Frequently asked Questions
Most Common
Why not buy direct from the OEM?
What is the advantage of buying vs renting?
Other FAQsDoes the rental include all chemicals?Do parts require rinsing after cleaning?It's water based. Won't my parts rust?What Can I Wash?Do I need to turn it off at night?How long will a washer last?How long do the chemicals last?Can I service the machine myself?What's the cost?
Why not buy direct from the OEM?
Whether you purchase through PartWashers or direct from the OEM, you will be getting exactly the same quality machine and you will pay exactly the same price. However, there are some distinct advantages of purchasing or renting direct from PartWashers:1. We wont just sell you a machine, we will deliver it to your site and set it up, with chemicals, ready to use.2. We will plumb it to water for you for free.3. Make sure that the power plug is appropriate for your outlet and ensure that the machine is running correctly and properly adjusted.4. Provide face to face familiarisation training for your staff. 5. Be available for technical support should you ever need it.6. If there is a warranty issue, we will fix it fast. We will often have any small issues fixed before you might expect a call back if you purchased elsewhere.7. Because we buy in bulk, we are often able to achieve better freight pricing.
What is the advantage of buying vs renting?
PartWashers sell new machines with 12 months warranty, however from time to time, we have ex rental machines that we offer up for sale. These are not typically advertised as they tend to sell quickly just via word of mouth.
One reason to consider purchasing the machine outright is that it provides you with flexibility in how you use the machine and will obviously work out cheaper in the long run. Normally the breakeven point for rent vs buy is around 4 years. Hence, given that the machines have an expected life of 20 + years, you can expect to be pocketing the savings for at least 15 years.
Some small businesses may be eligible for Government incentives (subject to change) which permit businesses to write the asset off against income during the first year that it was commissioned into service. Please obtain your own financial advice to confirm whether this is applicable for your business. The Government incentive schemes tend to change from year to year, so it is worth keeping an eye on them. As an alternative, rental units provide an opportunity to keep the asset off the balance sheet by managing it as a straight operating lease and thus the business can expense the entire cost as it is incurred. Again, please seek your own independent financial advice as this may not apply to your particular circumstances. The rental option will also assist with business cash flow as your costs will be spread out via the consistent monthly charge.
Probably the greatest advantage of a rental agreement though, is that it relieves you of all the management issues that normally accompany operating any machine. PartWashers will do all the dirty work of making sure that the washer is ready to work when you are, that the machine is being properly maintained and serviced, that chemicals are being used in the correct proportions and that all waste is being responsibly managed. It is by far the most hassle-free, low risk option regardless of your business type or size. Most large businesses opt for a rental agreement for this reason.
It is also worth noting that although an outright purchase comes with a 12 month warranty, after that period expires the risk of repair transfers to you as the owner of the machine. With rental equipment however, the risk remains with PartWashers and provided that your business continues to operate the equipment in accordance with manufacturers instructions, you get to enjoy hassle free use of the washer with all chemicals, waste removal and maintenance being taken care of by PartWashers.
For most businesses, it can be cost effective to rent a washer where the business spends as little as 1 hour per day manually washing parts. That of course ignores the multitude of other benefits that come from machine rental which would make the decision even more compelling. I have yet to meet a customer that has regretted the decision to invest in an automated parts washer.
One reason to consider purchasing the machine outright is that it provides you with flexibility in how you use the machine and will obviously work out cheaper in the long run. Normally the breakeven point for rent vs buy is around 4 years. Hence, given that the machines have an expected life of 20 + years, you can expect to be pocketing the savings for at least 15 years.
Some small businesses may be eligible for Government incentives (subject to change) which permit businesses to write the asset off against income during the first year that it was commissioned into service. Please obtain your own financial advice to confirm whether this is applicable for your business. The Government incentive schemes tend to change from year to year, so it is worth keeping an eye on them. As an alternative, rental units provide an opportunity to keep the asset off the balance sheet by managing it as a straight operating lease and thus the business can expense the entire cost as it is incurred. Again, please seek your own independent financial advice as this may not apply to your particular circumstances. The rental option will also assist with business cash flow as your costs will be spread out via the consistent monthly charge.
Probably the greatest advantage of a rental agreement though, is that it relieves you of all the management issues that normally accompany operating any machine. PartWashers will do all the dirty work of making sure that the washer is ready to work when you are, that the machine is being properly maintained and serviced, that chemicals are being used in the correct proportions and that all waste is being responsibly managed. It is by far the most hassle-free, low risk option regardless of your business type or size. Most large businesses opt for a rental agreement for this reason.
