I need a new pressure washer

[That Guy Scott]

What’s everyone’s recommendation for a gas pressure washer? I will be using it for basic, household chores. I have looked at everything from the big box stores to legit, expensive Honda/Cat pump models in the $1500 range. I used a Ryobi at work yesterday, and it had a lot of gadgets, priced well, but I’m curious about durability. I know the Honda’s with a triplex pump probably have a longer life expectancy and higher GPM’s. What says GJ?

 

[driftpin]

My friend sells and repairs pressure washers, and he sells the Honda-engined systems the most. His customers are mostly small-business tradesmen.

Like any tool, choose the right tool for the job. If you're covering hundreds of square-feet, like concrete patios and walkways, you're not gonna do that with a wand, you're gonna want one of those revolving-wand inside a round head systems. Sorry, I don't know the name, but I'm sure you know what I mean.

Occasional use and not-much area covered, a wand in a reasonably-priced setup should work. You could always lease the area-blaster when you needed one.

OK, I looked it up: surface cleaners
https://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/stories/199-How-To-Pick-the-Perfect-Surface-Cleaner.html

 

[rmsg0040]

I got a Generac, surprisingly the motor is made in USA, pump is China

 

[Parrothead]

I bought a Homelite Honda with the GCV engine 8 years ago and it’s been great for my home, rental property and some work situations. I knew the axial cam pumps were the supposed shortfall, but I also know they can be replaced for under $100. Mines been great with no sign of failure, but even if you told me I needed a pump every 10 years, I’d still buy it.

How many pumps would I need in a residential application to equal the cost difference of a triplex pump?

The biggest thing is to care for them. ALWAYS make sure there is water going through it, don’t let the hose kink, and shut the engine down, but still let the water flow through the wand. I use a Velcro strap when I’m done to let it flow for a few minutes. The biggest enemy of the pumps is heat. That’s it.

At the end of the season I run the tank dry and in the spring I run B12 Chemtool through it. Runs great every year.

 

[NitroShark]

I bought this about 2 years ago. It's nice and almost too powerful. Will run a 20" floor cleaner easy. Need to be careful how and where you point it.


NorthStar Gas Cold Water Pressure Washer — 4,000 PSI, 3.5 GPM, Honda Engine, Model# 15782020

 

[mikegt4]

Sometimes you get lucky even with the cheap stuff. I bought an Excell PW at WalMart (Tecumseh powered w/Giant pump) and used it for 23 years before the plastic valves failed in the pump. The replacement parts that I needed were hard to find (basically NLA) and expensive. I bought a current version of the same Giant pump, bolted it on and am now working on the second 23 years. The old Tecumseh still starts with a couple of pulls. Of course I don't use it every day, just general residential use and washing my sailboat hulls at the end of the season.

 

[theoldwizard1]

The good pump bodies are made in Italy (????). AR, Comet, FAIP, etc. You will also notice that the better pumps are "triplex" and have a horizontal shaft. Axial/vertical pumps are basically "disposable".

Everyone brags about pressure but it is GPM that gets the job done. 2 GPM is an absolute minimum. 3 GPM is much better.

You can usually find a "homeowner" model (axial, vertical shaft pump) very cheap in spring with a bad pump (not properly winterize and cracked from freezing). A direct replacement is around $150 (online source). You need ate least 5 HP motor. For occasional home usage, this is adequate.

For a "prosumer" model check Vortexx. Frames welded, painted and final assembly in the US.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

I have a Karcher, works fine. Would a buy one again, no. Connectors etc are proprietary to Karcher. Can’t go to the local hardware, farm store for some parts. The Honda engine is great.

 

[joe_pinehill1]

I was lucky to find a Troybilt on Craigslist, a 2700psi unit for $100, like new, its works fine for home use.

 

[zmotorsports]

I purchased a Stihl RB600 a couple of years ago and it is hands down the best small portable pressure washer I have owned. I love this thing as it is so smooth and quiet. Everything on this is high quality, from the frame to the engine and pump to the hose and wand.

 

[orangeblood]

The good pump bodies are made in Italy (????). AR, Comet, FAIP, etc. You will also notice that the better pumps are "triplex" and have a horizontal shaft. Axial/vertical pumps are basically "disposable".

old wizz

what about "FNA Group" as a replacement pump maker? ....dont mean to hijack the thread but i am trying to replace a pump and it seemed like you had some expertise on replacment pumps.

 

[theoldwizard1]

what about "FNA Group" as a replacement pump maker?

I got a cheap homeowner PW that quit working after a couple of years. (Yes, it was winterized !) I called one of the big online PW sellers and they had a replacement. Brand unknown, but it fit and it works !

 

[Testosteroneod]

I’m happy with my Yamaha I bought from Costco. Granted, I’ve not had it for long but I’ve used it about ten times now and it’s started right up each time. Came with the concrete sweeper attachment all for like $340 or so.

 

[Badger 13]

I'm in the same boat looking for a new pressure washer, and have been researching the heck out of them. I like the Honda GX engines and CAT pumps which are on a lot of the "pro" models. I came across the Yamaha PS3028 and like everything about, but the price. I know for what I want will be in the $700 - $900. range, but just hard to justify that much for the amount of time I would use it. But as the old saying goes, you get what you pay for, and buy once and cry once. I'm really leaning towards the Yamaha, but also open to suggestions.

