Starter set up - Certified SoftWash Roof Cleaning

Islander Pro-Wash · Freshmen Member

Starter set up

Michael Derose · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

like i said on the other forum its a nice begginer set up just get some extra relays and spare fuses and you'll be set. Also make sure you rinse out the system after each use.

Rodney Henke · Sophmore Member

Take the thirty amp fuse that comes with it and throw it in the garbage!!!!!!!
Replace with a fifteen amp fuse. I burned my 5850 up b/c of that fuse. Its a sixteen amp motor. Bob will tell you the 30 is bc it will pull more amps upon start up so it needs a bigger fuse. I dont know if that is true nor not but it wont pull thirty EVER. Better to blow a fuse once in a while than a motor.
I had the pump in a box 5850 when I started. I burned up the motor and went to Northern Tool and bought a 5 gpm Northstar pump with Viton hesd. few dollars more but it comes with a one year warranty and fifteen bucks makes it a two year warranty. They also sell replacement heads.

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Steve,

Bob with Pressure Teck is an awesome guy with great customer service. He stands behind his stuff! I think that will be a fine starter rig! Paul at PowerwashStore.com has a nice starter rig as well. Our new Sprite system is an awesome rig with Green Wash injection built in but is a little pricy. Ours is going to be closer to $1,500.00 with the discounts we are running right now. If your starting out Id go with anything in the $1,000 and under category witch rules us out but there are some great kits out there for that.

AC

Doug Rucker · UAMCC Officer

The system Pauls sells is perfect for a beginner. 2 pump set up for under $700.00. Go with that build your business and then get the AC's injection system. That is my plan.

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Doug Rucker wrote:
The system Pauls sells is perfect for a beginner. 2 pump set up for under $700.00. Go with that build your business and then get the AC's injection system. That is my plan.

Doug,

You know what is behing curtin # 2 for you :) We can talk about pro staff discounts for being such an advocate. I actually need a few more guys like you to keep running this stuff through the paces.

AC

Hoosier Roof Cleaners · Freshmen Member

Steve

Doug is right I use Pauls 2 pump system right now and it works great...I will also be converting to AC'S injection system soon as possible. You can still use the greenwash just mix by batch...I really like this stuff

Doug Rucker · UAMCC Officer

AC Lockyer wrote:
Doug Rucker wrote:
The system Pauls sells is perfect for a beginner. 2 pump set up for under $700.00. Go with that build your business and then get the AC's injection system. That is my plan.
Doug,
You know what is behing curtin # 2 for you :) We can talk about pro staff discounts for being such an advocate. I actually need a few more guys like you to keep running this stuff through the paces.
AC

I'm a listening.

BTW picking up the Plant Wash today from Roger wwho got it from Carlos for me. Will try it out next week. Will be a great time to try it. I have a student coing in from Ft Lauderdale Mon, Tues and Wed so he will get to see all three products in use. Green Wash, Bleach Wash and Plant Wash.

Islander Pro-Wash · Freshmen Member

Thanks for the help fella's. I am ready to get started!

Ray Burke · Community Member

Doug Rucker wrote:
AC Lockyer wrote:
Doug Rucker wrote:
The system Pauls sells is perfect for a beginner. 2 pump set up for under $700.00. Go with that build your business and then get the AC's injection system. That is my plan.
Doug,
You know what is behing curtin # 2 for you :) We can talk about pro staff discounts for being such an advocate. I actually need a few more guys like you to keep running this stuff through the paces.
AC
I'm a listening.
BTW picking up the Plant Wash today from Roger wwho got it from Carlos for me. Will try it out next week. Will be a great time to try it. I have a student coing in from Ft Lauderdale Mon, Tues and Wed so he will get to see all three products in use. Green Wash, Bleach Wash and Plant Wash.

I got some of the plant wash in Tampa...I'm loving it! That added assurance makes me feel much more confident in my crews, and is helping me "get off the wand" just a little more!

AC Lockyer · Administrator

spray wash wrote:
Doug Rucker wrote:

AC Lockyer wrote:
Doug Rucker wrote:
The system Pauls sells is perfect for a beginner. 2 pump set up for under $700.00. Go with that build your business and then get the AC's injection system. That is my plan.
Doug,
You know what is behing curtin # 2 for you :) We can talk about pro staff discounts for being such an advocate. I actually need a few more guys like you to keep running this stuff through the paces.
AC
I'm a listening.
BTW picking up the Plant Wash today from Roger wwho got it from Carlos for me. Will try it out next week. Will be a great time to try it. I have a student coing in from Ft Lauderdale Mon, Tues and Wed so he will get to see all three products in use. Green Wash, Bleach Wash and Plant Wash.

