High pressure car cleaner for Melbourne - wholesale source/bulk buy?

[WHLS1]

For those of us in Melbourne the upgraded water restrictions mean that we can no longer use a hose to wash cars.

When this restriction was last imposed I bought a GMC high pressure spray unit - big mistake (it is dead and gone). I should have gone Karcher. I now propose to buy a quality unit such as a Karcher.

There must be a lot of people in Melbourne thinking about purchasing a high pressure unit. Is there an LS1 member who (1) sells these things, (2) or who can access wholesale prices and (3) is an expert in the field and can tell us which one to buy? If there is sufficient interest perhaps a group buy can be arranged.

Looking forward to your responses.

Grant


PS Yes I know the subject of pressure cleaners has been raised before as I have posted in the thread. This is not so much about which one do you use but how can we buy a really good one at a great price.

[Alex(AUS)]

I want one. And, given the stuff you said, I am in.

Alex

[phunky_monkey]

I'm up for it too mate if we can get some sort of group buy happening.

Dane

[Stevotski]

If you are after quality I would be looking at gerni or spitwater, both better than karcher, although karcher is obviously better than GMC

I have GMC at home - if it costs me $60 every 2 years to chuck it in the bin I am still ahead

[VooDoo]

We use kerrick ones here at work. Very good but not cheap. The higher end Karchers are ok but make sure you get the ones with metal tanks and heads not the plastic ones as they are for low end use only.

[amckiwi]

Very interested in purchasing here

[GTS215i]

Great idea :thumbsup: , put me down.

[swingtan]

While I really want to join the "Me To" brigade, the original question was not so much " Who wants one ?" as " Who can get us a great deal on a bulk buy ?" So we are still looking for someone to come to the party and give us a good deal...

That said.... Me To :woot:

Yes, I do realise that we are going to have to get a list going sooner or later and that having some "firm" numbers up front could help get the deal done.

Simon.

[GTS215i]

We may not need to find an actual contact, if there are enough serious interested buyers we can always offer the number of interetsed parties to a large retailer to see what there discount would be.... only a suggestion if we can't find a contact/distributor.

[JNP304]

Thats because you didnt get a Chev pressure washer. You got a GMC, everyone knows that GMC stands for Gay Mans Chevy!
Serious though I have a GMC washer and with the warranty when it packs up I just get a new one for free. Onto my second one now :)

[AJAM]

If someone can give me model numbers I can find out wholesale prices and check to see what sort of numbers we would need. I work with a couple of commercial distributors.

[WHLS1]

Is getting a list together putting the cart before the horse?

I am trying to get a good one at a good price - I expect to pay hundreds of dollars - I am not interested in getting one for $100.00 (I cannot imagine that anything worthwhile would wholesale that cheap) - if that is anyones aim go to Bunnings and buy a GMC and hope that when it fails (as it surely will) the warranty has not expired.

My thought is that I need to identify a product and a price/price range for multiples. I remain hopeful that someone on this forum will have the right contact. Once I have a product and price a purchasing list can be opened.

If someone wishes to hijack the thread, propose a product, get a list and go shopping for prices from retailers or whoever they have my blessings. For my part if I can get the right product at a good price I am happy to put some effort into a bulk buy effort.


Grant

[Pickles]

I'm thinking of buying one too. I've been told there are some crap brands around, but that Karcher, & particularly Gurni are ok. I've been told that for the product to be satisfactory it should have a metal pump, & a long hose so you don't have to keep moving the unit around your car whilst washing. I think there was another brand-Italian-was it Alto?-also supposed to be good, but maybe not imported anymore.
Cheers, Pickles.

[Martin_D]

I have a small $399 Rota-Jet style Karcher at work, and its a decent performer in the wash bay. Came highly recommended from my partner who happens to own a high pressure water blasting business :)

[CrashTestDummy]

i'd be up for one of these too!

there's a website i came across a while ago that deals with bulk buys... http://bulkbuy.com.au

it seems to be mainly people doing bulk buys on computer gear, but it might be worth registering interest for a high pressure cleaner on their forum? i know they've done bulk buys on furniture as well so i guess anything with enough interest would have a chance.

[WHLS1]

Pickles, you are right re the hose length. The crappy GMC I had (which was not their bottom of the range) had a relatively short hose. I went to a hose specialist to see if I could do something about that only to be told that the hose on the GMC appeared to be a special custom size etc.

Martin, perhaps you could raise the subject with your partner as to recommended equipment and places to purchase (I appreciate that suggested supplier may be in Adelaide)?

Grant

[Martin_D]

Sorry mate.....BUNNINGS had the best deal, you know, the joint where you get those cool performance bits :) :lol:

[Mules]

I'm interested too as I got a GMC one the last time we where in stage 2 water restrictions.

Much like WHLS1s one it suffers from having a short hose which makes it less than useable.

[AussieTone]

Are they legal to use in Victoria to wash your car. If you don’t use these do you have to use a bucket.

