When pressure washing heavy equipment each piece of equipment has a slightly different procedure to ensure efficiency. When a pressure washing company is bidding such jobs by the piece of equipment instead of the hour, they must be cognizant of this so they can maximize profits. Loaders, backhoes, bull dozers and scrapers are all cleaned slightly different. Anyone who has been in the business a while and cleaned heavy equipment has indeed found ways or short cuts to improve their speed and efficiency.
Graders
Seeing as the average grader costs around $175,000, it is important to insure that it is running smoothly and working properly. Blades must be sharp and replaced often; however, welders can't weld on dirt and their time is way to valuable to operate a fire hose or steam cleaner. Case in point, this is where "The Professional Pressure Washers Operator" comes in. Since heavy equipment operators must maintain a steady hand and possess the skills necessary to add perfection to the job, they must have trouble free equipment. Breakdowns from over heading or hydraulic leaks, which should have been detected early on can shut down a job site until repaired. Without the use of the scraper the heavy equipment contractor is SOL.
Grader operators must be able to see out the windows perfectly if they have cabins. The controls, seating position and attention to detail are crucial. Three inches off on a slope can cause water to flow the wrong way and damage to asphalt and concrete later from freestanding water. Everything matters as the heavy equipment operator completes their work.
To fully detail a cab, you might charge $20.00 to $40.00, which any foreman would gladly pay. You might even look into a new product to treat the glass called "Diamon Fusion" ?, A chip-resistant treatment, which repels dirt. When detailing the cabs of graders you should give it the deluxe treatment, complete with window treatment, scotch guarded seats, and rubber dressing. Do not put rubber dressing on the seats.
Tractor Equipment Engine Cleaning
At 180 to 210 degree high pressure hot water you can clean just about anything. If you are searching for an oil leak, want to fix an overheating situation, or prevent a fire hazard then one should clean that piece of equipment. But you never know with heavy equipment when this will happen; it could happen anytime, anywhere. This is where the mobile pressure washing business is at its best.
The Professional Pressure Washing company must follow all EPA laws and use best management practices. These practices are now finally consistent with the NPDES permits of all 50 states. No matter how oily, filthy, or dirty a tractor engine is, the mobile pressure washer operator knows they have seen worse.
As a pressure washing company you must decide in advance that you love a challenge. So, bring it on! Many tractor maintenance companies and servicemen keep out 3" x 5" laminated index card on the dashboard of their maintenance trucks; make sure your company name is on that list and that you are their preferred company to call when something needs to be cleaned up. For your best customers be sure to call back or be able to show up within an hour if you are not busy.
When cleaning motors on tractors be sure to wash out the radiators too. Heavy equipment, which over heats can led to excess engine wear or cause ten's of thousands of dollars in repair. Be sure not to bend the flanges when pressure washing them. Use a 15-degree tip on the end of the wand, set the pressure at 1200-1800 and keep the nozzle 18 inches from the flanges. Use hot water to melt the grease, which has mixed with the dust to accumulate between the radiators. Flush all the debris out by spraying directing straight on from the front and backsides. Rinse for 20 minutes, don't complain you are being paid and the more flushing the better your job.
Think about how to best do each type of piece of heavy equipment, commit yourself to doing it right.
"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs