Tools Of The Trade

[SQUEEKY 14]

hello out there

will be purchasing bulk of new start up equipment this SAT. and wondering what those in the know think about my shopping list.

i will be primarily be doing all facets of residential including deck restoration. PLEASE any opinions on equipment listed ,better prices and stuff that i have over looked.

THANKS!

1)

pressure washer

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200241424_200241424

includes downstream injector

2)

wand

http://www2.northerntool.com/product/21971_21971.htm

its only rated for up to 3000 psi doesnt specify the lower spectrum of psi?

does the pressure washer allow you to adjust psi?

3)

water broom

http://www.ultimatewasher.com/concrete-surface-cleaner.htm

4)

hose reel

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_465470_465470

PW comes with 50' this hold a hundred will purchase 50' more. is this enough?

5)

brushes

http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_32_93&products_id=418&osCsid=7b8c55fd63db88f071263a01666715fb

or

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200318625_200318625

7)

surface cleaners or will the water broom do the same job?

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200041274_200041274

again only rated to 3000psi?

i know this is a micky mouse version but will have to pay my dues until i make some $$.

8)

roof contraption?

http://www.pitchwitch.com/pitchwitch.cfm

seams great for steep pitches? anybody have any knowledge of this product?

9)

X-JET?

washer comes with downstream injector should i master that then purchase X-JET?

THANKS in advance for any and all replies!!

[TNT Pressure Washing 14]

Water Broom--My expeience is a waste of money

Dont waste your money on that surface cleaner its a piece. I bought one like that from northern and it didn't work. I love my x-jet. I have found this out through this site and I know others will chime in but whisper wash surface cleaners are great. Call Bob at Pressure Tek. He sells those surface cleaners and has the bst prices on xjets. Just my 2 cents

[jgoral76 14]

I agree water broom is a piece, as far as xjet goes get the m-5, and ggod luck

[R L S 14]

Save your money, dont buy an X-jet and just downstream. And I agree with the water brooms being big turds. Mosmatic also makes good surfacers. Good Luck

[Paul Kassander 26]

Pressure washer-ok, wand-ok, water broom-ok for rinsing not much else, power brushes-a waste, you are better off with a manual brush and a pole. The surface cleaner- what they said, hose reel-ok but I would by 100' of hose and keep the 50 as a spare or for extra reach, you will probably need at least 150 ft anyway. For now I would stick with the downstreaming as well. Good luck, I hope it works out. If you have questions you can always call.

[Don M. 14]

Just me personally, but I would go somewhere else for a pressure washer. I would shoot for a machine that would do 4 gpm. It would be good for your residental houses and also for your deck jobs. I am still using a 2.8 gpm machine that I bought spring of last year. Its a good machine, but it takes me FOREVER to rinse a house, plus I've been told its not really set up for downstreaming. I would call Bob at Pressuretek or Steve R from Rowlett Pressure Cleaning and have them quote you on a total setup. I know that customer service is crucial when starting out, and I have called Steve R. on a Sat at 2 in the afternoon because I was having problems. He has always been there for me and he sells good chemicals.

[Barry M 73]

I would scratch the water broom, pitch witch, brush kit, hose reel, surface cleaner and hold off on the xjet. I would then take that money and get at least 150' of non marking pressure hose and a better surface cleaner. A whirl a way is good for the money, but the wisper wash is better. Maybe even consider getting a belt driven unit if you plan on being around for awhile. Also get a telescoping pole and a brush for doing gutters. Do you have a ladder? Some other things to consider: insurance, advertising, and chemicals. Do you plan on doing roofs?

[Adrian 155]

x that surface cleaner

x the brush kits

that machine will not get chems the heights you need for 2 or 3 story resi's

not knocking downstreaming, but I know that particular machine. better off with Xjet or M5 on that one. Plus it will only have a soap tip.

A water broom WILL NOT clean a driveway, but they are great for rinsing what the surface cleaners lifts.

If you are going to be lugging your equipment in the bed of the truck, your next move would be to consider a trailer and alot more hose. Your back will give out after a few months of hand lifting your gear and you won't like your work as much. Mount it all on the trailer and you'll shave off as much as an hour for set up and breakdown which equals a higher wage for you.

I didn't see any deck gear listed...... one word...... DECKSTER.... or equivilant. with a variable cone tip. That thing will pay for itself on 1 or 2 deck jobs. Also good for other chems, gutters, yadda.

