I know, another Pressure Washer thread

[Terra Nova]

Starting to research a pressure washer purchase to be used for general around the house chores. Cleaning siding, decks, garage, driveway, cars, et. What I've seen so far points to avoiding the residential models with axial pumps and finding one with a triplex pump. I've sorta narrowed it down to two 'pro-sumer' models. The Simpson Powershot or the Generac 6590. They have basically the same pressure and GPM (3100 psi and 2.8 GPM)

Both have triplex pumps with ceramic pistons. The Generac has the benefit of adjustable pressure. The Simpson has a GX Honda engine. choices

I read a few bad reviews regarding the pump on the Simpson (AAA 8.7GA12 pump) The Generac uses an AR pump from what I can find (Annovi Vererberi RSV 3G31).


Simpson is $499 at Sam's and the Generac is $539 at home depot right now.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

vs

 

[fatfillup]

Tried to post in this yesterday but we lost electric before I could hit the post button.

First, I have 30 years in the sale and service of industrial pressure washers to lend credence to my opinion.

Honda GX is the only way to go. No Honda GC's or any other motor come close.

As far as the pump, it's probably more important in how you treat the pump then what brand you buy. You are correct in staying away from axial pumps. Triplex crankshaft pumps are superior.

First, don't let the pump run in bypass for more then 30 sec. to one minute. Bypass is with the motor running and the trigger shut off. Heat will build up and prematurely wear the packings.

Second, never ever loan the machine to anyone, including your best friend. It will come back broke. If it is a good buddy, go and clean whatever it is with him to protect your machine.

Don't hammer the trigger on and off like a 6 shooter, it wears the unloader valve.

Don't run over the hose.

Don't let the machine freeze in winter with water in it.

I don't really deal in machines in this price category so I can't get real specific, but AR pumps are decent and I like General Pump's TT series of pumps. I would shy away from Comet and Cat's lower end pumps don't thrill me. Mi-T-M has a pump they have made in China that doesn't look bad. I actually repaired one and bought one to stick on the shelf. I will be building that one soon as I got a 6.5 GX Honda with a blown pump. We will see how it holds up.

 

[kctyphoon]

here - this is where i go to look around and learn anything pressure washer related.
http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/


to be completely honest with you, the way you care for the machine is more important than what engine is on it.. ive NEVER heard of an engine failing on anything really, and many manufacturers use a vairiety of different engines depending on the model. change the oil in the engine and the pump every season, purge the air before starting the unit, and after you disconnect the hoses pull the start cord a few times to purge water from the pump. use pump saver before storing for the winter, drain the fuel or add stabilizer...

i have a 3800psi john deere model with a briggs and straton on it that ive used for like 5 years or so.. ive never once turned the pressure down - i honestly dont know why anyone would need to cause all you need to do is hold the wand a few inches further away from whatever your washing to decrease the pressure.. CAT pumps are suppose to be more deseriable - but any will do fine if this is just for home. its not like your running the machine for 7 hours a day..

suggestions - a 50' hose for starters - it will make your life much easier. i bought this one - Raptor Blast 4000 PSI BLACK Wire Braid Pressure Washer Hose 50' w/ Couplers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0053GICUG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
make sure your hoses dont hit the muffler while you are using them.

i also STRONGLY suggest getting a surface cleaning attachment ($60-$70 or so) if you have sidewalks to clean. it will cut your cleaning time down by 2/3 or more.. i also suggest getting a water broom.. it does a great job for light cleaning, and works great with the surface cleaner.. the surface cleaner will lift all the dirt off the sidewalk, but the dirty water will just sit on the sidewalk and start to settle back down - the broom works great to push all that away.

if you just want to decide between the two - i would go with the generac, but there is also a 3400 psi Dewalt model with honda engine in HD for $599 also that might be worth considering

edit - that generac is also the #1 selling model on pressure washer's direct in the category you are looking in.

 

[magicrat]

I got the biggest dewalt one at home depot awhile back...Its Awsome...I think its a rebadged honda....So i guess Honda in Awsome too.

 

[fatfillup]

3 ways to adjust pressure without adjusting the unloader

As KC said, step back
Slow down the motor
Use a nozzle with a bigger orifice,,,,,,,,,larger the hole, the less the pressure.

I will disagree on KC's comment on motors. I have seen enough failures of non GX Hondas to only want a GX. But I probably see a lot more motors then KC does and likely they would have higher use. The rest of his advice is sound.

Magicrat, not sure what you mean by a rebadged Honda. If you are referring to the entire unit, don't believe Honda makes a complete pressure washer, just the motors. If you are referring to the engine, seriously doubt its a rebadge but a Chinese copy.

 

[garandman]

if you just want to decide between the two - i would go with the generac, but there is also a 3400 psi Dewalt model with honda engine in HD for $599 also that might be worth considering

edit - that generac is also the #1 selling model on pressure washer's direct in the category you are looking in.

Simpson makes DeWalt, all same except for color. In the search I did 85% buy the Simpson.

We have the 3400psi ($599) and the pump failed, probably from freezing. Ordered a new one for $253 as the repair shop estimated $200-$350 for repair.

 

[Cf mtn]

before deciding on the generac, i would take a closer look at the engine, i'm a big fan of honda gx for ease of sevice (when needed). fatfill make's VERY good points, very well said, couldn't agree more!

 

[Tripn88]

I have the simpson model. It was 400 on Amazon shipped but my local tractor supply had it for 350 but they have different pumps between the to models. I suppose it depended on where it was sold or the online model vs in store model. I love it. Although it is much smaller than I thought it would be and sits below my knees haha. Vibrates and moves around on concrete.