MEDSKER 14 Report post Posted November 9, 2006 I was just wondering if anybody out there is using, or has used an electric washer as a mobile PW. I know it seems like a silly question but I am considering starting my own business up in the spring and I am just doing my homework. I suppose getting to the electricity could be a problem but I think with the right altenator and inverter setup a guy could use his pickup or a genny. Just a thought let me know what you think. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Russ Johnson 141 Report post Posted November 9, 2006 No, no, and no. An inverter will never give you the amperage required to start the motor(s). A 2 hp electric motor will pull almost 18 amps (2,150 watts), but it needs about 6,500 watts to start. If you go with hot water, you've got another motor to get started after the pump is running (1/5 hp, 5 amps (600 watts, 2,000 watts to start). Plus, the best you can get out of a 2 hp is either 2 gpm @1,500 psi or 3 gpm @ 1,000 psi. Not much for mobile washing. I did set a customer up with 2 3.5 gpm @ 2,000 psi hot waters running off a generator...but it was a 30,000 watt, 6 cylinder diesel. It would be really difficult to plug in to a customer's electricity, too. You'd have to be on a 30 amp breaker and no more than 50' of 10 gauge extension cord. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MEDSKER 14 Report post Posted November 10, 2006 Ok sorry, I was just wondering. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Russ Johnson 141 Report post Posted November 10, 2006 No need to be sorry, man. Much better to ask now than to invest in equipment that wouldn't do what you want....THEN you'd be sorry....lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scott Stone 604 Report post Posted November 10, 2006 There is Dave Olsen. One of his pressure washers is run off electricity. He also has a huge generator in the back of his truck to make it all happen. He might be along shortly with pictures for everyone to drool over... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
One Tough Pressure 580 Report post Posted November 10, 2006 He also has a huge generator in the back of his truck to make it all happen. Dave and his 45,000 watt generator. I call that slightly larger than huge. Maybe giganticalenormorous would be a better name. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paul Kassander 26 Report post Posted November 14, 2006 Yes we have a local washer around here that has a big diesel generator in his truck and runs all electric as well. Not very common though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PressurePros 248 Report post Posted November 14, 2006 An electric washer (1.2 gpm) wired to the alternator of a truck, hose stuck in a bottle of bleach. Thats all you need to start a business. Get 'er Done! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Richard 17 Report post Posted November 14, 2006 GEEZ Ken Quit giving away all the trade secrets. They don't need to know that all that equiptment we have is for nothing other than a dog and pony show. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paul Kassander 26 Report post Posted November 15, 2006 How do you think Ken keeps his stuff so nice. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
