More GPM

Jonathan Ellis

moderator
I have 18 hp vtwin engines on both of my machines. I am pushing 5.5 gpm each and would like more gpm out of one of the units. If I was to replace the pump, could I get 8-10 gpm out of an 18 hp engine?
 
Jonathan,

I know I have seen a chart before that shows the engine size required per GPM needed. I beleive an 18 HP won't do much better than 5.5 GPM. Russ or Paul may know what I'm talking about. I can't remember where I found it before.
 
You can get just about anything out of it you are just limited by hp for your total performance.

gpm x psi/1100= required hp...so 10gpm x 1980/1100 = 18 hp.

Or if you know the hp you want to work with take hp x 1100 / gpm = pressure you can get.

As long as you are at or below pump specs you can do it.
 
What about connecting another pw and t'ing them off to pull from both? Maybe get a home depot special and tie it into the hot water skid. If I got a 4 gpm and tied it in would I get the full 9.5? I doubt it, but what could I be looking at? Is this a safe Idea for the machines?
 
You can push 20,000 gpm with an 18HP engine........................@1 psi.


You would need a 1264911 size nozzle. I think Bob @ pressure tek sells them.
 
Many guys on the boards have "T" 'd machines together for more volume.

It is safer to have check valves but some do not do that, it is up to you.

You can rig up 2 machines together for better rinsing or running a larger surface cleaner.
 
Hey Paul, that 2600 psi 5.6 gpm belt drive that you sell, how will it perform compared to my 3800 psi 4gpm direct drive that I run now. Just looking for another machine but don't want to spend a fortune right now. Do alot of residential but our commercial side is growing at a pretty good clip. We also run a hotbox that will support up to 6gpm. I currently also run a 19" classic surface cleaner. Which machine will the surfacer work better on?
 
Gpm is great for rinsing and general cleaning and that unit is perfect on fleets as well. It will work good on concrete but will not be as aggressive as the 3800 psi you are used to. It will however do a fine job for you and should be a bit faster as well.

If you want you can increase the psi and lower the volume to stay within the hp specs to get greater pressure for the concrete. Such as 4.8 @3000 with a 5.5 nozzle and unloader adjustment.

That being said we do have a new gear drive 18hp briggs (or kohler) 5.6 @ 3500 that isn't much more. It also has a 20amp charging system that allows you to add a hot box later if you want.
 
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