Got a pressure washer?

[austin552]

I am looking for a quality and dependable washer/sprayer. Recomendations?

[masraum]

I bought one at HD. I went with one of the top non commecial models, better motor (subaru, I think), more pressure, better construction. I think it was about $400-500. The cheap one's look cheap, and the commercial models are much more pricey.

I'm sure we have someone here that's used several different models for the last 20 years professionally that can give you more detailed info.

[madmmac]

It is really not the pressure that quickens the cleaning it is the gallons per minute...gpm of 4 will do wonders.

[RickM]

Hmm, depends what you're doing. Like a compressor bigger is usually better...but not always.

What I've learned:

Get brand name components. Many retailers like Harbor Freight and Northern tool simply assemble components and sell. This can be a good thing. Some "single brand" units hide what the unit consists off with facades and unusual configurations. BTW, I really don't care for the vertical shaft engine types....why? I don't know

As far as engines go Briggs or Honda would be my choice. For Briggs the IC or Vanguard series are awesome.

Good pump names are CAT, Giant, Annovi Reverbi etc

Keep in mind higher PSI IS NOT the only feature to shop for. An often overlooked factor is the GPM capability. More water throughput is better. Unless you're happy with cleaning a very small pattern at pressure.

Wether your washer pump has an unloder valve or not make sure the water is flowing through the pump (and out the wand) when the engine is running. Otherwise the valves (ceramic preffered) and other internal pump component will fail.

Make sure to get non-marking hose. It's a pain when you have a trail of blue or red to clean up.

Quick disconnects are worth their weight in gold.

[928ram]

If you don't need a real HD unit, you might look at electric ones.

I've got a Karcher (German Co; made in Italy) that's 1600psi/1.6GPM.

Handy and compact little unit that I've had about 3 yrs now with no problems and I use the heck out of it. A bit slow going when doing big projects, but good for more projects IMO.

[deathpunk dan]

I wanted only a basic electric one, but a neighbor sold me his craftsman 6 hp/2250 psi one with all new nozzles and fittings for $150. It's only like 3 years old. ****in thing could cut concrete, I swear.

[David]

My wife wants one for her birthday. Is that a cool wife or what?

[RickM]

Heh heh, every year my wife bugs the heck out of me to get it setup so she can do the pool deck. "Have at it, baby. Just don't cut your foot off."

[kumma]

I burned up 4 electric ones thru the years, avoid them unless this is a once a year thing. I picked up an excell model on clearance from HD with a 5hp Honda motor. No complaints use it at least once a week, motor starts on first pull every time. I love this Honda motor, and that means a lot coming from a Harley rider,

[gr8fl4porsche]

Depends on what you are doing with it.

I have had lots. If you only need it occasionally, just rent a good one. I usually pay about $3,000 for a 3000 psi unit.

Honda has the best engines - no doubt about it. We have many gas fired tools - the tools are usually trashed after a few years but the motors still start on the first pull.

Bigger is better, but can be trouble in the wrong hands.

[Dantilla]

Originally posted by 928ram
If you don't need a real HD unit, you might look at electric ones.

I disagree. A good friend was proud of his electric PW when he bought it.

My 11hp Honda powered washer is currently at his house. If mine was unavailable to him he was going to go rent a good one.

To me, his spending money on something that doesn't do the job was a complete waste of money. If you're going to get one, get a good one.

He's the same way with chainsaws. He has bought a few cheap saws, and is always proud of the "good deal", but it lacks power, and doesn't last. He likes to borrow my Stihl.

[austin552]

Honda it is.

[Dantilla]

Good choice.

[RickM]

Honda is a great engine, no doubt. FWIW I have a 5HP Briggs IC (Industrial/ Commercial) on my PW and I use it ALOT. Lend it to friends, family etc. I went through one pump and am well into the second. The engine? Starts on first pull and as powerful as ever. Love it.

[austin552]

Daammnn! Just pull the cord about half way. Did the four car driveway, front walk and porch. Tomorrow is the sidewalk and deck. Next weekend the house brick and garage. Then the parents mansion in VA. Know it does tires. What about fuchs? Tranny?

[rcecale]

Be careful putting that much pressure near your engine/transmission. You have a lot of water under a tremendous amount of pressure. It's likely to entere into places you really don't want water to go. also, it can wreak havoc on your electrical system...breaking connections and the like.

You'd probably be better off hooking up and engine cleaning wand to an air-compressor. Less water, lots more control of where it's going to go.

Just my $.02.

Good on ya for the other stuff though. I got my Craftsman 6 Hp, 2650 psi washer a few years ago. It practically makes cleaning a lot of fun.

Next, you'll want to get one of
these for doing the house...



Randy

[Moses]

I have a Karcher with a 5 HP Honda motor. Got it at Costco. Great machine.

[Moses]

Here's mine;

[azasadny]

My 3 year old $100 Karcher from Lowe's is doing great! The biggest hassle is that the electrical cord and water hose tend to tangle, but it's effective on dirty driveways, siding, oily engines, etc...

[austin552]

Handy accessory rcecale. Do the detergents, deck cleaners, etc really work?