Revolutionizing Soft Washing: Drone Pressure Washing Setup

Summary

In this detailed video, Tim from Expert Power Wash showcases a custom-built 2023 Ford Transit van designed for pressure washing using a drone. He walks viewers through the van's innovative features, including a high-powered Honda GX690 pressure washer, a high-flow purification system, and a dual-purpose AR45 system for spraying bleach or pure water. The van also has a smart waterfed pole system, heavy-duty reels, and efficient hose setups for versatile cleaning. Tim also discusses the custom design, quality materials, and future-proof possibilities for adding extra equipment, all aimed at providing a top-tier drone pressure washing experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 The van featured in the video is a 2023 Ford Transit high roof, customized for a drone cleaning system.
• 😀 The pressure washing setup uses a custom-built Honda GX690 engine, providing 8 gallons per minute at 3500 PSI.
• 😀 The system includes a block-mounted soft pull unloader to reduce pressure jolts when using drones.
• 😀 Fuel for the pressure washer is pulled from the van’s tank, but it only drains to half capacity to avoid running dry during jobs.
• 😀 Water is brought in via a 3/4 inch Flex Silla hose and routed through a selector valve to either a buffer tank or high flow purification system.
• 😀 The AR45 system powers the drone for high-altitude cleaning, with the flexibility to use pure water, buffer water, or bleach solution.
• 😀 The water/solution mix is controlled through a selector valve, allowing users to adjust the ratios of water, soap, and bleach.
• 😀 The van includes a remote-controlled waterfed pole system for additional control over flow and speed when cleaning.
• 😀 The hose reels are electric Titan 12-inch models, designed to be durable and efficient with specific hose types suited for pressure washing and drone use.
• 😀 The build uses 316 stainless steel for structural integrity, ensuring durability and stability in a variety of field conditions.
• 😀 The van is customized with ample space for the drone and additional gear, offering flexibility for future upgrades or additions.

Q & A

What is unique about this pressure washing van?

This pressure washing van is built to work with drones, allowing for high-rise cleaning of buildings, much like the videos you've seen of drones cleaning skyscrapers.

What type of vehicle is used for this build?

The van is a 2023 Ford Transit with a high roof, providing ample space for the custom-built pressure washing and drone cleaning systems.

What makes the pressure washer system stand out in this setup?

The pressure washer features a custom-built Honda GX690 with 8 gallons per minute and 3500 PSI. It includes a larger recharging system, an authentic Honda exhaust, and a soft release unloader to avoid jolting when the drone is in use.

How does the fuel system work for the pressure washer?

The pressure washer pulls fuel directly from the van’s fuel tank, but it has a safety feature to prevent it from draining below half a tank, ensuring the machine doesn't run out of fuel during a job.

How does water flow into the system for pressure washing?

Water comes in through a 3/4-inch Flex Silla hose, flows into a selector valve, and can be directed either to the buffer tank or a high-flow purification system.

What is the purpose of the AR45 system in this build?

The AR45 system powers the drone to spray cleaning solutions at high altitudes, such as bleach or soap, depending on the job. It also allows for a dual-purpose use with either a pressure washer or the drone.

How does the mixing system work for different solutions?

The system has multiple tanks (water, soap, and bleach), and a selector valve allows for mixing different proportions, ensuring the right solution is used based on the needs of the cleaning task.

What is the role of the waterfed pole in this van setup?

The waterfed pole is used to spray pure water to hard-to-reach places. It is controlled by a remote that adjusts the flow speed of the water.

What type of hoses are used for the pressure washing system?

The system uses a variety of hoses: 100ft of garden hose, 200ft of smooth-jacketed pressure washer hose rated for 10,625 PSI, and 38-inch hose for the AR45 system rated for 800 PSI, ensuring efficient performance and minimal wear.

What makes the water boss gun in this setup different?

The water boss gun used in this system is a special model with a stainless steel swivel and added tips for improved durability and functionality in demanding field conditions.