stoppie101 20 Report post Posted April 29, 2004 Could some one fill me in about unloaders. The way I understand them is that they are used to unload the pressure in the line so you dont have to shut down your equipment while changing wands, surface cleaners etc... Can they also be used to change psi and gpm? I have a 13hp honda/cat pump 3700psi/4gpm. is there a model that you could recomend for my unit? thanks ps. make wheelies not war Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
One Tough Pressure 580 Report post Posted April 30, 2004 Chad, The best way to reduce pressure is to use larger orifice nozzles, or a dual lance. When you change pressure with the unloader that alters the flow as well. The ideal thing is to lower pressure when needed, but keep the flow at the rated gpm for the machine, which in your case is 4 gpm. When you need full pressure again, it will nickel and dime you to death trying to get it right. The unloader is designed to take the load off the pump when you let go of the trigger. Without the unloader, you would need to run an open gun, or else something would explode (hose, gun, pump etc) when you let off. If you want to be able to switch between items without shutting down the machine, you will need to either use a ball valve on the end of the hose, or have quick couplers on the outlet side of the gun. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paul B. 523 Report post Posted April 30, 2004 Stoppie, Your P/W already has an unloader on it. It is both a pressure regulator and safety valve (as Alan said). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stoppie101 20 Report post Posted May 1, 2004 thanks for the tips Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
