3 Reasons Every Fleet Owner Needs a Commercial Pressure Washer

 Keeping equipment and vehicles clean can be very time-consuming if you aren't using the right equipment. However, when you invest in a commercial pressure washer, you can easily clean the fleet and equipment ensuring a quick and effective cleaning job. Below are several advantages of this purchase. 

Why Should You Use a Commercial Pressure Washer for Your Equipment and Fleet?

1. Major Jobs Done Efficiently

Running large equipment down to your vehicle getting you to and from your job site can come with problems. Hoses blowing causing oil spray, transmission fluid leaking and causing issues, down to dirt and debris getting stuck where it can cause problems. These are all common issues that make having a commercial pressure washer an easy investment.

2. Set up Options

On-site wash bays are convenient for large operations, however not always an option for all. Trailer units, 2 wheel, or 4 wheel units are a convenient option for any cleaning operation. Gas engine or electric will be a consideration to make as well. Gas engine is ideal for a mobile unit, but they can be much louder and heavier to move. Electric is ideal for a cleaning operation that doesn’t need to be mobile far from an electrical source. Several options are available for wash bays as well, with stationary units on an elevated stand or trolley systems to keep hoses off the ground and longer lasting. Customizing options are available for all pressure washer units.

3. Make a Strong Impression

Your equipment and fleet are rolling advertisements for your business, so they should always look clean and professional. Having your own pressure washer makes it easier to keep up with maintenance. Washing equipment and fleet as needed with the ability to clean up any major messes as they occur is a major advantage to keeping your operation running smooth. Biggest advantage: Looking good while getting dirty at the next job site.

 

When you need a commercial pressure washer, contact Express Pressure Washers Inc. in Blooming Prairie, MN. Since 1984, they have been providing some of the best equipment on the market to businesses throughout the region. Whether you have small or large equipment, vehicle or a fleet of many trucks, they’ll help you keep them looking good. Visit the website for more information about their inventory, and call (507) 583-2703 to discuss your options with a team member.

How Can You Care for a Commercial Pressure Washer Properly?

 A commercial pressure washer is an excellent investment for any business that has a situation that may involve high pressure cleaning. This device allows you to clean your materials and job sites quickly and easily. Understanding how to maintain it will ensure you to get the most out of the purchase. Here are a few strategies to help.

How Can You Care for a Commercial Pressure Washer Properly?

1. Check the Oil Often

A pressure washer requires oil for the pump and engine (if equipped) to run smoothly. Keeping an eye on your pump's site glass will show you the proper amount of oil needed to run your pump effectively, 30 weight non-detergent oil is recommended the best use for most pressure washer pumps.   Check the oil levels before each use to ensure the machine has enough lubricant to operate efficiently.

2. Inspect the Air Filter (if engine is equipped) 

An air filter stops dirt, dust, and debris from entering the pressure washer’s engine and damaging it. Clean, or replace it, if it looks dirty. This will help you avoid clogs that could cause the system to stop functioning.

3. Drain the Diesel Fuel

About once a month, open the diesel fuel drain valve on the bottom of the fuel filter to remove old fuel and condensation before you use the commercial pressure washer. This ensures water doesn't enter the fuel pump or fuel filter and from corroding the parts.

4. Cool your hot water machine

After running your machine on hot for a long period of time, cooling your machine is vital to keeping your coil clear for a longer period of time. Without cooling your machine, buildup can happen in your coil and in time prevents the machine form heating properly. Run your machine until the outlet of the coil is touchable (it will be hot right after running the machine on hot for a long period of time, do not touch at this point). Doing this cool-down will prevent scale build-up in the coil. 

 

When you need replacement parts for your commercial pressure washer, contact Express Pressure Washers Inc. in Blooming Prairie, MN. Since 1984, they have been selling new and used Alkota® pressure washers, IPC® sweepers and scrubbers, Val6® heaters, and C-Aire® compressors. They also provide maintenance, repair, and technical support for these devices. Visit the website for more information about their services, and call (507) 583-2703 to speak with a team member.

