Pressure Washer Engine

HeavenlyV6

HeavenlyV6

New member
I am looking at purchasing a skid mounted pressure washer for the back of my pickup truck. After doing alot of research, the cheapest setup I was able to find was this one priced at $1195:

BULLDOG SKID MOUNT PRESSURE WASHER :: PRESSURE WASHERS & WATER TANKS :: AUTO DETAIL SUPPLY OUTLET

I called to ask about the engine brand, and they said it was a Subaru engine. I have not heard much about this brand. What do you guys think? I also would be purchasing a low profile 60 gallon tank as well. Comments/Suggestions

Thanks
 
I can't talk about the unit that you've posted but Kartcher is the pump that is one of the better in the industry IMO...as for the motor..I would look more for a Honda or likes of that...thats just my take on them
 
Beemerboy said:
I can't talk about the unit that you've posted but Kartcher is the pump that is one of the better in the industry IMO...as for the motor..I would look more for a Honda or likes of that...thats just my take on them
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Thats right I agree. Gotta go with something you can get parts for if it goes on the fritz. Thats all this Detrailers dude deals with plus their equipment has a 1 year unlimited warranty. I'm looking at getting a new detailing trailer from them. The homemade rig i'm runnig with aint cutting the mustard.
 
I would like a Honda engine, however, 500 dollars is a big jump for me in the price range. I can basically get everything I need to be completely mobile with this particular package, $1195 PW, $150 Tank, $165 shipped, plus a generator for about the price of the Detrailer Truck Mount DVT1 unit. Plus the engine has a 2 year warranty, the pump 5 years. I just feel this is a good deal, but I understand the parts piece and going with something your familiar with. I am not sure what I am going to do!
 
Wait for some more feed back and then it will become clear for you...there are a lot of good guys that can give some hands on experience for you here on the site
 
Anybody have any other thoughts or comments? I think I am going to call around to local pressure washer repair shops to see if parts are readily available for the engine.
 
Having repaired small engines for over 30 years I will offer only this brief comment. Subaru is fairly new to this market and in my opinion is yet unproven so I can't tell you it's a bad or good choice. If you are using this machine commercially, you want a Honda engine period. That said just because it says Honda does not mean it's great engine. They make a product for every product price point. You want a Honda GX series engine. Yes I have a 13 h.p. pressure washer and it has a Honda GX engine on it. The engine I have specified will last many times longer than similar products from Tecumseh or Briggs. It truly is a commercial grade engine. There shouldn't be a $500 price point jump to get to a GX engine (maybe $250). You don't want any part of the Korean or Chinese Honda clones. The product you have shown with the price listed is nothing special. You can buy a name brand like DeWalt in the 13 h.p. range for that kind of money. Of course I'm speaking of a wheeled washer. That's bout' all I can say.
 
Maybe I should propose this question: Could anyone offer their help in finding a Honda GX pressure washer, a 65 gallon tank, all of the hookup parts, and what they would use or do to mount this in the back of a pickup using websites online. I am just really concerned about the right parts to hookup the system and getting it mounted securely that also looks professional/good. I actually plan on installing a sliding truck bed that extends out so my power equipment exhaust can exit properly without damaging my tonneau and truck bed. I am open to all suggestions on what I should do and where I should look. Thanks guys for your help. Its cool you guys are trying to help save me some money!
 
Though I have no specific recommendation for the set up you are going to run, I did find this site useful when doing research to buy my washer. One thing to take into consideration when using a tank is: will the washer work as a gravity feed or does it require a primer pump? Some work, some don't.

Pressure Washers Direct - Your Online Pressure Washer Superstore - Power Washer, Power Washers, Pressure Cleaner, Pressure Cleaners, Electric Pressure Washer, electric pressure washers, high pressure washer, electric power washer, Karcher Pressure Wa
 
Subaru engines are the old Robin/Wisconsin engine. While not as popular as a Honda they are pretty good. We have a couple of them on some landscape equipment at work and I have one on my Snapper mower and have not had any problems with them. So I would go with them as long as there is a dealer around you.
 
I will post some pics later of my rigs and maybe have some input.

P.S. You'll be amazed what type of abuse honda engines can take and keep ticking.
 
vwgtivw said:
Subaru engines are the old Robin/Wisconsin engine. While not as popular as a Honda they are pretty good. We have a couple of them on some landscape equipment at work and I have one on my Snapper mower and have not had any problems with them. So I would go with them as long as there is a dealer around you.
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Yes and no on the engine. Wisconsin went through a number of name changes over the years. They dropped the Robin part and had another name also. Though Subaru is the name that is on the line today, it is not the same cast iron cylinder engine that made the Wisconsin famous. The engine on your Snapper was an excellent engine (also very heavy). You couldn't find one of those at any price today. I've seen the Subaru's being used more and more all of the time, with good results. I think in the case of both Subaru and Kawasaki small engines it is more of a marketing mind set to give the product equal billing to the market share Honda has acquired. I've been told that the Subaru diesel small engines are very good.
 
Here are some pics of a couple of different setups of mine my one suggestion would be is to mount your pressure washer directly to your skid or whatever your base is. I have never had a problem with just a garden hose but decided to go a little bigger on my last rig just cuz. And as for the pressure washer the honda in the van still runs great even after sitting in about a foot of water for over a year. I have a client that had it sitting behind his garage, I asked if he was interested in a trade, long story short I got that pressure washer for 1 1/2 hrs of work.

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Thanks for the pics. So have you moved yet SouthernDetail. My parents hit the road today headed to Charlotte. I should have told my dad to hit you up for a express detail since he will be driving through West Virginia and his BMW I am sure could use some attention. I am wanting to purchase a roll out truck bed for my F150 so the exhaust can ventilate. I have looked just for the engines online, but a lot of these dealers have them attached to the frame or skid already, or on wheels and I am thinking I can just attach it to the rollout bed. Any ideas on where I can get just the Honda engine at, possibly a hose reel. Thanks for the help guys, I am wanting to purchase this stuff before the 1st so I can write it off on this years business taxes. Thanks!!!!
 
No, I haven't moved yet I think thats a good thing right now. Please tell your dad not to Auto Bell you know what they say "people can tell when you Auto Bell". Also I got everything from Northern Tool and Supply, its really convinient for me because there is a distribution center 10 miles from where I live. Good luck with everything 09 is going to be a great year to be a detailer.
 
So after searching and calling around all weekend I feel like I have a pretty good deal on a pressure washer and tank setup. I called a pretty reputable pressure washer distributor here in Columbus. They quoted me 1400 installed, that gets me a Honda GX Engine, 5.5 HP and I believe the PSI is 2500, Two year Warranty on Engine, 1 year on pump, 100 Feet of hose, hose reel, 100 Gallon Tank, its caged in mounted to Marine Grade Plywood with a protective covering, or they can mount it directly to my truck bed. I found some Horizontal Honda GX engines on line for 325.00, which made me think I could get it alot cheaper. But then again I would have to buy all the other parts. At this point I just want to buy it and have them install it without me having to worry about it. What do you guys think. Good Deal? Or should I buy piece by piece and create my own? Remember installation though, I am not to handy when it comes to these types of things!
 
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