dragster
Member
Registered: 03/27/06
Posts: 103
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| | 02/11/09 at 06:56 AM | Reply with quote | #1 |
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A lot of talk is out there about low water wash, low pressure washers. Can anyone show or recommend any products or low pressure wash systems? I am very interested in the side of detailing. Thanks Jim |
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Relaited
Senior Member
Registered: 01/28/08
Posts: 951
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| | 02/11/09 at 09:49 AM | Reply with quote | #2 |
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Jim,
Here is the one I use http://prontowash.com/usa/our-concept.php
Here is one from a Water $mart thought leader http://store.nexternal.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=totalpros&StoreType=BtoC&Count1=19710719&Count2=936851143
I got something like this to experiment with doing fleet work http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=9583
All these are 40 psi amp; 1 Gal per minute flow
Never seen it used, but intuitively, I bet it can http://www.pdsweb.net/3-gal-tank-page.html
You could always apply a "waterless" in a spray bottle in a pinch
Lastly, and careful with this advice, but I have been in many training sessions , and I always ask how to reduce water consumption in the traditional wash process. The good ones can use less water using traditional pressure washers through good process.
If I am standing facing the side of a car, then I start at the top, at a bit of an angle, I press the trigger and in a sense moving the dirt from right to left. When I finish that push, I release the trigger, pull my arms back, lower the the height, and push the dirt on the next lower level. Repeat until you get to the bottom. the point is that you are only pushing the dirt off, quickly, and your finger is only engaged for a minimal amount of time. Therefore, you are using the minimal amount of water to do the job. And, as you must capture contaminants and waste water, you are saving time by only having to pick up the least amount of water. You are rinsing, not drowning.
You do not need a whole bunch of pressure to do that, and perhaps you only need to do this on a small amount of vehicles you service, so why not go for something that has a low psi & low flow. Lowest flow I saw was a 1.5 gpm & 1300 psi, many others at 1.6 gpm & 1600 http://www.everypressurewasher.com/PowerWasher-PWS1300-PWR1000.html#ProdDetails
Good Luck in your quest, feel free to PM if there is anything I can do to help. I love it that you are moving in this direction in Rhode Island!
-jim
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dragster
Member
Registered: 03/27/06
Posts: 103
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| | 02/11/09 at 10:15 AM | Reply with quote | #3 |
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Thanks for the info i think i will go with a small psi electric pressure washer for dirty cars per say. Then use something like a onr product for light washer in a small sprayer. What are some of your thoughts on this? |
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ImageCustomDetail
Member
Registered: 11/15/06
Posts: 206
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| | 02/17/09 at 12:55 PM | Reply with quote | #4 |
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RELAITED
COULD YOU GIVE FEED BACK ON THE HARBOR FREIGHT UNIT
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MicrofiberTowels
Senior Member
Registered: 12/29/03
Posts: 1,181
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| | 02/17/09 at 02:19 PM | Reply with quote | #5 |
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I use the PDS 3 gallon sprayer for APC, but will soon use it to apply ONR for cars needing a little more "water" before washing.
I'm looking into many new things and even dreamed last night--I know, it's sick-- of a unit that can be rolled out of my van that contains a power source for vac and a dispenser for the waterless solution..these are already built by Pronto and others, so I'm not saying it's new, but I thought it would be a way to put 4-5 in a van, drop them off with employees and let them work.
A vacuum motor could work off the batteries installed with inverters (solar panel on the top) and the waterless off a pump, or pressurized bottle/stainless sprayer and two compartments for towels + dressing and applicator for tires. Coupled with a canopy, uniforms, mobile cc machine and some signage, it would look great and be portable. Stainless steel is not cheap these days so building such a device will not be cheap, but what if you could then pick them up, take them home, and recharge the batteries each day?? In the end, it may be a cost effective way to have your business in many places at the same time. it would also free you up to drive around and visit each place from behind trees and watch your employees (slightly kidding, but it's always good to know what is going one when you are not there).
Just some thoughts to keep this great conversation going on ideas.
I am building a new garage in the near future thanks to my city planning dept. (they are making me do this). Yvan pointed out that if I get a lift, to recess the cement so that the lift is flush with the garage floor when lowered. Love these ideas you are all discussing!!!
After I meet with my engineer friend, I'll share any ideas he comes up with as he creates tools and parts for a living..has some great accounts and is very good at creating things that do not yet exist.
Rob
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Relaited
Senior Member
Registered: 01/28/08
Posts: 951
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| | 02/17/09 at 04:43 PM | Reply with quote | #6 |
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Eddie,
I am a bit torn. it is 15 gallons, so I like the capacity for fleet ... but it is stationary. So I have to leave it in the vehicle, but I can put 2 hoses off same pump. I have the hhr, and the battery is in the back ( I know this, as I looked everywhere under the hood first), so I don't have to go far to hook to a battery.
i got it on sale for $89, then changed the hose to longer, and added my favorite nozzle that acts more like a atomized mist than the chemical sprayer it is traditionally used for. the pump was the one I have used elsewhere.
