Terry, I started out with a 4 GPM machine and, while I don't do tons of flatwork, it has been a part of my business since I was without a surface cleaner. Man, did I get sick of waving the wand at my work!
I bought a 24" Steel Eagle from Steve Rowlett, before I found out they are only 80 miles away from me. Anyway, my little machine was hard pressed with that surfacer, but It was all I knew until this spring.
In March we had a stretch of 10 degree weather that caught me flatfooted when my old van broke down, and that cost me the guts of my Eagle. Next time out, she clogged up and seized.
I rebuilt her in the shop, and switched over to the new 8GPM PP machine in one swoop. I went back to the same job I had broken down on, fired up the new rig, and crossed my fingers.
Well, I opened the ball valve, and AWAAAAAY we went! Got done in a little over a third of the time it usually takes. I can't get over how much more effective 2X the flow is. I love my 8 GPM machine so much, I almost regret buying a 20" surfacer to use as a spare, or for a second man.
Honestly, I haven't used the old machine, or the new surfacer once since bringing the new rig online.
I ought to hire me a kid to run the little rig on smaller jobs, but haven't sold enough work for that...YET!
As Jeff always says, "Life IS Good!"