March 9
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Pressure washing has become a familiar feat in most households today, but why?
Unlike the typical garden hose, the pressure washer consumes considerably less water and time without compromising the results.
As an environment-friendly tool, they have revolutionized the way we clean hard surfaces.
However, choosing the right pressure washer to match your needs and requirements primarily depends on the type of pump installed in it.
The pump, also often referred to as the heart, is perhaps the most integral part of the machine.
Hence, understanding the differences in pressure washer pump types will help you make a calculated investment in your intended washer.
The pump in a pressure washer is responsible for determining the power of the water stream.
In other words, it determines the velocity or pressure of the water.
The primary difference between a pressure washer pump and any other is its ability to produce a high-pressure water stream despite the low flow rate.
Other pumps, such as a sump pump, will produce a low pressure but require a high in-flow rate.
While there are two general categories of pumps, pressure water pumps are part of the reciprocating group.
This group comprises pistons and plunger-based mechanisms.
In a piston pump, the cylinder seal moves with each stroke because it is directly attached to the piston.
On the other hand, in a plunger pump, the seal is stationary, allowing the piston to move through it at each stroke.
The piston pump is driven by a driveshaft, while a crankshaft drives the plunger pump.
Knowing pressure washer pumps can allow users to make calculated decisions regarding the best one to choose to match the job’s requirements.
There are primarily three types of pressure washer pumps.
Each of them belongs to either the piston or plunger category.
The wobble pump is also known as the wobbles plate pump and is an entry-level pump.
Its wobble plate is connected to the driveshaft, moving the pistons in a backward and forward motion to ultimately create suction.
The wobble plate is designed to push against the springs given for each piston.
However, in doing so, they are required to push against the water current, which reduces their efficiency to 70%.
You will also find that these are rarely used in pressure washers today because they are very expensive to repair or replace.
The wobble pump is made up of many intricate parts, many of which are sealed shut when manufactured, rendering them inaccessible.
The axial cam pump is an intermediate-level pump.
As such, it can produce a higher PSI and GPM value compared to the wobble pump.
It utilizes pistons that stroke from one side (where they help suck the water) to the other (where they release the water due to the swashplate).
The mechanics of the axial cam pump ensures larger oil reserves and ball bearings that help preserve its lifespan.
Also, its compact and lightweight design lets users adjust the pressure levels easily by modifying the swashplate’s angle.
The most advanced version is the triplex plunger pump used in professional-grade pressure washers.
It can easily and consistently pump a high pressure of water over a prolonged period.
Each of the three pistons in the triplex plunger pump is 120 degrees spaced apart to allow for smoother functioning.
In one revolution of the crankshaft, the positive action pistons can suck in the water and push it out with each stroke.
So, what’s the primary difference between the triplex pump and the axial cam pump?
Looking at their construction, you’ll see that the former utilizes a crankshaft with plungers, while the latter uses a drive shaft with pistons.
With an efficiency rate of over 90%, the triplex pump runs at a lesser RPM than the axial cam pump, which keeps it cool throughout the operation.
Compared to the triplex pump, the axial cam pump cannot be easily cooled down after running at a higher speed because of the rotating cylinder.
The type of pump used in a pressure washer depends on the utility and function of the unit itself.
For instance, pressure washers producing 2500 PSI or less often utilize a wobble pump.
However, these also tend to have a considerably low lifespan of two to three years, which is equal to around 200 to 400 hours.
On the other hand, the axial cam pump is an intermediate-level pump. It is usually found in pressure washers with a PSI value lower than 3500.
Its overall lifespan of 500 to 800 hours makes it better than the wobble pumps.
The most efficient type of pump used in a pressure washer is the triplex pump.
This industrial-grade pump is usually found in pressure washers producing over 3500 PSI.
In terms of lifespan, the triplex’s performance greatly depends on its maintenance regimen.
Each of the different electric and gas pressure washer models utilizes one of the above-mentioned pressure washer pumps.
Moreover, knowing the brands that make these pumps can help you easily replace a pump if ever required.
Many of these brands also make pressure washers, so buying one from them directly will help you seek out brand-specific maintenance available.
Among the common pressure washer pump brands include Annovi Reverberi and CAT Pumps, commonly known as AR pumps and CAT pumps.
While there are other renowned brands available, there is always a strong comparison between the AR pump vs CAT pump.
Each brand has its own set of strengths and weaknesses.
Thus, to make a calculated judgment about each of these brands, here are some preliminary findings regarding each of them.
As a renowned Italian manufacturing brand, Annovi Reverberi is known for making all three types of pumps.
These include the wobble, axial cam, and triplex plunger, which are all used in pressure washers today.
Additionally, they also manufacture pressure washers under multiple companies, including AR Blue Clean, Black + Decker, and Michelin.
Here are some identifying features:
Famously known as the “pump with nine lives,” CAT Pumps started manufacturing pressure washer pumps in 1968.
Their first model, a 4 GPM 700 PSI, was a top hit.
And so, over the years, the company also started developing equipment for the carwash industry.
Unlike other brands, CAT Pumps design and manufacture all types of pumps, including reciprocating and rotary displacement pumps.
Here are some identifying features:
The short answer is yes, most definitely. Even so, it is not always the case with all pressure washers.
Yet, keep in mind that replacing an axial cam pump with a triplex pump or vice versa can be an expensive project to take on.
Therefore, unless one or the other has become severely damaged or broken, this task should not be undertaken.
Additionally, it is important to check the user manual of your unit to determine whether it will be compatible with another form of pump.
Every user manual consists of detailed drawings and measurements of the pump it features.
Knowing the measurements of the original pump will allow you to look for a replacement pump of the same size.
Aside from the size, here is a list of the essential things to match against the original pump:
Make sure you find a pump that has all the specs and features compatible with your pressure washer to avoid damage to its parts.
All the different pressure washer pump types have specific features that provide desirable results.
As you shop for one, you will find that the different pumps are utilized in various capacities.
For instance, the triplex plunger is used in industrial-grade pressure washers.
Whereas, in contrast, the axial cam pump is used in mid-tier pressure washers.
The best type depends on what you intend to use the pressure washer for.
So, the first thing to consider is whether you will need the machine for commercial or home use.
After that, you can decide on the kind of pressure washer pump you want your unit to have.
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