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gamedic

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I'm starting up a small pressure washing business on the side and I'm having trouble deciding which pressure washer to buy. I'm looking at a Troy Built with a 7.0 HP Briggs & Stratton at 3000 PSI. Can anybody tell me if this is a good choice or should I be looking at something else. I'm not looking for a specific brand, just your thoughts on PSI, GPM, or any other info you might think is important when buying a start up machine. Thank- you, Gamedic
 
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The machine guys can tell you better but I would think you'd want a higher HP for longevity purposes - minimum of maybe 18 HP. This is going to have to run and run and run....7 won't live long at all.

Celeste
 
gamedic,
The machine is to small for regular work(I would look at something closer to 4gpm/3000psi with at least a 13hp motor).Also, southwest Ga. is a strange market(we are about an hour west of you).Homeowners are very cost consious(they are every where,but rural Ga. pricing aries greatly from Atl. pricing) and have a Walmart mentality.You will have to stick to your pricing or they will take every opportunity they can to drive your price down.
Set yourself apart from the hacks that charge $50 to wash anything(we have enough of them around already)make sure you have a business license and insurance.These things will set you apart from "Bubba" who is out to make some extra beer money.Also,invest in professional chemicals and an xjet,they will help your jobs go faster.
 
Squirtgun said:
gamedic,
The machine is to small for regular work(I would look at something closer to 4gpm/3000psi with at least a 13hp motor).Also, southwest Ga. is a strange market(we are about an hour west of you).Homeowners are very cost consious(they are every where,but rural Ga. pricing aries greatly from Atl. pricing) and have a Walmart mentality.You will have to stick to your pricing or they will take every opportunity they can to drive your price down.
Set yourself apart from the hacks that charge $50 to wash anything(we have enough of them around already)make sure you have a business license and insurance.These things will set you apart from "Bubba" who is out to make some extra beer money.Also,invest in professional chemicals and an xjet,they will help your jobs go faster.
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Thanks for the info, I'll have to start out smaller than 13hp due to cost and upgrade later. Is there any advice you can give me on how much to charge a customer? Thanks, Scott
 
Our housewashes start at $125 (1200 sq ft) and go up,depending on sq footage,type of siding,landscaping etc.For residential concrete we are around $85 for every 1000 sq ft.For our market these are fair starting prices,you will get some people who just won't want to pay those prices.
Stay firm on price,it weeds out the undesirable types that you will never be able to please,even if you did the work for free.

With the machine you want to start with commercial work is out of the question(hotwater and high GPM are a must for commercial).Also,deck restoration is a hard sell,if you desire to get into it learn the proper chemicals and techniques.We no longer chase deck work,if they call and accept the price,we'll do them.
 
Squirtgun said:
Our housewashes start at $125 (1200 sq ft) and go up,depending on sq footage,type of siding,landscaping etc.For residential concrete we are around $85 for every 1000 sq ft.For our market these are fair starting prices,you will get some people who just won't want to pay those prices.
Stay firm on price,it weeds out the undesirable types that you will never be able to please,even if you did the work for free.

With the machine you want to start with commercial work is out of the question(hotwater and high GPM are a must for commercial).Also,deck restoration is a hard sell,if you desire to get into it learn the proper chemicals and techniques.We no longer chase deck work,if they call and accept the price,we'll do them.
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Thanks for the information, Scott
 
Scott,
I hope it helps.
Most would say: Why offer help to competition?

My answer is always the same.If no one helps the newer guys,they will hurt the market by under charging,using inferior chemicals,techniques etc.A job poorly done by someone else will affect my business more than if you have 100% customer satisfaction.

I honestly don't look at others as competition.We do what we do,they do what they do.I aim to please my customers and will fill that bill for someone elses if they can't.I don't chase other peoples account or underbid to steal jobs,however,if someone elses customer calls me because they are happy with the service they are getting from there current company,I'm more than happy to talk with them.
 
Pablo,
Those prices may work for Augusta,but farther south the market changes.The prices I gave Scott are a good starting point for our market.

Remember it's about what your individual market will bear.

In a market that brings lower prices(southwest Ga. for example) you have to learn how to do the quality work people expect and still turn a profit.This is where it's important to have equipment,chemicals and experience to get the job done fast and right.
 
gamedic said:
Thanks for the info, I'll have to start out smaller than 13hp due to cost and upgrade later. Is there any advice you can give me on how much to charge a customer? Thanks, Scott
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Consider buying a reconditioned machine from a PW dealer for 1/2 to 2/3 the price of new. Get at least a 90 day warranty.
 
You got to think 2 things... Good Motor and Good Pump..

At Least a 18 Hp if its a briggs and at least a 13 Hp if it's a Honda... I perfer Honda but thats just me..

