[Shop-talk] Pressure washers

[David C.]

At 06:10 AM  5/28/2008, Jimmie Mayfield wrote:
>When the adjustable nozzle is set to the widest fan pattern, the edges of the
>spray are still fairly intense and can gouge wood if the wand is 
>held too close.
>Does anybody else's fan pattern have this defect?
>
>Second, the pump is designed so that the detergent injector works only at
>the low pressure setting.

Since we're talking about pressure washers....

I have used a number of rental pressure washers, mostly big Honda 
3500 PSI units, for cleaning my deck, prepping the house for 
painting, and so on.  They work well and are capable of SERIOUS 
damage if you're not careful.  None of them had a "low pressure" 
setting, or detergent injection.  With 3500 PSI, we don't need no 
stinkin' detergent....

I have a couple of tractors, both with buckets and one with a 
backhoe.  We also have a riding mower and other odds and ends.   (My 
Cylinder Index is out of control).  My question is can you safely use 
a pressure washer for cleaning heavy equipment without destroying the 
finish, seals, etc?  I know you're not supposed to point a 3500 PSI 
narrow tip at your wheel bearings, but the idea of "low pressure" and 
"detergent injection" is interesting.

Thanks
Dave C