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Pressure Washer Information
Pressure Washer Engines
Gas-powered machines are driven by one of two main types of small engines: Side Valve (L-Head) or Overhead Valve (OHV).
Though they differ in design, both engine types operate under the same basic principles and require the same care in order to operate at peak performance. Make sure to observe a consistent engine maintenance schedule, referring to the engine owner's manual for manufacturer's specifications and instructions.
 | Side Valve (L-head) Engine
L-head engines have been the standard for decades, powering lawn mowers and other outdoor equipment. They are small, easy to start, and reliable.
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 | Overhead Valve (OHV) Engine
OHV engines are a more recent development, providing more power, better fuel efficiency, and quieter performance over comparable L-head engines. OHV engines also have a longer life expectancy.
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Pressure Washer Water Pumps
There are two main types of pressure washer pumps: Axial Cam and Triplex pumps.
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Axial Cam Water Pump
Axial cam pumps, also called wobble plate pumps, are designed for light to medium use by homeowners.
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Triplex Water Pump
Triplex pumps are the standard for heavy-duty commercial and industrial applications because they have a higher life expectancy and mechanical efficiency than axial cam pumps.
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Pressure & Flow
Water Pressure (PSI) & Water Flow (GPM)
The combination of PSI and GPM determines a pressure washer’s cleaning power (or CP). CP offers a better indication of a machine’s overall performance, and is useful when comparing pressure washers. To calculate CP, multiply a pressure washer’s maximum PSI rating by its GPM flow (CP = PSI X GPM).
For example, a 2500-PSI pressure washer that uses 2.5 GPM generates 6250 CP, while a machine with only 2200 PSI and 3 GPM generates 6600CP.
Pressure
PSI, or "pounds per square inch," refers to how much force a pressure washer is capable of producing to propel the water stream at the cleaning surface. A pump spray bottle has high water force, but low water flow.
Flow
GPM, or "gallons per minute," identifies the amount of water a pressure washer uses to clear dirt and grime from the cleaning surface. An unrestricted garden hose illustrates the idea of high water flow and low water force.
Cleaning Power Affects Cleaning Speed
Ultimately, any size pressure washer can clean any type of surface. However, the CP rating determines how much time it will take to get the job done.
Simply put, pressure washers with higher CP ratings clean faster than lower rated machines. The more Cleaning Power a pressure washer produces, the more surface area it will be able to cover in one pass.
A pressure washer rated at 4000 CP produces a rather narrow spray pattern, which limits the surface area it can cover in one pass.
A pressure washer rated at 9000 CP can cover a much wider area, reducing the number of passes needed to clean the surface.
A pressure washer rated at 16000 CP or more is capable of covering much more surface area in fewer passes. Your overall cleaning time will be reduced significantly with a higher rated unit.
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