Pressure washer recommendations, Simpson vs Northstar

[Notslow]

I'm considering buying a skid power washer.
Simpson Super Brute SB3555 is 3500psi at 5.5 gpm with a Vanguard v twin and comet pump.

Northstar 157594 is 4000psi at 4gpm with Honda v twin and Cat pump.

The Simpson sounds much better on paper, but I'm not sure about quality. I've heard the vanguard v twin engines are as good or better then honda v twins. Not a lot of info on the Comet pump, some reviews say they are high quality, comparable to a Cat pump and easy to rebuild.

The Northstar has the names we all look for, Honda engine, Cat pump. Some say that the Honda v twins aren't as good as the single Hondas and use more fuel than the Vanguard.

Anyone here have real world input on these bigger units? I know most will say to get a Honda engine, but I'm trying to get advice from people who have owned either v twin.

The Simpson almost sounds too good to be true with how much gpm it claims. It's there anything I'm missing feature wise that I should be looking at?

 

[Stelzer]

I do a lot of residential and commercial pressure washing and flatwork, and for efficiency, GPM is key, so my recommendation would be the Simpson. The only downside to going with the 5.5GPM rig is that you'll need to use a buffer tank and not rely on the client's water spigot. You'd still use their spigot, but it'd connect to a hose and go to buffer tank. Buffer tank has a small length of hose, (with filters), that connects to your pressure washer. A bypass line is then plumbed from your unloader back to the buffer tank. This allows you to let off the trigger without the risk of super-heating your pump, since fresh cool water would always be circulating throughout. Buffer tanks also allow you to switch from a wand to a surface cleaner without having to shut down the machine. Just put a swivel & ball valve at the end of your pressure hose right before the wand. I'm sure I have pics if needed.

 

[Firebrick43]

I will not comment on the pumps but the Vanguard v twins are a better motor. If it was vanguard single vs Honda I would give the nudge to honda but not the v twins.

 

[Notslow]

In thinking this may be more practical after considering the size of a Skid unit and having water supply issues. https://www.homedepot.com/p/SIMPSON...-V-Twin-Electric-Start-Engine-65105/313036936

This one is available with a 16hp vanguard v twin or a 13hp Honda single. Seems like the vanguard would be a better value considering the difference in power.

 

[Rinspeed]

Which one has a better warranty.

 

[Notslow]

Same warranty for either. 1 year overall, 3 years engine, 5 years for pump.