Buying a used pressure washer

[RudyMDX]

I'm in the market for a pressure washer. I researched recent GJ threads and it seems that new pressure washers are either cheap but ****, or expensive but reliable. I don't want to spend on a new but decent washer, so I''m going to buy one used. Apparently a Honda engine with a CAT pump is the best combo out there, followed by a Honda engine with a generac or AAA pump. I found a couple used ones around me, but I don't know what to look for. I planned on asking the current owner to start it up and let me see it run before I buy it. What are signs, good or bad, that the pressure washer is in good condition?

Also, do the hoses and accessories use standard connections/fittings, or are they proprietary? Thanks.

-Rudy

 

[lilredex]

The first thing to look for is a pump body that has been frozen (cracked).....especially if it is cast iron. You can check it, pressurizing it with a garden hose. If it passes, go on from there checking the operation of the pump and hoses, etc.


Here is what a cracked Cast Iron body looks like...

 

[Cf mtn]

yeah, it's a good idea to see it run for before you buy it. hook the water source to it with the hose wand attached. check for drips, there shouldn't be water coming out of the pump. if you're buying a P/W with a honda gx engine, look at the guard over the muffler, excessive rust is a sign that the engine has been well used. hoses and accessories are no problem, they all can be made to work. good luck.

 

[theoldwizard1]

CAT makes good pumps but so does AR.

If it is for occasional homeowner use, consider buying one with a bad pump. Replacement pumps are not that expensive, but stick with a horizontal pump versus a vertical pump.

 

[MarlynOC]

Some of the pumps do not have rebuild kits available as they were made specifically for HD, Lowes and such and are therefore not standard CAT or other major brand pump sizes.

 

[zeke67]

I've sold two used pressure washers, cheap. There was a reason why I started over with new each time.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

I've sold two used pressure washers, cheap. There was a reason why I started over with new each time.

Where either of these Karchers?

 

[Bretny]

Unless your buying one with a honda motor all the rest are just chinese ****. Dont expect any one motor to be better than the next. As far as pumps IDK. I have a handme down craftsman. It shoots water just fine.

 

[WaterBoyz]

I have bought some used pressure washers....cheap. Plan to rebuild them for some project money.

Most have the screw on hose connections. The better ones have the 3/8" quick couplings.

The screw on ones are real bad at rustng together. Some of them I never could get them apart. Then I have to trash them.

As said, get the horizontal units.

When I was lurking around the forums for professional pressure washing people, the consensus was to go by the GPM as compared to PSI. Sure pressure helps but the actual cleaning is the flow of water. I'm just saying what I read.