IMPORTANCE OF FUEL FILTER

 IMPORTANCE OF THE FUEL FILTER

Fuel filters are key to helping your hot water pressure washer run like it should. It helps to keep bad fuel and/or water from getting into the burner. Fuel filters are easy to replace and/or repair if needed. It is recommended that the fuel filter is checked regularly. If your pressure washer is coming out of storage, it is best to replace the fuel filter. 

COMMON FUEL FILTER PROBLEMS

BURNER WON'T IGNITE?

One or more of these things could be the cause:

1. If the fuel filter is plugged it will cause problems with fuel flow as well as potentially ruining the fuel pump.

2. The fuel pump could be getting debris or moisture in it. This can cause your machine to not burn properly. 

3. We suggest taking a look at the nozzle. There could be build up within or on the nozzle.

It is good to get in the habit of checking the fuel filter when running your machine. Doing this regularly, could help prevent burner and/or fuel pump issues down the road.

Is your machine not running right? Express Pressure Washers has been servicing and selling pressure washers for over 35 years. We have the knowledge and know-how to make sure your machine is working as hard as you are. With on-site sales and service, your cleaning operation can be running efficiently daily. Check out our Blooming Prairie showroom or our website to learn more and see what all we have to offer. 

Unique Alkota Coil

 Alkota Pressure Washers are long-lasting, American Made and dependable pressure washers. They have been an American based company for over 55 years originating in Alcester, South Dakota. Alkota's coils are made in South Dakota and are used in the entire family of hot water pressure washer.

 

Our machines see a wide range of different situations. From air that may contain airborne chemicals, like in a truck wash with high sodium levels found in hog operations. Dust and debris from a grain harvest to grinding dust and welding gases in a manufacturing facility. Construction environments, both on site and in shop getting tough messes taken care of in a timely manner to get back to the job needing to be done. 

Even with all those challenges, there are two factors to face: Water and condensation from the environment. It creates quite a challenge.

Running cold water through a heated pipe creates sweat on the outside of the pipe, as well as inside the combustion chamber. The more efficient the heating is, the more condensation will happen, which will create a bigger issue. The air intake can become an obstacle as well, becoming wet and dirty, preventing efficient transfer of energy from the combustion chamber to the high-pressure water traveling through the pipe.

Alkota has found the solution. While most hot pressure washers use a horizontal spiral design, looking like a water hose coiled up. This configuration typically has many layers of the coil on top of each other. The problem is, the transfer of heat to the coil has inadequate ventilation and airflow around the pipe. The problem is that the coils on these washers are too tight. 

Alkota's design is a helical configuration; it looks like a stretched spring. This spring or helical design is pictured as a large spring on the outside of multiple progressively smaller springs inside. This creates the heat absorbing while allowing for proper air flow in the combustion chamber.

Alkota has maintained the highest combustion efficiency in the industry. Other machines use a pancake coil; this condensed version has to have the circumference insulated because the design is over fired and has smaller gaps for the exhaust portion of the chamber. 

1st: The outer wrapper of the unit can exceed 400 degrees creating a safety concern for machine operators.

Second, lack of proper ventilation for the exhaust. As the machine sees daily use, small air gaps in the coil will become smaller, and the accumulation of soot makes proper ventilation even harder. An efficient heated pressure washer needs three things: fuel, ignition, and free-flowing air, which is the critical variant here.

Safety

The outside of Alkota machines are cool to the touch, give it a touch! Typically, only 15-25 degrees above the outside temperature. Benefits are key here; operator safety is first and foremost when working with heat and pressure.

Combustion Efficiency

Our machines are designed to transfer heat with the high-pressure flow of water efficiently as possible.  Using a helix coil design, we can keep cool on the outside but move BTU (heat) to focus on the temperature rise of the water, consuming most of the combustion gases, keeping things efficient.

