Pressure washer recommendations

[Next]

I’ve got Lowes, Harbor Freight, Tractor Supply, and a Stihl Dealer within 30 minutes.

General home use.

Buy a Honda powered one and be done or buy Harbor Freight and change plug and run till it stops.

 

[tarmy]

I have had a Honda 8hp GSX for years, gone thru a couple pumps but that engine fires up first time every time…Honda.

 

[cgrutt]

I have an old Dewalt pressure washer with Honda engine and CAT pump it's been great. Think I bought it at Home Depot but it's been a while... at least 10-12 yrs still starts right up with good pressure.

 

[vwpieces]

Engines generally aren't the issue on pressure washers, pumps are.
My PW is cobbled pile of parts with Honda engine and I bought a good quality pump to complete it. Pump has a brass head.



Granted it cost $128 5yrs ago, but going strong.

 

[vavet]

I might get banned from GJ for this, but I really like my corded electric ryobi PW. I use it for things like washing the mailbox post before painting, cleaning the riding mower deck.
I don’t have to worry about letting the engine run without water flow. It starts and stops as needed.
it all depends on your mission. Ive Never felt that it didn’t have enough power, but I’m not trying to wash the side of a 3 story house either.

 

[dawgn86]

Honda GX engine with a CAT or Comet pump.

 

[strutaeng]

What's the budget? HP? PSI? GPM?

I like my CAT pump dual belt driven by a 5HP TEFC Baldor 240V motor. It's homemade

 

[bmxdukie]

As a pw dealer... don't buy any washer with an axial (usually bottom mount) pump.
Get something like a general(inter) or a cat pump with proper valves and pistons.
And concern yiurself more with volume than psi.

 

[WWheeler]

As a pw dealer... don't buy any washer with an axial (usually bottom mount) pump.
Get something like a general(inter) or a cat pump with proper valves and pistons.
And concern yiurself more with volume than psi.

I'm also in the market for a new pressure washer but I know squat about them and price will definitely be a concern. The only one I've ever had was a Karcher electric that in hindsight was an underpowered and short lived waste of money.

Can you or someone else here link a couple good value examples of pressure washers that meet this criteria?

 

[Wiz02]

@Next, I too am researching PW's, and from all the negative Amazon reviews on even top rated gas engine PW's, I wouldn't buy one from Amazon, as once you add fluids, you can't return it. The PW has to go to an authorized service center and nearly every reviewer posted negative experiences with them regardless of brand. I would go with a brick and mortar store.

FWIW, people that complain about engine issues, seem to complain about the latest Honda engines a fair amount, unlike the great reputation of the engines used in older models.

@bmxdukie, are you comfortable with sharing more specific recommendations? I completely understand if you are not okay with doing so.

 

[gizardlizard]

Number one thing to do for pump life is pm. After every use, kill engine and pull rip cord a few times to eject as much water from pump as possible. Then run pump saver thru the pump. It’s a very thin weight oil that comes out foamy. By hooking up to the pump inlet and pressing down on the button on the can, you displace any remaining water and more importantly lubricant the pump seals. Pump saver is great stuff. I’ve yet to need rebuild a pump after using that stuff. One can last many years.

 

[bmxdukie]

I'm also in the market for a new pressure washer but I know squat about them and price will definitely be a concern. The only one I've ever had was a Karcher electric that in hindsight was an underpowered and short lived waste of money.

Can you or someone else here link a couple good value examples of pressure washers that meet this criteria?

Well, first you want to determine gas or electric.
If electric, get one with auto start and stop. This means when you release the handle. The machine cycles for maybe another minute then shuts down. This will increase pump life tremendously.

