Let’s dive into a “Multi-Train” Setup! This article will show you how to use multiple pressure washers or high-pressure pumps with your Forecaster or Cold Front Snow Gun.
Gather the Proper Equipment
Before you head outside, let’s make sure you have what you’ll need to start. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need with the Forecaster Cold Front Snow Gun (Train Package):
- -Forecaster or Cold Front Snow Gun
- -Snow Gun Stand (Included)
- -Water Filter (Included)
- -Garden Hose
- -Garden Hose Splitter, and Leader Hoses
- -High-Pressure Manifold
- -Air Compressor (minimum of 5 CFM @ 90 PSI) – Learn more about compressors here
- -Pressure Washers (any will work) and PW Hoses
- -10’ Air Hose (Can be longer than 10’ but has limitations in performance) – Learn More
- -Extension cords for Air Compressor and Pressure Washer(s)
Insert the Proper Misting Nozzles
Before you rush outside, make sure you have the correct nozzles inserted into the snow gun head. First, you will need to determine the total Flow Rate of your pressure washers. This is typically measured in GPM (gallons per minute) and should be visible on the outside of the pressure washer. Next, use the provided nozzle chart to find where your pressure washer’s flow rate is located. When using multiple pressure washers, you will need to ADD each flow rate together to find the TOTAL FLOW RATE. Select the proper nozzles, wrap the threads with the provided Teflon Tape, and tighten them into the snow gun head. Ensure the nozzles are tight, so you don’t have any leaks.
Position the Snow Gun and Stand
Position the Snow Gun stand where you’d like to make snow. Make sure your garden hose, pressure washers, and hoses can reach from the water source to where you’ve positioned the snow gun.
Connect the Water Line
Connect one side of the garden hose to the water spigot (or other water source) and the other side to the small black filter and into the Garden Hose Split Connector.
Next, connect a leader hose from the Split Connector to each pressure washer.
Using the proper adapter fitting, connect one side of the pressure washer hose to the pressure washer and the other side to the High-Pressure Manifold. If you have questions about these adapter fittings, please CLICK HERE.
Now, you can connect the final pressure washer hose to the outlet side of the High-Pressure Manifold to the Snow Gun. Insert the pressure gauge directly before the snow gun. Plug in the extension cords for the pressure washers so they are ready to be turned on. Make sure the connections are tight and have a strong seal.
Another thing to note at this point is the power requirements for each pressure washer. We recommend plugging in the pressure washers to different outlets in your home on a different “breaker”. This will help avoid tripping breakers in your home. For more information about power requirements and home breakers CLICK HERE.
Position Air Compressor
With the Water Line ready to go, you’ll need to get the air compressor and position it close to the Snow Gun. If you’re using the 10’ air hose, we recommend positioning the air compressor close enough for the air hose to reach the compressor and the snow gun comfortably. If you place the compressor too close to the snow gun, snow may blow back onto the compressor. Next, run the extension cord to a power source and plug in the compressor.
Turn ON the Water and Pressure Washers
When you have the air compressor positioned, plugged in (NOT TURNED ON), and the water line ready to go, you’re ready to get water flowing. Turn the water ON at the spigot (or other water source).
Make sure the Garden Hose Split connector has the proper valves open so water can flow to each pressure washer. In a couple of seconds, the water should flow through the garden hose, pressure washers, and out of the snow gun nozzles. You should see water exiting the top misting nozzles, and a small stream exiting the bottom nucleation nozzle. Now, you can turn the pressure washers ON.
Turn the pressure washers on one by one. (If the pressure washer has an unloader valve, make sure it is unloaded when you turn the pressure washer on)
You will see a visible change in the water pressure at the snow gun nozzles each time a pressure washer is turned on. When all the pressure washers are on, the bottom nucleation nozzle should now have a medium-sized stream flowing out of the nozzle. If you are getting low to no flow at the bottom nozzle, please view our troubleshooting section HERE.
Connect the Air Hose and Turn ON Air Compressor
As water passes through the Snow Gun, you are now ready to turn the air compressor ON and plug in the air hose. Since the tank is nearly empty, it will take time for the compressor to build up pressure. Over 2-4 minutes, you should see the bottom nozzle increase in air pressure until a steady mixture of air and water exits the bottom nucleation nozzle. The pressure shown on the compressor tank gauge should be above 60 PSI (See Operation for more Info).
Wait for the Snow to Build!
If the conditions are right, you should now be making snow!
