Pressure washing machines run on electricity or fossil fuels such as gasoline, propane, and diesel. To be able to select the right pressure washer for your specific applications, you need to understand the differences of each machine. You will also need to make a decision as to which specifications are suitable for the job being completed.
Electric Pressure Washing Machines
An electric pressure washer is a versatile cleaning system. It can be used indoors and outdoors where electricity supply is not an issue. Electricity is a clean source of energy. Most buyers prefer electric machines because they are low maintenance (no sticky oil residue) and do not require special storage and handling. These machines create little noise and do not emit fumes. The lack of a storage tank for fuel makes them more lightweight than fuel-powered systems.
Propane Power Washers
Propane, used as fuel, is stored in the form of liquid under high pressure. The cylinder requires delicate handling, and therefore propane has some constraints when it comes to storage and transportation.
Most people who invest in propane pressure washers prefer the machines fuel efficiency, which is better than gasoline. Check the availability of propane in your area before you purchase a propane powered machine.
Propane machines, like gasoline and diesel powered pressure washer machines, can only be used in areas with properly ventilation, most commonly outdoors. Generally, people buy propane pressure washers for use in areas with irregular or no electricity supply.
Gas Pressure Washing Machines
Gas pressure washing machines, like propane powered machines, are used mostly outdoors and have replaced electric machines in areas with no electricity connection. A gas pressure washer emits fumes and has a noisy engine, which is why they are normally not used indoors. Gasoline is an easily available fuel, which is why you may want to consider these machines instead of other non-electric options. Unlike electric pressure washer machines, gas pressure washer systems are not limited in their movements by a power cord.
Diesel pressure cleaners offer similar benefits to gasoline powered systems, but is ideal for those who prefer diesel to gasoline.
Though fuel-powered pressure cleaning machines generate exhaust, they may still be used for indoor applications. This can be accomplished by placing the system in an exhaust friendly location. An example of this is outdoors or in a boiler room. Operators can then use extended hose lengths to reach the applications. It is essential, however, that the machine used affords maximum power even when using hoses up to 300 feet long.
Gas pressure washing machines on the other hand, can be heated or non-heated. They can reach high pressure levels and facilitate temperatures as high as 330°F with steam options.
Features & Applications
All pressure washers offer a variety of features to meet the needs of specific applications. In addition to power method, variations occur in pressure level, flow rate, and temperature options. Pressure level and flow rate directly relate to cleaning power, with higher levels providing greater power for demanding commercial and industrial applications.
Temperature also directly relates to the output power of the machines. Temperature options include cold water, hot water, and wet steam. Cold water is the least powerful of the three, ideal for light commercial applications. Hot water offers greater cleaning power than cold water, but is not as powerful as wet steam which can reach 330°F to dissolve stubborn grease. For maximum versatility, tri-temperature systems are available, capable of utilizing all three temperature options independently.
Electric pressure washers can be used in shops, offices, schools, restaurants, airports, car washes, and other commercial places. Cold water machines are normally used for cleaning agricultural tools, airport hangars, and factory floors where no grease is present. Heated machines can be used to lend additional cleaning power for all these applications. In addition, heat is an excellent degreaser. Hot water or steam can melt grease and wash it away.
Propane and gasoline pressure washer machines are used at construction sites and for maintenance of public utilities such as roads, walkways, fences, and outer walls where electricity may not be available. They can also be used for cleaning tools, construction equipment, and boats. Non-heated machines with any power method can be used for wet sandblasting, which strips away materials such as paint and rust from the surface.
In addition, there are green cleaners available to use along with pressure washer machines. These green chemicals enhance cleaning power and enable operators to more readily match the needs of specific applications, like degreasing, graffiti removal, concrete cleaning, and more. Additionally, these solutions are non-toxic and environmentally-safe.
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