Costco Subaru-Powered pressure washer

[GromitInWA]

Does anyone have any experience with this item? http://m.costco.com/.product.100177740.html
On sale for $269. Electric start, Subaru engine.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[gsingh]

Hahahaha
You posted this while I was writing mines.

Subscribed for suggestions!

 

[404]

IN general, another small engine to maintain. Would electric work in your situation?

I have an ancient version of this:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200347872_200347872

It must be 35 years old now. I took it off the cart and mounted it in the cellar up in the floor joists. I run the hose out the cellar window.

Change the pump oil every year, easy it being up high.

The benefits are, no risk of freezing, No small engine upkeep. No fumes. If I want to wash some small thing that will only take 2 minutes, I don't have to fuss with an engine.

It is permanently mounted, no one can borrow. Too bad, so sad.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Boxer has better weight distribution, so that's a plus.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

I think I'd rather clean a small engine carburetor every once in a while than have to find a 30 amp 230 volt receptacle everywhere I took the thing.

Or just rent one.

 

[doan]

IN general, another small engine to maintain. Would electric work in your situation?

I have an ancient version of this:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200347872_200347872

It must be 35 years old now. I took it off the cart and mounted it in the cellar up in the floor joists. I run the hose out the cellar window.

Change the pump oil every year, easy it being up high.

The benefits are, no risk of freezing, No small engine upkeep. No fumes. If I want to wash some small thing that will only take 2 minutes, I don't have to fuss with an engine.

It is permanently mounted, no one can borrow. Too bad, so sad.

I like electric ones too. Good ones are hard to find and about double price for the same performance of gas. The one you linked looks perfect for home use, just pricey.

 

[404]

I think I'd rather clean a small engine carburetor every once in a while than have to find a 30 amp 230 volt receptacle everywhere I took the thing.

Or just rent one.

That would be an electric cloths dryer plug or a stove plug. I agree that if you are moving it around a gas engine makes more sense. Especially if it is run often so no problem with carb varnish.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

That'd be handy for pressure washing inside my house, I guess.

 

[GromitInWA]

I agree with the "another small engine to maintain"
I had an electric pressure washer from Costco but the nozzle broke. Their return policy meant that I was able to return it some 3 years later. I decided to replace it with another electric one, which I saw a few minutes after posting about the gas one. It is an AR 1800psi unit and was $169. I tried it this afternoon and it works. It seems a little better quality than my previous one so we'll see how long it lasts. I have a 20A circuit in my garage and a suitably rated extension cord so the corded nature of electrical units is not an issue, and it is essentially maintenance-free.
I was drawn to the gas one because I came across a disk shaped device that can be attached to the nozzle to make driveway and patio cleaning easier. Apparently it only works with gas pressure washers perhaps because of the flow rate.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Loscaldazar]

Boxer has better weight distribution, so that's a plus.

Lol. Unfortunately these aren't a boxer engine . Just a single cylinder OHV.

No boxer rumble when you put an exhaust on them....

 

[GromitInWA]

Lol. Unfortunately these aren't a boxer engine . Just a single cylinder OHV.



No boxer rumble when you put an exhaust on them....

Yeah I'm not sure that the Subaru engine branding is particularly meaningful


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[PhilMeUp]

Looks similar to what is sold here in Australia as a Ryobi.

http://ryobi.com.au/products/pressu...hers-7/190cc-4-stroke-pressure-washer-rpw3200

I've got an older version. Very useful... if you've got a use for it. I regularly use mine for washing cars and motorbikes.

 

[ADSR]

Lol. Unfortunately these aren't a boxer engine . Just a single cylinder OHV.

No boxer rumble when you put an exhaust on them....

I'm not even sure if that cheap washer comes with a Robin

 

[shockwave]

Hey philmeup is that blue car a Subaru with a bed? I have never seen one in the U.S. Like that before

 

[leadfoot415]

Lol. Unfortunately these aren't a boxer engine . Just a single cylinder OHV.

No boxer rumble when you put an exhaust on them....

It is an OHC over head cam EA190 engine.

I bought one of these "power stroke" subaru engined powerwashers last week from costco for their deal. A few minutes of putting it together on saturday, and fired it up.

Very happy with my purchase thus far. Washed the entire exterior brick surface and windows of my ~1100 SQ foot ranch on one tank of gas with a bit to spare. It starts up easy enough with the recoil pull cord, didnt try the electric start. Emissions arent too bad for those who care, I didnt smell like a small engine after using it for 1.5 hrs.

Pressure and cleaning ability seemed good, but didnt get to test out the soap function.

 

[jchetty]

Hey philmeup is that blue car a Subaru with a bed? I have never seen one in the U.S. Like that before

Pretty sure that is a Ford Falcon. those UTEs are badass....dunno if the monero is still made.

 

[theoldwizard1]

IN general, another small engine to maintain. Would electric work in your situation?

Electric is a good option IF you have access to 240V with plemty of the appropriate gauge extension cord.

 

[chrisexv6]

Electric is a good option IF you have access to 240V with plemty of the appropriate gauge extension cord.

