Be 20 Whirl a Way
The BE 20 Whirl-A-Way is an industry-leading commercial rotary flat surface cleaner engineered by BE Power Equipment to clean expansive horizontal concrete driveways, commercial sidewalks, parking decks, and factory floors up to ten times faster than a standard handheld spray wand. Featuring a durable twenty-inch impact-resistant polypropylene cover, dual rotating nozzles, and an ergonomic trigger gun handle, the Whirl-A-Way eliminates operator fatigue and completely prevents the uneven 'zebra striping' that plagues manual pressure washing.
Rotary Mechanics, Water Flow Dynamics, and Pressure Ratings
The operational brilliance of the BE 20 Whirl-A-Way lies in its precision-machined heavy-duty rotary swivel head. High-pressure water enters through the heavy-duty aluminum handle and travels directly into a precision rotary union containing high-speed sealed stainless steel ball bearings. Water is routed through dual angled spray arms fitted with two 25-degree threaded meg-style spray nozzles.
As water discharges at extreme velocity, the reactive thrust spins the dual spray bar at over 2,000 revolutions per minute (RPM). This high-speed orbital washing action hovers merely one to two inches above the concrete, creating a high-density cleaning curtain. The unit is rated for maximum pressures up to 4,000 PSI and water flow rates between 4.0 and 8.0 Gallons Per Minute (GPM), powered by commercial gas pressure washers.
Review this comprehensive engineering specification breakdown for the commercial BE 20 Whirl-A-Way surface cleaner.
| Technical Specification | Manufacturer Rating Value | Operational Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Path Diameter | 20 Inches (508 mm) | Cleans a 20" wide pass in a single walking sweep |
| Maximum Operating Pressure | 4,000 PSI (275 Bar) | Industrial strength to scour embedded grime, oil, and moss |
| Recommended Flow Rate | 4.0 to 8.0 GPM | Flow (GPM) dictates cleaning speed and hydraulic hover lift |
| Rotary Spray Arm | Dual Nozzle Aluminum / Steel | Balanced counter-rotational high-speed spin (>2,000 RPM) |
| Standard Spray Nozzles | Two 25020 Meg Nozzles (1/4" MPT) | 25° fan angle, 2.0 orifice size (4.0 GPM combined total) |
| Cover Housing Material | Impact-Resistant Polypropylene | Withstands flying gravel, curbs, and chemical detergents |
| Maximum Water Temperature | 180°F (82°C) Hot Water Rated | Compatible with hot-water commercial pressure washer burners |
| Base Skirt Assembly | Nylon Bristle Brush Ring | Eliminates high-pressure water overspray and traps debris |
Never run the BE 20 on pressure washers under 3.5 GPM; insufficient flow prevents the rotary bar from spinning at full cleaning speed.
Nozzle Sizing, Maintenance, and Avoiding Zebra Striping
Achieving flawless cleaning results without zebra striping requires correctly matching nozzle orifice sizes to your pressure washer's GPM output. The BE 20 comes standard with two 25020 nozzles, which together equal an orifice size of 4.0 (for a 4.0 GPM machine). If your pressure washer produces 5.5 GPM, running standard 4.0 nozzles creates excessive backpressure that can stall your engine or blow the unloader valve. Upgrading to dual 25030 nozzles balances pressure and maximizes cleaning speed.
Routine maintenance centers primarily on the rotary swivel and spray tips. Fine sand grains or water mineral scale can clog one of the dual nozzle orifices. A clogged nozzle immediately unbalances the spray bar, causing violent vibrations that rattle the operator's arms. If vibration occurs, immediately shut off the machine, unthread the spray tips with a 9/16" socket, and clean the orifice with a fine welding tip cleaner or sewing needle.
