NorthStar Electric Pressure Washer.

[Mudbone]

I need to get a pressure washer. I have been checking out Craigslist and Ebay, but to be honest I am not looking forward to having yet another small gas engine in my life. Seems like I always have at least one that doesn't want to crank or needs some work. I have used one of the Karcher electrics before and it got the job done but it's mostly plastic and I wonder how long it will last. I was reviewing the different NorthStar models at Northern Tool and came across a few electric models that appear to use the same pump as the gas models. This is the biggest one they make that will run on 120V.

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


This doesn't have the PSI of some of the gas models, but then I have watched my neighbor blow holes in his siding with his 4000 PSI washer. With the right cord and hose I should be able to reach anywhere on my property.

If you have any experience with NorthStar electric pressure washers I would like to hear what you think.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Anything above 2000 PSI is fine.

After that GPM is more important. 1.5 GPM is on the low side. To get more you will have to go to 240V.

I am not looking forward to having yet another small gas engine in my life. Seems like I always have at least one that doesn't want to crank or needs some work

This one cost $200 less and has a Honda engine (best in class).

Use Stabil or drain the tank when you are putting it away for the winter. Don't forget to blow out the pump/hose/gun or put pressure washer antifreeze in it.

 

[Mudbone]

Use Stabil or drain the tank when you are putting it away for the winter. Don't forget to blow out the pump/hose/gun or put pressure washer antifreeze in it.

Yeah I do that with my engines. Still have problems though. Mostly with the 2 cycles. Thanks for the antifreeze tip. I was mostly thinking about the engine and hadn't thought of that issue.

 

[MustangRick]

I have one of those Karchers, picked it up this spring so not a lot of use yet. It doesn't have a whole lot of power, but it will clean my vinyl siding and car just fine. It seems to be built pretty solid. If I was going to pay more then $300, I would definitely get a gas one though. Take it by one of those old small engine repair shops and have the old guy winterize it. Then if it has issues in the spring, he will fix it. I bet he can give you some pointers to get the winterization figure out. For me, I let them run out all the way in the fall and don't have an issue. I do not use gas that is more then 3 months old, I don't have any problems after I started doing that. Now, if I could get my mower batteries to last more then a year, I would be ecstatic.

 

[J Persons]

Now, if I could get my mower batteries to last more then a year, I would be ecstatic.

Get a float charger like the http://www.lectriclimited.com/battery-butler_mainpage.htm A float charger won't over charge the battery or boil out the electrolyte.
I was replacing the breakaway battery in my trailer about every 6 to 9 months before I got the float charger. Since I got the float charger I've had the same battery for about two years now and it's still good. I also use one on my John Deere mower battery.

 

[Long haul]

I have a Karcher thats about 15 years old an the only problem I had was the circuit board that controls the heater cracked an had to replace the hose a couple times. Other then those problems its been a great unit.

 

[geezer48]

im with you on the elect. i have a 4000psi gas ,i guess im getting to old to pull start a13hp robin .

 

[theoldwizard1]

... i guess im getting to old to pull start a13hp robin .

I have a 10hp B&S on a generator that I can start very easily on 1 or 2 pulls. My sister, who is 5 years older than I am and 110 lbs soaking wet, has the same generator and she can start it !!

SIL rented a stump grinder with a 13 hp Honda. Started easily on the first pull.

Both started easier than my 50 year old B&S 5hp without compression release !


The magic of compression release and electronic ignition !

 

[sberry]

Its just so small, only so much you can get from that input circuit, this one is vastly superior for less than 200 more. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200347872_200347872