yazbird8 17 Report post Posted September 24, 2014 (edited) Hello, How does a 5 GPM 3000 PSI belt driven pressure washing machine sound if I'm using it for concrete?.... Also using to do occasional house washes and low roofs using an x-jet M5. Thanks Steve PS.. I'm a former, and new member. Mr Petry out of Jersey used to be in my neck of the woods... I was a deck guy like him... Edited September 24, 2014 by yazbird8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steven 37 Report post Posted September 25, 2014 As Pete M once said, 4 is so so, 5 is good, but 8 is awesome. Though the 5 will work for ya, why not go for the 8 gpm. I don't think there is a crazy dollar amount difference. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ckeener 30 Report post Posted September 25, 2014 I've never run an 8gpm machine but I can only imagine the power. We don't haul water for our jobs. And if we did 8gpm will go thru it pretty fast and I suggest hot water for concrete. Especially if there oil and such on it. Just my two cents Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steven 37 Report post Posted September 25, 2014 sure sure heat is a must. I don't haul water either and don't have any issues with water flow from residential customers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mick m 19 Report post Posted September 26, 2014 I've just upgraded to 8 gpm. What a difference. Not so much on the s/c at this stage as I haven't increased the nozzle size yet. But on the rinsing side, its like using a fire hose. All of my work is monthly periodicals. I noticed that I'm shaving off anything from 1/2 to 1.5 hrs, depending on the area I'm doing that particular month. Should've done it years ago. Live & learn as they say. As for your set up, its the same as mine, except I have heat. Which is essential for concrete. So much more effective. Good luck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steven 37 Report post Posted September 26, 2014 Heat is a must but I do 99 percent residential so the only time I use my heat is when I mix my hydroxide and oxalic. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleanfinish 4 Report post Posted September 26, 2014 I think that will be a decent set up to start with, but as others have said, why not go for the 8? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yazbird8 17 Report post Posted September 26, 2014 (edited) Thanks fellas, I went with the 5 GPM because I will be marketing to residential only and the issue of water at the tap made me decide on a lesser GPM machine... Getting an 8 GPM machine would have entailed a whole different rig set-up.. From my past experiences with 4 GPM I figured 5 GPM would suffice... As for hot or cold? I figured cold is fine for mold and dirt, albeit a tad slower... Oil stains were the real concern I had, but from what I understand, your not getting up all the oil anyway.. There will always be a shadow... With the machine I bought, is the 19" Whisper Wash Classic SC "good to go" right out of the gate? Also, could this machine be used with a 24' or 26" SC?...... The cold water machine I bought was a belt drive from Northern Tool. Edited September 26, 2014 by yazbird8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beth n Rod 1,279 Report post Posted September 27, 2014 Supply is a premium question. if the faucets you draw from can't handle the 5-8gpm units, then the lower is a better choice. Now, if you have a permit to draw from a hydrant, then you are all set. Rod 1 Guy B reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John T 744 Report post Posted September 27, 2014 The rule of thumb for what gpm rating would be maxed for surface machine size it's 1gpm/4". So in your case 5gpm I wouldn't go larger then a 20"surface machine so your 19" surface machine will be fine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites