Belt Drive Pressure Washer Vs Direct Drive

Direct drive pressure washer.

Belt drive pressure washer vs direct drive.

Direct drive pressure washers are much more well direct than the belt drive model excuse the pun. This reduces the heat and vibration and lessens the wear and tear associated with consistent use. They are not worth the extra cost if you do not plan on using it more or less every day. And for that there are really two major options.

First a belt drive pressure washer runs at lower revolutions per minute rpm s. That s because a belt drive system requires a gear reduction pulley system where pumps turn at a slower motion. They are quite large and heavy due to the parts. The belt drive pump crankcase has a larger oil capacity.

When a direct drive pump is mounted directly to the engine several factors will cause serious issues over time. Belt drive power washers tend to be quite expensive to purchase. The pulley system allows these pumps to turn at a much lower rpm than a direct drive pump typically 900 1400 rpm. In casual or home use direct drive pressure washers are fine but industrial usage demands belt driven pressure washers for a variety of reasons.

Heavy use pressure washer applications will demand a belt driven pump. As a general rule direct drive are less expensive than their belt drive counterpart. This combined with the lower rpm of the belt drive pump allows the pump to run much cooler than a direct drive pump. Belt drive pressure washers operate using a gear reduction pulley system.

The pump is isolated from the heat of the engine or motor also. The gear reduction system allows for a few unique advantages to a belt drive pressure washer compared to a direct drive pressure washer.