We have just gone onto level 4 in Brisbane and can only use a bucket and not a high pressure cleaner etc. I am writing to the government body with carriage for this here in Brisbane and want to get them to authorise high pressure cleaners etc. If someone from VIC could send me a link to a site (preferably state government) which confirms you may use high pressure cleaners I will include it in my request up here. It also should carry some weight to my request I believe.

Any help or links to sites appreciated

Also, what are the regulations in other states who currently have water restrictions

[Mules]

In Melbourne we are only in stage 2 restrictions so are still able to use High Pressure cleaners.

Try this link: http://www.ourwater.vic.gov.au/ourwater/dsenowof.nsf/LinkView/55D6933E987AA6CBCA257208007DE176962C510F62D172C6CA 257208007ECE3C

here is a link that explains all the water restrictions in vic stage 1-4 http://www.ourwater.vic.gov.au/ourwater/dsenowof.nsf/obj/PWSR_Stage2/$file/Stage1to4WaterRestrictions+-+FactSheet.pdf

[amckiwi]

[Much like WHLS1s one it suffers from having a short hose which makes it less than useable.[/QUOTE]

Are we talking about someones partner here?

[WHLS1]

Ah, but feel the width.

It's not the length but how you use it.

Back on topic, I have sought a quote from my local Total Tools. if they respond I will post the information.

Grant

First proposal I have is re a Kerrick unit (brand used by Voodoo).

Kerrick Juniorwash Waterblaster - Italian, alloy motor body with stainless pistons, 1750 psi @ 6 litres per minute and 8 metre hose. Kerrick is a major Australian supplier of commercial/industrial cleaning equipment. I am advised that the recommended retail is around $400.00. The deal is for $297.00 incl GST per unit.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c127/snafuoz/JuniorWash1.jpg

I have no personal knowledge of the unit and I cannot confirm that it is good, bad, indifferent, great price or a bit expensive.

PLEASE DO NOT ask re pickup, numbers, availability etc as this is simply posted as information to see if there is any interest/comment. If you have experience with the unit your input would be appreciated. If you wish to comment along the lines of can get it for the same price elsewhere, too expensive (it is in my price range), the deal interests me and it is likely I would put my hand up for one if a better deal is not found etc please do so.


Hopefully I will get some other proposals to put to you.

Grant

[Alex(AUS)]

Looks good. Price is fine. I have not heard of that brand before (doesnt mean much - not an expert in high pressure cleaners). Can anyone else say something about this unit and respective pricing?

Alex

[Maz]

That price is pretty cheap considering it has an 8 metre hose.

Im definitely interested.

[WHLS1]

Made some enquiries and the Kerrick does retail for around $400.00 (just under).

No response from Total Tools - what a bunch of tools.

Will see if I can find someone else to put up an alternative to the Kerrick.

Grant

[WHLS1]

I withdraw my comment re Total Tools as they have now responded to my enquiry.

Total tools recommendation is a Karcher 497 Plus - 1.9 kw motor, 7.5 m hose, 1885 PSI and 6.7 L per min volume. John of Total Tools say that the 497 Plus is the first model in the Karcher range built to purpose rather than price point.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c127/snafuoz/Karcher497.jpg

Bad news is the price. I can buy it retail at $498.00. Total Tools will sell it at $449.00. If there were guaranteed numbers Total Tools would approach Karcher for a volume buy and price.

Comments?

[VT LS1]

A friend of mine is an air tool supplier / repairer. I asked him what he can get as a trade quality preasure cleaner. He has available a Scorpion SPW - 2200, 2.2 kw, 5m hose for $259 incl gst (+freight) have a look on the website for the wholesaler www.austechindustries.com.au I cannot see this model on the site (just petrol ones) but perhaps I'm just not looking hard enough....

BTW apparently it comes with a few accesories like a power brush etc...

If you are interested I will see what else I can find out.

[VZ HSV #1]

You want to know about pressure cleaners you talk to me.
I run a Quarantine Cleaning business in Brisbane.
We use 30 000 litres a day,our pressure cleaners are 3000psi, 21 litres per minute, not exactly every mans use,pont is we use Spitwater, it is an Interpump, Italian brand,best on the market by far.
Spitwater do make a single phase unit,more expensive than your Bunning brands, but you get what you pay for, if you want to drive a Mini then pay the price, if you want to drive a GTS then apples for apples it wins hands down.
I got 40 000 hours out of one of my Interpump motors, before a rebuild,only changed the oil every 8000 hrs, and valve and seal kits.
$3000 to buy not bad investment.
You want a good brand, then go to Spitwater,stay away from the rest!
Offices in Victoria and Queensland

Cheers
Scotty

[WHLS1]

VT LS1, thanks for the input. I suspect that the Scorpion will ultimately have the same issues as the GMC - built to a price rather than to last. I went to the website and saw the model on the final page of the current specials brochure.

