Gas Pressure Washer Purchase

[halcyon0]

Hello All.

I am about to take the plunge and purchase a gas pressure washer.
So far the choice is between the Homedepot Dewalt DXPW 3025, Dewalt DPW3835, or the Rigid RD80905.

I am unsure to go with a Dewalt Honda motor and General Triplex pump, or the Rigid Subaru motor and Cat pump.

I also have a HotBox diesel fired hot water heater that I may occasionally hook up to the washer depending if I need hot water to clean otherwise, I'll just run it cold. The HotBox is rated for 3000psi. Not sure if the higher model Dewalt 3800PSI will be usable on it.

Any suggestions?

 

[jamesemery728]

Don't know anything about Home Depot's machines but Northern has a decent line they call Northstar. Honda engines and CAT pumps seem like a winner to me.

 

[fr0mastaj]

Go with the Ridgid/Subaru/Cat model... you will not be disappointed. I have the 3000psi version (forgot model #) and it always starts on the first pull and is a beast.

 

[halcyon0]

I was debating the Rigid model. I wish that Dewalt used the Cat pumps as I like the Honda motors.
How does the Subaru motor compare to the Honda? Are the General Triplex pumps that bad?

 

[theoldwizard1]

A lot of pump says NO HOT WATER !

If that is important, you had better read the "fine print" in the owners manual up front !

 

[halcyon0]

The pressure washer actually would connect after the heater.
The pressurized water would enter the heater and then come out into the gun/lance.

Hot water would not enter the pressure washer pump, so heat is not an issue.

Should I choose between a better pump or a better motor? Honda vs Subaru or Cat pump vs General Triplex?

 

[halcyon0]

Anyone have an opinion?

 

[buening]

I vote for the one with the CAT pump. The Subaru motors from my experience are a decent motor, comparable to the Honda. Much better than the Briggs motors. With that said, I have a 4000psi 4.0gpm pressure washer with the Honda 13hp and General EZ4040 pump and have had zero problems with it. I still prefer the CAT pumps though. http://www.pressuretek.com/didr4gpm40ps.html

 

[kbkna]

I have the Northstar 3800 PSI model, Cat pump, Honda 13 Hp engine. Starts on first try and it is a WORK HORSE! Had it over 6 yrs now and would recommend it.

 

[buening]

Here is a small discussion that may help: http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2011169

 

[williethewallet]

lawn mower shop owner & the guy that does repairs there for 30+ years
spend the money honda engine with cat pump(not a china copy)
if you have too but from home depot make sure it is honda powered gx series this is the one with the metal tank on top