Pressure Washing Construction Equipment
After just a few hours on a fresh job site, you will notice the mud, dirt, and grease buildup on your construction equipment. While this is inevitable, cleaning and maintaining your precious tools and vehicles can be time-consuming and costly without the right processes.
Thankfully, construction pressure washers can keep your equipment clean and operating efficiently. The high-powered water streams are powerful enough to emulsify and remove heavily caked-on mud and debris, all while taking a fraction of the time a standard hose or manual scrubbing would take.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about pressure washing construction equipment. From the best construction pressure washer models to a step-by-step guide for making cleaning simple, we’ve got your back.
First, let’s cover why investing in a construction pressure washer for your business is a wise decision.
Benefits of Pressure Washing Construction Equipment
Pressure washing is the best way to keep your construction equipment in the best condition possible. Using a construction pressure washer will help you maintain the quality and lifespan of your machine, improve safety and efficiency on your job sites, and even keep you in line with local regulations.
Extending the Lifespan of Equipment
Every time you look at your yearly equipment budget, you get reminded of a sobering fact: construction equipment can encompass a large portion of your expenses. As such, it should be your top priority to keep your equipment in peak condition for as long as possible.
Pressure washing construction equipment is one of the best ways to extend their lifespans. By establishing a regular cleaning routine, you can avoid the buildup of dirt, grime, and mud on your equipment. Failure to do so can lead to corrosion over time, forcing you to replace each tool or vehicle much sooner than necessary.
Maintaining Equipment Value and Appearance
Investing in a construction pressure washer for your business will also help keep your equipment looking its best. This plays a pivotal role in job sites, transit, and potential resales later.
For example, a pristine and shining tractor or bulldozer, especially one with your brand imaging, will often be seen by thousands of people, even within a single day. A dirty and grimy construction vehicle could lead to a negative opinion of your business, and you never know when a potential new client could be watching.
Improving Operational Efficiency and Safety
Properly cleaning your construction equipment with a pressure washer is crucial for your operations. Clean equipment is significantly more efficient than dirty ones. For example, caked-on dirt or mud can inhibit the functioning of moving parts on your construction equipment, directly affecting how much time it takes to complete a task on site.
Beyond operational speed, maintaining clean equipment is vital to providing a safe work environment. Regular pressure washing can eliminate common hazards like oil and mud, helping lower the risk of accidents.
Compliance With Environmental Regulations
Regular pressure washing is critical for environmental compliance. Many standard industrial cleaning methods, especially those involving harsh chemical solutions, release pollutants into the environment, leaving your business liable.
Conversely, pressure washing simply requires soap and water. While you still need to ensure you follow proper water runoff procedures, pressure washing is one of the most environmentally friendly methods for cleaning your equipment.
What All Do You Need for Pressure Washing Construction Equipment?
So, what do you need to start pressure washing?
You will need to buy or rent a pressure washer, figure out what kind of soap for pressure washers works best with your machine, and sort out any helpful accessories.
Selecting the Right Industrial Pressure Washer
With so many types of power washers out there, finding the best machine for construction equipment will involve some research. You’ll need to compare models across several attributes, like electric or gas pressure washers, hot water pressure washers vs cold, and pressure washer GPM and PSI ratings.
First, the type of motor. Gas models are generally a better option for construction equipment, as they are much more mobile. Electric models are more eco-friendly but will require a nearby power outlet and often have less power.
Water temperature is another essential factor. We recommend hot over cold for construction equipment, as the extra heat above 200°F will provide enough strength to emulsify and break down grease and oil.
As for GPM and PSI for pressure washers, you want to lean towards higher values for most construction equipment. PSI denotes the strength of your water stream, while GPM defines how much water is present.
Look for PSI ratings above 3000 and GPM of at least 4 for most heavy-duty equipment. However, if you plan to also use your pressure washer on a vehicle fleet or other delicate surfaces, you will want a lower setting to keep those vital parts of your business safe.
As for how to get your hands on an industrial pressure washer trailer or individual machine, you have a few options. We recommend industrial pressure washer rental if you are just starting, as the right retailer can set you up with specifics. Once you find a machine you like, you can buy it to add long-term value to your company.
Essential Attachments and Accessories
In addition to finding the best commercial pressure washer for pressure washing construction equipment, you also want to acquire the best pressure washer accessories.
We highly recommend a few key accessories for construction equipment. You will want a Turbo nozzle attachment, which provides a rotating spray that easily eradicates caked-on grime. Another excellent option is an extension wand, which acts as an extra pair of arms to reach high places. For example, the Hotsy X-Jet can reach up to 40 feet, perfect for cleaning cranes and roofs.
You can also get plenty of mileage out of a hose reel. This will help you manage the hoses on your machine, helping you stay organized before, during, and after cleaning.
Choosing the Appropriate Cleaning Solutions
Figuring out the best detergent for pressure washers is another essential part of pressure washing construction equipment.
Every type of pressure washer detergent is specifically blended for different tasks. Dirt, oil, and mud are the most common stains found on a job site, so you want to look for a strong degreaser capable of breaking down these materials quickly.
For example, the Hotsy Breakthrough is a robust formulation that breaks down oil and grease. If you want to focus more on stopping rust buildup, you can opt for Hotsy Ripper I, a biodegradable formula that comes with rust inhibitors.
