The Delco Cobalt Pressure Washer from FNA Group is built to last, with several upgrades aimed at improving equipment durability. The company showcased the machine at the 2016 Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport Show.

“A unit that will typically last someone five to seven years is now going to probably last 10 years plus,” says Alan Greer, manager of product engineering for FNA Group. “These features are just going to make the machine stronger and better.”

The Delco Cobalt Series has been a staple of FNA Group’s product line for years, but the 2016 version features more than just one update. The portable skid system now has a lighter-weight, powder-coated tubular steel frame, an automatic electronic ignition burner system, a panel-mounted NEMA 4X electrical enclosure, belt-driven pumps, stainless steel double-insulated coil enclosure, stainless steel float tank, and an axial alignment system. Durability and longevity are the principles behind the design changes. Take the new axial alignment system.

“That allows the pump to stay lined up perpendicular to the engine shaft so you get improved belt wear,” Greer says. “It makes maintenance easier for the end user.”

The updated model also features a universal mounting system. “There are three frame-mounting configurations to the base assembly, which allows for better installation, whether it be a van or a trailer or pickup,” Greer says. “There’s better flexibility for installation.”

Options for the twin-cylinder engine include Kohler, Vanguard and Honda. Pump options include Comet, General Pump and Cat. The standard models typically produce 5.5 gpm at 3,500 psi or 4 gpm at 4,000 psi, with hot-water capabilities. It comes with a heavy-duty spray gun and wand, high-pressure hose and quick-connect nozzles.

Industrial power washing makes up a significant portion of the market for the Delco Cobalt Series, but the hot-water capability of the machine also opens up the sewer jetting market, which is why FNA Group chose to attend the WWETT Show. Alongside ideas produced by engineers in-house, FNA Group takes customer feedback into account when making design upgrades, and the WWETT Show provides an opportunity to hear from the people using the machine, Greer says.

“It’s very helpful to us to know whether we’re building it right or wrong, or we just need to add a few things,” Greer says. “And it also gives us that little bit different perspective from other types of users because in the case of the Delco Cobalt it’s typically used in the pressure washing industry. The customer feedback from the WWETT Show industry people has helped us develop that hot-water side for sewer jetting because it can be a multiuse machine.

“The engineering team did a good job of addressing issues with the machine and adding some new features. It will increase the longevity of the operation of the machine.” 847/348-1500; www.fna-group.com.