Rental Solutions -- Pressure Washers
Cold-water units are most popular with rental customers.
With the plethora of brands and models of portable pressure washers available, rental centers can be hard-pressed choosing which models to stock to best serve their customers.
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Cold-water units are most popular with rental customers. |
Mi-T-M Corporation manufactures a variety of equipment for all types of rental needs including air compressors, generators, pressure washers and water pumps. When it comes to pressure washers, its CA Aluminum Series cold-water pressure washer is the most popular Mi-T-M unit with rental centers.
Mi-T-M pressure washer experts share common questions about selection and use.
Hot or cold?
Cold-water pressure washers are ideal for removing dirt and mud from most any surface: decks, siding, concrete and other surfaces. Accessories can help boost the effectiveness of cold-water pressure washers. Those accessories can increase cleaning power and decrease cleaning time.
However, to clean any surface that needs to be degreased, hot water is a must. Cold-water pressure washers cannot remove grease and oil effectively. You wouldn’t think of washing your greasy hands with cold water; the same principle applies to power washing.
If you or your customer will be using a cold-water unit for more than a few hours a week, consider the labor savings that could be realized by switching to a hot-water pressure washer.
Versatility is key
Versatility makes the Mi-T-M CA Aluminum Series pressure washers so popular. The aluminum frame keeps it lightweight, yet it is powerful enough to handle tough cleaning jobs. Paint contractors use it to remove old and peeling paint and cleaning contractors know it will easily remove mold and mildew from almost any surface.
Perfect for use on residential, commercial or industrial cleaning jobs, the Mi-T-M CA Series of pressure washers range from 2,400 to 4,000 psi and are powered by either a Honda or Kohler engine. The patented vibration isolation plate keeps the machine from moving while running and adds longevity to the unit.
Size matters
One way to compare units is to convert a unit’s specifications into Cleaning Units. That can be done by multiplying the unit’s psi and gpm ratings.
For example, 2400 psi x 2.0 gpm = 4,800 Cleaning Units vs. 3,000 psi x 2.4 gpm = 7,200 Cleaning Units.
The 3,000 psi unit cleans 35 percent faster than the 2,400 psi unit. Remember that it doesn’t clean better, just faster.
Also, keep in mind that Cleaning Units can’t be used to determine quality of the unit. Quality is better determined by the type of pump and its related components.
Drive types
Portable pressure washers will either be belt-driven or direct-driven. Belt-driven pumps are most commonly found on industrial models and are ideal for cleaning applications requiring 20 or more hours of use per week. The belt connecting the engine or motor with the high-pressure pump helps dissipate heat and vibration, which minimizes wear and repairs on key components. Belt drives extend the life of the pump by reducing the rpm demand.
For applications of less than 20 hours of use per week, direct-driven pumps are more commonly used. The pump is directly coupled to the engine or motor, so the pump spins twice as fast as belt-driven models. Although these models are not recommended for heavy, consistent use, they are a lower-cost alternative to more expensive, belt-driven models.
A heavy-duty pressure washer can cut cleaning times in half. Shorter cleaning time means less labor, which equals more productivity.
Learn more at www.mitm.com.
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