Dependability

With our properly vented chambers and proper diesel or #1 fuel, soot build up is not an issue, thus, coil burn out is rare. The helix design is what creates efficiently, and dependability. EXP and Alkota back our coils with a 100% replacement in the first five years, and a prorated 50% replacement cost in the 6th and 7th years.

Express Pressure Washers has proudly sold and serviced Alkota Pressure Washers for over 35 years. We sell Alkotas because we know they are a great machine and built for the elements and hard work. Check out our website, give us a call at 507-583-2703 or come check out our Blooming Prairie showroom and see which Alkota will be best for your cleaning jobs. Express Pressure Washers: Driven by Service, Supported by Sales.

Choosing the Right Tip for your Pressure Washer

 If your business relies on a pressure washer, having the right pressure washing accessories ensures you are completing the job as efficiently as possible. The nozzles that you use on the gun are some of the most significant, as they come in a range of sizes and angles to help you customize the cleaning. Using the right style will improve your workflow, while the wrong one can cause expensive problems. Here are suggestions for what tip to use for your cleaning job.

How Do Improper Pressure Washing Accessories Affect Your Washing?

1. Common Sizes

The 15 degree nozzle tip size is a commonly used tip spray pattern. This is because it can cut through tough jobs and still be gentle on painted or treated surfaces. Other tip spray patterns are 0 Degree, 25 Degree, and 40. The 25 and 40 degrees are a wider spray pattern. 0 Degree is your straight high pressure stream of water, this will remove paint, seals or treatment from surfaces. Lastly, there is the Black soap tip that is used for low pressure soap application. If you're applying soap, this tip, or another low pressure soap applicator/attachment is needed.

2.Rotary

The rotary nozzle is a great power attachment with the digging power of a 0 degree and with a wider spray pattern. This tip can cut through grease, build up and soil quickly and effectively. This attachment type is popular among livestock farmers because it is able to clean up and cut through build up quickly. This is also a great attachment for cement if you're cleaning a large area.  

3. Washer Malfunctions

 Knowing the correct tip size is very important, because while the 15 in the tip number is important for knowing your spray pattern, that is NOT the number that is meant for your machine. There is another set of numbers listed with that. Such as a 15055, 15040 or 15065. These all represent a 15 degree spray pattern but the last 2 numbers represent the tip number for your specific machine. 

Using a small pressure washing accessory that doesn't fit your settings on the machine restricts the amount of water that can come out. This increases pressure inside the device and strains the motor, as it is trying to produce more water than it can expel. With repeated use, this can overload the motor, burn out fuses, and wear out the washer quickly. This increases your maintenance costs and shortens the life span of your equipment.

Express Pressure Washers Inc. has been serving the needs of farmers, factories, construction companies and more in the Blooming Prairie, MN, area, since 1984. They provide commercial pressure washers, accessories, and repair equipment. Their friendly and knowledgeable team will be happy to advise you on which pressure washing tools suit your needs. View their products online, and call (507) 583-2703 for questions.

BLACK SMOKE FROM YOUR PRESSURE WASHER, WHY?

 Express Pressure Washers knows your investment into a Pressure Washer is a big one, we want to help make sure you’re confident in that investment. There may be times that your pressure washer is not running quite the way it should though, let us try and help you figure out why.

If there comes a time when black smoke starts to appear while running you’re machine, that means it is time to call Express Pressure Washers, so we can help diagnose and fix the problem. 

BLACK SMOKE, WHY?

If and when you notice black smoke coming from your pressure washer that is an indication that your fuel isn’t burning correctly. There are a couple different methods as to how you can fix that. 

Air flow. On occasion machines can pump more fuel than air should burn. Adjust your air flow until the smoke clears up. Soot build up can cause improper air flow as well. So making sure your coil isn’t plugged up with soot can help to further diagnose the problem.

Bad Fuel Nozzles. It could be the fuel nozzle.  When was the last time you replaced the fuel nozzle? Let us know at EXP, we can ship you a new one and if needed to have our shop manager walk you through replacement. 
 Not enough fuel. Check your fuel in the machine or the fuel filter to be sure there isn't build up somewhere.