I got some of the plant wash in Tampa...I'm loving it! That added assurance makes me feel much more confident in my crews, and is helping me "get off the wand" just a little more!

Great to hear Ray. Are you using the Tractor Depot hose end sprayer??? Shoot us a little YouTube video of using the Plant Wash please.

AC

Doug Rucker · UAMCC Officer

AC Lockyer wrote:
spray wash wrote:
Doug Rucker wrote:

AC Lockyer wrote:
Doug Rucker wrote:
The system Pauls sells is perfect for a beginner. 2 pump set up for under $700.00. Go with that build your business and then get the AC's injection system. That is my plan.
Doug,
You know what is behing curtin # 2 for you :) We can talk about pro staff discounts for being such an advocate. I actually need a few more guys like you to keep running this stuff through the paces.
AC
I'm a listening.
BTW picking up the Plant Wash today from Roger wwho got it from Carlos for me. Will try it out next week. Will be a great time to try it. I have a student coing in from Ft Lauderdale Mon, Tues and Wed so he will get to see all three products in use. Green Wash, Bleach Wash and Plant Wash.

I got some of the plant wash in Tampa...I'm loving it! That added assurance makes me feel much more confident in my crews, and is helping me "get off the wand" just a little more!
Great to hear Ray. Are you using the Tractor Depot hose end sprayer??? Shoot us a little YouTube video of using the Plant Wash please.
AC

what tractor supply hose end sprayer???? Iwas gonna use a miracle grow hose end sprayer, will that not work? ANd can I sue the same sprayer for both Plant and Bleach Wash?

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Doug Rucker wrote:
AC Lockyer wrote:
spray wash wrote:
Doug Rucker wrote:

AC Lockyer wrote:
Doug Rucker wrote:
The system Pauls sells is perfect for a beginner. 2 pump set up for under $700.00. Go with that build your business and then get the AC's injection system. That is my plan.
Doug,
You know what is behing curtin # 2 for you :) We can talk about pro staff discounts for being such an advocate. I actually need a few more guys like you to keep running this stuff through the paces.
AC
I'm a listening.
BTW picking up the Plant Wash today from Roger wwho got it from Carlos for me. Will try it out next week. Will be a great time to try it. I have a student coing in from Ft Lauderdale Mon, Tues and Wed so he will get to see all three products in use. Green Wash, Bleach Wash and Plant Wash.

I got some of the plant wash in Tampa...I'm loving it! That added assurance makes me feel much more confident in my crews, and is helping me "get off the wand" just a little more!
Great to hear Ray. Are you using the Tractor Depot hose end sprayer??? Shoot us a little YouTube video of using the Plant Wash please.
AC
what tractor supply hose end sprayer???? Iwas gonna use a miracle grow hose end sprayer, will that not work? ANd can I sue the same sprayer for both Plant and Bleach Wash?

Your ok Doug the tractor supply one is a knock off of the miracle grow one.

AC

Doug Rucker · UAMCC Officer

COOL

Dan Signor · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

AC/Doug,

Is this the system you are referring too? "Twin Pump Low Pressure Applicator # 5400"

Dan Signor · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

What do you suggest as far as tanks go? I have a 300 gallon and two 35 gallon tanks on my rig now. I am going to rebuild my rig, moving the 300 gallon tank back to sit on axles so now would be the perfect time to add the new equipment. Then the plan is next spring to purchase a truck and run a skid off the truck for roof washing only. This will free up the trailer rig for residential and commercial allowing me to run two crews.

Doug Rucker · UAMCC Officer

HP Pro Clean wrote:
AC/Doug,

Is this the system you are referring too? "Twin Pump Low Pressure Applicator # 5400"

HUH???? Is there a pic or link????

Dan Signor · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

Soft Wash Twin Pump System-Green Cleaning at its Best! No Noise- No Pollution – No Damage!

Our custom built system boasts an impressive 4.5 gpm at 60 psi per pump and an incredibly low 6 amp draw rate. Operate with one or two persons or combine pumps for a whopping 9 gpm!

With a 0 degree nozzle and 300‘ of 1/2" hose you will have the capability to shoot over 50‘, easily reaching 3 story peaks, no more ladders or wobbly extension poles. Used for roof cleaning, house washing and other chemical application.