Rubber boots and Dickies uniforms. You will ruin your daily duds on your first job. The Dickies really really hold up well.

Check the bargain basement on this site and see if you can find a better surface cleaner than the one you chose at Northern. A 109.00 dollar surface cleaner that screws onto the wand end and commercial work lined up for your new business. Plan on buying one of those every week because it just will not hold up to commercial work. It will make your back sore and dig you an early grave. Get a real surface cleaner even if it is used.

get a bag of multi sized O rings, because you will need those as well(5.00)

Have I spent all your money yet? If not, then get a respirator and safety goggles and gloves too.

If you are dead set on a brush kit just get the rotating brush that is geared for THAT machine. Northern has that as well for about 30.00

For the wonderful smell that will be coming from you at the end of a long day of xjetting straight up, get a larger pumper of germide sanitizer. You can pick up some creepy crap from other people's property.

Germ-X makes vats (15.00 gal??) of the stuff and it sanitizes your smelly self from the bleach and other fallout that you will not be able to avoid.

It will sanitize and burn like heck all the little nicks and cuts and help reduce any infections.

Have I spent all your money yet?

...........there's alot more where that came from.

AC

[CCPC 26]

The pressure washer will get you by for a starter, but you're gonna want more gpm as soon as you can swing it.

No need for a water broom, just use an 8010 or 9510 tip for rinsing concrete. Its faster, easier, and cheaper.

Spend the extra money and buy a good surface cleaner, it will pay for itself in just a few jobs. I bought a whisper wash classic a couple of months ago and have loved it, but there's other good brands as well.

I would say its not a bad idea to have an M5 x-jet for certain jobs, but I think you really ought to consider downstreaming for your regular house washing. Do a search, you'll find a lot of information on it.

If you plan to keep your washer on the trailer/truck, you'll want at least 200' of hose, and a hose reel to accommodate it. I recommend cox reels. good quality.

No pitch witch. I'm sure it has a use?, but not necessary for cleaning roofs. do a search on roof cleaning, its a specialty which to do it right, and be competitive, it will require investing in some different equipment.

[David O'Connell Jr. 14]

1)

pressure washer

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200241424_200241424

includes downstream injector

GO MORE GPM IF POSSIBLE AND A BELT DRIVE WITH A FLOAT TANK AND BYPASS.

3)

water broom

http://www.ultimatewasher.com/concrete-surface-cleaner.htm

GET A BALL VALVE FOR RINSING

4)

hose reel

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_465470_465470

PW comes with 50' this hold a hundred will purchase 50' more. is this enough?

YOU WILL NEED 150-200 FT. NON MARKING. THERE IS NOTHING WORSE THAT A BEAUTIFUL DRIVE MARKED UP WHEN YOU ARE DONE.

5)

brushes

http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_32_93&products_id=418&osCsid=7b8c55fd63db88f071263a01666715fb

or

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200318625_200318625

I AGREE WITH THE OTHERS- NOPE ON THIS ONE.

7)

surface cleaners or will the water broom do the same job?

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200041274_200041274

again only rated to 3000psi?

i know this is a micky mouse version but will have to pay my dues until i make some $$.

HOLD BACK ON THE OTHER PURCHASES AND GO FOR A GOOD ONE.

8)

roof contraption?

http://www.pitchwitch.com/pitchwitch.cfm

seams great for steep pitches? anybody have any knowledge of this product?

NO NEED

9)

X-JET?

washer comes with downstream injector should i master that then purchase X-JET?

WE DOWN STREAM. I CAN SHOOT 30 FEET EASILY. BUT IT ALL DEPENDS ON YOUR MARKET

[Washaway 64]

Listen to David about the equipment.

3. Don't waste your money! If you really want to own one then I'll give you mine. (allocate the funds saved to #7)

5. Skip the brushes entirely...I don't see where you'd get any use out of them. (allocate the funds saved to #7)

7. Save your money for a Whisper Wash Classic

8. Allocate the funds saved on this to #7.

[Keth 15]

I agree with what most people here are saying. I started with what you are thinking of buying basically and immediately wanted more.

