read and researched countless hours of information about pressure washing equipment
Attended several small business development classes
Checked reliable sources for additional information (local dealers)
Wrote and backtested a solid business plan
Plundered through building a website training course
Rented commercial grade equipment and did a couple jobs
Convinced my wife that it will be a good thing (should have been the first step)
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I’m finally ready to starting buying and assembling my rig. I’m looking for input about the equipment. Like many, I’ll focus my energy toward commercial flat business so reliable GPM looks most important to me. My first component choice is a General Pump T4251 unit. Its max volume is 6.6 GPM and max PSI is 5800 (derated to 3000 PSI). The local dealer said it was easy to rebuild.
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Next, a Hotsy 9450 heater module and this is where I need input. I spoke with Alkota, Silvereagle, Landa and Allied. As expected, the opinions varied greatly. The Silvereagle rep Mike was very helpful but so was the Hotsy dealer, though Hotsy themselves left me on hold for 10 minutes then deferred all questions to the dealer. I like the 115V diesel standing unit and I will power the generator and pump with a Kubota 26 HP liquid cooled engine.
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I’m still investigating water recovery equipment but (2) 275 gallon totes are expected for fresh and gray water. I haven’t made a decision yet but probably a rotary with vacuum capabilities and berm pooling with a scupper will satisfy the local regulations.
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I intend to assemble these components myself along with necessary components like unloaders, filters dedicated wands and other miscellaneous accessories in a Isuzu NPR-HD box.
 
Welcome to PWI,

Ok that's what you are going to do, Now what are you asking?

PS, fix your sig before you get yelled at by the sig police. That's different from the GREASE POLICE.

You can do this in the user CP upper left hand corner.
 
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I am new to this business but here are the activities that consumed me the last 6 weeks:

Read and researched countless hours of information about pressure washing equipment
Attended several small business development classes
Checked reliable sources for additional information (local dealers)
Wrote and backtested a solid business plan
Plundered through building a website training course
Rented commercial grade equipment and did a couple jobs
Convinced my wife that it will be a good thing (should have been the first step)

I’m finally ready to starting buying and assembling my rig. I’m looking for input about the equipment. Like many, I’ll focus my energy toward commercial flat business so reliable GPM looks most important to me. My first component choice is a General Pump T4251 unit. Its max volume is 6.6 GPM and max PSI is 5800 (derated to 3000 PSI). The local dealer said it was easy to rebuild.

Next, a Hotsy 9450 heater module and this is where I need input. I spoke with Alkota, Silvereagle, Landa and Allied. As expected, the opinions varied greatly. The Silvereagle rep Mike was very helpful but so was the Hotsy dealer, though Hotsy themselves left me on hold for 10 minutes then deferred all questions to the dealer. I like the 115V diesel standing unit and I will power the generator and pump with a Kubota 26 HP liquid cooled engine.

I’m still investigating water recovery equipment but (2) 275 gallon totes are expected for fresh and gray water. I haven’t made a decision yet but probably a rotary with vacuum capabilities and berm pooling with a scupper will satisfy the local regulations.

I intend to assemble these components myself along with necessary components like unloaders, filters dedicated wands and other miscellaneous accessories in a Isuzu NPR-HD box.
 
Hmmm.
I have a unit in my warehouse with THAT pump, 6.6 gpm @ 6000psi !
belt driven by an Isuzu 3cyl 26hp Diesel engine, just got it's first set of seals, and the owner no longer needs it.. purchased for specific job, and just wants to let it go, BUT
What a great combination it is.. smooth and sweet !
just add a heater, and there ya go !
e-mail me for pictures, if you like.
 
Other than an understanding banker, the most important person you need for your business - other than customers, that is - is the mechanic that will be working on your equipment. Regardless of what brand you buy, having a reliable shop nearby and an owner that understands that you needed it fixed yesterday will be an invaluable asset. My local Landa dealer (Landa of Tidewater) understands that I can't afford his equipment, but I go out of my way to allow him to perform as much of my service as possible. We're on a first name basis and when I call with a problem, he stops whatever he's doing to get me running.

A new hot water skid: $6000. A friendly mechanic: Priceless.
 
How far away do you live from Silver Eagle there in Texas? If their shop is fairly close you might want to consider buying from them. That way in case you have problems with it you can run it down to them.

I'm buying a new skid unit at the end of this year. I'm 95% sure I'll buy Hydrotek just for the simple fact they are only 50 miles east of me.
 
I'm buying a new skid unit at the end of this year. I'm 95% sure I'll buy Hydrotek just for the simple fact they are only 50 miles east of me.[/QUOTE]

But if you can fix it yourself you will get the best prices from www.watercannon.com.
 