Scotty, I had come across the Spitfire product before however the bulk of the equipment whilst appearing to be of very high quality is no doubt out of our price range. In any event I have sent an enquiry to Spitfire to see what they have to say.

Grant

[VZ HSV #1]

Grant,
Spitwater, not Spitfire, and yes they are quite more expensive, but are worth the buck$$$.
Just an alternative.

Cheers
Scotty

[VX2VESS]

do you have to feed from a bucket or can still hook the mains to it in Vic ?

if gravity feed be careful some brands require pressure to work and won't gravity feed.

[WHLS1]

In Melbourne we are allowed to connect to the mains supply and use a pressure spray. Not allowed to use a hose to wash the car.

[Alex(AUS)]

Whats the news with this?

Alex

[shaness8]

Just bought 1 on EBAY for $140 brand new, looks quite good and has 10m hose 2900psi 1.6kw motor will try it tommorow.

[Alex(AUS)]

Which model is it? Let us know how you go ...

Alex

[Maz]

I just bought the same model off ebay as well.

E-bay pressure washer (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/BR-New-2900PSI-High-Pressure-Washer-Cleaner-POWERFUL_W0QQitemZ300045470320QQihZ020QQcategoryZ6 32QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

Looks ok however the warranty seems very dodgy. As you have to pay postage both ways and they wont allow pickup, they'll just say its user error and your ****ed.

Ive sent them an email to confirm this and they have not replied yet. Probably because there is no warranty ;)

[swingtan]

here you go....

http://bigyaopower.en.ecplaza.net/5.asp

and

http://www.bigyao.com/en/product_view.asp?ArticleID=64

Built in good old... China

It would seem that the figures quoted on E-Bay may be slightly incorrect.

[shaness8]

Thats the one, tried it today has plenty of power works ok.

[Maz]

Did you get it posted to you?

Mine hasn't arrived yet.

[Alex(AUS)]

I am inteterested in something more reputable. I think we started off ok with the karcher and kerrick etc ... is a group purchase of this style of unit still on?

Alex

[NODDY347]

I am also interested in purchasing a high pressure cleaner. Has anyone come accross a unit that doesn't need to be gravity feed? I am after something that will just draw water from a 25L drum on the ground, this may not be possible though.

[Moonshines]

Guys I'm in for one these as well........have been looking for the last 6-8 weeks. Karcher seems to stand out for value for money.

[Blown 454 AWD]

Bought the smallest Karcher (won't even stand up model) about 5 years ago, for work use, shop next door borrows it, when the boys over the road in the panel shop broke theirs, they used it for 2 months solid, starting to make a few noises now, it will belong to Ted soon (rooted) however, it's done allot of work, not a bad product.

So Karcher is OK for quality, especially the slightly larger models.

Kerrick would be slightly better quality again, all your good steam cleaners in the mechanical workshops are usually Kerrick, Ozy made I think as well.

I'd be interested in a better blaster as well as the little one is almost RIP.

Cheers

Steve

[amckiwi]

If Ted gets elected he has promised the "following" we go to stage three water restrictions within 15 days

High Pressure Water System not much use then

I would prefer to wait until the dust settles from the election b4 any purchase

Stu

[NODDY347]

If Ted gets elected he has promised the "following" we go to stage three water restrictions within 15 days

High Pressure Water System not much use then

I would prefer to wait until the dust settles from the election b4 any purchase

Stu

I have been using a friends gerni drawing from a 25l drum which i fill using buckets of water filled from the tap. If washing vehicles this way gets canned by authorities then we are living in bizzarro world.

I can use the single 25l drum of water to wash the car with the high pressure system which is approx 4-5 buckets of water or i can splash 10+ buckets of water over the car to do a similar job.

[Super Snake]

Due to the water restrictions, the cost of using car wash outlets and not being allowed to bring my own bucket there, I have bought myself a Karcher unit.

I went for one which had some grunt and a long hose. This model also has the option of winding up the hose.

http://www.karcher.com.au/aus/Products/Domestic/Outdoor/K5_Pressure_washers/13966030.htm

[Maz]

How much did that Karcher set you back?

[loudvtss]

I think Bunnings have them advertised for $99. Can't remember the specs.

[ProVK]

With the water restrictions could you wash your car still with a hose if fed from a rain water tank ?

[NODDY347]

With the water restrictions could you wash your car still with a hose if fed from a rain water tank ?

Yes..........


I think Bunnings have them advertised for $99. Can't remember the specs.

This unit is good value, i had a look at it yesterday and the only reason i didn't purchase it was the next model up had an extra metre of hose and a high pressure nozzle with it. Other than those two extras if you can call them that the unit is the same as the $99 winner unit. It cost me an extra $38 to buy the K2.36m. Used it yesterday afternoon and it works a treat, straight out of a bucket of water.

[Moonshines]

Anything happening with this bulk buy suggestion guys? Just wondering thats all, otherwise will go and buy one anyway.

[Alex(AUS)]

Same here ...

Alex