As for surface cleaners the Whisper Wash Classic I got from Bob at PressureTek just plain rocks. It is so light and powerflul that I do the front walkway at the houses I do for free. I have a hot water machine but don't even turn it on and the Whisper Wash just makes it look like new. The easiest upsell in the world once the front walk is done. "Mrs. Jones, we always do the walkway from the house to the driveway as part of our Silver level service. If you would like the sidewalks and driveway to look the same please let me know and I can put together a quote" Tee hee. Another 50 bucks for tiny driveways and it only takes a few minutes.

Best of luck.

PS Dont get a water broom. Get a 2510 tip and you will be fine.

[FCPWLLC 233]

Save some money for Marketing. All the equipment in the store won't mean diddley if your phone isn't ringing.

[Grime Dawg 14]

I was just in Home Depot and they've got a Dewalt

Pressure Washer...13 HP Honda GX engine and looks like a General Pump....3750 PSI/4GPM for $999.00. That's just $50 bucks more than the smaller unit from Northern.

Also, recheck the reel you chose from Northern, I don't believe any hose comes with it, though they do show 50' advertised on the same page for additional money.

Good luck and don't forget to do alot of research on this site before jumping into buying equipment.

[Guest John Sanford]

Check with a local vendor and see what they suggest. By taking into consideration what others have suggested on this thread it will give you a good idea of how fair of a vendor they will be for you in the future. They may also give you a better price to entice you to use them for your future purchases!

Buying online can save you money but it will cost you a lot of time finding the best prices and time is the most valuable thing a power washing contractor has. Then what do you do if you have a problem, ship your machine to them?

I used to spend a lot of time on the Internet looking for the best deals only to find that the cost of shipping the products to me actually cost me more money. I have since found a couple of vendors that can provide what I use the most, even if I have to drive an hour to get to the store. At least it saves me time and money in the long run if I buy in bulk or need my machine fixed.

[Scott Stone 604]

hello out there

will be purchasing bulk of new start up equipment this SAT. and wondering what those in the know think about my shopping list.

i will be primarily be doing all facets of residential including deck restoration. PLEASE any opinions on equipment listed ,better prices and stuff that i have over looked.

THANKS!

1)

pressure washer

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200241424_200241424

includes downstream injector

This is a budget pressure washer. I would not buy it simply because I have not had good luck with Comet pumps. On the other side of the coin, since you are starting out, you will not want to spend a ton of dough if you are not certain it is not going to work out. BTW, do you have a business plan? It will (Not might) increase the chances of your suyccess in this business, even if it is something that you might laugh at in ten years.

2)

wand

http://www2.northerntool.com/product/21971_21971.htm

its only rated for up to 3000 psi doesnt specify the lower spectrum of psi?

does the pressure washer allow you to adjust psi?

These are also called variable pressure wands. There is a reason, they vary pressure. You can also use the lower pressure to suck soap out of the injector that is standard on the machine you are looking at.

3)

water broom

http://www.ultimatewasher.com/concrete-surface-cleaner.htm

These are good for... let me think, Oh I know, a real light rinse. These are not a professional tool in my opinion.

4)

hose reel

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_465470_465470

PW comes with 50' this hold a hundred will purchase 50' more. is this enough?

That is a $60 hose reel for a reason. If you are going to run a trailer, you will be better off putting a couple of twelve inch bolts and looping your hose over them. It does not look as professional, but it will help you save money for a better hose reel. I prefer Cox or Hannay. There are a couple of other decent ones out there, but those are my preference.

5)

brushes

http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_32_93&products_id=418&osCsid=7b8c55fd63db88f071263a01666715fb

or

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200318625_200318625

I would bet those would get one use before they get buried at the bottom of a tool box somewhere. I know this from personal experience. When I used one, it was on a semi. I thought it was cool. Fired it up, set it against the truck, and it was gone, the gun was gone, and everything was sitting about ten feet away. Sad part is it was at a demo, but opeartions guy had a really good laugh, felt sorry for me, and gave me the account anyways.

7)

surface cleaners or will the water broom do the same job?

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200041274_200041274

again only rated to 3000psi?

i know this is a micky mouse version but will have to pay my dues until i make some $$.

You are better off just using a wand. The rotating union should be more expensive than that.

8)

roof contraption?

http://www.pitchwitch.com/pitchwitch.cfm

seams great for steep pitches? anybody have any knowledge of this product?