Most cheap machines have faip pumps made out of cast alum or metal.. These will not hold up.. I would say go to your local pressure washer company and search for a good used industrial unit.. It will last longer.. and you will be happier with the results.

Hey guess what I washed a house for FREE the other day...................!!!!!!!!!

It was my Dads House ... NOW THAT"S A CHEAP PRICE>> LOL
 
I found a Karchner 3100 psi. 3.1 gpm, with a 9hp motor, that i can afford. Am i getting closer?
 
No offense, but you sound under-financed. It looks like you are trying to spend around $500 for a washer when you need to spend $1000 minimum, and that is too much for you. My question is, if you can't spend an extra $500 right now, how are you going to have money to get insured, licensed, and most importantly, advertise??? To be analogous, this would be like cutting a large yard with a push mower. If this is your budget, I'd suggest waiting until spring and save some more $. I'd be thinking you need to have $5000 minimum to start a small residental wash operation, and that is assuming you have a truck, van or trailer. Don't wanna be a wet blanket----just tryin' to keep it real:)
 
JON is right .. A good used machine will cost you about $600 to $ 1000 . If you are going to wash concrete you need at least 4 GPM... Most surface cleaners require at least 4 gpm. If you are using a wand at least 4 GPM is a definite. Also Insurance ( Just General Liab will run you about $400-$600 per year for $ 500,000 .. Business License is not that expensive ,,, in Mississippi $ 45.00 per year. Also you need to have enough money for good chemicals such as caustic ( about $1.10 ) per pound and Sodium Hypo about $ 80.00 per 55 Gallons.. Plus Most machines only come with 50 foot of hose.. I would suggest getting at least a 100 ft double braid hose and use the 50ft as an extension or a spare.. Depending on applications you will need an assortment of fittings, nozzles, and other equipment.
Also don't forget the truck or van..

I would ( if I was you ) go bid some jobs .. Get as meany Yeses as you can , Go to your local PW store and Finance a Good Machine.. If you Average $100 to $150.00 per concrete cleaning You can pay a good machine off in about 6 months..

Remember dont go so cheap you run yourself out of business Stick with the going prices and explain to your customer's you are just starting out , and that you do a very good job, sale yourself not your product. My customers buy from me because they like me not because I am Cheap...
{{{{ There is always someone cheaper , but there are few better }}}}

GOOD LUCK !!!!!!!

SEARCH ::: Ebay you may find some good deals.. I saw a 3500 psi @ 4gpm machine on there about a week ago for $675.00 Not sure what brand But it had a 13 HP Honda with a CAT Pump.. This would be a good unit..

Work Hard and you will make it.. When I first started out Cleaning Hoods I had a 1000PSI @ 2gpm Alkota Hot Water Machine and an Old Truck...
Now we got the Whitco Machine and Fixing to Buy a Hydro Tek Next Year to go in our Van .. ( WE STILL GOT THE OLD TRUCK )
 
Thanks, I have a truck, license, and insurance taken care of. I had hoped to buy a smaller machine and flat surface cleaner to do patios, driveways, siding and such, until i make enough to afford a larger unit. So you guys are saying anything less than 4 gpm and 13 hp would be a waste of my money.
 
gamedic said:
So you guys are saying anything less than 4 gpm and 13 hp would be a waste of my money.
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Not exactly a waste of your money, but as your time. Where Time is Money. You can always take a machine and power down, you can never power up.

Going from 3gpm to 4gpm is a 33% increase in water volumn. PSI staying the same (3000psi). You have now increased your production capability by 1/3 also in theory.

Go try out some different machines and see the difference.
 
http://cgi.ebay.com/Whisper-Wash-Bi...538189412QQcategoryZ46536QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-TROY-BILT-1...399298027QQcategoryZ50388QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Found these two items on ebay for you..

The Big Guy Surface Cleaner and the Pressure Washer .. It is a Troy Built Unit But it has a 13 HP Honda thats a plus and I am guessing an AR Pump. ( not the greatest but it is an ok pump and the parts areavaiable and cheap.. you only have like one day to bid on this stuff... That Big Guy Whisper Wash Surface cleaner is at $325.00 Right Now thats a good price..
 
Why don't you chase deck work any more squirtgun?
 
Homeowners in my area think PT wood is indestructable.They see no need to keep it cleaned and sealed.The few that do want it sealed try and haggle over price or want you to just bleach it and throw Thompsons on it.
I quoted a deck last year @ $2175,for full strip of a solid stain,brighten,seal with Ready Seal and replace lattice and rotten boards.I was going to throw in the housewash at no charge ($750,00 home) and they still didn't want to get it done.
It's not worth the effort to land these jobs.I can sell 3 housewashes in the time it take me to sell one small deck restoration.
 
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