There are plenty of 110V electric pressure washers. Not nearly as powerful as most gas pressure washers, but still useful.

I have a gas AND an electric. Needed to power wash the foundation walls in my basement before adding Xypex coating....aside from not wanting to die from CO poisoning, a gas pressure washer inside the house would make way too much mess.

The "1300" psi electric unit from Costco did the job just fine, and I can use it on my cars too (hate dragging the gas one out just to pre-wash my vehicles)

 

[theoldwizard1]

Electric start is a waste of money !

Classic "big box store" advertisement. Under specifications it says

• Maximum Operating Pressure: 3,100 PSI
• Motor Type: Electric

Clearly it is a gasoline engine and while it is nice to know that it can make a maximum of 3,100 PSI , It is more important to know how many GPM it will pump.


The most important detail, the pump manufacturer, is never listed on these homeowner grade pressure washers. Good luck finding parts/gaskets if you need them ! In general, PW with a horizontal engine and pump seem to be better quality.


You get what you pay for.

 

[theoldwizard1]

There are plenty of 110V electric pressure washers. Not nearly as powerful as most gas pressure washers, but still useful.

Not for me. If you are washing cars or house siding, maybe,

I tried to use a cheap electric one to clean some mold off of a wood fence. I'll bet it took me almost 30 minutes to do one board !

 

[chrisexv6]

Electric start is a waste of money !

Classic "big box store" advertisement. Under specifications it says

• Maximum Operating Pressure: 3,100 PSI
• Motor Type: Electric

Clearly it is a gasoline engine and while it is nice to know that it can make a maximum of 3,100 PSI , It is more important to know how many GPM it will pump.


The most important detail, the pump manufacturer, is never listed on these homeowner grade pressure washers. Good luck finding parts/gaskets if you need them ! In general, PW with a horizontal engine and pump seem to be better quality.


You get what you pay for.

This too.

A long time ago I read an article that used "cleaning rating" so you could make an apples to apples comparison of different models, ratings, etc.

Cleaning rating = max rated psi * gpm flow.

So 3000psi at 1.5gpm was the same as 2000 psi at 2.25gpm. But since most people assume more psi = better, the 3000psi unit would sell better.

And pump brand is very important, unless you just want to buy a cheap unit and assume you'll never be able to fix it (planned obsolescence). I spent the extra $$ on a "DeWalt" unit that has a Honda commercial engine and a CAT triplex pump.

 

[Knurled Grip]

I was drawn to the gas one because I came across a disk shaped device that can be attached to the nozzle to make driveway and patio cleaning easier. Apparently it only works with gas pressure washers perhaps because of the flow rate.

That red disk attachment is worth 2-3x what they charge for it.

 

[PhilMeUp]

Hey philmeup is that blue car a Subaru with a bed? I have never seen one in the U.S. Like that before

Pretty sure that is a Ford Falcon. those UTEs are badass....dunno if the monero is still made.

Yep, Ford Falcon. Australian made.

Ford Performance Vehicles was the performance offshoot of Ford Australia. FPV shut last year, and Ford will stop making cars in Australia next year.

That one's an FPV Tornado - a performance version of the Falcon ute. The turbocharged 6 cylinder motor is quicker than most V8s. That one makes 270kW/362hp at the engine.

It was quite a mess when I bought it last year. Build thread: http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11429105

However, another one with a bunch of extra stuff ($9,000 of engine modifications) came up last week so I've bought that. The new one produces 353kW/473hp at the rear wheels...
http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11436333

 

[rick carpenter]

We bought a pull start Subaru-powered Coleman Powermate generator in 08. For the extremely intermittent uses we've needed of it since then, we are very happy with its performance. I'd bet you'll be happy with a Subaru power washer.

 

[shockwave]

Damn if they sold these in the U.S. I would have one

 

[NewShockerGuy]

I just bought this pressure washer over the weekend. Had I seen it in the add last month I would have picked it up then.

Oh well. I took back a 1-2 year old electric simpson power washer that I got from costco because it was leaking. So when this dies eventually it will just get returned or exchanged for the next model...lol I <3 Costco so much!

-Nigel

 

[MrBreeze]

IN general, another small engine to maintain. Would electric work in your situation?

I have an ancient version of this:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200347872_200347872

It must be 35 years old now. I took it off the cart and mounted it in the cellar up in the floor joists. I run the hose out the cellar window.

Change the pump oil every year, easy it being up high.

The benefits are, no risk of freezing, No small engine upkeep. No fumes. If I want to wash some small thing that will only take 2 minutes, I don't have to fuss with an engine.

_hitti

I had the same electric from Northern, purchased for the same reasons. Wasn't a problem with a proper extension cord to reach all that I needed. I ended up selling in a reduction of "stuff" prior to a move, but now I find myself needing a pressure washer again. The Home Depot in the area doesn't rent them and so I'm back trying to make a decision to buy a cheap (basically disposable) gas powered from Harbor Freight or invest again in a good quality electric with a decent pump. Have a lot of self-service car washes in the area, so my use will be even less than in past.

