In the following blog post we provide an overview of the Graco Contractor PowerShot Standard and Graco Contractor PowerShot XT gun models. We’ll take a closer look at how these new guns work and the benefits of using them. We also give an overview of the area of application and the spray devices with which these Contractor PowerShot guns can be used.
Graco Contractor PowerShot XT Gun – 18H305
Electric or mechanical gun?
A classic airless gun opens and closes mechanically. The trigger on the gun is pulled, which causes a spring to recoil, which opens the gun and spray paint. When the gun trigger is released, the spring closes the gun with its needle and the paint flow. The Contractor PowerShot consists of a gun with an electric closing mechanism. Squeezing the trigger simply triggers an electrical signal that causes the gun to open or close.
What are the benefits of Graco Contractor PowerShot guns?
When you hold a Contractor PowerShot gun for the very first time, you are immediately struck by its light weight. The gun weighs only 407 g, which is 30% less than the already very light Graco Contractor PC mechanical gun (561 g). The trigger on Contractor PowerShot guns is also very smooth, as it has no mechanical function. It only takes a pulling force of 0.68 kg to trigger the trigger. With the Graco Contractor PC gun, 3.2 kg of pulling force is required, or 80% more. Thanks to its low weight and light trigger, it is possible to work without tiring for a long time.
Thanks to the electrical operation of the Contractor PowerShot, the gun opens and closes 80 times faster than a mechanical gun. This helps prevent spitting that occurs especially when opening and closing a gun. This allows you to work cleaner and it is easier to produce high quality surfaces.
Structure and operation of the Graco Contractor PowerShot
Graco Contractor PowerShot guns are connected to the PowerPak system by a 1.8 m long hose. The PowerPak system maintains the battery that powers the gun with electricity. Additionally, the gun filter is located in the PowerPak handle. From there, a short hose leaves.
Graco Contractor PowerShot Gun Structure
This hose can be connected to the normal paint hose (1/4″ thread) of an airless device. The Contractor PowerShot gun can thus be mounted in no time at all. The PowerPak is worn on a belt provided. The belt can be continuously adjusted, so that the PowerPak remains comfortably in place even for a long time. Delivery includes two batteries as well as the fast charging system (~ 50 min). According to the manufacturer, one charged battery is enough to work for eight hours.
Belt with PowerPak – Graco PowerShot XT
What materials can be sprayed?
Contractor PowerShot guns are suitable for spraying lacquers and wall paints indoors and outdoors. This makes it possible to carry out painting work such as doors, windows, radiators or wooden ceilings, as well as spraying primers, interior dispersion paints and facade paints. It is precisely in large projects and the possibilities of wall paint application that the added value of the Contractor PowerShot guns lies compared to the Graco Quickshot.
Outdoor facade spraying with Graco Ultra XT pump and Graco PowerShot gun
Graco Contractor PowerShot Standard or PowerShot XT ?
Graco will launch two different Contractor PowerShot models in 2024, the Graco Contractor PowerShot Standard and the Graco Contractor PowerShot XT.
Graco Contractor PowerShot Standard
The Contractor PowerShot Standard can be connected to any airless device. Both older Graco airless machines and spray painting machines from other manufacturers. Simply connect the Contractor PowerShot Standard gun, turn on the airless device and set the desired pressure. Here we go !
Graco Contractor PowerShot Standard Gun – 18H304
Graco Contractor PowerShot XT
If one owns a new Graco Ultra XT spray painting machine, the second model, the Contractor PowerShot XT, offers other advantages. On this model, the pressure setting can be changed on the PowerPak. The PowerPak is worn on the belt and a plus and minus button allows you to change the pressure setting of the airless device as desired. This remote control feature allows you to avoid going to the sprayer and adapt the pressure with a simple press of a button up to approximately 60m away according to Graco.
Graco Contractor PowerShot XT Gun – 18H305
In addition to remote control of pressure adjustment, the Contractor PowerShot XT offers the SmartStall function. If you release the gun trigger, it stops spraying directly, without spitting. Additionally, the gun sends a signal to the airless device that no additional pressure is needed and the airless device motor is stopped directly. Thus, the dynamic pressure does not increase unnecessarily and pressure variations are reduced.
Choosing the right Graco Contractor PowerShot
Which Contractor PowerShot gun is best for my airless device? What is the right airless gun if I have an older Graco airless unit? Which PowerShot gun fits my Wagner spray painting machine? We answer these questions about choosing the right PowerShot model below.
Graco Contractor PowerShot Standard
If you have an older Graco airless sprayer from before the Graco Ultra XT series, the Graco Contractor PowerShot Standard is the right choice. Painters who want to use a Contractor PowerShot gun over an airless unit from another manufacturer should also opt for the PowerShot Standard.
Graco Contractor PowerShot Standard Gun – 18H304
Graco Contractor PowerShot XT
To use this remote pressure adjustment and SmartStall feature, the Graco Contractor PowerShot XT gun is required. The airless device must also be equipped with SmartDisplay XT. The SmartDisplay XT comes standard with the current Ultra 695 XT ProContractor, Ultra 795 XT ProContractor and Ultra 1095 XT ProContractor.
Graco Contractor PowerShot XT with SmartDisplay XT Display
The Ultra 490 XT, Ultra 495 XT and Ultra 650 XT models as well as all standard versions of the XT series can be retrofitted with SmartDisplay. A kit including the screen and the Contractor PowerShot XT is available for this purpose. It is NOT possible to install the display on older Graco models or airless units from other manufacturers.
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