Lets Talk about power washers

[Djstorm100]

Lets Talk about pressure washers

Been wanting to get one for some odd reason above the other items I've wanted for the house. Been looking at this from Northeren Tool. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200594734_200594734?isSearch=15775440

It has a good motor (honda) and from what I've read a pretty good pump (cast iron, brass end) but more importantly it is serviceable.

I would use to clean the house, concrete, cars, bikes, neighbor's cat that keeps walking on my cars.

 

[mobiledynamics]

GPM is where it's at. Not PSI. Shoot for 3.5-4GPM

 

[Djstorm100]

GPM is where it's at. Not PSI. Shoot for 3.5-4GPM

those are 1k or more. out of my rice range

 

[ddrewyor]

Both PSI and GPM are important. Units are rated in terms of "cleaning power" You need a balance of PSI and GPM to do certain jobs. As always, the bigger the better if it is adjustable. Costco used to have a unit made by Karcher that was a real good unit that had 3.0 gpm and ~3200 PSI (9600 CP) (around $650). My neighbor bought it and it blew my Generac away. My Generac is 2700psi and 3GPM (8100CP). Mine will still peel off wood and pieces of concrete if not careful, just in smaller increments. The pumps made in Italy that are brass are suppposedly good and rebuildable. Can't beat one with a Honda motor. Good luck,

 

[Stevie-Ray]

I have a DeVilbiss 2500PSI with a Honda motor on it and had it serviced only once for issues. The repairman told me not to be fooled by Honda motors, as the ones on pressure washers are mostly junk, in his opinion, of course. Don't have anything to compare it to, but it's worked well for me, other than once. He had a hell of a time with the carburetor.

 

[1Garageman]

HomeDepot has this one on sale, at our place. I think this is a pretty good deal for $379.
Simpson Honda GCV190 MegaShot 3000-PSI 2.4-GPM Gas Pressure Washer

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-Honda-GCV190-MegaShot-3000-PSI-2-4-GPM-Gas-Pressure-Washer-MSV3025-S/203177496?N=5yc1vZbxdjZ1z0zy8v

 

[cdestuck]

I took several small engine repair classes and I can recall my instructor telling us to stay away from any PW that has a pump mounted under the engine. Poor design and quality, better to have a pump mounted beside the engine

 

[Architorture]

I have the 3300pai 3gpm ridgid...I think it is a Subaru motor with a cat pump...it's worked pretty well for about 3 years now

 

[McKay]

Agreed. For what you are wanting you want the GPM not really the pressure. Been there done that with a few washers. Currently running a hot water machine at 5 GPM and 3500 PSI.

 

[Joe69]

The lower priced ones won't take "dead-heading" the pump. Don't let them run long without pulling the trigger. The pump will self destruct. If you must lay the wand down, shut the engine off. That's the key to making them live.

Joe

 

[mrhorspower]

Honda...Subaru...
Briggs and Stratton makes pressure washers under their name as well as the Brute brand. Give them a look.
Also look for ones with AR pumps as Grainger and other have parts for them.

 

[GRN96WS6]

I've had this one for about a year now and have had no issue with it, the idle down leaves a little to be desired but overall it works for all I've used it for. I use it to wash cars, clean the house and concrete patio, drive, sidewalk, and stairs.


http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-31...e-Down-RY80940/203615829?N=5yc1vZbxdjZ1z0zy8v

 

[usa#1]

I don't know him much work you would be willing to put into a pressure washer but if you check CL you may be able to find a broken unit that has a good engine and frame (but bad pump) with hoses etc in the $50.00 range. I had a 6.5 hp pressure washer with a good horizontal shaft Briggs motor that I used for about 6 or more years. Pump went bad and to replace with an equivalent new pressure washer was going to run in the $700.00 range. I purchased a comet pump (unloader included) for about $200.00. Took about 15 minutes to change the pump. The comet pump works better than the original. YMMV

 

[williethewallet]

spend the money on anything with a honda gx series engine
gcv with plastic junk throw away
if it has a metal fuel tank on top your picking the right one
also horizontal shaft only
comming for owner of a small engine shop for 25+ years
good luck

 

[theoldwizard1]

GPM is where it's at. Not PSI. Shoot for 3.5-4GPM

I agree with everything he says except the GPM. Minimum is 2.0. More is better.

Stick with a name brand pump (CAT, AR, Comet, etc) that you can get parts for. Horizontals seem to last longer than vertical pumps.

