Graco Ultra 390, 395, 450 & 470 comparison – the right choice for me?

Graco‘s new Ultra 2025 series provides high-performance successors to the existing Classic and ST Max II models. But which machine best suits your needs? In this comparison, we take a detailed look at the Ultra 390, 395, 450 and 470 – from maximum flow rate and nozzle size to technical features such as SmartControl, FastFlush and WatchDog. Discover the differences between the new models and the benefits they offer for professional use.

Maximum nozzle size & flow rate

The maximum flow rate is 1.8 litres per minute for all models except the Graco Ultra 470. This model pumps a maximum of 2.3 litres per minute (maximum nozzle size 0.025″). Despite the same performance values of 1.8 litres maximum for the Ultra 390, 395 and 450, the models differ in the maximum nozzle size that can be used. The Ultra 390 can be used with nozzles up to 0.021″ in diameter.

Thanks to SmartControl control and a different motor, the Ultra 395 and Ultra 450 models can use a slightly larger nozzle with a bore of up to 0.023″. This gives these models a little more room to manoeuvre, especially for thicker interior wall paints.

Weight of Graco Ultra models

The Graco Ultra model is surprisingly light compared to its predecessors. The Ultra 390 weighs just 12.25 kg when free-standing. Similarly, the Ultra 395 and Ultra 450 weigh in at just over 12.7 kg on the scales as floor-mounted models. By contrast, the trolley-mounted versions are already considerably heavier at 27.7 kg and 28.6 kg. But since these models are mobile, they are still easy to move around the site.

 

Brushless motor on Graco Ultra

The Graco Ultra 390, 395, 450 and 470 are distinguished by their engine technology, among other things. While the Ultra 390 models are equipped with a brush (carbon) motor, the Ultra 395, 450 and 470 have a brushless motor, a modern technology that is more durable and more powerful.

The advantages of a brushless motor are longer life, as there is no mechanical wear on the brushes. This also reduces maintenance and costs. Brushless motors also reduce energy consumption. Less friction and heat means more power and less energy consumption. What’s more, constant power is guaranteed. Even during prolonged use, the speed of rotation remains stable, enabling materials to be processed evenly.

Thanks to the brushless motor, the Ultra 395, 450 and 470 benefit from greater reliability and lower maintenance costs – ideal for intensive professional use. The Ultra 390, on the other hand, remains a solid choice for beginners and small projects.

SmartControl & Digital Display

The Graco Ultra 390, 395, 450 and 470 are distinguished by their control technology. While the Ultra 390 models do not have SmartControl, the Ultra 395, 450 and 470 are equipped with SmartControl technology, offering more precise pressure control options.

Advantages of SmartControl :

• Precise pressure control – SmartControl automatically adjusts the spray pressure to ensure an even spray without pressure variations.
• Optimum material handling – SmartControl provides better control of thinner materials, especially at lower pressures.
• Digital display (on Ultra 450 and 470 models) – The Ultra 450 and 470 models also feature a digital display for better control of machine settings.
• Smooth motor operation – The motor is activated only when necessary, reducing wear and tear and noise levels.

The Ultra 395, 450 and 470 models with SmartControl offer greater precision and control, particularly for professional applications where consistent spraying is essential.
The Ultra 390 remains a good choice for beginners or occasional use where digital control is not essential.

FastFlush cleaning on Graco Ultra models

The Graco Ultra 390, 395, 450 and 470 also stand out for their cleaning technology. While the Ultra 390 and 395 models do not feature FastFlush technology, the Ultra 450 and 470 are equipped with FastFlush technology, which makes cleaning much quicker and easier.

Advantages of FastFlush :

• Faster cleaning – FastFlush cleans the pump up to 4 times faster than the traditional rinsing method.
• Less water consumption – The efficient rinsing process means less detergent or water is used, which is more environmentally friendly and economical.
• Saves time on site – Quick and easy cleaning saves time and money.
• Extended pump life – More thorough cleaning reduces the risk of paint build-up and clogging, reducing maintenance costs.

Thanks to FastFlush, the Ultra 450 and 470 models clean much more comfortably and quickly, making them ideal for users who frequently change from one material to another or use the machine intensively.
The Ultra 390 and 395 require traditional cleaning, but remain solid choices for users who change products less often or need less cleaning.

 

Pump protection with WatchDog on Graco Ultra

The Graco Ultra 390, 395, 450 and 470 are also distinguished by their pump protection. While the Ultra 390 and 395 models have no WatchDog, the Ultra 450 and 470 are equipped with WatchDog technology, which protects the pump from damage caused by dry running.

Advantages of the WatchDog :

• Automatic pump protection – Detects when the material supply is interrupted and automatically shuts down the pump to prevent dry-running damage.
• Extended pump life – Because the pump does not run dry unnecessarily, wear on seals and pistons is reduced, extending the life of the unit.
• Less maintenance – Less wear means less frequent replacement of parts and lower operating costs.
• Greater safety and reliability – Prevents air from entering the system or damaging the machine when the paint supply runs out.

Thanks to the WatchDog, the Ultra 450 and 470 models are better suited to intensive professional use, where maximum reliability is essential.
The Ultra 390 and 395 require manual monitoring of material flow, but remain a solid choice for less demanding applications.

Different guns included in delivery

Graco Ultra 390 models are supplied with the simpler Graco Contractor FTx gun. Graco Ultra 395, Ultra 450 and 470 models come with the high-quality Graco Contractor PC gun. The Contractor FTx is a solid gun that delivers excellent working results. Nevertheless, the Contractor PC gun is clearly ahead in terms of weight, ergonomics, maintenance and trigger flexibility.

What’s more, the trigger can be adjusted to suit the user’s habits. Also, the Graco Contractor PC gun is quick and easy to repair – the inside of the head is a one-piece cartridge that can be replaced in a few steps, without tools, on site.

 

Graco’s new Ultra 2025 series offers a wide choice of high-performance airless paint sprayers that differ according to application and individual requirements. While the Ultra 390 is a solid entry-level model, the Ultra 395, 450 and 470 offer even greater efficiency and comfort thanks to brushless motors, SmartControl technology and advanced features such as FastFlush and WatchDog.
For those looking for higher performance, larger nozzles and modern features, the Ultra 450 or 470 is the perfect solution for demanding spraying jobs.

All Graco Ultra in shop on Airless Discounter

_________________________________________________

Love our content? You can find more here:

Visit our Facebook page

Check out our Airless Discounter YouTube channel

Airless Discounter Instagram account

Questions or queries?

For any further questions or if you would like to get your hands on one of these products seen in this article, you can contact us on +49 (0) 30 220 15436, fill out our contact form or email us. If you wish to purchase one of the products mentioned above, you can check them out in our online store. You can also visit us at our service base during office hours.