Karcher pressure washers; SUCK!!!

[charlesu]

I have had it with Karcher pressure washers.
Over the past 15 years I have owned four gas powered units and all of them had pump problems. Lucky for me COSTCO took most of them back. I thought I would be smart and picked up an electric one which worked great until the warranty ran out and guess what.......It broke too. This is my two cents for all those considering a purchase of one.

[Accumulator]

Yeah, I went through two electric ones and a gas-powered one. The latter quit working in the middle of the last job I used it on, despite a recent rebuild.

I hear their commerical models are better, but IMO I'd be a sucker to buy another Karcher.

[steveo3002]

is there a brand that can be trusted?

[animes2k]

good question, because I was considering a low-end electric Karcher or something similar in the <$200 range. It wouldn't see heavy use like some of you guys...

[capt512]

I had 4 low end karcher electrics that were around 12-1400 PSI and they all went out after about 7-8 uses each.

[animes2k]

Home depot has a 1750psi Husky. I'd be surprised if they weren't manufactured at the same factory in China...

[jchetty]

strike that off the list ...thanks alot.. +1 for you...i guess the extractor gets bumped up to #4

[themightytimmah]

I've got a cheapie Husky and it's worked pretty well for me. 80 bucks I think I paid for it, 1400PSI, it's good for wells, bugs, etc. I've had it for a full summer, used it maybe 30 times. No problems so far, except for when I let water freeze in the gun and blow it up, which isn't really a defect.

[tom p.]

WOW, I guess you need to evaluate if you're using a homeowner's type unit for commercial purposes. That ain't gonna work.

I bought a Karcher from BJ's a few years. I probably use it every other month on average and have had excellent use from it...no complaints whatsoever. In fact, I've found all sorts of tasks that it can be used for.

I'd never be in a position to need a commerical type unit - - I simply would never put it to use. I've gotten every penny's worth from my $185 Karcher expenditure and it rocks on car related chores. Period.

Home Depot etc. offers Honda engines mounted up to XYZ company pressure washers. My father has one and frankly I cannot understand why he spent the $$$ on it. I think he's used it once...total over-kill.

[laynlow]

Anything with a Honda Commercial motor and a Cat pump!

[jvriii1942]

Always hold the trigger to allow water flow while the motor is running. Leaving it on and unattended will cause damge to the pump.

I have had no problem with my Karcher (gas 2400psi) in over 3yrs. I bought it at Costco and use it 5-6 days a week. Maybe I got lucky.

[RCBuddha]

I had purchased the 1400 psi karcher about three weeks ago. The first one didn't even turn on. The second had absolutely no meaningful pressure, and it was no better than my fireman's nozzle. I tried it on 4 different spouts, all with the same result. I will not buy another Karcher again!