Mid-grade pressure washer that isn't junk?

[wahoowad]

I want to get a gas pressure washer that is a step up from the big box store low end junk. I had a Karcher brand - maybe 2300 psi - for a few years and it was only barely adequate for cleaning my deck. And I always had issues with it.

I don't want to rent as I want it when I have time to use it, not when I had time to plan ahead. Here are some chores I have coming up:

• pressure clean my deck
• low power wash siding on 2 story house before painting house
• low power wash vinyl siding on mom's on 2 story house in another town

I figure renting for a couple days (not consecutive) will be 50% to 75% of just buying a decent quality unit. Anybody have any recommendations for a specific model?

 

[yeldogt]

Bought one of the midline Excel units with a horizontal Honda GX engine and a decent pump -- Have had it for many years. The only thing I have had to do is replace the gun after about 5 years. You want a pump that can flow enough water at the lower pressures for cleaning and still give high pressure and flow to clean concrete.

The cheaper units have less expensive engines or worse -- vertical.

 

[MarlynOC]

Look for GX Honda engine with either a CAT, A/R, General of Comet pump Northern Tools may have what you want.
BTW, I always remove the pump(four bolts) and store it inside during winter months. It is easy to mount or remove.

 

[sberry]

We had a link to one that was a pick from Pressure Wash Direct. About 800$ is the magic number here, needs about 7 HP or so to really work. It is really worth the extra money for this. Lasts so much longer and cleans a lot better, so much faster than a smaller one.

 

[sberry]

E3027HC 800$, a better one is 1600$ and it would actually be worth considering if a guy was going to do a lot of work. Some are plumbed for air blow out, you can also learn to **** anti freeze and re use it.

 

[Buckaroo5]

sberry - Also in need of a new pressure washer. I looked at the Power-Pro E3027HC and was comparing it to the PPS2533HCI which was a little cheaper. Why do think the E model is the way to go? Also, Presure Wash Direct is the best retailer? thanks, Buckaroo

 

[CJM8515]

Few years back bought an industrial type model from home depot with a subaru engine. The comparable honda was 250 more. So far its been great. Hardwater did the pump in a year ago and I replaced it. No other issues.

 

[cgrutt]

I have a Dewalt (one of the few Dewalt tools I own actually) and its been great. Honda GX engine and believe it has a CAT Industrial pump. Had it for several years but think it was about $800.

 

[Fyrme]

I had a Excell with a 13hp Honda GX390. It was a great machine. iirc, it was 4gpm at 3500psi. The only draw back to a gas PW is the noise. I sold it to buy a 240V 4.5gpm @ 2800psi, unit wit a diesel burner. It's AWESOME. Once you have heat, you'll wonder how you did without it. It does a better job using half the pressure, which can damage some things. However, it has a big drawback......It's not portable, but I've got 150' of hose that solves that problem most of the time.

 

[sberry]

At one time I picked thru the models but I forget. I just snapped that one up on general specs, look further. I would go for better pump and less on the engine, the pump doesn't know what drives it. My bud got one with a cheaper Briggs on it, more power that a but got with a Honda and the bigger engine really works a lot better.
I think Direct is a real place that has a shop, they assemble units. I talked to a tech there when I was doing a build and once we got on the same page he was helpful, said,, oh,,, this is what I use, how we do it etc. They have badic generic "house brand". I might have the guys name in some notes but ask to talk to tech, see what they reccomend.

 

[Fyrme]

Where are you located? I have a buddy that is a retailer of commercial PW's as well as builds custom units and refurbs units all the time.

 

[oilslick]

get the dewalt at homedepot during menards 11percent , they match. I love mine, has a Honda gx on it and really thumps.

 

[kenners]

I bought one years ago. It has a Honda engine and a Cat pump. When I was shopping that's what people recommended. That mix is gonna cost you some $$ though.

 

[BoostAddiction]

I have a Ryobi unit with a Honda engine. It never really worked well after the first year, and eventually after one winter wouldn't pump at all.

