A few Questions about a new Rig

E

Elite Sweeping

New member
Hi my name is Casey Dearth and I am from Overland Park, KS. I own a Sweeping Company (Elite Sweeping), and keep having tons of requests for pressure washing sidewalks. I keep blowing these offers off until recently one of my bigger accounts asked if I would wash the sidewalks at 7 large strip centers once a month, and 20 independent retail locations once a week. With that kind of offer, I am finding it hard to say no. I have decided I want to go w/ an enclosed trailer hot water set up, and have a few in mind. My question for you all being in the business and all, is what you say about buying this unit (or one similar) to this one I found on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/TRAILER-MOUNTED-HOT-WATER-PRESSURE-WASHER-STEAM-CLEAN_W0QQitemZ7586592844QQcategoryZ46536QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I am sure I could find something better priced, however I don’t mind spending the money for something that is ready to go, and just the way I want it.
Any feedback would be appreciated.


Thank you,
Casey Dearth
www.elitesweeping.com
 
It looks like a nice set-up, but...4.7 gpm is just enough, so I don't think it practical to run 2 guns. 535 gallons of water weighs a LOT! Actually, over 4500 lbs. The trailer should be able to hold it, but can your tow vehicle? With a full tank, you will have a little less than 2 hours of water, will there be available water? If you will have water, maybe a smaller tank would do? Just a few thoughts. I'm sure that many of us wish we had to "struggle" with your decision!
 
It is a nice set up, but where is the feed hose reel. A stacker can be had to stack two reels, it usually runs around $70 with the typical markup. I use 300 feet of feed hose all of the time. SO I think that is a minimum. Others experience might be different. I also wonder why they did not spend the money for teh bands that are supposed to go with that tank. Nylon straps are god, but the metal bands that go with the tank are better. I would also make sure there is a front door on the trailer. There is bound to be some room up front to store stuff, like a surface cleaner. Other wise, it looks like a good rig


Scott Stone
 
4.7 gpm or two guns at 3gpm each? maybe the 4.7 gpm is a typo, it does have a 20 hp engine so I would think it is a higher gpm unit.
 
Hello Casey,

Not enough volume!! I looked at your web site and you guys are using truck mounted sweepers. I think you should go truck rather than trailer mounted.

If you want to do a lot of locations, in a short time, you will need high water volume.

We do most of our flatwork at night. You gotta have lights. Sounds like the 2500 watt generator is running the burner! Not much left for lights.

Take a drive up to my place and I'll show you around. I could give you some hands-on experience with what the difference is in 3, 4.7, or 8, 10 gpm. Oh, did I say anything about volume?

In my view you really need to spend more so you can handle the new business you have talked about, and of course you would expect it to grow!

Dave Olson
 
Thanks for all the input, I really appreciate all the comments. I now realize I will need more GPM, and a bigger generator. I would hate to spend money on something I would have to upgrade in a few months. You have all been very helpful, and I am glad to have found such a great site.

Dave Olson I may have to take you up on your offer, its nice to know there are people willing to help another person out like that. The reason I wanted to go w/ a trailer unit, is I just bought a 2006 F-250 Diesel, and figured I would put it to use. I pull another trailer time to time w/ a warehouse sweeper, so I figured if I was going to start washing sidewalks I might as well buy a trailer unit.

Thanks again,
Casey Dearth
www.elitesweeping.com
 
I'd pass and keep looking. 4.7gpm is okay, but two at 3 gpm is pointless. Take Dave Olsen up on his offer, he has some outrageous stuff and it is more than worth your time to meet him.
 
Casey---nice website!! I'm in the Springfield area, and there is a great pwasher supply store here (KO Supply) and I think they have a branch in KC as well. Sell mainly Hydrotek, which is top notch. I think this would be a great add-on to your existing biz.
 
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