With so many different types, models and makes of pressure washers on the market today, finding the right one to stand up to a wide range of heavy-duty farm cleaning situations can seem like a difficult task.
Great for occasional, light work, cold water machines are normally relatively compact, easy to store and transport, and are quick to set up; usually being plug in and go. However, for those washing down on a daily basis and having to deal with particularly challenging amounts of dirt, hot water pressure washers are proven to be a more cost-effective solution in the long-term.
From machinery to milking parlours, when faced with tough agricultural dirt and grease en masse, hot water cleaners are both thorough and efficient. In the machine, pressure is generated via a power source, either 240v or 3-phase depending on the desired configuration, while a diesel-powered burner heats the water up to a temperature of 150°C.
This combination of pressure and heat makes it much easier to remove solidified muds, oils, greases, fats and proteins, which are often dissolved and emulsified in the process. Not only does this mean that less cleaning agent is required, or not needed at all in some cases, but operators also find that they can save up to 35% of their time when using a hot machine compared to a cold.
“As well as better cleaning results, operators soon notice that the hot pressure washers are more economical with reduced on-going detergent and labour costs,” said Gary Fielding, owner of Pressure Clean. The Sussex-based Kärcher premier dealership supplies the agriculture sector across the South East with robust and respectable cleaning equipment.
“Increased cleaning efficiency and performance is so noticeable from the first use that after demonstrating a hot machine and putting it to the test on their own farm, the majority of farmers and growers are quick to make the switch and move away from cold water machines.”
For those looking to upgrade to a hot pressure washer, there is no better time than the present as Pressure Clean and Kärcher have just launched a new trade-in scheme. The incentive, which will run from 1 September to 30 November 2019, will allow farmers to trade in their old pressure washers (regardless of working condition, manufacturer, make or model) in exchange for between £125 and £250 off the price of a new Kärcher professional HDS pressure washer.
“A similar type scrappage scheme was run by Kärcher a few years back and proved to be so popular it has been rolled out again,” said Gary. “For on farm use, the most popular hot pressure washers tend to be the HDS 6/12C, which is a compact mid-range version, and the HDS 7/10-4M, which has a larger, slow running motor to give even more performance, but we are on hand to discuss individual requirements and can make recommendations from there.”
Flawless floors
Highly confident in the brand, Gary Fielding is inviting all his customers to ‘#ChallengeKärcher’, particularly the go-to cleaning technology provider’s newly released classic range of scrubber drier floor cleaners.
“The Karcher scrubber driers can remove practically any floor stain and improve its appearance in a single visit, so if you have a floor cleaning challenge we would love to hear from you,” said Gary, whose team can arrange a site visit and will provide a free, personalised floorcare demonstration.
The range of classic scrubber driers from Kärcher, including the BD 43/25 C, BD 50/50 C, BD 80/100 W, BD 50/70 R and the B 90 R, have been specifically designed for use in multiple scenarios and harsh environments.
“After noticing that customers were moving away from all-singing-all-dancing machines and were requesting more basic configurations, Kärcher decided to launch a new range to complement its existing line-up of floor cleaners,” said Gary. “This means that the classic models are more competitively priced on the market while still offering farmers and growers all the essential features.”
Each model is configurable depending on usage requirements and most are available with options such as the special DOSE system which automatically and precisely meters detergent into the water tank and interchangeable cleaning heads, with either rollers or disc technology to suit the floor type and cleaning task.
These walk-behind or ride-on cleaning machines complete three steps simultaneously to expertly care for floors. As well as precisely targeting dirt by applying water and cleaning agent directly onto the surface, a rotating brush head agitates grime, lifting it from the floor before a squeegee and vacuum system meticulously recovers any dirty water, leaving floors instantly safe and hygienically clean.
“We supply a large number of pack houses with these machines which provide a hygienic, dry and safe alternative to traditional cleaning methods,” said Gary Fielding. “Food packing areas need to be kept immaculate and a spillage the size of a 50p is capable of spreading up to 2m² when mopped. With slips and trips the most common cause of injury at work, having a scrubber drier can ensure you avoid unnecessary claims while keeping everywhere spotless, whatever the size, surface type or condition of the floor.”
The walk-behind scrubber driers are typically capable of running for up to 4.5 hours and some models come complete with variable traction and Kärcher’s Intelligent key to prevent against incorrect use. The ride-on units are robust and powerful with large water tanks and long battery life, of up to six hours, for high productivity.