 

[Parrothead]

I'm in the same boat looking for a new pressure washer...I like the Honda GX engines and CAT pumps which are on a lot of the "pro" models....I know for what I want will be in the $700 - $900. range, but just hard to justify that much for the amount of time I would use it. But as the old saying goes, you get what you pay for, and buy once and cry once. I'm really leaning towards the Yamaha, but also open to suggestions.

I’ll just point out, that unless you’re going to really be using it often, the $300 Honda powered pressure washer is hard to beat. If you’re really worried about the pump, because you don’t have to worry about the engine, buy an extra pump and put it on the shelf till you need it. You’re into the machine for less than $400 and will last many, many years.

I use mine for my house, rental, pontoon and help other family members when they need it. It gets more use than a single homeowner pressure washer, but nowhere near professional use either.

Good luck and enjoy whatever you choose.

 

[nbpt100]

I skimmed this real fast so I may be repeating some advice. It sounds like you do not need an expensive one. For occasional home use, right? The motors are all pretty good. Or good enough. You pay up for the Honda name. The pump is the weak link as I believe some have said. Take care of it and and store it in a place that will not freeze if you at all can. Never run the engine with out water going to the pump and it has been purged of air. This is the biggest mistake people make. They think they can warm up the engine while they are connecting the water hose to it. Use the inlet water screen too. A lot of times they fall out and people dont replace them. These are the reasons why you see so many on CL for cheap with blown pumps. Along with freezing water cracking something in the off season.

They use a ton of water in a short period of time. A lot of it can be wasted. A 2.3 to 2.8 GPM is usually fine for occasional home use.
But......
If money is not an issue for you get the Stihl for $ 900.

 

[X1 Mike]

The most important thing to me is to make sure it is easy to use. Check this thread out for quick disconnects.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=431383

 

[JLee50]

What’s everyone’s recommendation for a gas pressure washer? I will be using it for basic, household chores. I have looked at everything from the big box stores to legit, expensive Honda/Cat pump models in the $1500 range. I used a Ryobi at work yesterday, and it had a lot of gadgets, priced well, but I’m curious about durability. I know the Honda’s with a triplex pump probably have a longer life expectancy and higher GPM’s. What says GJ?

Did you decide on one? I am currently debating between these two--

Simpson MegaShot MS60773-S 2800 PSI 2.3 GPM @ $299
Simpson Powershot 60843 4400 PSI, 4 GPM @ $679

(both at Lowe's - can't link due to insufficient post count).

I'm uncertain if I'll really gain much by going to the bigger model at over twice the price - my use will be cleaning concrete and asphalt, cars, and my house (siding/deck).

 

[rtz]

No mention of the 4400psi, 4.2gpm machine?

https://www.harborfreight.com/4400-...ommercial-duty-pressure-washer-epa-64931.html

 

[ChrisLS8]

No mention of the 4400psi, 4.2gpm machine?

https://www.harborfreight.com/4400-...ommercial-duty-pressure-washer-epa-64931.html

Haven't seen that. Predator motors overall are solid, Italian triplex and a two year warranty to boot. Looks decent

 

[JLee50]

No mention of the 4400psi, 4.2gpm machine?

I'm admittedly not overly familiar with HF's pressure washer line, but I'd prefer to go the Simpson route - near-identical specs, $150 cheaper, and a much longer warranty.

 

[TLCObsession]

The good pump bodies are made in Italy (????). AR, Comet, FAIP, etc. You will also notice that the better pumps are "triplex" and have a horizontal shaft. [/URL]. Frames welded, painted and final assembly in the US.

I agree with the above. When My CAT pump died, it was cheaper to buy a new AR pump than it was to buy the rebuild kit for the CAT. If it was my business I might buy the CAT.... I use mine quite a bit and am happy with it.

 

[Parrothead]

Did you decide on one? I am currently debating between these two--

Simpson MegaShot MS60773-S 2800 PSI 2.3 GPM @ $299
Simpson Powershot 60843 4400 PSI, 4 GPM @ $679

(both at Lowe's - can't link due to insufficient post count).

I'm uncertain if I'll really gain much by going to the bigger model at over twice the price - my use will be cleaning concrete and asphalt, cars, and my house (siding/deck).

I’d go with the Simpson MegaShot with the Honda GCV. It’s basically the same as the Homelite I bought. Zero complaints from me.

 

[metlmunchr]

Did you decide on one? I am currently debating between these two--

Simpson MegaShot MS60773-S 2800 PSI 2.3 GPM @ $299
Simpson Powershot 60843 4400 PSI, 4 GPM @ $679

If you check the reviews on Amazon for that $679 machine, they're not very good. Not surprising, as good quality washers in the 4gpm+ and 4000 psi+ range typically cost $1100 and up.

I've got 2 pressure washers. One is 3gpm @ 3300 psi, and the other is 2.6gpm @ 3000 psi. Both have Subaru engines and Cat triplex pumps. Bought the first one on sale for $725. Ran across the second one on Facebook marketplace in like new condition for $150, so I bought it even though I didn't need it. In cleaning concrete, asphalt, wood decks, and most anything else where a washer will save time, I've never found an instance where I felt like I needed more volume or pressure.

IMO, for typical homeowner use, the first one you listed would be adequate. Most people who use 4000+ psi washers are either in a commercial pressure washing business or they have some application, such as removing paint or graffiti, that requires the high pressure. FWIW, a 4000 psi washer can hit a defect in paint and peel off a piece the size of a sheet of paper in the blink of an eye. For general all around use, they're about the equivalent of using a 30-06 for squirrel hunting.