Power Washing and Roof Cleaning Forum

mikepas · Exterior Cleaner

Is this pump overkill?

Maverick Contracting · Approved Exterior Cleaner

It depends on how you use it.
Works well for me for very high jobs which is most of the time but I need a smaller one for lower work. Since it allows me to work from ground I save a ton of time and higher profit margin.
Good to have both sizes and use the 7gpm for transfer so it isn't a waste if you use a lower gpm most of the time.
Has held up great so far

Zach Maynard · Approved Exterior Cleaner

I personally recommend the Delavan 5850 as a beginner pump. Less flow which equals easier control of chems. The Fatboy is a great pump but you gotta move quick.

Art O · Approved Exterior Cleaner

I use it and like it. They seem to last longer then the 5850

Heres the 100 psi Fat Boy

https://www.pwmall.com/p-140431-151466-7870_101y_sb-delavan-fb2-diaphragm-pump-12v-100psi-70gpm-dem#

-- Edited by Art O on Sunday 4th of September 2016 07:50:59 AM

Jeff Wible · Approved Exterior Cleaner

For the best range in flow control an air pump like the All-Flo 3/8" is tough to beat on residential work,..ESPECIALLY for the ability to slow the flow to almost nothing if need be which is good for old and new roof cleaners alike.

Jeff

Diamond Roof Cleaning · Approved Exterior Cleaner

i like the output of the fat boys but for employees going out and spraying the 5850's are more ideal. Jeff i do agree the air system is more controllable and reliable but just too space consuming.

Jeff Wible · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Yea,.Mike,..the air systems do like their space.

Jeff

BlueRidge · Approved Exterior Cleaner

I have used the Fat Boy more than any other pump. I have tried others and come back to the fat boy. I adjust the set screw in the head to get the pressure I want and get it in sink with the solenoid (somewhere around 90 psi) and off we go. I also have three jrods, one with 40's, one with 30's and one we seldom use with 50's. Once the endless season comes to an end I will be adding a booster like Ray and Doug are using along with the Fat Boy. We'll have three options to spray.

waxman18324 · Founding Member Rest in Peace

We use the 5850 exclusively. We have tried the fatboy but I like the 5850, which is on the truck now. This unit has lasted over 16 months now with no problems. With any 12v pump make sure you have a good battery. We charge our battery daily. Always rinse your pumps out at the end of the day. Limit the amount of elbows(45 and 90) in your system and check hoses and connections routinely.

Hank

Maverick Contracting · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Like Hank said, eliminate as many bends for maximum distance but I also recommend no elbow on your wand as the kick back when opening the trigger may make you lose control if you're shoozing from ground. If working from roof, the 45 degree is helpful but I hold the wand with 2 hands when pulling trigger but I also like smaller pump when actually on roof.

mikepas · Exterior Cleaner

Jeff

Where's the best place to buy the All-Flo 3/8?

will a gas dewalt compressor 4.5 cfm run the pump?

Thanks Mike

Jeff Wible · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Best price has always been pressurewasherproducts.com,..usually $395.00. And no,..you need at least a 9 CFM pump/compressor to run this pump at full capacity. The more volume and CFM the better.

Jeff

Maverick Contracting · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Jeff, you don't need a big compressorry correct?
What size would you recommend?

Obviously smaller will turn on more often and larger will cycle on less often but bulkier

Jeff Wible · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Correct Maverick,..a big compressor isn't needed to run a 3/8" All-Flo. A wheelbarrow compressor is usually big enough,..you just have to look at the specs,..most are standard volume is 8 gallon on wheelbarrow compressors,.but the CFM on different models can vary. Although it will work with less CFM,..it won't work to full capacity. I use an Ingersoll-Rand wheelbarrow compressor and it has 11 CFM. I know some guys have used the ones from Harbor Freight.

http://www.harborfreight.com/9-gal-212cc-135-psi-wheelbarrow-air-compressor-epa-iii-69783.html

Yea,.turning on more often is more acceptable than having a big space hog compressor.

*Although the air pumps are more reliable and will last and last,..they do want to stall sometimes,.and that is irritating. I have written about a very simple solution that has solved this issue for me and my All-Flo doesn't stall anymore.

Here is the condensed version of that solution: The air hose that that supplies your pumps power should be 50' and be placed in a tank or even a bucket of water. That cools the air,..allowing the moisture trap to actually work. The hose can stayed coiled up to make it fit inside even a bucket if need be. I just run the air hose through my PW supply tank. Tractor Supply has the best price on hose for this purpose. $9.99 for 50" of PVC air hose.

This is the simplest most effective way to solve the stalling of air pumps,.because moisture is what causes the air motors to stop working.

Jeff

-- Edited by Jeff Wible on Monday 5th of September 2016 07:56:20 AM