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Post Info TOPIC: The 12 Volt Roof Cleaning Pumps Of The Future ?


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RE: The 12 Volt Roof Cleaning Pumps Of The Future ?
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Interesting discussion. I have used Northern Tools for a number of supplies as one is located about 5 miles from my house. Handy.

As to the pump issue. I change out my Fat boy every year, though they always last me the whole season. Maybe just luck of the Irish. LOL Just keep the old one as a future back up should I need it.

I purchase my Fat boys from http://www.pwmall.com/p-133794-7870_101e-delavan-fb-2-diaphragm-pump-12v-60psi-70gpm-dem.aspx, they have a 100 psi also.

Our pumps run a long time because the wood roofs require more solution to clean than the average asphalt etc. Plus our process requires the applying of a double application of solution in the process. One for cleaning, one for blending.

As to the pump itself. I remove the relay switch and use a constant/continuous solenoid, the same that is used for a snow plow or lift gate on a truck. I also use a heat shield from the same place I buy the pump.

Pump and shield is $190.00.

I also use two 12v batteries, deep cell connected in series which last about 4 days on average and then trickle charge over night for recharging.

Our average wood roof cleaning takes about 6 hours, in and out, with about 1 an half to 2 hours pump time on and off. Most of the time is moving the ladder and rinsing and general wash down after the cleaning is complete.

Because we rinse every roof, garden hose pressure, I just flash my system at the end of everyday. I have a quick connect designed to connect the hose to for system flushing. That is just normal maintenance no matter what solution is being used.

Because I don't use the SH component, 1/3rd mix, that most use in their roof mix I don't have that issue, but I do run the pump longer in the cleaning process itself, which the issue here in this discussion appears to be failure due to run time.

I used this same system back in the day when I cleaned asphalt/fiberglass roofs and it worked fine.

I do agree that a low power supply will harm the pump, so I use the two battery setup. I am sure the mix used plays a part also and flushing should be done everyday no matter what the solution/mix.

In the end whatever works best for the contractor.

Will be interesting to see what they come up with at Northern Tool with Chris's advice/guidance.



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That is very interesting Bruce, that you are running the Fat Boy 12 volt roof cleaning pump for so long. Many 12 volt roof cleaning pumps will overheat and fail, if run for more then 20 minutes at a time. The Northern Northstar Pumps are made to run for a long time.

 



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I gotta say, I have always preferred 12 volt. They last a long time and I have never had one overheat. I have a nice compressor/ pump setup and it works fine as well. I just really like the peace and quiet of the 12 volt.



-- Edited by Eric SCHNAIBLE on Saturday 13th of December 2014 01:16:22 AM

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Eric SCHNAIBLE wrote:

I gotta say, I have always preferred 12 volt. They last a long time and I have never had one overheat. I have a nice compressor/ pump setup and it works fine as well. I just really like the peace and quiet of the 12 volt.



-- Edited by Eric SCHNAIBLE on Saturday 13th of December 2014 01:16:22 AM


 After about 20 years of cleaning roofs in one place here in Tampa, we are almost always busy, and feel no need to do any special marketing.

Yes, 12 volt pumps are quiet, very quiet, and air pumps are noisy, but this noise has often got us work roof cleaning

IMHO, this is something a new comer to the roof cleaning business may want to keep in mind. 

 



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I'm with you Chris,..I like the nice industrial sound of equipment running on a job,...and seeing how I use my 20 HP Honda running an 8 GPM pump to keep everything wet,...I have lots of noise going on,Ha,Ha,..

Jeff



-- Edited by Raystown Roof Cleaning Central PA 1-800-236-0322 on Saturday 13th of December 2014 04:47:38 AM

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Raystown Roof Cleaning Central PA 1-800-236-0322 wrote:

I'm with you Chris,..I like the nice industrial sound of equipment running on a job,...and seeing how I use my 20 HP Honda running an 8 GPM pump to keep everything wet,...I have lots of noise going on,Ha,Ha,..

Jeff



-- Edited by Raystown Roof Cleaning Central PA 1-800-236-0322 on Saturday 13th of December 2014 04:47:38 AM


 I say, when cleaning roofs "Be loud and Proud", because it attracts attention, and attention can attract customers biggrinbiggrin



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Hi Chris,
This is the post I was looking for with the info about the 12V pumps,
Did you ever get anywhere with the pump guys with the changes to the pumps?

Bill

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VISoftWash wrote:

Hi Chris,
This is the post I was looking for with the info about the 12V pumps,
Did you ever get anywhere with the pump guys with the changes to the pumps?

Bill


 I did meet with the Northern Tool Pump Engineers, and made my suggestions. if they will implement them or not is anyone's guess.

They did seem very interested in my suggestions for a better roof cleaning pump.



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So is their standard 7gpm 60psi as good as better or worse than the fatboy.
I see they sell replacement head units for a good price.

Bill

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VISoftWash wrote:

So is their standard 7gpm 60psi as good as better or worse than the fatboy.
I see they sell replacement head units for a good price.

Bill


 Better is a relative term, when it comes to 12 volt roof cleaning pumps, and you must ask yourself, if you really need all the flow of a fat boy or not ?

Tell me more about your needs, and where you live at ?