9)

X-JET?

washer comes with downstream injector should i master that then purchase X-JET?

THANKS in advance for any and all replies!!

Roofs and x-jets are not my thing. SO I have no experience with them.

[Celeste 341]

Squeeky - I think I had a message from you but my phone ate it! Have a variety of jobs next week (flatwork, new brick, cleaning old wood, stripping). You should come up....we have lots of stuff you can "test" drive, ie, chems, downstreamer vs x-jet (will be using both next week), got a pitchwitch (buried somewhere in the garage), various extensions (noodle, Magnum, Coress), different surface cleaners (with wheelies & without) Also three different trailer units. Hands on stuff is a great way to evaluate :)

Celeste

[SQUEEKY 14]

where to begin?

first of all let me apologize for my late response had some tech. issues to deal with.

second i am truly overwhelmed at the professional generosity you have all displayed!!

it really says a Lott about the power washing industry and the character of people involved in it!

jgoral76>> thanks will avoid the water broom at all cost.. will start with downstream the try out X-JET.

R L S>> see above^^will research MOSMATIC.. THANKS

Paul Kassander>> more hose the better.. I'm sure i will come to love that philosophy. thanks i will prolly take you up on that phone call but will wait till i really need it instead of wasting it on something trivial.

Don M>>ok now thanks to Grime Dawg i'm lookin at the deWalt 3700psi with 4 gpm?from my research it is not a good idea to buy from big box stores??? i think i'm just gonna get it.. how would the vendors you suggested service my equipment? that is truly my biggest reason for choosing northern tool is the in-house service

AAAARRRRGGGGHHHHH!! THANKS

Barry M>>advice taken scratching broom,pitch witch,brush kit,hose reel,surface cleaner and X-JET.will research the whirlaway and wisper wash. do plan on getting belt driven asap.what kinda telescoping pole and brushes do you suggest?what kinda latter do you suggest? insurance is a given for me. advertising will comprise at first, with flyers ive created on photoshop that will be printed by me and delivered by me. will create thread regarding chems asap. yes i do plan on doing roofs any advice?THANKS BARRY

AC new guy>>what kinda machine/equipment will i need for 2 or 3 story home??why would it be better to X-JET with that particular machine? what is the function of the soap tip? i completely agree with time equals money analysis and hose order has been upgraded.

looked into the DECKSTER still not sure how it functions? does it distribute chems? at first can decks be done without it and how?

found some used DICKIES on e-bay.will get real surface cleaner asap. O-rings on the list.have half faced recpiraor and goggles wish i would not have given all my full faced ones i salvaged from the refineries away.GERM-X on the list. spent my money yet??

HELL NO YOU JUST SAVED ME SOME!!! TELL ME MORE!! REALLY APPRECIATE IT!

CCPC>> WHAT ABOUT 4 GPM INSTEAD? 8010 and 9510 on the list.

surface cleaner asap. advice taken will master downstreaming before purchasing X-JET. hose has been upgraded will research cox reels. pitch witch has been scratched.what kinda equipment is required to do it right? THANKS!

doc723>> whats up doc?will 4 gpm be enough? belt brive asap.please explain float tank and bypass? how is a ball valve used? hose has been upgraded and will be non marking. how does the market determine whether to use X-JET or to downstream?

THANKS DOC!

Washaway>> will listen to others .will research wisper wash classic.

THANKS

Keth>> LOOKing like when i purchase the surface cleaner it will be a WW CLASSIC and from PRESSURE TECH. good marketing there keth!will try it undoubtedly with great succses. 2510 tip on the list.

THANKS!

FCPWLLC>> good point appreciate it!

Grime Dawg>> thanks man was about to purchase it now im back to square one lol.. where did you purchase yours? will do lotsa research THANKS!

John Sanford>>the thing is norther tools is my local vendor?its my biggest dilemma right now? THANKS JOHN!

Scott STONE>>would you purchase a 3750 psi/4 gpm dewalt from home depot?business plan asap. cox must be the best hose reel. funny story about the brushes nothing like laughter to close a deal.

THANKS for sharing.

CELESTE>> thanks for the invite do y'all work on weekends? sounds like fun !! sendin this post and callin all at once.

THANKS!

[SQUEEKY 14]

Purchased The Nortstar 3750 Psi 3.5 Gpm 13hp Honda. With Exteneded Warranty.