A pressure washer is not a piece of equipment you want to be careless with. If the machine were to tip, fall over or get knocked over, it would typically become jammed and could result in injury. As such, you should always lay a pressure washer on its side or back when it isn’t in use.
While safety rights and concerns are obviously important, there’s also the issue of keeping your work area clean. If you have a large floor area where the washer sits, chances are good that it will get dirty over time — which means it’s going to take time to clean up after each use. Having a large dirt-free surface available for cleaning makes your job easier and keeps your workspace cleaner.
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you might be tempted to lay a pressure washer on its back and blast away at the driveway or floor. There’s nothing inherently wrong with it, and it does have its advantages. For one thing, you can get more power per stroke if the washer is lying flat. A couple of inches of space behind the washer helps the pump turn over faster, which can translate into quicker performance even if you’re using a smaller electric motor.
But before you decide to lay your washer on its side or upside down, here are some things to keep in mind:
Most people use pressure washers for cleaning driveways, sidewalks and concrete surfaces that are relatively flat. Some homeowners also use them to clean up leaves and other debris. In those cases, it makes sense to lay the pressure washer on its side because then you don’t have to worry about scraping up the ground with your hose end or getting mud all over the house.
However, if you’re using one of those machines to clean something like a concrete patio that’s sloped, laying it on its side could lead to water spraying down instead of spraying up. That’s why experts generally advise against that type of setup.
Tips on How to Transport a Pressure Washer
If you want to transport your pressure washer, you’ll want to know what size wheels and tires it came with, how the handle attaches to the unit, the maximum weight of the unit, and how to carry it in your vehicle.
Truck Bed Cargo Boxes
Depending on your vehicle, you may be able to fit a pressure washer into a truck bed cargo box. Here are some things to consider:
? Lifting capacity — The unit must be able to stand on its own when lifted or installed. You don’t need a lot of lifting strength, but if you don’t have the strength to lift it by yourself, consider hiring a professional.
? Weight — If you have a small car or truck and plan to carry the washer in your trunk, plan for a heavy unit. It will affect your fuel economy as well as how easily you can maneuver your vehicle.
? Size — There’s no point in fitting a larger unit into a small cargo box. Consider getting one that has wheels or casters that make it easier to roll around and get into tight spots.
? Safety — Don’t leave the washer unattended while transporting it in your vehicle. Make sure there’s enough clearance between the top of the washer and the vehicle roof.
Get your machine today and be updated on the best effective way to transport it according to its size. Place an order with the Giraffetools collections today!