Complete System Includes:
• Heavy duty 1/8" aircraft grade aluminum frame
• Dual 4.5 gpm 60 psi pump with Santropene and Viton seals
• Dual 1/2" inlets
• Dual 40 mesh inlet filtration
• Dual 1/2" Outlets with stainless steel quick connects
• Large marine battery box
• 300‘ 1/2" Polybraid reinforced chemical line
• Plastic body chemical applicator gun with Viton seals
• 4 nozzle holder with 0º, 15º, 25º, and 40º stainless steel nozzles
• Angle nozzle holder with quick connect
• 36" stainless steel lance

Twin Pump Low Pressure Applicator # 5400

Doug Rucker · UAMCC Officer

Yes thats it. Thats the one I use. Love it. And I use one 65 gallon tank. I mix 12 gallons of 10% SH, 50 Gallons of water and 48 ounces of Green Wash. The Green Wash is the key. Among many other things, It allows you to use LESS SH which adds to your bottom line.

-- Edited by Doug Rucker on Saturday 27th of August 2011 06:26:03 AM

Islander Pro-Wash · Freshmen Member

I am attempting to build a list of equipment that all start-up operations should have. Here's what I have so far:

Pump system (as mentioned previously in thread)
Tank
Hand sprayer
Ladder w/stabilizer bar
standard garden hose
Battery
Battery charger
Spare fuses and relays

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Here is a list I compiled for a guy just starting out. Thought I would post it here.

AC

Get a plastic pallet http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200387619_200387619

Buy a 110 gallon poly tank with straps, http://www.chemicalcontainers.com/category.asp?Id=1767C4CB-26C5-463E-8E6E-83E6248A1225 no bulk head on the tank. Make sure they ship it with no holes created. we want to plumb from top.

SureFlow 2088 series premimum pump http://legacy.shurflo.com/pages/new_industrial/Industrial/automotive/doc_sum/2088-313-145.html

Purchase this parts list,

300' clear braid, food quality, poly braid hose.

Titan 20" hose reel, http://www.titanprod.com/aluminum.html, get from one of my vendors listed at the softwash site.

One two way poly ball valve bought from ag supply.

one 3/4 poly bulk head fitting from ag supply.

one 3/4 tank agitator from ag supply.

You will need about 15' of 3/4 poly braid hose for plumbing pump to tank and reel.

You will need these poly or nylon fittings available at ag supply or at Home Depot,

3/4 thread by 3/4 barb, 90 (2 of these)

3/4 thread by 3/4 barb, straight

3/4 thread by 3/4 slip PVC (for pick up tube)

3/4 pipe, one stick (for pick up tube)

1/2 thread by 1/2 barb, straight in stainless or brass (for attaching 300' of hose to reel manafold)

3/4 to 3/4 male threaded poly or brass. (this will go in one port of the two way poly valve for running clean water through your system every night)

3/4 female to Garden Hose quick disconect male

About 6 SS hose clamps.

12 volt deep cycle battery (cheepest and largest wal-mart has)

2 Battery Boxes (one for battery and one for pump)

This will build you a self contained unit that can be loaded into the bed of a truck or on a trailer.

Attached is a hand drawn sketch

Barry Landis · Sophmore Member

AC,

Who do you use as a supplier for the clear polybraid hose? And what longevity could you expect from this hose?

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Landis Roof Cleaning wrote:
AC,

Who do you use as a supplier for the clear polybraid hose? And what longevity could you expect from this hose?

Either of the distributors on the SoftWashSystems.com site can get it. Its the sun that breaks it down quicker than the bleach. I rinse mine out with water and Bleach Wash. That helps alot. At Mallard and Terra ours lasted about 6 months or about 375 roofs.

Make sure its Kuritec or alike brand, clear braid or poly braid hose "food grade"

Hope this helps,

AC

Islander Pro-Wash · Freshmen Member

What type of pumps are used in Paul's set up?

Steve Salley · Junior Member

I bought the fatboy kit with kuritec hose and upgraded it with the pump in a box upgrade. I have been pleased with it, but the time and energy my brother and I put into plumbing my trailer etc with the system and another backup pump was quite a bit for a newbie... I had the opportunity to work with the #5400 system from powerwashstore when I attended Doug Rucker's training last month. During our job the one pump just quit, and all Doug had to do was change the supply lines to the other side and continue the real world training and schooling. That would have been a deal breaker for that job and on onsite training day-- had Doug been relying on a single pump system. ( A quick phone call to Paul at Powerwashstore and Doug was able to resolve the first pump problem while still on the job working with the 2nd pump that is built into the #5400.)

What a simple system to understand and begin making money today. the system is so compact you can grab it and a solution tank and go clean roofs. Spend your money on education and training and then build beyond a starter kit with profits.

Just my two cents worth.

This system is a great place to begin.