The following diagnostic troubleshooting matrix details common operational issues, causes, and maintenance fixes for the BE 20 Whirl-A-Way.
| Operational Issue | Underlying Mechanical Cause | Risk to Equipment | Corrective Maintenance Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent handle vibration / shaking | One spray nozzle partially clogged with sand | Rapid failure of swivel bearings and spray arm cracking | Clear nozzle orifice with needle or replace damaged spray tip. |
| Rotary bar does not spin at all | Seized swivel bearings or zero water pressure | Loss of rotary cleaning functionality | Grease swivel via zerk fitting; rebuild with new bearing cartridge. |
| Stripes or swirling lines left on concrete | Walking too fast or insufficient GPM flow | Customer dissatisfaction and uneven cleaning | Slow walking pace; pre-treat with sodium hypochlorite mix. |
| Water spraying past outer cover edge | Worn or missing nylon perimeter skirt bristles | Severe overspray onto doors, siding, and glass | Replace circular perimeter brush skirt assembly. |
| Water leaking heavily from top swivel hole | Worn internal Viton high-pressure rotating seal | Pressure drop at nozzles; water pooling on deck | Install a BE Power Equipment swivel rebuild repair seal kit. |
Injecting high-temperature marine grease into the swivel grease zerk every 30 to 40 operating hours dramatically extends bearing life.
How to Clean Concrete with a BE 20 Whirl-A-Way in 5 Steps
Follow this professional pressure washing guide to clean concrete driveways efficiently with the BE 20 Whirl-A-Way.
Sweep Surface and Pre-Treat with Detergent
Blow away loose leaves and gravel from the concrete and apply a pre-treatment of 2% to 3% sodium hypochlorite to kill organic mold and algae.
Connect High-Pressure Hose to Whirl-A-Way Gun
Connect your 3/8-inch non-marking pressure washer hose to the 3/8-inch quick-connect inlet plug on the surface cleaner handle.
Start Engine and Bleed Trapped Air
Squeeze the trigger gun to purge air bubbles through the nozzles until a steady, solid water stream flows, then start the gas engine.
Walk at a Steady, Continuous Walking Pace
Depress the trigger gun fully and push the cleaner in smooth, overlapping parallel lines like mowing a lawn, overlapping passes by 2 inches.
Rinse Slurry with Wide 40-Degree Fan Wand
Disconnect the surface cleaner, connect your rinse wand with a white 40-degree nozzle, and wash muddy slurry off the driveway edges.
Frequently Asked Questions (8 Questions Answered)
Q1: What size pressure washer do I need for a 20-inch Whirl-A-Way?
The BE 20 Whirl-A-Way requires a commercial gas pressure washer producing at least 3.5 to 4.0 GPM and 3,000 to 4,000 PSI; using it on smaller consumer 2.5 GPM machines will cause sluggish rotation and striping.
Q2: Can I use hot water with the BE 20 Whirl-A-Way?
Yes, the BE 20 is hot-water rated for temperatures up to 180°F (82°C), making it ideal for lifting grease and oil stains in commercial parking lots.
Q3: Why is my BE 20 Whirl-A-Way shaking violently?
Violent vibration is almost always caused by a partially clogged nozzle tip that unbalances the rotating spray bar; clean both nozzles with a fine wire pin to restore balance.
Q4: What nozzles come standard on the BE 20 Whirl-A-Way?
It comes with two 25-degree 1/4-inch threaded MEG nozzles with a 2.0 orifice size (model 25020), combining to support a 4.0 GPM flow rate.
Q5: How do you prevent zebra striping on concrete?
Walk at a steady, deliberate pace, ensure your machine delivers at least 4 GPM, overlap each pass by 2 to 3 inches, and apply a post-treatment algaecide mix.
Q6: Can you use the Whirl-A-Way on wooden decks?
It is generally not recommended for wood decks because 3,500+ PSI rotary water blast will easily splinter soft pine and cedar wood grain; use it strictly on concrete, pavers, and asphalt.
Q7: How often should I grease the swivel?
Pump 1 to 2 shots of high-quality waterproof lithium or marine grease into the swivel zerk fitting every 20 to 30 hours of commercial operation.
Q8: Does the BE 20 Whirl-A-Way have wheels or casters?
The classic BE 20 Whirl-A-Way (model 85.403.007) glides across a hover air cushion and nylon perimeter brush ring, though wheeled 4-caster versions are also available.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
In conclusion, understanding be 20 whirl a way provides essential clarity, practical strategies, and actionable advice. By incorporating these foundational insights, adhering to verified safety guidelines, and following structured best practices, you ensure reliable, long-term outcomes while preventing common mistakes. Stay informed, consult certified professionals when needed, and maintain consistent quality care.