Any advice on pressure washer brands? - Page 2

jfelbab · 03-08-09, 07:42

I recently ordered a PowerWasher model PW1800U and it arrived DOA. The manufacturer sent out a replacement GFI (took two weeks) so I had to repair my "NEW" PW before I could use it. Next, the tolerances were so poor that the high pressure hose connection would cross thread from the pressure. The manufacturer said that's not a problem as long as the hose isn't blowing off the unit. Well I considered it a problem and sent it back under the 30 day return limit.

I've read a lot of reviews and find most agree with my opinion that the consumer electrics are a mixed lot. Some users have good results but a significant number have major problems with them. If you do choose to buy an electric consumer grade model, I'd suggest you buy it at a place where you can also purchase an extended warranty. You are more likely than not going to be using that warranty as these are seeming all poorly designed and constructed units made in China with virtually no QC.

I like the concept of an electric PW as I don't have to maintain another gas engine for as seldom as I use it and it does not pollute the air. Yet I've gone through three electrics now in three years and my next unit will be a gas powered model.

BigAl3 · 03-09-09, 03:21

thanks to this thread, i was able to pick up a karcher 1400 psi electric pressure washer for $39 (it's a hot buy that OSH got direct from the manufacturer and once they are gone that's it) with the $10 off coupon (regular price is $49 which still is a good deal when it's $100+ everywhere else)! there were only a few left at the one i went to...

Hey Guys hit up OSH now! Karcher Powerwasher $40 - Detailing Bliss Forum

p.s. i'm not going to be using this on a regular basis, but more for engine detailing and when the car(s) are really dirty...

Jakerooni · 03-09-09, 03:51

Well I personally have the Landa Gold Series. For the shop. Quite costly but by far a much much better PW than the other one which is a Karcher with a Honda engine. I use that for mobile units. I immediatly upgraded the hose to a steel braided professional grade hose. The hose cost just as much as the PW (about $200) but with the upgrade I've had zero issues with the Karcher. (But the Landa is still better by a very very huge margin)

JSFM35X · 03-09-09, 04:21

Landa is the commercial end of Hotsy and Shark (and recently Karcher). Awesome units. I sell them (Landa) for Grafetti removal to schools, hospitals and parks departments. Just be sure that whatever you get it has a brass pump head. The heappy cheappys have aluminun and they are good for the guy who uses it 2x per year. These are disposable 150 dolar units. If they last longer you were lucky. I have a 5 year old Kartcher electric 1500 PSI. i use it 5-7 times per year and so far so good.

99blackSE · 03-14-09, 06:52

A shop I used to work at had a Hotsy, seemed to have some good jam to 'er! Worked great for cleaning the floor, which had quite a bit of dirt/grime from the Cat 140H motor graders that were stored there.