 Semi-enclosed areas. If you are in a semi-enclosed working area sometimes there is not enough air flow coming in to the trailer. Adjusting that will help significantly. 

Overall, if you are seeing black smoke coming from your machine think this: BLACK SMOKE means NOT ENOUGH AIR FLOW. Let us know at Express Pressure Washers of these problems, whether it's Alkota or another commercial pressure washer brand, we can help diagnose what’s going on with your machine and walk you through a repair, repair it in our Blooming Prairie Showroom or on-site. Check us out online to see what all we have to offer. 

How to Prepare Your Pressure Washer for Spring

 Springtime pressure washing is a busy time, pressure washers that have not been used throughout the winter time could require some attention before they are used more frequently in the warmer months.  Ensure your pressure washer is up to the task. Find out how to prepare your pressure washer for the warm weather by using the guide below.

How to Prepare Your Pressure Washer for Spring

1. Inspect the Float Tank

Remove the screen from the float tank and look for bits of sticks, leaves, and dirt that may have gotten through. Removing the float tank entirely from your pressure washer can be done easily to make sure it is emptied of debris, dirt or clogged in any way. 

2. Check Hoses

Hoses used for pressure washing may crack in cold temperatures. This occurs because water expands when it freezes, putting stress on the equipment. Some cracks may be large enough that you can see them. Smaller cracks may not be visible to the naked eye. While running your machine lay your hose out to asses if there are any leaks or spraying water from the hose. Hoses can be repaired where there is a leak or hole, crimping is done in Express Pressure Washer's Blooming Prairie shop. Additional hoses are available if the leaks are significant enough where a replacement hose is needed. 

3.Change the Oil

Oil needs to be viscous to protect against the friction of moving machine parts. If the oil in your pressure washer's pump or engine was subjected to moisture during the winter, it will become liquid and gain a milky hue. Check your oil and change it out if it looks like it's been exposed.

4. Flush Out Antifreeze

You might have winterized your pressure washer with antifreeze. This protects the pump by coating pistons and seals from the cold. Being sure to flush out the antifreeze before your first wash is critical to make sure you have clean water coming from your pressure washer while washing. 

5. Do a Test Run

Complete a test run to check the pressure. Water should come out in a steady, strong stream.  If your pressure washer isn't getting the right amount of pressure, calling for troubleshooting or a service call will be helpful to be sure the machine is in optimum performance during the warm months.  

 

Express Pressure Washers Inc. has been serving the needs of farmers, factories, construction companies and more in the Blooming Prairie, MN, area, since 1984. They provide commercial pressure washers, accessories, and repair equipment. Their friendly and knowledgeable team will be happy to advise you on which pressure washing tools suit your needs. View their products online, and call (507) 583-2703 for questions.

How Often to Change Pressure Washer Oil

 Details

Like any piece of machinery with moving parts, your industrial pressure washing equipment needs to be lubricated. This reduces friction, prevents rust, keeps the machinery from overheating, and prevents damage due to parts locking or grinding together. Here’s what you need to know about maintaining your pressure washer’s oil supply.

How Often to Change the Oil

When you first get your pressure washing equipment, use it for about ten hours to get the interior lubricated, then change the oil to get rid of any leftover particles from the manufacturing process or from storage. After that, expect to change the oil about once for every 200 to 250 hours of use. 

If you use the equipment daily, this means a change about once every three months. Never go more than a year without an oil change, even if you aren’t using the pressure washer for more than 200 hours in that time. When you make the change, use non-foaming, non-detergent oil specifically designed for pressure washing equipment.

Signs You Need a Change

If you aren’t sure when the last oil change was or whether it’s time for another, open it up and look at the oil. Old oil often turns milky, becomes a different color from when you added it, or shows floating particles in it. 

If you notice any of these problems, it’s time for a change. Once you’ve added fresh oil, check it every week or two to get a sense of how quickly you use up the oil and how often it needs to be changed.