If gas, only buy a direct drive unit if your water supply has head pressure. Otherwise, get a belt or gear reduced unit if drawing water from a tote. If you are chosing the second, bypass the unloader back to the tank.
On all units of ANY make. Letting them run without waterflow through the pump head they will heat up and damage seals, valves etc. SO, if you need to brush or not spray for more than a few minutes turn the motor off.
My personal choice would be a Dynablast unit. Ive sold and serviced all brands.
Dynablast uses NON PROPRIETARY parts. Honda and Baldor engines, Beckett burners (on heated units) and General pumps (inter)
You could literally buy a unit from any supplier and get it serviced and parts anywhere.
Don't let anyone tell you theirs is the best. Because they all are machines... AND machines need service and repair.
And finally, buy one with a proper unloader. That is what redirects the water through the pump when you let go of the trigger.

Dynablast

For more than 30 years, Dynablast has been a leading supplier of Pressure Wash Equipment, Components and Light Construction Equipment. We value and cherish our long-standing relationships with our pressure washer manufacturers and take pride in growing our mutual businesses.

www.dynablast.ca

Any other questions.. just ask.
Hope this helps

 

[Rinspeed]

Been very happy with my $400 Simpson with Honda.

 

[housewolf]

A pressure washer is my least favorite tool to use around the house. I’d rather be on a shovel.

I had an old Troy BS/AR pressure washer last me ~20 years. Problem was, the last 10 I worked on it as much as I used it. Replaced the pump once for ~$150. A couple of years ago I saw the Honda/Cat units at Simpson on a really good sale so I bought one. I wasn’t overly impressed the first couple of times I used it but I spent the better part of last week on it doing our “spring cleaning”. For a general purpose homeowner unit I don’t think you can go wrong with the Honda-CAT. That’s saying a lot from me since I hate the damn thing so much.

 

[Next]

I bought a Simpson PS61044, Honda GS 190 with AAA pump. Best option I had I feel.

 

[BowFisher]

Buy a belt driven power washer. This is the most important thing when considering one.

 

[mike93lx]

I might get banned from GJ for this, but I really like my corded electric ryobi PW. I use it for things like washing the mailbox post before painting, cleaning the riding mower deck.
I don’t have to worry about letting the engine run without water flow. It starts and stops as needed.
it all depends on your mission. Ive Never felt that it didn’t have enough power, but I’m not trying to wash the side of a 3 story house either.

Mine is a sunjoe, but same here. It's slow when it needs to do real cleaning, but for around the house stuff, it has worked great for me.

I would like to move up to something a bit more powerful, like a 3hp, but until this one dies, it is staying put

 

[RickyPetite]

Honda GX engine with a CAT or Comet pump.

Agree. I have this model Simpson

Pro Series PS60918

SIMPSON Pro Series PS60918 4000 PSI cold water professional gas pressure washer. See photos and full product information.

simpsoncleaning.com

Honda GX270 engine, Comet (AAA) triplex pump. Team that with this cleaning disk

DCFSCP18 - General Pump

Flat Surface Cleaner, 18", With Compensating Gun Feature

www.generalpump.com

I use it to clean 2 rental properties which have a lot of hardscaping/patios etc. Works amazing!

 

[Raven855]

Agree. I have this model Simpson

Pro Series PS60918

SIMPSON Pro Series PS60918 4000 PSI cold water professional gas pressure washer. See photos and full product information.

simpsoncleaning.com

Honda GX270 engine, Comet (AAA) triplex pump. Team that with this cleaning disk

DCFSCP18 - General Pump

Flat Surface Cleaner, 18", With Compensating Gun Feature

www.generalpump.com

I use it to clean 2 rental properties which have a lot of hardscaping/patios etc. Works amazing!

I have an earlier version of this model and it has given me great service for 9 years. It starts on the first pull. But I need to rebuild the AAA 9.4GA13 pump. The entire pump can be had but I can’t find parts availability. I would rather replace the pump with one that can be rebuilt in the future. Any recommendations for another pump?

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Fortunate to have a Karcher power gas washer with a Honda GX engine bought new from 2005. I assume Karcher still makes good PW so I recommend it.