Took it to be repaired as it was still under warranty and it turns out the pump- which has key parts in plastic- had broken, apparently from freezing, as I had stored it in the shed outside.

With the new pump, and a permanent place in the basement, it has worked well ever since.

The moral? Don't buy a unit with cheap plastic pumps, or plan to keep the unit or the pump inside to protect it from freezing.

 

[sberry]

Yes, the hot has a lot of use, lot of things a guy can do with it. About 4 grand on the cheap end. Once a guy gets past the cost it gets hard to live without.
I have one in the shop and one in a truck with its own tanks.

 

[skipdup]

I've had this one for two years. Just used today. I'm very happy with it.
https://www.pressurewashersdirect.c..._update&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=product

 

[vtcat]

Make sure the pump is rebuildable,not disposable.

 

[sberry]

I've had this one for two years. Just used today. I'm very happy with it.
https://www.pressurewashersdirect.c..._update&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=product

Yes, I saw that. It looks pretty good. I don't care a lot about all the tips but the M22 hose *****, I like not and a minimum of 50 ft and 100 on a real is better.

 

[wahoowad]

For something like this I place a high value on being able to take it back to where I bought it, at least initially if it disappoints. For where I live that means Lowes or Tractor Supply, or I have a Home Depot about 45 minutes away that will work too.

What about this Simpson MegaShot model MSH3125-S that has a Honda GC190 engine and OEM Technologies Axial Cam Pump?

It is listed as the #1 seller at pressurewashersdirect, but also available at my Lowes. I can get 10% of at Lowes with my military discount.

 

[gregpack]

ignore brand of pressure washer.

The best have a Honda motor, a cat triplex pump, and are preferably belt driven. That setup will last thousands of hours.

ETA: Just checked and my local Home depot will rend you one for 96.00/day. A good mid level pressure washer is going to cost a lot more than that.

 

[strutaeng]

How about an electric unit?

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200350515_200350515

CAT pump and (I think) Leeson induction motor. There's also a 220V model with higher pressure/flow.

The build quality seems overkill for a homeowner, so I'm sure it will last decades with seasonal use. Also, no messing around with gas and carbs.

 

[slow]

Look for GX Honda engine with either a CAT, A/R, General of Comet pump Northern Tools may have what you want.
BTW, I always remove the pump(four bolts) and store it inside during winter months. It is easy to mount or remove.

I've got a Northstar, about 10 years old with a honda GC190 and comet pump (i think?) , quick connects and a horizontal shaft. Has been a great machine, priced right under $400 new. Not as good as the GX or other pump brands, but it is at least modular and worth repairing, vs the lawnmower vertical shaft throwaway units sold elsewhere.

 

[sberry]

If a guy is going electric I go for a 240V unit for use around ones own home. Park it somewhere warm and get a long hose on a reel. That thing is really dinky. The gas ones we were pointing at are 3gpm.
These are designed for 140 degree water in, while it isn't hot could help a little with cleaning power and cold weather.
What makes a unit like mine so good isn't really super high pressure but 5 gpm at 200 degrees especially in winter weather.

 

[RAS61]

Water Cannon and don't look back. I have their $400 semi pro model, awesome. Check out the reviews, then buy one.

 

[Parrothead]

There’s two ways to look at this. Get the Honda GX with the Triplex pump and be good to go for years

Or

And this is what I did, buy the Honda GCV with the axial cam pump for $300 and replace the pump IF it goes bad. I’ve had mine for 6 years and the pump is still good. I use mine at my house and rental, but because this topic came up last year, I checked and pump was $80 at Amazon. They’re easy to change.

The question becomes is it powerful enough for you and will you change the pump?

 

[TractorJeff]

Post 19 - Wait till LOWES runs their 11% rebate sale and put that on top of your Veterans discount! They never announce it, just need to keep an eye on small printed papers near the registers.
LOWES isn't my favorite but I have done this on big ticket items!

 

[theoldwizard1]

Get an oscillating spray tip.