[monkeyman]

hi folks i have a window cleaning business and am considering adding driveway and patio cleaning to my arsenal as i have been asked a lot of times about this from regular custie,s.this will only be the odd job here and now so bare in mind i dont want to spend a fortune on equipment.was thinking would this http://www.northerntooluk.com/products.asp?partno=9006E   
and this http://www.northerntooluk.com/products.asp?partno=157626E
be okay for the job i know theres better out there but like i say it will only be for the odd job now and again. thanks in advance guys

[Andy Foster]

Hi there

To be honest, if it is only for a few jobs here and there, you would be best to sub it out and take a cut... the cost of the kit and the extra insurance you would need would almost certainly make it not worth while

The pump you have looked at on the link isn't really powerful enough to be honest but a few more quid would get you something closer to 3000psi which would do the job.

If you think that you could market this well enough and do a few more than the 'odd job here and there' then it would be worth getting the proper gear.

Let me know if I can be of any help with either looking for some kit or subbing the work to (I am not a million miles away).

Good luck with this

Andy

[Ricky M]

Andy will you help me pick the right gear too ?

[Andy Foster]

If you get me some hoses and a hand tool, I'll think about it.
 

[Sapphire Window Cleaning]

Andy would it be best to hire a rotary scrubber to start with?
as I am not sure if I would need it on every clean, plus how much would it cost for a good petrol powered rotary scrubber?



Matt

[Andy Foster]

You can certainly hire the pumps from some tool hire places, it will normally come with a hose and a lance.

I have never come across a whirlaway that can be hired, so it may be best to buy one and a couple of spare hoses and hire the pump until you can afford a good pump of your own.

This at least keeps the initial costs down.

Andy

[Sapphire Window Cleaning]

I have a pressure washer its 5.5bhp 2900psi 4 stroke.
How much are the whirlaways?

[Andy Foster]

£500 ish, there are other makes (mossmatic is one) and it is worth shopping around to get a good price.

Get a couple of extra hoses too to save you moving the pump around too much.

5.5hp sounds a bit under powered to be honest... what flow rate has the pump got?

[Sapphire Window Cleaning]

9.8ltres per minute.

[Sapphire Window Cleaning]

It can also take water from a barrel or tank.

[Andy Foster]

It is a little low on the flow front, but if you make sure you get the nozzles that relate to the pump you have, this will make sure you get the full effect of the flat surface cleaner and you should be OK.

All the best mate

Andy

[Sapphire Window Cleaning]

its got 4 nozzles with the pump.
low pressure
pencil spray
Flat spray
wide spray.
i take it the low pressure nozzle is for apply chemicals and detergents before jet washing?

[Andy Foster]

Sounds right.

The nozzles I am referring to are the ones fitted to whatever flat surface cleaner you get... it is vital to have these right, especially with such a low flow rate otherwise you just won't get the right clean.

If and when you look at replacing the pump, be looking at a minimum of an 11hp honda engine with a minimum 2500 psi and 15ltrs/min pump and this will be able to handle almost any situation you come across.

If you want to have a chat, call me on 07957 982525

Cheers

Andy

[Sapphire Window Cleaning]

Thanks Andy I'll give you a call later on in the week if thats ok.
I bought the pump mainly for cleaning plastics, guttering fascias etc, then thought if I have the pump I could clean some patios and driveways.



Matt