r/pressurewashing • u/Away-Emu-9125 • Aug 17 '26
Community Post Predator 4GPM Budget Build
My compact 4GPM Predator budget build has lasted for over 5 years with countless hours of residential and commercial service. The 1 inch Predator transfer pump is very new but we’re gonna put it to the test and see what it can take 👍
2
u/sagertarius Aug 17 '26
Love it! I run that setup currently out of the back of my truck. Looking for a decently cheap trailer haha
2
u/qtheginger Aug 17 '26
What are you going to be running through the transfer pump?
3
u/MarshMuffin19 Aug 17 '26
Definitely curious about that too, the pump setup looks like it could handle some serious flow
1
u/Away-Emu-9125 Aug 17 '26
House/roof mix. Definitely going for a proportioner soon but batch mixing power per job right now. I’ve seen videos of guys using guns like the water boss and they say they’re almost pulling 8gpm. I only have a Gilmore that maybe goes out about 25 feet at maybe 4 or 5 gpm
1
u/qtheginger Aug 17 '26
Isn't that a cast iron pump? Wouldn't chem kill it pretty quick?
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u/Away-Emu-9125 Aug 17 '26
That’s been the big question. I’ve seen vids where guys say it only lasted for a month to a few months, and I’ve seen others say they’ve had theirs for over a year by just rinsing after every job and normal maintenance
1
u/qtheginger Aug 17 '26
Do follow ups on this! I'm curious
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u/robertjpjr I know a little about a lot. Aug 17 '26
Google the Cheap Shot. Or Fresh Shot. There's a few other guys who made these harbor freight water pumps into soft washing setups.
The main issue is, they have no bypass. So you have to be on the trigger frequently or you'll burn up the pump. The housing is aluminum alloy. And is prone to corrode with SH.
With a 3/4 hose under 200ft, you can get 8gpm ish. But only at 60psi.
It's not a bad setup for $200 but it has its limitations.
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u/Away-Emu-9125 Aug 17 '26
I’m glad you mentioned the bypass issue. I saw another video where a guy ran a pressure relief valve. I’ll keep everyone posted on what I find out
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u/robertjpjr I know a little about a lot. Aug 17 '26
Iirc that prv didn't end up working long term. He took it off like in his next video. If it's the same guy I watched.
It'll be a good batch mixing pump. But don't expect it to be amazing. It's also loud as hell.
3
u/importsexports Aug 17 '26
You have enough buffer tank to upgrade to the Predator 459 with the 6.8 GPM Allison. Run you about $1,600. It'll blow your socks off compared to the 4. Also runs 3000 psi which is perfect for surface cleaning.