Best Powerwasher Advice?

[cobrar97]

I've tried the x series, they work good but feel a bit to flimsy. I went with the 5.85m because it's like a brick, very solid. It also has a high gpm even though it's a lower psi which I like. The hose wind up is also better. Every wind up reel washer I've used that has it up top (especially bolted to the handle) always breaks loose some how.

As far as uses, the stock vario wand and a foam canon by mtm is all you need. I do also have a right angle for under carriages.

DRIVER - The Karcher websites (as there seems to be various ones out there) offer confusing information. They make the X-Series appear to be the newest units they offer. Some don't even show the 5.85M as being available anymore. In addition, there's the 5.54 and 5.74 in the X-series. Though the physical size is different and the color of the plastics is different, the unit appear to be the same by spec. WHAT is the difference. Why is the 5.85M hard to find as available?
Do you have a link to the MTM foam canon you mentioned?
I think I'm getting this narrowed down now.

 

[TroyScherer]

For car washing I go electric. I have a cheaper campbell/hausfeld that work well for my needs.



But if it ever breaks I will be seriously considering a Kranzle unit as they spec out very well and I have only seen great reviews and comments about them.
Kranzle K1122TST Cold Water Pressure Washer for Auto Detailing

 

[LeMarque]

I looked into this Generac model with the adjustable throttle not to long ago. The reviews were great on it at the time. How long have you had it and has it given you any trouble? Only thing I didn't like about it was that it didn't have a Honda motor or rebuildable pump. But it seemed like a great pressure washer for the money.

Just a few months. I had one of Lowes 10% off "Moving" coupons, it was on sale and I purchased an extended warranty. I like it. There are other brands that are probably just as good or better but I paid less for it then the Karchers.

 

[The Driver]

DRIVER - The Karcher websites (as there seems to be various ones out there) offer confusing information. They make the X-Series appear to be the newest units they offer. Some don't even show the 5.85M as being available anymore. In addition, there's the 5.54 and 5.74 in the X-series. Though the physical size is different and the color of the plastics is different, the unit appear to be the same by spec. WHAT is the difference. Why is the 5.85M hard to find as available?
Do you have a link to the MTM foam canon you mentioned?
I think I'm getting this narrowed down now.

Amazon.com : MTM Hydro Professional 2600 PSI Adjustable Foamer : Pressure Washer Accessories : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Again the engines are the same an output is almost the same just more water with the 5.85. The biggest thing is build quality. The x series crack a lot, they have these cheap brittle housings. The 5.85 is a lot more durable, it is bigger too. The biggest thing is the wind up integrally vs externally to the handle. The 5.85 is a lot harder to find over the x series. Check ebay or amazon, they always have the best deals on them if they aren't sold out.

 

[LeMarque]

DRIVER - The Karcher websites (as there seems to be various ones out there) offer confusing information. They make the X-Series appear to be the newest units they offer. Some don't even show the 5.85M as being available anymore. In addition, there's the 5.54 and 5.74 in the X-series. Though the physical size is different and the color of the plastics is different, the unit appear to be the same by spec. WHAT is the difference. Why is the 5.85M hard to find as available?
Do you have a link to the MTM foam canon you mentioned?
I think I'm getting this narrowed down now.

Check Amazon. It was a PITA trying to find the correct extension hose even after calling the mfg. As for the wind-up reel. I used my dremel to cut part of it away so I didn't have to use it. It never winds/unwinds smoothly and it will smash into the ground if you try and pull on the hose to get more length. I would buy another elec for backup if I can find a used one. Try finding a dealer that will let you test the difference between gas & elec.

The only good thing I ended up with are the GFI power cords. I cut them off the dead Karchers and use them on my leaf blower, etc.

 

[Accumulator]

I had a scad of Karchers, both gas and electric, before I finally gave up on 'em...and some of them were very pricey. (No, I don't remember the model#s, this was years ago.) Also had some others whose names I can't remember.

If I could find something that I *KNEW* would hold up, and that I could get serviced locally if it did have issues, then I'd probably get one as I do find them handy for all sorts of stuff (Gas for property maintenance, electric for detailing uses).

But between parts compatability (e.g., with all the pieces I kept that were made for Karchers) and the way people seem to love something until it suddenly dies (which we don't always hear about on these forums), it seems like a good way for me to just waste money. By the time I figure out the best unit for my needs, I fear I'd still buy something unreliable.

People who know more about them than I do like 2.0gpm units for vehicle washing, with the psi being of minimal concern. But given my past experiences, if I bought something today I think I'd just get a cheapie at a local store that offered a good extended warranty/replacement program, and consider it disposable.