Also, like a dummy, I spray painted it green, and my 3.5 year old walks over and scratched off the green, my response was "Well, I guess that answers the question about if the paint will stick like the sales guy said it would."
I really like this one, about $429
it has a rechargeable battery, 5 gallon capacity. My only neg comment is that I wish I could figure out how to mist it, and then turn the nozzle to spray a little harder. But I believe it to be best of breed. I like the portability, and if I need capacity, I can always carry an extra 5 gallon container or 2.
-jim
PS I have one other alternative coming this week. But my little experimentation might be that I should have left it to the experts in this area. Might give me future knowledge for a future project I am working on.
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MicrofiberTowels
Senior Member
Registered: 12/29/03
Posts: 1,181
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| | 02/17/09 at 05:07 PM | Reply with quote | #7 |
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Jim,
Where can I get the longer hoses and nozzle? The longer hose is a must to get around the car without having to move the unit all the time.
Thanks, rob
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ecowashme
Registered: 04/06/10
Posts: 3
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| | 04/06/10 at 02:17 AM | Reply with quote | #8 |
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Jim, do you know where I can get similar carwash karts as Pronto uses?
Thanks
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waxworkz
Member
Registered: 05/11/08
Posts: 15
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| | 04/24/10 at 01:50 AM | Reply with quote | #9 |
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| here is a bad picture of one i built for some one based on a 15 gallon tank, 12v 55psi pump, 50ft hose and reel. the trigger is a basic one but has a special fan tip instead of the traditional degree type.
the space next to the reel was for a small generator but guy i built it for didnt have the funds for a honda run quiet. i have a similar one i have in my suburban and have built several others. the skids are all custom built to the vehicles. |
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kadcrash
Junior Member
Registered: 10/14/08
Posts: 391
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| | 05/01/10 at 01:22 PM | Reply with quote | #10 |
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If anyone is interested in a good applicator system we have developed a tank sprayer system utilizing
+ Either a 5 gallon or 3 gallon stainless steel tank
+ Control Manifold w/ regulators
+ Dual polyurethane coiled hose (20')
+ Spray gun
You just plug a small air compressor into the tank and you can spray waterless wash on the vehicle in a quick, even layer.
Saves both time and chemical.
Interested contact: keith@detailplus.com
Regards
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Relaited
Senior Member
Registered: 01/28/08
Posts: 951
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| | 05/01/10 at 05:04 PM | Reply with quote | #11 |
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I bought a Nomad. about the 5th use ... snapped the hose connector, rendered unit useless.
Great for weekender, not so good commercial.
Keith, I have a 3 gal stainless, a bunch of tips.
What tip works best?
Also, mine has no mobility ... anything you suggest for that?
Ever think about a unit that accepts the tank that is mobile, like with wheels?
Also, I don't think it is about what "waterless" or what sprayer, but also about the system and process ... so have you ever thought about the unit with wheels that also added storage to enable the system? that would hold some other things like towels, brushes, perhaps other chemicals, etc?
-jim
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Eco_Luxury
Member
Registered: 06/13/08
Posts: 11
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| | 05/15/10 at 04:47 AM | Reply with quote | #12 |
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Same here Jim, I think I got 8 uses out of the Nomad then the connector broke. I ordered another one, same thing happened. Still looking for something... |
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Jashhelly
Member
Registered: 08/31/10
Posts: 1
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| | 08/31/10 at 07:37 AM | Reply with quote | #13 |
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Quote: Originally Posted by RelaitedJim, Here is the one I use http://prontowash.com/usa/our-concept.phpHere is one from a Water $mart thought leader http://store.nexternal.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=totalpros&StoreType=BtoC&Count1=19710719&Count2=936851143I got something like this to experiment with doing fleet work http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=9583All these are 40 psi amp; 1 Gal per minute flow Never seen it used, but intuitively, I bet it can http://www.pdsweb.net/3-gal-tank-page.htmlYou could always apply a "waterless" in a spray bottle in a pinch Lastly, and careful with this advice, but I have been in many training sessions , and I always ask how to reduce water consumption in the traditional wash process. The good ones can use less water using traditional pressure washers through good process. If I am standing facing the side of a car, then I start at the top, at a bit of an angle, I press the trigger and in a sense moving the dirt from right to left. When I finish that push, I release the trigger, pull my arms back, lower the the height, and push the dirt on the next lower level. Repeat until you get to the bottom. the point is that you are only pushing the dirt off, quickly, and your finger is only engaged for a minimal amount of time. Therefore, you are using the minimal amount of water to do the job. And, as you must capture contaminants and waste water, you are saving time by only having to pick up the least amount of water. You are rinsing, not drowning. You do not need a whole bunch of pressure to do that, and perhaps you only need to do this on a small amount of vehicles you service, so why not go for something that has a low psi & low flow. Lowest flow I saw was a 1.5 gpm & 1300 psi, many others at 1.6 gpm & 1600 http://www.everypressurewasher.com/PowerWasher-PWS1300-PWR1000.html#ProdDetailsGood Luck in your quest, feel free to PM if there is anything I can do to help. I love it that you are moving in this direction in Rhode Island! -jim
Thanks. This information about car washing equipment is really nice and helpful.
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