Karcher Pressure Washer

Grimm · 02-22-08, 09:39

I know not many people are fans here of Karcher or electric washers, but I was just at Home Depot and saw they had a 1800 psi Karcher that was like half off. I think it was originally $188, and was on sale for I like $89.

howareb · 02-22-08, 09:50

In Big Lots they had the 1500psi electric model (Factory Reconditioned) for $65.00. This is a OK washer when you only have a small amount to spend. However, many people here have complained about only getting a year or two out of them. For this price though you could probably by two and still come out ahead over the next four to five years.

mr.ikon · 02-22-08, 10:42

great find. i need to check this out.

zoomzoom mazda5 · 02-22-08, 03:28

I got one about 4 yrs ago and still using it. Cost me 89.00 dollars..........

musicdjs · 02-22-08, 03:40

My father still has his...it's a different model but it's been over 6years.

howareb · 02-22-08, 05:53

Well with the price being so low I was thinking about going with Karcher so that I could get a Foam Canon Setup. I think that I will just stick with my foam gun for now until I can save up enough coin for the CAM Spray 1500psi electric ($595) and Cam-Spray Foamer

Thanks SuperBee364 and maxpsi for all the research.

References
http://autopia.org/forum/car-detaili...t=Karcher+Foam
http://autopia.org/forum/car-detaili...hers+Cam+Spray

Pats300zx · 02-23-08, 04:10

I have a Karcher electric PW. Its still going strong after 4-5 years now. For the price of $99 it can't be beat. Granted its not used everyday and doesn't get abused. For the amount of work it gets and the price the electric Karchers are a great buy.

jimmie jam · 02-23-08, 07:19

i have had a 1,400 for about 10-12 years now. its perfect for the small jobs.

BigAl3 · 02-23-08, 10:21

i anyone decides to purchase anything at big lots, do it this sunday and use this 20% coupon which is good for everything in the store...

MorBid · 02-23-08, 11:40

The biggest problem with the Karcher (and many other electric pressure washers) is the cheap plastic pump). I got this from a guy who works for a company that repairs these types of things.

When the pump goes the machine starts to "cycle" (shut on and off repeatedly when the trigger isn't being held in or other things.

I took mine apart last year and brought the parts to repair it ($18.00 USD plus shipping) and while that wasn't all that hard, just last week the same thing happened again. I think cause I left it out in the garage overnight and brother it was cold.

On the other hand for $65 smackers and if all your doing is washing a few cars with it I say go for it. Just take care of it and like others said don't beat on it and it should last you for awhile.

I just brought a Bissell Spot Bot and Proheat 2X (both at about 1/2 off and reconditioned) and didn't see no Karcher Pressure washers.

I suppose I'll just order the kit and repair this one again. Till I can pony up for a real pressure washer.

itb76 · 02-23-08, 08:32

$18 for a rebuild kit? I have a gas powered Karcher and the rebuild kit cost $65. A complete pump is not available. The unit was about $200 new. You get what you pay for, the low end Karchers aren't that durable.

MorBid · 02-23-08, 08:44

That 18 bucks only covers the actual plastic pump and a couple of other small parts. It's sold as a "spare parts" kit. Point it fact you can buy parts for the entire machine if you wanted.

Like I was saying though, that guy who works at the repair place where I buy the parts from told me that since the Big Box stores started selling these machines, the quality went down as big box stores don't want to pay a lot for them in the first place. So where in agreement there.

I think it all boils down to what your buying it for. Most any stuff sold today no matter what it is isn't really well made anymore unless you spend up.