I'm pretty well mechanically inclined when it comes to fixing the Silver Eagle machine I currently have. It's never been in the shop. Nice thing though if the Hydrotek ever would break down all I would have to do is call either Bob or Russ Johnson and I'm sure they would help me out with it.

I looked at Water cannon's prices on parts and they have good prices I have to admit. I've never ordered from them though.
 
the ones that are mechanically inclined, but need "technical" training,

Ever make it to San Diego ??
We give service and custom system classes.
great stuff.. always productive.
Afterward, You won't have to bug a tech for free advice.. hardly ever.

We often to say..
There are 3 types of pressure washer managers..
The ones that "delegate" maintenance and repairs,
the ones that are mechanically inclined, but need "technical" training,
and the ones that "stumble upon" maintenance and repairs,
..on an emergency basis.
..those would be the ones that can NEVER reach "Long-Term-Low-Cost".

ptaPaul came up with all those answers in just 6 weeks ! ..
His company is already in the top 10% for a strong start.
:clapping:
Focus forward Paul ! ..write those contracts !
 
Vince Wood said:
How far away do you live from Silver Eagle there in Texas? If their shop is fairly close you might want to consider buying from them. That way in case you have problems with it you can run it down to them.

I'm buying a new skid unit at the end of this year. I'm 95% sure I'll buy Hydrotek just for the simple fact they are only 50 miles east of me.
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My first setup was a Silver Eagle hot water trailer. I bought it used over 2 years ago. Their customer service is pretty bad. If you are a new guy and have issues with your gear I wouldn't count on them to help you out. Russ, Jerry, Lori and the rest of the gang here have saved my butt several times when I had issues. Too bad I live in a place that has no idea what a commercial pressure washer looks like. My point is find a vendor that will help you out AFTER the sale or at least find a good local tech if there are any close by.
 
I have to agree with you Kemp 1000% on the customer service from Silver Eagle. One of the only reasons I keep my Silver Eagle is that everytime I say I'm gonna get rid of it to my propane guy and go with a diesel fired unit he keeps droping the price for me. I think I'm down to $2 a gallon on propane versus $3.25 a gallon for diesel.

I'll most likely always keep it at least for a back up unit since I won't get anything for it if I was to try and sell it.

Once I get the new unit I'm gonna get with Jerry down in San Diego for a few days of technical training if he'd be willing to share some secrets.
 
Paul,
What is the name of your company, website, phone number? Scopr of work? Experience? It sounds like you are starting from scratch which is exciting and scary at the same time.

It sounds like you have done your research and know what you want and you are not asking a question so I guess I don't have any answers....good luck.
 
Hi Mike,

You are right. I am in the beginning stages of starting a new business and there is much to learn. My background for the last 30+ years has been in Industrial Sales and I have a Mechanical Engineering degree so I usually understand the theory behind equipment but practical experience is the only teacher. So far, I have done most of my research in components for a rig that I would like to build but I am very interested in hearing other equipment opinions. I absolutely agree with the comment about having a handy mechanic in your back pocket.

My company name is still undecided as I am looking for the proper business and website name. Some of the website code is written but I'm still writing many parts. When it finally comes together, I'll bring it up and open for business. The list of things I should do or don't do grows everyday but my hope is to be open for business by the 4th of July.

I'm somewhat overwelmed and can't think of all the questions that I need the answers to so I posted here to get suggestions. Steps that are coming in the near future include joining UAMCC and PWNA. I will attend a seminar for water reclaim and recycle in June and I reallize that formal industry training will be a necessity. Like I said...There is much to learn.:neo:
 
ptapaul said:
Hi Mike,

You are right. I am in the beginning stages of starting a new business and there is much to learn. My background for the last 30+ years has been in Industrial Sales and I have a Mechanical Engineering degree so I usually understand the theory behind equipment but practical experience is the only teacher. So far, I have done most of my research in components for a rig that I would like to build but I am very interested in hearing other equipment opinions. I absolutely agree with the comment about having a handy mechanic in your back pocket.

My company name is still undecided as I am looking for the proper business and website name. Some of the website code is written but I'm still writing many parts. When it finally comes together, I'll bring it up and open for business. The list of things I should do or don't do grows everyday but my hope is to be open for business by the 4th of July.

I'm somewhat overwelmed and can't think of all the questions that I need the answers to so I posted here to get suggestions. Steps that are coming in the near future include joining UAMCC and PWNA. I will attend a seminar for water reclaim and recycle in June and I reallize that formal industry training will be a necessity. Like I said...There is much to learn.:neo:
Click to expand...


Happy Birthday Paul
 
Thanks Ron - I appreciate your commitment here and to this industry. I have viewed many of your posts and utube videos. Thanks for doing a great job and service.
 
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