It is also worth noting that although an outright purchase comes with a 12 month warranty, after that period expires the risk of repair transfers to you as the owner of the machine. With rental equipment however, the risk remains with PartWashers and provided that your business continues to operate the equipment in accordance with manufacturers instructions, you get to enjoy hassle free use of the washer with all chemicals, waste removal and maintenance being taken care of by PartWashers.
For most businesses, it can be cost effective to rent a washer where the business spends as little as 1 hour per day manually washing parts. That of course ignores the multitude of other benefits that come from machine rental which would make the decision even more compelling. I have yet to meet a customer that has regretted the decision to invest in an automated parts washer.
Other FAQs
Does the rental include all chemicals?
Yes. The Washer is provided with TurboWash Powder (PB146N) as standard issue and unless your business has specific requirements, there is no further charge. In addition, all servicing and fair wear & tear repairs are included in your rental.
Do parts require rinsing after cleaning?
Typically, No! Provided that you have not added additional chemical after the technician has serviced the machine and parts are removed from the washer and allowed to dry in a well ventilated area, residue is typically not a problem. If service cycles have been extended too long for your particular application, then you may end up with some dirty residue on your parts. If excessive chemical has been used, it is also possible to get a light white powdery residue left on parts as they dry, however this is easily rinsed away. If you are getting any residue, please advise PartWashers so that we can investigate the cause and help correct it.
It's water based. Won't my parts rust?
The chemical used is infused with rust inhibitor which serves two purposes. It helps condition the inside of the washer which is mild steel and it also helps prevent surface rust on your parts. For it to work, it is imperative that parts are removed from the washer whilst they are still hot so that the latent heat aids in the 'flash' drying of the parts. Where parts are left to cool inside the washer, condensation will occur and may result in surface rust on your parts. If managed properly, rust is seldom an issue. The fact that there are mild steel washers that are over 20 years old and still in service is testimony to the fact that the rust inhibitor works.
What Can I Wash?
Almost anything that fits inside the machine provided that it is compatible with the detergent being used and can withstand 80C temperatures. As an example, mechanics will often use the washer to clean their own tools at the end of the working week. Given the high pressure spray that is used, small parts should however, be placed inside a basket to prevent them being washed into the sump. We have seen machines used to clean items such as rock climbing 'holds' through to heavy machinery parts used in excavation. If it can be cleaned using a hand held pressure washer, it can probably be cleaned in one of our machines with far less effort.
Do I need to turn it off at night?
No, you can leave it switched on. Other than the SW0800 (PW2), all machines come with a 24/7 timer which controls the heating elements. They are factory set to start at 0630hrs and switch off at 1430hrs Mon-Fri, but they can be programmed to match customer's individual requirements. They can also be manually overridden if required and they will automatically revert to the original timing settings once the next on/off trigger is reached.
How long will a washer last?
That obviously depends on factors such as whether it has been properly serviced, the chemicals used and what has been washed in the machine (with resulting residue). There are plenty of examples where machines are still working effectively with over 20 years of service and minimal repairs. They key is to ensure that the unit is regularly serviced and cleaned and PartWashers are happy to assist you in that regard.
How long do the chemicals last?
This answer depends. For a machine operated on a single shift basis, 5 days per week, typical service periods are 4 weeks. This can sometimes by extended by adding additional chemicals mid maintenance cycle, but that will depend upon saturation levels and the types of parts being washed. Extending wash cycles too far can result in equipment damage and can prove to be a false economy and thus cost you more whilst delivering an inferior clean. The longest service cycle offered by PartWashers is 3 months, after which there is a risk of the water becoming stagnant. Rental units are normally offered on a 4 weekly schedule with some lower duty cycle customers being on an 8 weekly servicing cycle.
Can I service the machine myself?
Provided that you own the machine, ABSOLUTELY! However you need to be aware that there are stringent requirements set by the EPA with respect to how you deal with the waste wash-water which should never be simply flushed down the drain. Intentionally (or unintentionally) polluting our environment is managed via the Environment Protection Act 2017 and may result in severe penalties if you are found to be in breach of the Act. There are also other maintenance checks completed on the machine to ensure that the elements, pump are operating in accordance with set parameters, interlocks, RCD and that the drive gear is all operating safely. That said, these can all be carried out by a trained and competent person.
What's the cost?
There are obviously a number of variables that will effect price, however rotary washers start with a RRP of $17,980 (as at 2024) with a service for a customer owned machine starting from $390. We can also provide rentals which includes the machine rental plus a full service schedule. This works out as a very cost effective option for most customers. There may be nuances related to your business that could influence those prices up or down, so the best option is to obtain an obligation free quote. If still unsure, we may be able to either wash a couple of typical parts for you or possibly place a machine at your site as part of a trial (subject to availability).