Pressure washer advice

[dyhunter]

I think I am finally going to break down and buy a power washer this spring. I have a Honda snowblower and lawn mower that have not given me any problems. It looks like Honda doesn't make pressure washers, just the motors. So should I just get a washer that has a Honda motor or get one from a different manufacturer?

Thanks for the input.

[1990C4S]

When they fail it is typically aluminum corrosion in the pumps. I do not know how you would stop that, but essentially they are disposable.

I am not sure that a good motor matters when the pump is going to crap out first.

[Hendog]

It's the quality of the pump that matters in a pressure washer. How much pressure do you want/need?

I bought a Karcher pump (2800 psi) with a Honda 5.0 horse motor. It's a fine machine, but given the 6 or 7 years I've had it, I would do it over and get an electric. I don't use it enough to maintain another gas engine. Also, over the years the electrics have increased with pumps to give more psi output than previous. Check out Costco.

[sammyg2]

What do you want it for? Constant use? Occasional use? How much pressure you need?
Of yuo are going to do some light cleaning once or twice a year, save some money and get a cheapo electric for$75. Throw it away and but another after 5 years.

if you really need a big, powerful, expensive unit then go for a more expensive one.

BTW harbor freight has several that start at 2000 psi and 4 hp for $270 and go up to 2500 psi and 6.5 hp for $350.
Pressure Washers at Harbor Freight Tools

[dyhunter]

I would use it for light duty cleaning- house, deck, grill, outdoor chairs and maybe the neighbors cat.

I will look into an electric one.

Thanks for the advice.

[sammyg2]

[red-beard]

Unless Honda has fixed the carb vs. ethanol issue, I would go with the Briggs and Stratton engine.

[madmmac]

More about gpm(gallons per minute) than psi if you have any sizable work to do.

[RWebb]

I rent them every 5 years...

[Lothar]

Madmmac is quite correct. The cleaning ability of a pressure washer is far more dependent on gallons per minute than PSI. The better portable machines are in the 4 to 4.5 gpm. range. When you get to 5.5+ you are talking about a 20 to 25 hp. motor.

Pumps are not necessarily disposable. A good shop can rebuild a good pump for relatively little compared to the cost of replacement.

[VincentVega]

Rent one

I have a nice/decent Honda engined Karcher one that takes up space and I use twice a year. It works great, but sits most of the time.

[dmcummins]

I had one with the honda engine. The pump went out after about 4 years. I use it to wash the house, deck, cars, boat, ect. I then bought one of the electric ones that Home depot sells. It really does not do the job for me. I'll be buying another gas powered one this year.

I gave my old one to my neighbor. He bought a replacement pump somewhere and is still using it.

[1990C4S]

Originally Posted by Lothar

Pumps are not necessarily disposable. A good shop can rebuild a good pump for relatively little compared to the cost of replacement.

Provided it's not aluminum.