 

If your pressure washing equipment needs maintenance, including an oil change, bring it to Express Pressure Washers Inc. in Blooming Prairie, MN. Serving a 100-mile radius from their location for over 35 years, they’re the area’s leading industrial pressure washer distributor, offering both used and new machinery. They stand by their products and will call to follow up and make sure you’re satisfied with your purchase or service. Call (507) 583-2703 or reach out online with any questions.

 Details

When it comes to cleaning farm equipment, barns, and storage structures, nothing is as efficient as a commercial pressure washer. To make the most of this powerful tool—and get the job done right the first time around—it’s essential to follow a few simple tips while you work. 

Tips on Industrial Pressure Washing with Ease

1. Check for Leaks 

If water’s somehow escaping from the hose, connections, pump, or wand, the device isn’t going to reach maximum flow rate. This, in turn, could make jobs take longer than necessary. 

When using the pressure washer, inspect components closely for pulsing, kinking, or tearing. Since some leaks may not be as visible, you’ll also want to inspect the equipment after you turn it on but before you start cleaning. If there are any issues, you may be able to replace the part in question or have to service the entire machine. 

2. Allow the Pressure to Build Up 

Pressure washers pumps powered by gas or electricity have water at an incredibly high pressure through a nozzle using a trigger gun. Since the machine needs to build up pressure in order to work at maximum capacity, it shouldn’t be left in bypass for more than three minutes.

While some units can run longer with the help of add on features, they can be inclined to lose pressure—with the chance of overheating in the process—after running for an extended period of time. Review the instruction manual to confirm precisely how long the unit can run before it needs to rebuild pressure while cooling down.

3. Change Out the Attachments 

Commercial pressure washers come with a number of different attachments, each of which is suited for specific jobs and machines. You can also buy additional attachments, from telescoping wands to surface cleaners, to increase the functionality of the equipment further. Nozzle tips also come in a range of sizes, such as 0-, 15-, 25-, and 40-degree. If you’re not getting the results you want despite the unit operating at optimal capacity, make sure you have the right tip to go with your machine. 

 

For commercial pressure washers that were made in America and built to last, head to Express Pressure Washers Inc. Located in Blooming Prairie, MN, this Alkota® supplier has been serving communities within a 100-mile radius since 1984. A one-stop shop that sells both new and used equipment, they also offer repairs and technical support. To learn more about their selection of industrial pressure washers, visit their website or call (507) 583-2703.

Attachments for your Pressure Washer

 Pressure Washers have several great uses from cleanup in the shop, properties, homes, cars and more. Achieving most of these tasks are easily done with the tips that come along with your machine. However, there are other attachments that can help get these jobs done by attaching to your wand directly. Attachment types are: Scrub Brush, Gutter Cleaner, Foamer, Water Broom and the Rotary to name a few. 

---

Scrub Brushes 

Scrub Brushes provide a great advantage for cleaning with detergent. They can attach directly to the end of the wand that has detergent being fed through it. They help provide good scrubbing power while applying detergent with the nozzle tips in the brush itself. 

Gutter Cleaner

The gutter cleaner attaches to the end of either your standard wand, or an extendable wand, and provides cleaning power for hard to reach areas. This attachment cleans with high pressure and is curved to clear out existing debris in your gutters. 

Foamers

Foamers are a great attachment for cleaning large areas. Small bottles, with your choice of detergent, attaches to the end of a standard lance.  With low pressure foamers provide a wide spray pattern to help saturate a large area with detergent quickly. 

Rotary

The rotary is a common attachment that is used for quick and powerful cleaning. The rotary has a circular high pressure pattern that can move debris quickly and effectively. They have the digging power of a 0 degree tip and a wide spread of a fan style tip.

---

All of these attachments, are available through Express Pressure Washers in Blooming Prairie, along with several other types of attachments. Videos on how to use and explaining more about these attachments are also available on Express Pressure Washer’s website.