question on pressure washer

[Baz]

I found a super nice gas unit on Craigslist and got a good deal on it. has a Honda engine and was stored inside by original owner. Just down the street from me too so easy transaction. I just used it on Saturday to do my driveways and it worked perfectly.

You may want to check CL and wait until a nice one shows up. The Honda engine is a real plus.

[john70t]

When I replaced the pump in my gas one, the lawnmower shop said many of them use the same pump and don't last long. Not sure. Make sure the lines are primed before starting and hold the sprayer open to lessen the shock waves of on/off flow. I have a mighty sprayer that won't start unless the wand trigger is being pulled.

[jyl]

I have a pressure washer with the same specs as posted in the OP. It will clean a driveway just fine, but only in 2" strips.

[gordner]

A pressure washer is one of those tools you can find all day long used for half the cost. Electric pressure washers are not worth the investment in my experience, go gas and buy it once.

[SCadaddle]

Originally Posted by red-beard

Buy a disk for cleaning.

https://amazon.com/PowerFit-PF31023B-Surface-Cleaner-15-Inch/dp/B00JKQI0TS/ref=pd_bxgy_86_2/136-4983461-7555357?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00JKQI0TS&pd_rd_r=997655b8-49dd-11e9-8389-5995d9cc0e53&pd_rd_w=eCUVh&pd_rd_wg=d7Tjx&pf_rd_p=a2006322-0bc0-4db9-a08e-d168c18ce6f0&pf_rd_r=6C67FN6XVJC54V7N2N4F&psc=1&refRID=6C67FN6XVJC54V7N2N4F

+1 on the disk. Work great.

[SCadaddle]

Whatever you do, DON'T be this guy! I've got the same model pressure washer with the same mislabeled instructions!

[cabmandone]

Here's how you should base your decision in my opinion. If you don't mind dragging around a hose and extension cord, go electric. If the idea of electricity and water bothers you, buy gas. I've owned both electric and gas in small washers. The negative for a gas unit is obviously... running out of gas. The negative to electric is obviously electricity and water. Again, if both units have the same pressure and same GPM they'll do the same work. The difference in pattern is nothing more than using a different spray nozzle. I have a 15, 25 and 40 degree nozzles for my gas and electric but the electric due to a lower GPM doesn't do as well with the wider less focused spray. I also have a "turbo nozzle" that does a nice job with the electric unit. I can't use the turbo nozzle on my bigger machine because of the pressure it will produce.

[porsche930dude]

Originally Posted by Baz

I found a super nice gas unit on Craigslist and got a good deal on it. has a Honda engine and was stored inside by original owner. Just down the street from me too so easy transaction. I just used it on Saturday to do my driveways and it worked perfectly.

You may want to check CL and wait until a nice one shows up. The Honda engine is a real plus.

Same here. Barely used honda for 125$ still going strong after like 10 years. People say the gc engines are nfg but i have 3 or 4 of them and never had a problem. GX models are usually priced much higher

[scottmandue]

Timely thread, They had a Ryobi pressure wash on sale at Home Depot. Not sure what I would use it for but it sure was purdy.

[asphaltgambler]

I've bought too many electric ones, they never lasted more than 1 season, always a pump issue. I'm pretty anal about my tools / stuff so I take care and store properly, but still 100% failure.

Like the OP, my needs vary. You'll need something at least 3gpm to get the volume to wash an area effectively any less you'll be there all day in a small job. I find the gas versions, e en cheaper ones, better made.

Units with a good quality CAT pump are expensive. I choose to rent a commercial unit as I may need 1 once/ twice a year so the cost / benefit works out better in my situation. Plus, there's a equipment rental business 10 mins from me.

[rnln]

thanks everyone.

[porsche930dude]

I would wait for a day that is pouring rain. It'll do half the work for you

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by cabmando

Think of it like a shower with a low flow head and one that doesn't have the restrictor. Both using 60 psi but one capable of doing more GPM at the same pressure, which one feels like it has more pressure? 2000@1.6 won't do the work that 2000@2 will do. Gas or electric makes no difference... it's the Pressure and GPM. A 2000 psi @ 1.6 gpm gas powered washer will do exactly the same work that a 2000 psi @ 1.6 gpm electric will do.
Here's a decent article https://www.goodway.com/hvac-blog/2011/03/flow-rate-is-key-when-choosing-a-pressure-washer/

It’s Newton’s second law. The force that dislodges the dirt from your driveway is equal to the mass (amount of water) times the change in velocity. Velocity is determined by the psi behind the water jet. So yes, more mass at the same psi = more forces against the dirt.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by SCadaddle

Whatever you do, DON'T be this guy! I've got the same model pressure washer with the same mislabeled instructions!

"They should put brakes on it so when I pull the cord it doesn't move."

I had a pressure washer that I think also had a Subaru motor. I'm pretty sure I managed to get it started without brakes. I think I put a foot on it and that "fixed the glitch". It seems like that guy just wasn't very mechanically inclined. I wasn't able to watch the whole video though. Maybe the knot in his panties was too tight.

I'm assuming Scadaddle has figured out how to reliably start his PW.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

It’s Newton’s second law. The force that dislodges the dirt from your driveway is equal to the mass (amount of water) times the change in velocity. Velocity is determined by the psi behind the water jet. So yes, more mass at the same psi = more forces against the dirt.

You go'on an git with yer fancy math!

[Tidybuoy]

I've had both electric and gas pressure washers. I'm pretty sure that an electric will work fine for just cleaning concrete but the gas one will work faster due to more pressure. It might help to pre-treat the concrete with some type of cleaner. I'm not sure what type of sealer you are using but be sure to read the directions as the concrete may need to be completely dry which can take days depending on your humidity.

As for buying one, I would only buy the gas version again. This is more for convenience as you only have to tug around a hose and not a hose+electrical cord.

[A930Rocket]

All I have ever used is gas Honda powered pressure washers at work. Probably $2k.

Short story...I had a new guy and told him to pressure wash the basement of a house. Awhile later, I go check on him. He comes out and asks if I have a mask? WTF does he need a mask for. I go downstairs and he’s running the pressure washer IN THE ****ING BASEMENT. 🤪🤪🤪

He didn’t last long.

[Baz]

FYI: today I went ahead and purchased the Amazon 'Deal of the Day" - this Sun Joe pressure washer:

Sun Joe SPX3500 2300-PSI 1.48 GPM Brushless Induction Electric Pressure Washer, w/Brass Hose Connector

$122.99 incl. shipping (Prime)

CLICK

I already have a very nice Honda powered unit but wanted to have a second electric one - more portable for smaller jobs - without have to wheel my unit uphill to the back and drag my 50' pressure hose around. My house sits on a dune ridge and has multiple ground levels front to back and side to side.

Anyhow, just thought I'd mention it. About 6 hours left.