I just rented a power washer to clean my back patio before putting tile down and then did the house and driveway and cars to get my money out of the rental.
After using it I think that it would be nice to have a powerwasher around and I'd like to get a contractor grade gasoline one. If I get a tool, it's usually "professional grade" so that I'm happy with it doing the job and not breaking down. Most of my tools are best in class. I don't mind paying good money for the better/best tools. You get what you pay for.
Any thoughts on any that you guys have owned or used and what you thought of them? I suppose I couldn't go wrong with getting a good craftsman in a 6hp range, but I'd like to hear what's out there. I think that something it at least the 2500 range would be good. Though I do have to say that having a 13 hp engine is nice. But that's just too much money unless I can find a used unit that someone has taken care of.
The electric ones are sooooo much cheaper but I don't know that they'd have the pressure and flow that I want. This is for cleaning houses, cars, and driveways.
If it wasn't for the concrete use I think I could get by with an electric one. Any one using an electric one for what I want to use it for (and are happy?)
I was advised by someone in the know to make sure I got a pressure washer with a brass pump manifold -- that is, if I expect it to last a long time. Of course, this immediately puts you in the $900-$1000 category. Home Depot did have an Excell brand (2800 psi, Honda powered) with a brass manifold that was around $700 at the time (year and a half ago). The last time I checked at the local Home Depot the units in this price range had the cheaper pumps and you had to move up to the $900 range to get the higher quality.
A couple of months ago I was looking online and was close to buying a 3000 psi unit from Generac, but thought I would wait to see what Home Depot got in stock. The price was $899 with free freight. I haven't been back to Home Depot yet.
If you are looking for good quality, check out Mi-T-M Corporation. They manufacture and supply units to rental companies, so you know they are made to last.
I was advised by someone in the know to make sure I got a pressure washer with a brass pump manifold -- that is, if I expect it to last a long time. Of course, this immediately puts you in the $900-$1000 category. Home Depot did have an Excell brand (2800 psi, Honda powered) with a brass manifold that was around $700 at the time (year and a half ago). The last time I checked at the local Home Depot the units in this price range had the cheaper pumps and you had to move up to the $900 range to get the higher quality.
A couple of months ago I was looking online and was close to buying a 3000 psi unit from Generac, but thought I would wait to see what Home Depot got in stock. The price was $899 with free freight. I haven't been back to Home Depot yet.
If you are looking for good quality, check out Mi-T-M Corporation. They manufacture and supply units to rental companies, so you know they are made to last.
Yeah, I think Brass is kind of given. The one material to avoid is any aluminum in contact with the water as it will react with the minerals in the water so it causes problems over the long term.
It would be really great if I could find a 13 hp honda motor that had a trashed pump. I'd replace the pump with a "cadillac" pump off ebay under $300 and it would be a tank..... Then I could go from 3700 psi down to 200 psi with no problem.
One thing I'd really like is "quiet"....... You know, like "Tundra Quiet" vs the competition (although now Ford is quieter).
Not to sound cheap but go out to Wal-Mart and pickup best one they have there, probably run you about $300-$400 will run great and if it ever breaks you can take back have them replace it cause they will replace anything!
Akauth;
I bought a Karcher 2400 P.S.I, 2.5 gpm,5.0 honda motor from Costco last year for $299.00. It has plenty of power at 2400 p s i & came with 5 quick disconnect nozzles, including a dirt blaster. The dirt blaster rotates while the others only spray.It does a better job of cleaning cement than a 3000 p s i with spray nozzles.It is a direct drive pump & brass manifold.I have used the machine on cement, cedar fence & general cleaning. It does a fine job. It also comes with a 50 foot hose. Don't know what kind of price they are this year, but thought I would pass this along.
Good luck!
Akauth;
I bought a Karcher 2400 P.S.I, 2.5 gpm,5.0 honda motor from Costco last year for $299.00. It has plenty of power at 2400 p s i & came with 5 quick disconnect nozzles, including a dirt blaster. The dirt blaster rotates while the others only spray.It does a better job of cleaning cement than a 3000 p s i with spray nozzles.It is a direct drive pump & brass manifold.I have used the machine on cement, cedar fence & general cleaning. It does a fine job. It also comes with a 50 foot hose. Don't know what kind of price they are this year, but thought I would pass this along.
Good luck!
Tundra39
Sounds like a very good deal. In my business I use the Devilbiss/Excell 6.5 hp Honda, 3 gpm 2500 psi. and cleaner/chemical feed adaptor. Paid closer to $700 for it. At that kind of psi 2400/2500 you can destroy stuff if you're not careful. And yes, the Honda motors are sweet.
I vote for the one from Costco.
I bought a Generac 1450-0, which is a brass pump on a 5 HP Honda GC 160 engine. It's 2400 psi at 2.2 gpm. It includes a 0, 15, and 45 degree high pressure nozzle, and a "low pressure nozzle". With the low pressure nozzle in place, a plastic tube can be stuck in a container of detergent and it will suck up and spray the detergent. It also includes the "dirt blaster" nozzle, which sprays a narrow stream that oscillates in a circular pattern -- it's great for such things as cleaning decks.
The price was $439.99, including delivery, ordered through amazon.com.
Yeah, I tried that already on the oil stain I have but it only helped a little. Acid is great on removing rust stains. The only problem with acid too is that if it's too strong you leave it on too long it will etch the concrete.
I saw a Troy-Bilt with a 5HP Honda engine (2500psi) for $398 and the same Troy-Bilt model with a B&S Intek engine (2800psi), also for $398. Both were at Lowe's.
The Costco deal sure sounds good, though. I haven't been to Home Depot yet, but will check them out too. I plan on buying one this wknd and plan to use it mainly for housewashing and concrete.
.....I'm also looking for a home water softener system, but may need to start a new thread for that, as I did a search and couldn't find any old topics on that subject.
What's the best brand of pressure washer?
Pressure Sprayers
Linear Mode
