PSI's Pressure Ranger and a Bandit Pro Force surface cleaner, out in front of the PSI van
People ask me all the time what cold water machine I'd put on a truck. One name I keep coming back to is the Bandit from PSI.
In my opinion, the Bandit is one of the best cold water units on the market. That's my take, not a contest result. So let me show you what it's built with and you can judge for yourself.
Who PSI is
PSI is Pressure Systems Innovations, LLC, out of Palm City, Florida. They build pressure washers, surface cleaners, and accessories.
PSI says it was started by a group of industry guys with over 100 years of combined experience in the industrial pressure washer market. That's engineering, manufacturing, distribution, and retail pressure washer sales.
Their machines are made in the USA, in south Florida. PSI calls that area the birthplace of the US cold water pressure washer market. They say every machine is 100% factory tested and set before it ships.
They sell through authorized dealers. According to PSI, their dealers handle demos, set-up, training, and full-service repairs on what they sell.
What the Bandit is
Bandit is PSI's line of belt drive, cold water pressure washers. It comes in four versions:
- The Original Bandit: aluminum frame with 13" flat-free tires
- Bandit Skid: the same idea on a high-grade aluminum skid
- Bandit Ultra Skid: bigger V-twin power on an extruded aluminum base
- Bandit Ultra Roll Cage: a roll cage frame on 13" flat-free tires, in powder coated or stainless steel
Across the line, PSI lists models from 4 GPM at 4,000 PSI up to 10 GPM at 3,500 PSI, plus 5 GPM at 5,000 PSI on the Ultras.
Why I like it as a cold water rig
It's belt drive. This is a belt drive line, not a direct drive unit. Every Bandit runs PSI's grooved "Bandit" belt (3-groove on the Original and Skid, 4-groove on the Ultras) with an "EZ-line" belt tension assembly.
The pump is a Comet triplex. PSI uses industrial Comet triplex pumps, Premium or Hi-Flow Series depending on the model. PSI lists a forged brass manifold with a lifetime warranty, solid ceramic plungers, stainless steel check valves, and oversized tapered roller bearings.
PSI backs the pump. PSI lists a 1 year "Bumper-to-Bumper" warranty on the entire pump, and they say it includes normal wear items. Ask your dealer for the details.
The engines are Honda. The Original and Skid run a Honda GX390. The Ultra Skid and Ultra Roll Cage step up to Honda V-twins (GX630, GX690, iGX800) or a Kohler CH750.
It's built with the details you'll notice. PSI lists an external unloader and bypass system, thermal relief protection, a 50 mesh stainless inlet filter, easy oil drains, and anti-vibration rubber isolators. The Roll Cage adds a secondary pressure relief valve and a 6-gallon fuel tank.
You can go to work the day it shows up. PSI says the Original Bandit and Bandit Skid come with a 50' steel braided non-marking gray hose, a 36" wand and gun, 5 quick connect nozzles, and a high draw chemical injector.
The surface cleaner in the picture
That blue deck is PSI's Bandit Pro Force rotary surface cleaner. It comes in a 20" (BPF-2000) or a 24" (BPF-2400). Both are rated to 5,000 PSI, 10 GPM, and 300°F.
PSI lists a spun aluminum, powder coated cover, a sealed swivel with a double bearing cartridge, a 1-piece aluminum "Zero Edge" spray bar, a stiff riveted brush, quick release pins, and a double braided steel hose. The 20" weighs 27 lbs and the 24" weighs 34 lbs.
Match the deck to your machine's flow and run the right tips. Ask PSI or your dealer which tip set fits your rig.
And the Pressure Ranger
The machine in the picture is PSI's Pressure Ranger. It's a hi-flow rig for both soft wash and high-pressure work, powered by Honda. PSI rates it from 400 up to 3,500 PSI, with models from 6 to 12 GPM.
It works with premixed batches or PSI's "Batch Bandit" proportioning system. With the Batch Bandit you can switch functions by remote.
Who the Bandit is a good fit for
- Contractors who want a belt drive cold water machine for daily commercial and residential work
- Guys moving up from a direct drive and ready for more GPM
- Flatwork crews running a 20" or 24" surface cleaner who need the flow to spin it right
- Trailer and truck setups: the Bandit Skid and Ultra Skid are skid-mounted
- Anyone who'd rather buy from a full-service dealer than from a box store
If you need hot water, that's a different machine. PSI builds hot water units too (the Smokin' Bandit and Dragon lines), so ask them about those.
Talk to PSI
Go to PressureSystemsInnovations.com or call PSI at 561-249-2830. They'll point you to a dealer near you.
Want help picking a rig?
Text me at (480) 522-5227. I'm happy to talk it through.
You can get free sales info and training at RonMusgraves.com and PressureWashingInstitute.org.
— Ron Musgraves
