High Pressure Washer Cleaning Machines
High Pressure Washer cleaning machines are an effective cleaning tool used in many industries in South Africa and Worldwide, such as truck and car wash, pavements, earth-moving and agricultural equipment, food manufacturing plants, hospitals and clinics and the hospitality industry. Water and high pressure is an effective cleaning tool and can be used to clean engine parts, concrete floors, vehicles, buildings and factories.
Before you purchase a High Pressure Washer you need to understand some basic features of High Pressure Cleaners and whether they are suitable for your purpose.
TYPES OF HIGH PRESSURE WASHERS
High Pressure washers are powered in one of 3 ways:
- Petrol
- Diesel
- Electricity (Single phase or 3 phase)
If you are going to run a mobile car wash or truck wash business, you're probably going to need a petrol or diesel driven high pressure machine as an electrical supply is not always available on site, unless of course you have your own generator. Generally, petrol driven machines are more expensive to run than a diesel machine. Repairs on Diesel HP Cleaning Machines are however more expensive than Petrol driven HP cleaning machines.
Electric High Pressure Washers are of course a lot less maintenance intensive than the Petrol and Diesel driven High Pressure washers.
If you do decide to buy a Petrol driven High Pressure machine, ask the manufacturer if it is possible to control the idle speed. Being able to control the idle speed of the engine during periods of inactivity will extend the lifetime of the engine and machine.
Idle Speed Control on Yamaha engine of a Kranzle Petrol High Pressure washer B16/220
A range of portable electric high pressure washers for home, smallholdings and small business shown below
High Pressure washer are either mobile (on wheels) or non-mobile (in a frame). Some require a trailer or bakkie to transport, whilst other are small and light enough to fit in the boot of a standard sedan car.
A Mobile Petrol Driven High Pressure Cleaner shown below, ideal for Truck Wash and the washing of Construction or Agricultural machinery
A Portable Electric Industrial High Pressure Washer below, ideal for home or carwash business
PRESSURE AND WATER FLOW SPECIFICATIONS OF HIGH PRESSURE WASHERS
Depending on what work you have planned for your high pressure machine, you need to understand pressure and flow rate requirements for the job.
Pressure is measured in Bars (or P.S.I in the USA) and flow rate is measured in Litres per minute (l/m) or in Gallons per minute (in the USA)
Every machine is supplied with a Pressure rating and Flow Rate specification (i.e. 220Bar & 18 l/m).
Nozzle sizing is also important and many people do not bother to purchase the right size nozzles based on the Pressure and Litres per Minute rating of their machine. Do consult with us to advise on the correct size nozzle for your machine. Using the wrong size High Pressure nozzle will either affect the Pressure or the Flow rate.
For Truck and large machinery, you will need a High Pressure machine at 200 Bar or higher pressure and 16-18l/min or more water flow rate. For home use and washing small cars, you can get away with 100 Bar or less and 5-7 l/m)
Some machines are supplied with a pressure gauge, and its advisable that you have one for safety reasons, but also to ensure that your machine is operating at the rated value.
HIGH PRESSURE SPRAY GUS, LANCES, FOAM GUNS AND HIGH PRESSURE ACCESSORIES
Some of the lower end machines are supplied with a generic Spray Gun and Lance. In most cases these are adequate for low pressure jobs.
For the professional, it is important that they have high quality spray guns and lances, that will last a long time under harsh working conditions and that can be customise to your needs. For example a spray gun with a swivel inlet connector that attaches to the high pressure hose will prevent the hose from getting tangled.
Quick Connect and disconnect plugs and sockets from High Pressure accessory manufacturers such as MTMHydro allow you to quickly switch between lances, foam gun, or to attach or detach from the hose.
Choose the correct set for your business and productivity needs. Quality tools can last a lifetime, so invest wisely.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS - HIGH PRESSURE WASHER OPERATION
High Pressure equipment is dangerous and can kill or badly maim people. Adhere to the safety features of the manufacturer.
Herewith some additional safety tips
- Always use protective glasses, boots and clothing when operating a High Pressure Washer
- Before starting the machine, keep the trigger on the gun pressed in to release any unexpected pressure
- Never point a spray gun at someone else.
- Never spray towards someone (a high Zero Degree high pressure nozzle can cut through skin and flesh)
- Have your machine serviced on a regular basis as per manufacturer stipulations
- Inspect connector and high pressure hose on a weekly basis
Research carefully before buying your High Pressure Cleaner. Get the correct accessories. Ask questions around after sales support, spares availability and maintenance schedules and costs.
Always see your High Pressure Machine as a problem solver or money maker. Most times it is better to buy quality at a higher price.
Www.nanofoamwarriors.com will assist you with any advice on High Pressure washer equipment and accessories. We also stock and supply a vast range of high quality equipment in South Africa. We can export to most African countries.