 

[Packard V8]

FWIW, I've got an 11hp Wisconsin/Subaru/Robin Simpson pressure washer which is at least fifteen years old and still starts and runs perfectly. No carb varnish, never seen any need for fuel additives.

jack vines

 

[honcho]

Does anyone have any experience with this item? http://m.costco.com/.product.100177740.html
On sale for $269. Electric start, Subaru engine.

My experience with Robin / Subaru engines has been good. I'll bet the pump is a cheap chinese unit though.


About 6 years ago, I purchased a Robin / Subaru powered pressure washer on clearance from Home Depot. The engine has been very reliable for both me and my son who has it at his home. I believe it is "Powerstroke" branded unit as well but it has a horizontal shaft engine. The pump has survived our limited use but it is a chinese pump and not a quality CAT or AR triplex style pump. If the pump fails, in all likelihood it will require replacement as support for chinese pumps is limited at best.

Last summer, I purchased on a whim a Ridgid pressure washer with a Fuel Injected Robin / Subaru engine and a CAT pump. The seller had purchased it a year earlier for one project and said that he tried to start it but couldn't get it running. The price was low enough for me to take a chance. Turns out that the fuel injected engine is very sensitive to oil levels as it uses crankcase vacuum for the injection system and the owner had overfilled the crankcase. That took a bit of searching on Google to find the answer. I'm not sure it will pan it to be a durable long term purchase because it appears Robin / Subaru has not really promoted the FI small engine. Fuel injections seems to work fine but maybe it scarcity is a result of high cost or just lack of market acceptance. This model of pressure washer seems to be the only place it was sold in any meaningful numbers.


However, for the size pressure washer you're considering, I would give some thought to a high quality electric as well. Problem is, you're unlikely to find an AR pressure washer in your local shops.

 

[sberry]

I use one every day, if mine died tomorrow would make payments on one if I had to.

 

[TipsyMcStagger]

BUMP

Is this the same unit the OP originally inquired about? No one ever really gave any feedback on these Subaru units.

3100 PSI x 2.4 GPH = 7440 Cleaning Units

Tipsy

 

[Loscaldazar]

BUMP

Is this the same unit the OP originally inquired about? No one ever really gave any feedback on these Subaru units.

3100 PSI x 2.4 GPH = 7440 Cleaning Units

Tipsy

Looks like it. Mine has been good for almost a year now. The wand (the straight tip doesn't spray nearly as far as others) is a bit of a let down compared to other ones I've used, but everything else is great.

 

[Monkey Milk]

Does anyone still have one of these? I got one with the wires pulled out of the connector and don't have anyway to figure it out. Email to subaru didn't help. I just need a picture of the wiring plug going to the FI carb.

thanks

 

[bsosborne1]

I've had a Subaru powered Ryobi Power washer that I have used commercially for years. I bought it expecting it to be a stop gap solution and yet its still going. The motor is great. Starts easy and has never giving me any trouble. The rest of the washer is ok, I had to replace the wand with a better one. I also ditched the included hose and bought a couple nice 50ft hoses which are much better.

Its funny just yesterday the original rope on the recoiler finally broke. That's the first thing I've ever had to fix on the motor. I would buy another one to replace it in a heart beat.

 

[NewShockerGuy]

Does anyone still have one of these? I got one with the wires pulled out of the connector and don't have anyway to figure it out. Email to subaru didn't help. I just need a picture of the wiring plug going to the FI carb.

thanks

I do. I will snap some pictures once I get home.

I was at Costco yesterday and it appears they improved on the older design.

The older model has the choke as a flimsy wire loop that you push in or pull out, where as the new unit has a flip switch like that on Echo products that you switch from Cold Start/Warm start/Off.

The older unit has the red push starter on the top of the unit that you click down then slide the button to crank it. The newer model has an actual round push starter button in the center. Looks a lot cleaner and simpler.

I wish mine stopped working so I could take it back to get the newer model with the newer features...lol other than that though it looks identical to what they had last year. As long as this keeps working then I'm happy with it.

I am sometimes annoyed at the electric start as it seems to crank sometimes and then nothing other times. Almost like the battery has died, and I have to wait a couple minutes to crank it again using the electric start.

-Nigel

 

[Monkey Milk]

I do. I will snap some pictures once I get home.

-Nigel

Thanks Nigel

 

[Beowulf]

These are on sale again for $269

 

[Vinko]

I was checking these out myself. Came here to post an inquiry but see a thread already started. There were several longish threads about pressure washers with a few links to good sites that sell and have all the specs. I feel down the rabbit hole of reading up on them, and instead just borrowed a relatives who isn't using it. A Generac w/Honda engine. So far, so good. But I really should get my own. I need it to hose down metal framing and concrete with a lot of grease and coolant and oil. Most reviews are positive. So far. Though many aren't very specific with application. A few DOA returns. Anyone find out the GPM on it?

 

[Beowulf]

I thought I saw it say on the box at Costco. 2.4gpm I think.

 

[Mgnu]

It's back again, $10 cheaper this season: $259

https://www.costco.com/PowerStroke-...-Electric-Start-Engine.product.100338562.html

Anyone have some longer term reviews they'd like to share?