Looking at Pressure Washers

[tennisjon2002]

I wasn`t sure where to post this, but I think it applies to Car Detailing tools so I hope it is ok here:



I am looking for a new pressure washer. Going to be used mostly for cleaning sidewalks, deck etc but I will probably use it on my car occasionally. It will probably only get used a few times a year, but I want something that will last. I don’t really know too much about power tools, especially pressure washers. Any recommendations, advice etc?



So far I am looking at these:



1. Sam`s Club - Black Max 2600 PSI Pressure Washer (http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=420512&pCatg=7095)

-2600 PSI 2.3 GPM

-Honda Engine

-Not sure about Black Max Brand

-Has Sam’s Club 100% Satisfaction Guarantee so if it sucks or breaks I can take it back



2.

Troy-Bilt at Lowe`s: 2550 PSI / 2.3 GPM Gas Pressure Washer (http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=248613-348-20337&lpage=none)



Troy-Bilt at Lowe`s: 2550 PSI / 2.3 GPM Pressure Washer (CARB) (http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=292694-348-20349&lpage=none)



-What is the difference between those two??

-2550 PSI 2.3 GPM

-Troy Bilt with Briggs & Stratton engine



3.

Workforce 2500 PSI Gas Pressure Washer - WF80710 at The Home Depot (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100663201&N=10000003+501129+10282013)



Workforce 2500 PSI Gas Pressure Washer - WF80911 at The Home Depot (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100663199&N=10000003+501129+10282013)



-What is the difference between those two??

-2500 PSI 2.3 GPM

-Not sure about Workforce Brand

[Byk]

Don`t just look at the engine - the pump itself is probably the most important part in a pressure washer. Look for brand name pumps like Comet or Annovi Reverberi.



Honda GX engines are great (have low oil shutoff safety feature also), Honda GC not as great as GX but still a Honda. Briggs & Stratton - so so.



In the end the Pump is the most important part.

Also, there are differences even between the pumps from each manufacturer so find out what you are getting - make sure it`s a pump where the pistons are working in oil. Axial pumps are not very good. Cheap Karchers suck. (my previous 2 were Karcher)



Unfortunately from the ones you mentioned I couldn`t recommend any. You will end up fixing it in 1 or 2 years and parts are expensive, and on cheaper pressure washers you may not even find the parts so the pressure washer becomes a throw-away.



Personally I`m already on my 3rd pressure washer - this time I went big after all the frustration and got a 9HP Honda GX engine with a Comet Triplex Industrial pump. $1100 later, nut it`s well worth it. I have a big driveway and rear patio (impressed concrete) so this thing makes cleanup much faster and easier ;) especially after all the dirt from the winter.



Just 2 weeks ago I got a hose reel for it so that my 50` hose is not in the way. Makes life a lot easier.



For washing cars I use the 40 degree nozzle as anything tighter would be too powerful. This is similar to what I have: BE Pressure Supply Inc. (http://www.bepressure.com/index.php?task=subpart&subpartnumber=1&section=Power%20Equipment&category=Gas%20Pressure%20Washers&partNumber=PE-3009HWCOMZ&name=9%20to%2013HP%20Direct%20Drive&pic=PE-3011HWCOMZ.swf&y=&currentpic=0)

[tennisjon2002]

So what do you think about this one:

Craftsman 2200 MAX PSI, 2.2 MAX GPM, Briggs & Stratton Powered Pressure Washer - Model 75218 at Sears.com (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07175218000P?vName=Lawn+%26+Garden&cName=Pressure+Washers&sName=Pressure+Washers%2C+Gas)



I was able to get it along with

Craftsman Turbo Wand - Model 6028 at Sears.com (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07175123000P?vName=Lawn+%26+Garden&cName=Pressure+Washers&sName=Pressure+Washer+Accessories)



and



Craftsman Pump Saver - Model 74403 at Sears.com (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07174403000P?vName=Lawn+%26+Garden&cName=Pressure+Washers&sName=Pressure+Washer+Accessories)



all for a total of $250 + tax which seems like a killer deal to me. I have it set for store pick up, but it doesn`t look like it will be available until Wednesday or Thursday.

[Byk]

Well, yeah, the price is right. But I do wish you luck with the pump. Hopefully you`ll be ok for 2-3 years.

[honkeybizkit]

I bought a Northern Tools pressure washer for about $500 last year, it is a Honda GC190 with 3000psi/2.5gpm pump. the pump was a nicer axial (stainless internals and ceramic plungers), but axial none-the-less. If I were to do it over again, I would buy a Honda GX and Cat pump.... the best stuff, made to last.



Here is what I would buy... Pressure Washer. (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200350621_200350621)

[Byk]

I bought a Northern Tools pressure washer for about $500 last year, it is a Honda GC190 with 3000psi/2.5gpm pump. the pump was a nicer axial (stainless internals and ceramic plungers), but axial none-the-less. If I were to do it over again, I would buy a Honda GX and Cat pump.... the best stuff, made to last.



Here is what I would buy... Pressure Washer. (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200350621_200350621)



That looks a lot more formidable - not sure about the reliability of cat pumps - they may be good.



Unfortunately, pressure washers are the type of tools that cannot be created cheaply. Water is an incredible force and destroys pumps if they are made of crappy materials and technology - the unfortunate truth of all the cheap pressure washers. That is why they simply break down in 2 -3 years (even with minimal use)

[Byk]

Some Light Reading:

Cheap Pressure Washer (http://www.the-power-washer-advisor.com/cheap-pressure-washer.html)



New Pressure Washer - Selecting the Right One for You (http://www.the-power-washer-advisor.com/new-pressure-washer.html)



Honda Pressure Washers...The Truth (http://www.the-power-washer-advisor.com/honda-pressure-washers.html)

[honkeybizkit]

Cat triplex pumps are among the best.. as stated above, AR, Comet and General are good as well. Lowes has a decent John Deere unit too, I have seen it with either Honda GX or B&S engines.. it has a triplex pump (I think it`s a General). It is a 3000psi unit for $700, plus you can use the Home Depot 10%off coupons.



At my work we have a KILLER Landa Heated unit, it is stationary and must be about 4`x5`x3`... we have it set at 1800psi, and does an awesome job on our municipal fleet.