Belt Vs Direct Drive

CO2Solutions

Hey guys, I'm not that mechanically inclined so I was hoping someone could shed some light on the difference/advantages/disadvantages of either. Also preference...thanks, this will help in determining a pressure washer for my business.
Just a side note, I'm just adding a small cold water unit to my Dry Ice Blasting business to assist in graffiti removal. I won't be using it for much else...yet...lol.

thx.

Mike

Railman

Most belt drives are only about 70% efficient at best. So you need to upsize HP by about 1/3, since direct has zero loss.

Joe

CO2Solutions

I could be wrong but I think most belt drive units I've priced out are a little more expensive? why is that?

Railman

Mike,
Sorry, I don't know the ins & outs of pressure washers in general, but the only advantage I can come up for belt drive with would be better isolation from engine vibration & heat. I'd try washer web sites for a better explanation of belt drive advantages.
Joe

CO2Solutions

Thanks Joe. I'll ask around.

mike

sealerguy

Belt drives will outlast direct by 4-6. I currently use direct (last 9 years) but switching to belts this year. I did the math and it's a big savings both in longevity of the unit, and with the extra gpm, you will complete jobs slightly faster. I guess you shouldn't go more than 5.5 gallons per minute when using the customers water supply as your only source. My directs only last me about 1 year using full time before I'm changing out the pump. Pressuretek.com has a belt 5.5 for around 1400.00, and thats not a bad price.

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DECK-TECHS-MICHIGAN-DECK RESTORATION-BRICK PAVER RESTORATION-

CO2Solutions

Alright, here's another question thrown at you guys.
What if I add a tank on my truck for water supply, can I use a direct drive for this? I've heard that you are unable to do this with a direct drive? belt driven only is what I've heard.

mike

Barry M

Mike,

A belt drive will definitely out last a direct drive. Like mentioned above a belt drive reduces the vibration and heat that the pump endures. Another huge factor in the extended life of a belt drive unit is that the pump isn't operating at the same RPM's as a direct drive unit pump. On a DD the pump is forced to turn the same RPM's has the engine. The pump doesn't need to turn this many RPM's to operate, so on a BD unit the pump RPM's are reduced, extending the life of the pump.

To answer your other question a BD unit will "suck" water from a tank without a problem, as long as all the fittings are air tight and the hose is in good condition. A DD unit will not, you will have to gravity feed the pump by having the water supply higher than the pump itself, but as long as you do that then yes you can use a water tank to feed either unit.

Hope this helps.

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Barry Maddox - Midwest Pro Wash
Pressure Washing Indiana
Deck Cleaning

sealerguy

BARRY:ANYONE:? I've asked allmost all my biz buds out here, but what brand of belt drive do you think is economical in all ways, price, longevity, maintenance, ect...? They all prefer the landa 20hp?

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DECK-TECHS-MICHIGAN-DECK RESTORATION-BRICK PAVER RESTORATION-

MALCO.New.York

Belt drive is better in all ways!

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Something to One may be Nothing to another!

Ultimate Wisdom---------
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW-cnizLDEE

boman47k

Anyone ever thought of transforming a rider mower to a pw? Mount pump under the frame. Trailer water tank. Haul to job on drive-on trailer. Drive off and drive the pw with its own water supply where it is needed on the job. Is this a crazy idea?

CO2Solutions

get to work, lets see one in action...I have an old lawnmower you could have...

Michigan Exhaust

Yes they have them:


http://www.cleanupamerica.com/

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boman47k

Really! I like free! When can I pick it up? LOL! Actually I have one not being used. Thanks anyway.

My wife used to say I had million dollar ideas but never actd on them.

Good to know I am not cpmpletely nuts though!

That is a very interesting link.

Roof Cleaning

Here in Tampa, there is a pressure cleaning supply house.
It is called Ameritech.
Many local Tampa Roof Cleaners and Pressure Washers buy from there.
Chuck suggests direct drive.
I used to use belt drive back in the day.
All my roof cleaning pumps are now direct drive.

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tom connelly

The major difference in direct and belt driven machines is the how the RPM's ratio's are metered. Basically your engine spins at a much higher RPM than your pump can handle, if the pump is directly mounted to the engine then your pump crank will be spinning far faster than it was designed for. (this adds stress, heat, and wear on your machine) Whereas with a belt driven machine they use pullies to ratio the RPM to proper proportions, giving your machine a longer lasting life with less wear and tear. We only use belt driven machines.

A1CC&PW

I have used a belt driven washer a few times and it was pretty good to me

EPPSLLC

I currently run a pressure pros 5.6 gpm hot water skid and a 4 gmp cold water unit . . . . I like them and have had next to no problems . . .

Give Bob at pressure tek a call

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DJ Carroll ~ EasyProProperty Services
Power Washing ~ Landscaping ~ Roof Cleaning ~ Lawn Care
Louisville, Kentucky
The BEST property service company in the tristate area

firemike

I have one of each, the belt drive Landa 3500psi/4.5gpm had been a workhorse. Been using it for 6 years and not a single problem. I have a direct drive (can't remember brand) but it has a General pump and B&S motor. It is just a little smaller (3000psi/3.5gpm) but makes more noise and seems to run harder than the belt drive. Also shakes things loose every once in a while, like mounting bolts, hose fittings, etc. I keep the direct drive around as a backup for the Landa, and as the "loaner" machine if someone wants to borrow one.

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-Mike-

bobmezmusic

I have been using both DD and BD for many tears. BD is the way to go wothout a doubt. Envirospec had a 13 hp/3.5gpm BD for approx. $1500 last year 3500psi. Not a bad unit for what you are using it for. Good luck! How's that blasting work out and what other uses are you using it for? bobgomez.wow@gmail.com