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Hi Chris,

We also use the pump to apply chems for softwash on stucco.
So we need high flow for reach with the fatboy,
Ideal world would probably be two pumps one for reach and 1 for roofs only with less flow.
If you were to use an electric pump what flow would you recommend for roofs only.
I just purchased a new van and ordered a 8gpm Pressure pro for softwashing but just wont have room to put an air compressor into the van as we do need a generator for the gutter vac system.
So the electric pumps must work for now and just looking for the best must versatile set up i can get.

Bill


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VISoftWash wrote:

Hi Chris,

We also use the pump to apply chems for softwash on stucco.
So we need high flow for reach with the fatboy,
Ideal world would probably be two pumps one for reach and 1 for roofs only with less flow.
If you were to use an electric pump what flow would you recommend for roofs only.
I just purchased a new van and ordered a 8gpm Pressure pro for softwashing but just wont have room to put an air compressor into the van as we do need a generator for the gutter vac system.
So the electric pumps must work for now and just looking for the best must versatile set up i can get.

Bill


 I think 5 gpm is plenty of flow for cleaning roofs. Yes, The Fat Boy has more flow at 7 gpm, but this extra flow will make the pump cycle on and off too much, unless you  use a big ass nozzle, then you waste chemicals and get excessive run off, especially on a tile roof.

 

 



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Thanks Chris,

So a fatboy to throw the chem for stucco and a 5 gpm for roofs.
We are in the Pacific north west on Vancouver Island in Canada so get lots of moss along with the GM.

Bill

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I'd find room for the compressor and air pump,..that will be reliable and do anything you ask of it when you need to apply a strong chemical at variant flows.

There's always room,Ha,Ha,..

Jeff

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VISoftWash wrote:

Thanks Chris,

So a fatboy to throw the chem for stucco and a 5 gpm for roofs.
We are in the Pacific north west on Vancouver Island in Canada so get lots of moss along with the GM.

Bill


 I lived in Seattle for 14 years, so I know all about the steep ass roofs in the pacific NW.

I agree with Jeff here, an air pump setup is always best.  You will make much more cleaning roofs then pressure washing, so make the room for the roof cleaning equipment.

 



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Just a thought. I bet if this new pump were going to be a 12 volt battery operated pump and not require a generator, there would be a lot more interest in it! Most of us use these pumps for their simplicity and cheap replacement / repair costs. My guess is also that if anyone were to decide to add the generator, they'd use the superior air pumps, like Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa uses??
I also like mine to be quiet, as a generator sounds just like a pressure washer and that's what listeners nearby will assume is taking place. Just my thinking???
I KNOW I'd be very interested in an improved 5850 Delavan type pump!!!
Until something similar, but better, comes along, I'm extremely satisfied with my 5850 pumps. I have 2 complete pump setups at all times and if 1 quits, I simply quick connect right to the other one and rinse the quit pump as well as possible. It's usually the demand switch and that's a quick $20. + replacement!
Well, My wife is calling me. We are heading off to the theater to see the movie "BIG EYES"

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Any of you guys have experience with Moss I really could do with asking a few questions that I cant find answers for in the search box.

Bill

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Bergman Roof Cleaning Port Charlotte FL 941-698-1959 wrote:

Just a thought. I bet if this new pump were going to be a 12 volt battery operated pump and not require a generator, there would be a lot more interest in it! Most of us use these pumps for their simplicity and cheap replacement / repair costs. My guess is also that if anyone were to decide to add the generator, they'd use the superior air pumps, like Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa uses??
I also like mine to be quiet, as a generator sounds just like a pressure washer and that's what listeners nearby will assume is taking place. Just my thinking???
I KNOW I'd be very interested in an improved 5850 Delavan type pump!!!
Until something similar, but better, comes along, I'm extremely satisfied with my 5850 pumps. I have 2 complete pump setups at all times and if 1 quits, I simply quick connect right to the other one and rinse the quit pump as well as possible. It's usually the demand switch and that's a quick $20. + replacement!
Well, My wife is calling me. We are heading off to the theater to see the movie "BIG EYES"


 Happy New Year Chuck biggrin

You use the smaller delavan 5850, not the Fat boy's, right ?

 



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Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa FL (813) 655-8777 wrote:
Bergman Roof Cleaning Port Charlotte FL 941-698-1959 wrote:

Just a thought. I bet if this new pump were going to be a 12 volt battery operated pump and not require a generator, there would be a lot more interest in it! Most of us use these pumps for their simplicity and cheap replacement / repair costs. My guess is also that if anyone were to decide to add the generator, they'd use the superior air pumps, like Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa uses??
I also like mine to be quiet, as a generator sounds just like a pressure washer and that's what listeners nearby will assume is taking place. Just my thinking???
I KNOW I'd be very interested in an improved 5850 Delavan type pump!!!
Until something similar, but better, comes along, I'm extremely satisfied with my 5850 pumps. I have 2 complete pump setups at all times and if 1 quits, I simply quick connect right to the other one and rinse the quit pump as well as possible. It's usually the demand switch and that's a quick $20. + replacement!
Well, My wife is calling me. We are heading off to the theater to see the movie "BIG EYES"


 Happy New Year Chuck biggrin

You use the smaller delavan 5850, not the Fat boy's, right ?

 


Thanks my friend! I hope you have an excellent 2015!!! smile.gif
Yes, I have 1 fat boy for a transfer pump - or in case I need a long shot on some job, but I run 5850 pumps for roof cleaning regularly.
I wish Norther Tool would come up with a similar pump, that would out-perform or out-last my Delavans, but maintain the simplicity!

 



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So are the northern pumps not as good or just not up to the job?

Bill

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