Educate me on pressure washers

[Dig Doug]

Where do you live where E0 fuel is $20/gal? Our E0 is 93 octane and around $3.40/gal IIRC. Even without ethanol, it makes sense to add stabilizer and not allow the fuel to sit in an unsealed jug or tank for more than a couple months.

San Diego ca….

The place with all that great weather….

 

[Dig Doug]

I bring back Ethanol free fuel from Arizona - try to keep about 10 gallons on hand for lawn mower & emergency or power outage - generator

 

[bobg03]

In the early 90's I wanted a good gas power washer to clean my split level home, the two level deck, the camper and the boat I was tired of the cheaper gas one I had but didn't like the ones at the Big Box stores as I didn't think they were any better than what I had. my budget was a max of $600 and a commercial one was too much $$.

I ended up at the John Deere dealer and he had a JD branded one with a Honda and Cat pump, it was $625. I asked him if it would last if taken care of, he showed me his shop washer used commercially at the business and that it was over 20 years old, never a problem. He met me at $625 out the door with nozzles which were extra.

Fast forward to 2003, I got divorced we sold the house and I didn't need it at my condo. I left it at my Brothers and hes used it often and wanted to buy it. In 2010 when I purchased property in SC to build he finally convinced me and got it for $400. In 2015 I needed one here and the JDs were not the same and more $$$ for less washer so I purchased a 3300 simpson with a Honda and it's been fine for the last 9 years. My brother still has and uses the JD and it's now over 30 years old.

As I age and things become difficult I have thought about an electric for the cars and small stuff and like the Ryobi, but really want to use the Ridgid 18V battery line or M12 that I have now, any thoughts? Does anyone make adaptors?

 

[Hilltopmasonry]

Guessing it is the canned stuff sold in stores

That’s the only option where I live in Illinois

 

[Sumboodie]

Fine if you're sure you got all the water out. I lost a Hypro pump when I thought it was OK. Take them all off now, just to be safe.....only four bolts on most.

Been doing it for many years without trouble. Keeps them from corroding too

 

[thool]

Been doing it for many years without trouble. Keeps them from corroding too

Will consider this in the fall. Right now, I use the pump saver and give the recoil a few slow pulls to work it through the pump.

 

[Sumboodie]

Will consider this in the fall. Right now, I use the pump saver and give the recoil a few slow pulls to work it through the pump.

I just give it a few glugs of whatever oil is easy to grab.

I need to replumb my Landa so I can blow it out. The yard hose just fills a ~5 gallon tank that uses toilet floats (haha) and the pump ***** from that.

 

[Hache-eLle]

As I age and things become difficult I have thought about an electric for the cars and small stuff and like the Ryobi, but really want to use the Ridgid 18V battery line or M12 that I have now, any thoughts? Does anyone make adaptors?

Yes, lots of battery adaptors from all brands to Ryobi.

 

[cnc-me]

I am looking to purchase a pressure washer for personal use. The tasks will include cleaning the house, vehicles, and driveway/sidewalks. Not sure whether to go electric or gas? Is there such a thing as overkill? Features? Budget is $300-$400.

Here's my shop built unit, I think I have less than $400 in the whole thing.
Mostly all brand new parts, with some stuff from my old unit that I built in the 1980's
It uses the same pump as MI-T-M's commercial units, that lasts for years on end.
Also has the 6-1/2 HP Predator engine, so far everything works great, with 2 years of running.
3200 PSI makes the ole Predator snort, when using full pressure but it does a fine job.