Why We Do It!

Why We Build Our Jetters the Way We Do?

This page explains why we build our jetters the way we do, and the formula we use to ensure a long lasting unit that is performing in the field the same way it says on paper! The goal is to provide the best quality equipment at a fair price to all parties involved.

 What We Do!

  • We spec all of our gas units to run 3200 RPM or higher under load, This allows proper cooling for the air cooled engines and helps prevent premature engine failure from overheating and vibration. (If an engine does not perform to this standard we will lower the GPM/PSI spec so that it will.)
  • We use the formula (GPM x PSI / 1190)  to ensure all new SAE J1940 standard engine / pump combos are rated correctly. e.g. 11 GPM x 4000 PSI / 1190 = 36.97 HP , We use a 38 HP EFI engine in this case.
  • We build all belt drive systems. The Gates Polychain is our system of choice. It provide a super efficient, compact, no slip design that is usually 1/3 or more stronger than the HP required. It also provides a flex buffer to protect engine keys from damage when going from no load to full load. (We have systems with over 2000 hrs on them using this setup)
  • We use all Kohler engines and have for over 20 years. They are more expensive than some of the other brands but have provided us with ultimate flexibility in equipment design to satisfy our customers needs and have a large service network 2nd to none. 
  • We use Kohler EFI (electronic fuel injection) engines. They provide the most power in class, with near  instant start and load response. These engines save up to 20% in fuel and avoid some of the problems associated with todays ethanol fuels in carburetors. We love them and the Kohler story, found here. http://www.kohlerpower.com/powerhub/our-history.html 

What We Don't Do!

  • We do not overrate or label our pumps so they appear to have more GPM or PSI than is rated by the manufacturer. All Udor pumps ratings are approved by Udor and are backed by Udor's full warranty.
  • We do not undersize our nozzles so that a higher PSI shows on the pressure gauge, hiding the fact that the pump is actually producing a lower GPM than is stated.
  • We do not undersize our engines to lower cost. Undersized engines do not last very long due to overstress or overheating.
  • We do not rate the GPM/ PSI specs with ratings that are not possible with the engine/ pump configuration supplied.
  • We do not build gear box systems. They make a nice package but are inherently flawed and should never be used in a plunger pump situation. When the system is switched from no load to full load the engine shaft and key is slowly destroyed from the sudden impact. (much like pressing the gas all the way in your car every time you get ready to go) 15-20 years of building gear box systems for our own use has taught us they will fail every time in 600-800 hrs. Even if different key hardness factors are used or flow unloaders are used to decrease the load impact. One of the main problems is the engine shaft is not hardened, and the gearbox is hardened, creating a metal imbalance. We do not do it anymore. 

What is NOT Possible!

This section covers specs we have seen that are not possible. The goal here is to promote the truth and no companies are named. We believe if the customer has an "apples to apples" comparison then they can make an intelligent decision. We encourage companies to rate their machines correctly. If anyone sees something that is missing or incorrect (individual or manufacture) let us know and we will research and correct it if wrong. You can email at andy@americanjetter.com or office@americanpridedist.com

  • 9 GPM 4000 PSI with Kohler 26.5 HP 747cc Fuel Injected Engine.  (Overrated 1 GPM and 500 PSI, voiding any Udor warranty)This system needs 30.25 HP to achieve these specs, 9 x 4000 / 1190 = 30.25 HP  We believe an 8 GPM 3500 PSI Udor pump is used (GKC 30/24-S) with 8 GPM nozzles so the PSI shows correctly on the gauge. http://www.udorusa.com/plunger_gk-series.php

 

  • 10 GPM @ 4000 PSI with Vanguard 35 HP, 993cc Engine.  (Overrated 1000 PSI, voiding any General Pump warranty)This system needs 33.61 HP to achieve these specs, 12 x 3000 / 1190 = 33.61 HP (Plenty of power)  We believe a 10 GPM 3000 PSI General pump is used (HTF221S) at 1750 RPM to create 10 GPM @ 4000 PSI,  We are confident General Pump does not allow these specs with full warranty. http://generalpump.cazarin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/HTF2421S-EmperorPump.pdf

 

  • 12 GPM @ 3000 PSI with Kohler 26.5 HP 747cc Fuel Injected Engine.  (Overrated 2 GPM, Udor warranty good)This system needs 30.25 HP to achieve these specs, 12 x 3000 / 1190 = 30.25 HP  We believe a 10 GPM 3000 PSI Udor pump is used (GKC 38/20-S) with 10 GPM nozzles so the PSI shows correctly on the gauge. http://www.udorusa.com/plunger_gk-series.php
  • 12 GPM @ 3000 PSI with Vanguard 35 HP, 993cc Engine.  (Overrated 500 PSI, voiding any General Pump warranty)This system needs 30.25 HP to achieve these specs, 12 x 3000 / 1190 = 30.25 HP (Plenty of power)  We believe a 10 GPM 3000 PSI General pump is used (HTF2421S) at 1750 RPM to create 12 GPM @ 3000 PSI,  to our knowledge General Pump does not allow at these specs with full warranty. http://generalpump.cazarin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/HTF2421S-EmperorPump.pdf

 

  • 12 GPM @ 3000 PSI with Kawasaki 25 HP, 745cc Engine. (Overrated 2 GPM with power available, warranty is probably good, not sure what pump is used) This system needs 30.25 HP to achieve these specs, 12 x 3000 / 1190 = 30.25 HP (Not enough power)  Since a 3/8" 350' hose is used we believe a 10 GPM 3000 PSI pump is used (model unavailable) with 10 GPM nozzles so the PSI shows correctly on the gauge. 1/2" hose would need to be used to get the full 12 GPM 3000 PSI due to friction loss in the hose.

Hose / Nozzle Physics

 

  • The pressure drop through a hose or pipe directly correlates to a given GPM flowing through it, regardless of actual pipe or hose pressure.
  • More GPM causes increased PSI loss through the same size and length of hose.
  • For more GPM at the nozzle or hose exit, you have three choices: increase the hose size, increase the inlet pressure, or lower resistance by increasing nozzle size. 
  • The more water is pumped through a hose, the higher the PSI at the entrance or gauge point and the lower it is at the exit or nozzle point.  
  • Increased GPM/PSI can be mimicked by smaller nozzle size, thereby increasing gauge pressure, but reducing GPM!