 

[Streetbu]

Managing a small engine shop I've condemned quite a few of them. 99% are the "cheap" vertical shaft under $300 size units. Almost all of those have been because of improper storage and use. People put them away in their shed with out draining the water, cracks the pump. and using well water will fill them with minerals and cause the unloader to stick or even seize. Pumps on the cheap units aren't rebuildable and cost around $190 for the part alone. Like others have said, horizontal shaft, decent engine, Italian made pump ideally and regular care & it will last you a long time.

 

[Lombie]

HomeDepot has this one on sale, at our place. I think this is a pretty good deal for $379.
Simpson Honda GCV190 MegaShot 3000-PSI 2.4-GPM Gas Pressure Washer

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-Honda-GCV190-MegaShot-3000-PSI-2-4-GPM-Gas-Pressure-Washer-MSV3025-S/203177496?N=5yc1vZbxdjZ1z0zy8v

I think the same unit is currently on $30 rebate at Costco. $299 - $30 = $269. Or buy online and they tack on $110 for delivery. Not the greatest unit out there, for certain, but an amazing value at $270, especially with Costco's warranty policy.

-Lombie

 

[NKlamerus]

Re: Lets Talk about pressure washers

We have had the Generac orange one for 3 years now. Use it 5/7 days a week to clean bounce houses and water slides.

It does wonders, I would STRONGLY recommend getting a washer with a pressure adjuster. This one has a knob in the front so you choose.

Just be careful you don't get the hose too close to the exhaust.

Our troy built worked great for 5 years....but then would eat shaft keys in a day....

 

[NKlamerus]

Re: Lets Talk about pressure washers

This one...You can see knob on the front.

But the hose holder ain't worth bit a few laughs...

 

[Handoogies]

My Dad has a pretty snazzy one from Kaiser (I think, the body is yellow), every time I borrow it I like to first consume a few adult beverages then put on the headphones and go to town on the driveway/walls/walkpaths around my home. I may have to buy one to keep in my own house permanently; they are that much fun to use for someone with OCD like me.

 

[txst]

I second the Generac "One Wash" above. The adjustable pressure is great for a variety of surfaces. And it is has been bulletproof.

 

[Djstorm100]

I'm debating between these.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Generac-...r-5993/204223451?N=5yc1vZbxdjZ1z0tkgqZ1z0zy8v

http://www.lowes.com/pd_516791-9368...ntURL=?Ns=p_product_price|0&page=1&facetInfo=

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Generac-...re-Washer-6590/205143591?N=5yc1vZbxdjZ1z0tkgq

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-...-Washer-PS3228/203448615?N=5yc1vZbxdjZ1z0tkgq

 

[AnthonyJ124]

Re: Lets Talk about pressure washers

I like the generac stuff, but after keeping an eye on a couple sears stores, I found gold the morning I went in and got a last years 2700psi gas washer for $150.

The bigger advantage in my mind to craftsman stuff is parts availability. But I've never looked for generac parts, so my claim could be unfounded.

 

[Streetbu]

Generac parts are ONLY available directly from Generac. So good look with that. We have a stationary generator for work that uses a 4cyl Mitsubishi engine. Distributor cap & rotor were $150 and only available from them because the engine was never imported into the US except thru Generac.

 

[AV8OR]

Have you looked at the DeWalt line at Home Depot?

This one comes in just shy of $1k.

 

[csonni]

I know this thread is almost 2 years old, but I have just ordered a Simpson ALH-3228-S (3200 PSI and 2.8 GPM)- almost the same one that Djstorm100 above was looking at- with an aircraft aluminum frame. I've ordered some accessories such as a Suttner ST2305 Trigger Gun and a Chemical Guys MTM Foam Cannon. The pressure washer comes with a 5/16 inch pressure hose which is not a very common size such as the 1/4 and 3/8 inch. I am trying to gather together some of the plugs and quick connect couplers before the unit arrives. Which plug and QC coupler would go with the 5/16 inch hose? I see there are plenty of 1/4 and 3/8 inch fittings but no 5/16 inch. What am I missing? The 5/16 inch hose looks like it has 1/4 inch plug and coupling. What concerns me is, how would I connect it to an accessory (foam cannon) which may have a 3/8 inch plug?
Also, would it be a mistake to fit a 3/8 inch hose to this unit that is only pushing 2.8 GPM?

 

[DCarr2]

Regardless of what pressure washer you buy, get a zero tip that spins, home depot sells them for like $40. they work AMAZING, however u need to be especially careful as they can really tear things up

 

[csonni]

I'll definitely check that out.

