Best Commercial Pressure Washers (Nov. 2024) - Rated by CherryPicks' Experts

All You Need to Know Before Buying a Pressure Washer

7 Things to Consider When Buying a Commercial Pressure Washer

There are many different types of pressure washers available for commercial use, so how do you decide which one is best for you? There are many factors to consider, including horsepower, GPM, and CPU. Here are some tips for choosing the right commercial pressure washer for your needs. Before you begin, make sure you know exactly what each type of pressure washer is good for, so you can compare models and find the one that is right for you.

HP

One important feature to look for is horsepower. The higher the horsepower, the more powerful the pressure washer. If you need to clean a large area quickly, the higher the PSI. Consider the power source too. A high-powered pressure washer will consume more electricity and result in higher electric bills.

PSI and GPM

If you'll be moving your PSI commercial pressure washer from one place to another, it will be necessary to consider the ability to pull it. Having wheels makes moving the pressure washer much easier, so choose models with big off-road tires. Also, consider whether it has carrying handles. Telescopic handles are handy for carrying. You'll probably need them. And of course, don't forget to choose a PSI commercial pressure washer with wheels!

The GPM of a commercial pressure washer is a measurement of the amount of water it can spray per minute. This measure is important because it is the amount of water the machine can spray at a given time. A high GPM will speed up the cleaning, but a low GPM will be more time consuming. A low GPM will not make a difference in the amount of time it takes to clean a surface, and a low GPM will not be as effective at removing a stubborn piece of cheese.

Consider PSI and GPM. Pressure washers measure their power in both PSI and GPM. You'll need to know both numbers to determine the best pressure washer for your needs. For example, a 2,000 PSI machine will produce approximately 8,000 CU at 4 GPM, whereas a 2,500 PSI model will produce 5,000 CU at 2 GPM. While a low PSI machine will be faster, it won't clean your parking lot or your house effectively. So, when comparing PSI and GPM, consider both.

CPU

When purchasing a Commercial Pressure Washer, it is essential to know how to calculate the Cleaning Power Unit (CPU). This is determined by multiplying the PSI (pressure) by the GPM (gallons per minute). Generally, the higher the CPU, the better the pressure washer. While some low-psi units may seem more powerful, high-psi units can perform pressure washing tasks at higher speeds. Another important feature to consider is the tip. Depending on the size of the area to be cleaned, a spray nozzle can generate high pressure and flow more water.

Pumps

The direct-drive model is the most common. It is bolted directly to the engine or motor, reducing the number of moving parts. The downside to this type of pump is that it has more parts and requires more maintenance than its direct-drive counterpart. It is also considerably more expensive, so if you are using it on a daily basis, a direct-drive system will be the better choice. But remember to check the pump's warranty.

Compared to other types of pumps, axial cam pumps are more environmentally friendly and offer a greater degree of flexibility. These pumps allow for a higher PSI configuration and higher GPM output. Triplex pumps also last longer, with a lifespan of up to 10 years. However, axial cam pumps can be costly. If you're looking for a commercial pressure washer, you should buy a pump with the same GPM or higher.

Direct Drive or Belt Drive

There are two main types of commercial pressure washers: direct drive and belt drive. Direct drive pressure washers are more compact, and therefore cheaper up front. A downside of direct drive pressure washers is that the pump turns at the same RPM as the motor. This reduces pump life since vibration transfers directly to the pump. Belt drive pressure washers, on the other hand, can be loaded by one person. Ultimately, you'll end up with a machine that is much more powerful than a direct drive pressure washer.

Direct Drive pressure washers tend to be cheaper and easier to transport than their belt-driven counterparts. While both types of commercial pressure washers have their advantages, the advantages of belt-driven models outweigh their downsides. Belt-driven pressure washers are easier to use and are quieter. They also require less cleaning detergent and produce less heat. This makes them the preferred choice for harsher cleaning services. They also last longer because the belt-drive model is more efficient in water usage.

Gas Engine or Electric Motor

electric motor

The electric motor is low maintenance and fairly quiet. There is also no exhaust, so they can operate indoors or in poorly ventilated areas. A typical 115 volt and 15 amp electric pressure washer will be fairly light as it is made for the low priced market. The motor is not strong enough to generate a lot of pressure or volume. While electric pressure washers are compact and often portable, most jobs take longer with a light-duty electric pressure washer.

HP is rated differently on electric motors compared to gas engines. A typical low-priced electric pressure washer is rated around 1 to 1-1/2 HP, which is equivalent to a 3 HP gas pressure washer. (The HP of the electric motor must be doubled to equal the HP of the gas engine.)

Heavy-duty electric pressure washers can be used in applications where electricity is available and portability is not a factor, and exhaust from gas engines will be an issue.

gas engine

Air pressure washers are larger and heavier and are mounted on carts with wheels. Some are more balanced and easier to maneuver. Gas engines produce more power and are more mobile because they don't need to be plugged in. Due to the more power of the gas engine, the pump can produce more PSI and GPM, so they can clean faster and deeper than any 115-volt rated electric pressure washer. However, they do require more maintenance and more operating costs. They must be used in a well-ventilated area due to the emission of carbon monoxide fumes.

Accessories

Detergents: The use of detergents can increase the speed of cleaning and remove tough stains. Most pressure washers feature a venturi tube for adding detergent to the water stream. The detergent should be applied with a low pressure spray and given enough time to work its magic. Finally, rinse off the detergent with the pressure washer's normal high-pressure spray. This way, you'll have a cleaner floor.

Hoses: Pressure washers don't work if they are not equipped with the necessary accessories. If you're planning to use the pressure washer for a wide range of purposes, you should consider getting a hose with a 50-foot hose. Anything less than this will require you to move the machine around. To avoid kinks and leaks, ensure that you buy a hose with the right PSI rating.

Extending/Telescopic Rods: To clean out of reach areas, look for an extension wand that adjusts to 24 feet in some cases. Extension and telescoping poles are useful if you need to climb to high places. They save you from standing on a ladder doing pressure washing.

how long does it take to pressure wash a driveway

The duration of the pressure washing process depends on the size of the driveway. For a small driveway, it can take anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour. For a bigger driveway, it may take up to 3 hours or even more depending on how dirty the surface is.

what does pressure washers gpm mean for pressure washers

GPM stands for gallons per minute and is an important measurement when it comes to pressure washers. It measures the amount of water that is being pushed out of the nozzle every minute. The higher the GPM, the more powerful the pressure washer will be. The GPM is usually advertised on the front of pressure washer guns. If it says 3.2, that means there are 3,200 gallons of water that come out per minute.

How many years can Commercial Pressure Washers last

The lifespan of commercial pressure washers depends on how often they are used and what they are used for. If they are only used once or twice per week, then it can last up to 5 years. However, if they are used every day, then the lifespan is usually around 3-4 years.

We recommend that you make sure that you service your commercial pressure washer regularly so that it lasts as long as possible. It is also important to purchase a reputable brand as this will ensure that your investment lasts

Pressure Washer Repair and Troubleshooting

Top 10 Commercial Pressure Washers Sellers: CPR Seller Rank List

CPR sellers rank is based on CherryPicks-AI bestselling ranking system that helps us analyze each seller's sales trends. The List of top seller ranks is our in-house data, essential for our product ranking to help you make the right shopping choice.