Roof Cleaning San Antonio Texas · Sophmore Member

I like the list A/C That will really help people out!!!

This is what I'm working with,I started out with a small trailer and quickly realized the truck set-ups the way to go!! I just keep changing it up and adding everytime i do a job and say......theres a better way....lol

I included a pic my first rig and some during my ocd tinkering along the way, and what i'm using now

-- Edited by Roof Cleaning San Antonio Texas on Saturday 10th of December 2011 10:32:22 PM

-- Edited by Roof Cleaning San Antonio Texas on Saturday 10th of December 2011 10:33:55 PM

Doug Rucker · UAMCC Officer

That's cool to see the changes as you tinker around with it. Like your signage too. Whole thing looks like and a real easy nice set up. The upside down hose reel from the rack is great idea too. Does that work out good? What pumps do you use.

Roof Cleaning San Antonio Texas · Sophmore Member

Thanks Doug!!! It's super easy to work out of, And the upside down hose reel works awesome too....I wanted a titan, But endend up getting a reelcraft, I'm glad i did though it's beastual!! And I'm running 5/8 hose with a 5850, ball valve with tri banger.

I used it yesterday morning and it was one of the biggest yet easiest roofs i've done cause of my truck, I'm using two 25 gal tanks one for holding SH and the other for my mixing tank so I don't waste and get everything the same everytime, the 125's for water so I don't have to worry about using there water to fill my mix tank

Laurie Benjamin · Lead Tech Certified

Got my dual pump today...Its bigger than i thought, which is great the titan real is HUGE and i love it ...Now i can work on my rig.. Its the kind of set up that would deffinetly draw attention here in Trinidad...Thumbs up to the PowerWashStore.. Greatr customer service Bill!

I am designing my rig and as soon as i am done i would post it in the appropiate forum..

-- Edited by All Aspects Ltd on Tuesday 12th of June 2012 10:46:26 AM

Chris Madden · Lead Tech Certified

Very nice, congrats on the new setup. You Will not be disappointed.

You definitely bought from the right company. Paul and Bill are awesome.

Chris

AC Lockyer · Administrator

All Aspects Ltd wrote:
Got my dual pump today...Its bigger than i thought, which is great the titan real is HUGE and i love it ...Now i can work on my rig.. Its the kind of set up that would deffinetly draw attention here in Trinidad...Thumbs up to the PowerWashStore.. Greatr customer service Bill!
I am designing my rig and as soon as i am done i would post it in the appropiate forum..

-- Edited by All Aspects Ltd on Tuesday 12th of June 2012 10:46:26 AM

Great news. Now onto the fun stuff.

AC

Vic Irish · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

AC Lockyer wrote:
Here is a list I compiled for a guy just starting out. Thought I would post it here.
AC

Get a plastic pallet http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200387619_200387619

Buy a 110 gallon poly tank with straps, http://www.chemicalcontainers.com/category.asp?Id=1767C4CB-26C5-463E-8E6E-83E6248A1225 no bulk head on the tank. Make sure they ship it with no holes created. we want to plumb from top.

SureFlow 2088 series premimum pump http://legacy.shurflo.com/pages/new_industrial/Industrial/automotive/doc_sum/2088-313-145.html

Purchase this parts list,

300' clear braid, food quality, poly braid hose.

Titan 20" hose reel, http://www.titanprod.com/aluminum.html, get from one of my vendors listed at the softwash site.

One two way poly ball valve bought from ag supply.

one 3/4 poly bulk head fitting from ag supply.

one 3/4 tank agitator from ag supply.

You will need about 15' of 3/4 poly braid hose for plumbing pump to tank and reel.

You will need these poly or nylon fittings available at ag supply or at Home Depot,

3/4 thread by 3/4 barb, 90 (2 of these)
3/4 thread by 3/4 barb, straight
3/4 thread by 3/4 slip PVC (for pick up tube)
3/4 pipe, one stick (for pick up tube)
1/2 thread by 1/2 barb, straight in stainless or brass (for attaching 300' of hose to reel manafold)
3/4 to 3/4 male threaded poly or brass. (this will go in one port of the two way poly valve for running clean water through your system every night)
3/4 female to Garden Hose quick disconect male

About 6 SS hose clamps.

12 volt deep cycle battery (cheepest and largest wal-mart has)
2 Battery Boxes (one for battery and one for pump)
This will build you a self contained unit that can be loaded into the bed of a truck or on a trailer.

Attached is a hand drawn sketch

AC, what is the 3/4 agitator for? What does it look like? Does it stir the mix?

This was a great post, by the way. Can you make another drawing with two tanks and a Multitap? :)