New surface cleaner

What tips do you have in it!

Jason wrote:

I have a Whirl-A-Way 20" and 4gpm. I'm really thinking of getting a 16". It would be fine for me, since I just do residential. My 20" is slow from what I've been hearing from others. So, 16", though smaller in size, would go faster. Is that good reasoning?

You can move it faster, but you won't cover as much ground, hence it is the same.

How fast you clean depends on your output - GPM + pressure. Always use two bar surface cleaners. Three bar or four bars spread your power way too thin. The more GPM per nozzle you have the faster and better you will clean.

4gpm @3500psi is slower than 8gpm @3500psi

8gpm @3500psi is slower than 13gpm @3000psi.

etc.etc. 13gpm is the maximum you can push through a 3/8" hose. Anything more and you would need to upgrade to 1/2" hose

Jason wrote:

I have a Whirl-A-Way 20" and 4gpm. I'm really thinking of getting a 16". It would be fine for me, since I just do residential. My 20" is slow from what I've been hearing from others. So, 16", though smaller in size, would go faster. Is that good reasoning?

Jason, instead of buying a 16", I'd get a bigger pump. You will want more output than 4gpm eventually.

If you upgrade to a 5-5.5gpm pump with the engine you have or buy a bigger engine like a 20-24hp with a 8gpm 3500psi pump you will never go back to a 4gpm.

My progression and experiences with surface cleaners.

First surface cleaner: 24" stainless steel BE, 3 bars and 25020 nozzles.

I used it on my 13hp 5.5gpm @ 2500psi. It was mediocre. I quickly grew impatient with it. It was painfully slow and I got tired of double backing.

Upgraded to a 20hp Honda to get more pressure, 5.5gpm @ 4000psi.
A little better.

After doing some research I discovered about joining your machines together.
20hp 5.5gpm + 13hp 5gpm = 33hp 10.5gpm @ 3500psi.
Nozzles were (3) 2503.5 on the three bar.

This was obviously a HUGE difference. But on really nasty concrete I was still having to double back.

I noticed my three bar was only giving me a 19.5" circle, so I called
Whisper wash and ordered a 23" two bar, which gave me 2.5 inches more
cleaning area. Plus with two bars I was increasing my gpm's per nozzle, which gives you more cleaning power (units).

Two bars using (2) 15055 nozzles. This made a difference.

After using this for about 8 months, I saw Tim Aselton posting a picture of his Maxima 36" pushing an 8gpm machine on it.

I went AHHH HAAAA!!!! That's when I realized what was possible.

Upgrading again, I bought an 8gpm pump, installed it on my 20hp, and a MAXIMA 36". Two bars, nozzles (2) 25075

I now have 20hp 8gpm + 13hp 5gpm = 33hp 13gpm @ 3000psi.

Spencer will top this soon with his UNGODLY rig pushing
24hp 8gpm + 16hp 5gpm = 40hp 13gpm @ 3500psi and HOT WATER!!!

Tell us how you like it dude!!

DID YOU GET IT GOING YET SPENCER??!!

Post your results for us.

No Mike not yet! I am waiting on my unloader to come in! Should be here any day!!! Sorry I have not posted any results. Between being busy as hell and waiting on the unloader I have not had time. Hey, I ordered a green spring unloader, what type do you use?

I'm going to start using the green spring, everyone says it's the best.

I use the AL607 black springs.

Here's a good link. GPM, HP, PSI, & Nozzle size calculator.

http://www.barens.com/cgi-bin/calc

It's been colder than a well diggers azz lately. Can't do squat. So I've been on the computer a lot lately calculating stuff.

Here's a good guide for engine/pump combinations and two bar surface cleaners.

20" surface cleaner: 13-20hp 4-5.5gpm @ 4000-3000psi

24" surface cleaner: 20-26hp 5.5-10gpm @ 4000-3000psi

28" surface cleaner: 24-40hp 8-13gpm @ 4000-3000psi

36" surface cleaner: 33-53hp 13-18gpm @ 3500-3000psi

http://www.barens.com/cgi-bin/calc

I used this chart and also measured the area of a circle.
From my experience this HP-GPM range for each setup (slow-fast) is pretty accurate.
You will be able to move each one about the same speed for it's range.

A= pie X radius squared.

20" = 314.159 inches squared
24" = 452.389 inches squared
28" = 615.752 inches squared
36" = 1017.875 inches squared

Your HP & GPM should be directly proportional to the surface area your machine will cover.

28" circle is 2.00 times larger than 20" so you need 2.00 times the HP & GPMs.
36" circle is 3.25 times larger than 20" so you need 3.25 times the HP & GPMs.
36" circle is 2.25 times larger than 24" so you need 2.25 times the HP & GPMs.
36" circle is 1.65 times larger than 28" so you need 1.65 times the HP & GPMs.

Looks like you need a heroic machine for a 36 inch surface cleaner, huh ?

Yes, I join mine together. 20hp 8gpm + 13hp 5gpm = 33hp 13gpm @ 3000psi

I'd really like to have Spencer's rig.

24hp 8gpm + 16hp 5gpm = 40hp 13gpm @ 3500psi and HOT WATER!!!

Thats My Boy Spencer, kicking curbs, and blasting Gum.
He better leave that Deep Fried Turkey alone, or his Big Surface Cleaner is gonna "Gobble" him up ?