Moss removal machines provide a safer, more surface-friendly and water-efficient method for moss removal, making them an excellent choice over pressure washers for cleaning hard surfaces.
Here are some of the key benefits of using a Westermann WR870 Moss Brush or other moss removal machines vs. pressure washing for clearing moss from paths, driveways, car parks and other outdoor surfaces:
Gentle on surfaces
A pressure washer can be too aggressive for softer surfaces, potentially causing damage to more fragile surfaces such as tarmac or house brick-laid and sand-brushed patios by stripping away protective coatings, causing erosion or blasting away sand between the joints. While power washers can feature different settings for different uses, they’re also generally not very flexible when it comes to controlling the water pressure and flow rate, especially when it comes to the immense power of an industrial power washer.
Westermann moss removal machines, on the other hand, feature an adjustable jockey wheel under the brush that is used to raise or lower the brush height according to the level of brushing power needed, making it ideal for softer surfaces that require a delicate touch, as well as for stubborn moss that needs an aggressive approach without scratching surfaces.
Effectiveness of moss and weed removal
While a pressure washer may be effective at clearing moss and small weeds on a superficial level, it doesn’t treat the underlying issue of the roots or spores that allow them to continue to regrow after treatment.
Compared to pressure washing, the durable bi-directional wire brush of the Westermann WR870 works right into the cracks and joints between paving slabs to uproot thick moss and light weeds with ease, disrupting pesky extensive root systems and significantly delaying regrowth rates.
Safety during and after use
The high-pressure stream of a power washer can be dangerous to both the user and to anyone nearby if it’s not handled correctly, or if the user accidentally loses control. Jet washing can also create slippery surfaces after the job is done, increasing the risk of accidents while you’re waiting for surfaces to dry out. Using a pressure washer during the winter months creates an even greater risk of creating a slippery hazardous surface if it then freezes over afterwards.
As a moss sweeper doesn’t require the use of any water for operation, this eliminates the potential for creating hazardous slippery conditions that could cause a nasty fall in the aftermath.
Water conservation and post-removal clean up
While modern pressure washers are more conscious of the volume of water that they consume and are designed to ensure that they’re more environmentally friendly than their predecessors, they still ultimately consume a significant amount of water in comparison to the water-free option of a moss removal brush. This water consumption can especially be a problem in areas with water restrictions, or during times where there’s a summer drought. A powered moss brush is a more eco-friendly alternative to a pressure washer, conserving water resources and, as a result, not leaving a sludgy mess in its wake which is time consuming to clean up and to dispose of correctly afterwards.
Chemical-free moss removal
Along with requiring no electricity and no water to operate, the Westermann Moss Brush is a chemical-free method of moss and weed removal, making it an eco-friendly moss removal solution for your outdoor surfaces.
On the other hand, pressure washers may sometimes require the use of chemical cleaners to effectively remove moss, which can have environmental impacts and pose health risks for humans, livestock and local wildlife. Continuous use of herbicides can also lead to the development of herbicide-resistant weeds, which then require the introduction of stronger or alternative herbicides, contributing to a prolonged cycle of harmful chemical use to kill weeds. Using chemicals while power washing also requires that the water be disposed of correctly and safely too, which can not only be time consuming but can also pose a hazard if it isn’t done properly.
Ease of use
The Westermann WR870 Moss Brush is equipped with easy user-friendly features to provide a professional alternative to pressure washing for both commercial and domestic users. Powered by a reliable, fuel-efficient Honda GXV160 engine, each wire brush lasts around 5,000sqm – an acre and a quarter – so it’s durable enough to work across large areas at a time for quick and efficient moss removal. Its petrol engine also means that it isn’t confined to a static power supply when in use and, along with its folding handles, make it easily transportable. It also features plenty of structure that can be secured down in a vehicle or on a trailer if you’re working across multiple sites.
In comparison, a pressure washer requires careful handling to operate safely, to avoid damage and to ensure effective cleaning, which can be more labour-intensive and require more skill. A jet washer also confines you to being attached to a water source via an outdoor tap or hose, which can be restricting when working on large surface areas.
Contact us
If you’re looking for new grounds maintenance equipment, here at SPA Power Machinery we stock a range of Westermann machines that are ready to get the job done.
If you’d like to know more about using Westermann machinery for garden and grounds maintenance purposes, please get in touch with us via the contact form on our website, or you can call us on +44 (0)114 2699 119 or email info@spapowermachinery.com.