Things sure have changed since I was a pressure washer 26 years ago. Back then it was trial and error, if you knew someone to give you pointers it was a plus. There was no internet back then to do research for your business. We would go to seminars and product demonstrations when new products came on the market.
Back then there were no flats washers, telescoping extensions, color coded spray tips etc. The main players were Landa, Simpson, Mi-T-M and I see they are still prominent players. Home Depot was not on every corner to get a quick hose if one blew out on the job.
Back then ALL machines were commercial units unlike today. A homeowner machine was electric, now they sell throw away machines with axial cam pumps for a homeowner price at the box stores. Back then I would charge $29.95 for a double wide trailer with a carport and porch, now they are called manufactured housing even though it is still pulled with a truck and had axles that are removed once in place.
I had the pleasure of trying for the first time a twirl tip, now called rotary nozzles a big piece of plastic that would destroy peeling paint like there was no tomorrow, very expensive at the time too. When we wanted to wash something high in the air we would link a few extensions together to get there, now there are telescoping wands with a back brace to keep it upright.
I made a ton of money with my Mi-T-M 1500psi 4gpm machine. Today it would be laughed at as I am laughing as I type. After a recent visit to my local pressure washing distributor I was amazed at the chemical variations. Back then it was chlorine and sometimes a little acid for certain types of work.
I lived in a small county at the time and remember driving 150 miles one way to get parts for my machine from a pressure washing distributor. Now it arrives at my door thanks to Google and the internet which back then would have been something on the TV show Outer Limits.
This is from my experiences and some of the trick products mentioned might have been around but not available in my small town. I now have a cold water 3500 psi 4 gpm belt drive machine that will be used for paint prep and maybe some home washing if need be.
Writing this has brought back some fond memories of my early pressure washing days. I was in business for about 10 years before getting out of the trade which I seem to be getting back into. I hope you enjoy the read from an old school pressure washing guy.
Things sure have changed since I was a pressure washer 26 years ago. Back then it was trial and error, if you knew someone to give you pointers it was a plus. There was no internet back then to do research for your business. We would go to seminars and product demonstrations when new products came on the market.
Back then there were no flats washers, telescoping extensions, color coded spray tips etc. The main players were Landa, Simpson, Mi-T-M and I see they are still prominent players. Home Depot was not on every corner to get a quick hose if one blew out on the job.
Back then ALL machines were commercial units unlike today. A homeowner machine was electric, now they sell throw away machines with axial cam pumps for a homeowner price at the box stores. Back then I would charge $29.95 for a double wide trailer with a carport and porch, now they are called manufactured housing even though it is still pulled with a truck and had axles that are removed once in place.
I had the pleasure of trying for the first time a twirl tip, now called rotary nozzles a big piece of plastic that would destroy peeling paint like there was no tomorrow, very expensive at the time too. When we wanted to wash something high in the air we would link a few extensions together to get there, now there are telescoping wands with a back brace to keep it upright.
I made a ton of money with my Mi-T-M 1500psi 4gpm machine. Today it would be laughed at as I am laughing as I type. After a recent visit to my local pressure washing distributor I was amazed at the chemical variations. Back then it was chlorine and sometimes a little acid for certain types of work.
I lived in a small county at the time and remember driving 150 miles one way to get parts for my machine from a pressure washing distributor. Now it arrives at my door thanks to Google and the internet which back then would have been something on the TV show Outer Limits.
This is from my experiences and some of the trick products mentioned might have been around but not available in my small town. I now have a cold water 3500 psi 4 gpm belt drive machine that will be used for paint prep and maybe some home washing if need be.
Writing this has brought back some fond memories of my early pressure washing days. I was in business for about 10 years before getting out of the trade which I seem to be getting back into. I hope you enjoy the read from an old school pressure washing guy.
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