If you want a specialized option, you can often find that among the many detergents out there. For instance, Hotsy Con-b-Gon was created exclusively to deal with concrete splatter, which can be vital depending on the types of jobs you typically accept.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Safe Operation
Safety should always be at the forefront of your operational processes. Be sure to invest in suitable PPE for your employees to help lower the risk of workplace accidents.
We recommend safety goggles, gloves, non-slip boots, and adequate clothing coverage for most jobs.
Now that you know what to shop for, where can you find all the things you need to start? If you are looking for pressure washer parts in Houston, we have just the place in mind.
Why Source Your Construction Pressure Washer, Detergent, and Accessories at Hotsy of Houston?
Hotsy of Houston is the #1 home for pressure washers in Southeast Texas. We have a friendly and knowledgeable team of Houston natives with decades of combined experience in the industry.
As an authorized Hotsy dealer, we are proud to be the best source of industrial hot water pressure washers in Houston. The Hotsy brand is the market leader, with a storied reputation dating back 50 years.
When you shop with us for industrial pressure washers in Houston, you get more than a retail experience. Our team will act as a strategic partner for your business, whether we are helping you lower pressure washer rental costs with timely recommendations or assisting with pressure washing trailer setup at your job site.
Beyond our machines, you will also find the best selection of accessories, including the best pressure washer hoses, Hotsy’s line of biodegradable detergents, and critical tools like the Hotsy Turbo Nozzle.
If you have wondered how to maintain a pressure washer, our team is also skilled in industrial pressure washer repair, including Hotsy warranty servicing to ensure your machine stays in tip-top shape.
And if you need help at any point, our friendly and experienced team is here for you.
You can call us or stop by our Pasadena store for assistance on any topic, whether you want to know the difference in pressure washer PSI vs GPM, want help storing a pressure washer, or want to learn more about a specific type of stain, like pressure washing graffiti.
How to Use a Construction Pressure Washer: Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s cover step-by-step instructions on how to use a pressure washer for construction equipment.
Inspecting and Preparing the Equipment
Before you begin, thoroughly examine all the equipment you wish to clean. Are you just cleaning heavy-duty machinery like tractors and cranes, or do you have smaller tools that require a more delicate approach?
Check for loose parts or areas where water can pool after cleaning. You may need to dismantle some parts to ensure the interior of your machinery can be cleaned.
Setting Up the Pressure Washing Area
Once you have assessed your equipment, it is time to set up your cleaning area. Set aside a location of your job site or commercial property that is well-ventilated, environmentally safe, and clear of obstacles.
You should also ensure that there is little to no traffic from other employees or vehicles to ensure the environment is safe.
Initial Rinse to Remove Loose Debris
Begin pressure washing with a simple initial rinse. This will help clear loose debris, allowing you to get to the tougher stains that require more thorough cleaning.
We recommend taking time to re-assess your equipment, as some loose debris can hide more significant stains that require specialized tools and soaps.
Applying Detergents and Cleaning Agents
Once your initial rinse is done, it is time to figure out how to use pressure washer soap and pre treatment for pressure washing.
It is a good idea to get multiple detergents depending on the exact needs of your equipment. A degreaser like Hotsy Breakthrough could be paired with the rust-protectant Hotsy Ripper I for a comprehensive clean, making it easier to break down embedded stains.
Effective Pressure Washing Techniques for Different Equipment
After filling your pressure washer with detergent and applying your pre-treatments, you will start the washing process. You should adapt your techniques to the underlying surface you are working with.
Adjust pressure, swap nozzles or attachments, and stay at a safe but effective distance depending on the type of equipment you are working on.
Rinsing and Post-Wash Inspections
Once finished, thoroughly rinse down your equipment to remove any excessive residue. Afterward, look over all of your equipment for any areas that were missed. A deep pressure washing can often shed light on mechanical issues with your equipment that could require maintenance previously hidden by embedded dirt.
Drying and Protecting Equipment Post-Wash
It is essential to let all of your equipment dry thoroughly. To speed up the process, you can use large fans or towels.
This is also an excellent time to apply protective seals, coatings, and rust inhibitors to stave off corrosion further.
Coming Up With a Construction Pressure Washing Schedule
An essential part of construction pressure washing is creating an organizational routine to ensure this critical maintenance task is performed. Consider how often you use each piece of equipment, along with specific cleaning requirements.
It may be easy to set aside time to clean infrequently used equipment, while heavily used equipment will require extra focus to avoid lapses in upkeep.
Final Thoughts on Pressure Washing Construction Equipment
Overall, equipment is vital to the success of any construction business. These pieces are expensive and can accumulate debris quickly if left unchecked. Thankfully, pressure washers offer a simple solution to streamline upkeep.
If you found our construction pressure washer guide helpful, check out our blog for more! You will find other articles like pressure washer hose length, what size pressure washer do I need, commercial building pressure washing, parking lot pressure washing, restaurant pressure washing, pressure washing concrete, and fleet pressure washing.
Otherwise, if you want an industrial cold water pressure washer in Houston, check out Hotsy of Houston! Our friendly team can help you get set up with a rental or purchase that perfectly fits your business needs, so reach out to us today at (832) 968-WASH(9274) or stop by our Pasadena store!