 

[1Garageman]

Regardless of what pressure washer you buy, get a zero tip that spins, home depot sells them for like $40. they work AMAZING, however u need to be especially careful as they can really tear things up

+1 They are very good!

 

[csonni]

I'm thinking I would need the 3.0 orifice. I see Simpson has one that is good for up to 3400 PSI (80155). I'm a bit confused on the orifice numbers. Is it the larger the number, the wider the orifice? Simpson also makes on for up to 5000 PSI with a 4.0 orifice (80156). I think the 3.0 would be fine, no?

 

[bmxdukie]

GPM is where it's at. Not PSI. Shoot for 3.5-4GPM

I'm a dealer of a major brand..And bang on for gpm.
Plus all hondas are not created equal. Just google where are honda engines made.

 

[over40pirate]

I'm a dealer of a major brand..And bang on for gpm.
Plus all hondas are not created equal. Just google where are honda engines made.

I agree about gpm and Honda motors.
Ihe first pressure washer I used, was a rental unit a tenant, who rented tool, brought home for me to use.
It had the Honda GX commercial motors. He told me if it didnt start in 2-3 pulls it needs repair.
Since then I have bought a few Honda powered machines )GX otors) and love them.
A turbo nozzle makes them even better.

 

[dirtybrownracing]

I have really enjoyed my Generac OneWash pictured above

 

[redmondjp]

Yup - the turbo nozzle is awesome on hard surfaces. But you have to be very careful on softer materials like wood and plastic decking. If you have a concrete patio or walkway with wood divider strips, you can seriously erode the wood away with one of these tips.

 

[AV8OR]

If you are limited by having a 110v electric power washer and you want to leave the unit near the plug to avoid using an extension cord is there any benefit in over sizing the pressure hose from 1/4" to a larger hose like 3/8" to extend your reach out to 50 feet or more?

Is there a line loss on a long hose run that can be overcome by having a larger hose?

 

[fred d]

I have a 25hp 5.9gpm 4000 psi mounted on a trailer with a heater that makes it 200+ degrees.
I use this commercially to do houses, parking lots and banks.

If it was me and I was just doing my own house.....I would rent.

Don't have to store it, don't have to keep the carb clean, no worries
Just my $.02

 

[chrispyny]

I'm thinking I would need the 3.0 orifice. I see Simpson has one that is good for up to 3400 PSI (80155). I'm a bit confused on the orifice numbers. Is it the larger the number, the wider the orifice? Simpson also makes on for up to 5000 PSI with a 4.0 orifice (80156). I think the 3.0 would be fine, no?

Orifice size depends on 2 things. Your units rated gpm, and pressure.

Go here to calculate your proper orifice size.

http://www.pressureparts.com/NozzleCalculator.aspx

By the way, incorrectly oversizing even by one size will make your units performance suffer dramatically. Incorrectly undersizing the nozzle orifices can destroy your pump due to overpressures.

Don't make a mistake. Use the calculator.

 

[Lopott]

Dirt Killer Unit.
Kranzle pump mated to a Honda engine.
Even use at the lake as it does not need pressure from a hose just water supply.
Bought at pawn shop in Baltimore. This was after having 2 direct drives die on me.

 

[csonni]

Don't make a mistake. Use the calculator.

I had ordered the 3.0 orifice. Just checked back here and saw the calculator link you posted. Put in my specs and it came up with 3.5 orifice. I hadn't seen any 3.5 available online where I made the purchase. I see that some of them are only rated to 3000 PSI. Probably fine for my 3200. So the big question- should I not use the 3.0 orifice of which I already purchased? That baby was $40, but it's rated for 3400 PSI.

Just got my PW today and love it. Good thing I had ordered a hose separately because the thing didn't even come with the hose. I called Simpson and they said one will get sent out immediately under warranty (not that I really need the 5/15 inch 25 foot hose). The one I posted above works great. The Honda GX200 fired up and purred after the 2nd pull. Plenty of power to spare for what I use it for.

 

[csonni]

Just wondering how hot to the touch a PW water pump should get when in operation. I notice it does get quite warm even when water is flowing. I have the sight glass for checking the oil level. When not running, the oil is at the half way point right on the center dot, but, when running, it drops below. I saw one video where the guy says that if it drops below you should add more oil. To me, that would be overfilling it. I know you shouldn't leave the PW running for very long without water flowing. So, what is considered too hot by the touch?