Im looking to buy a used pressure washer. However I really dont know what I should be looking for as far as problem areas. I know nothing should be leaking and motor not laboring or sputtering. Other than that is there common problems I should look out for?
Pressure washers
- Thread starter NastyNate
- Start date
what kind of usage do you have for it? once a week? once a month? 4x a day? washing fences or trailers or houses? keep in mind that much of the work a pressure washer does is through the chemicals; make sure you're using quality chemicals, and you don't need a million PSI or GPM. my experience says GPM is a better measure of how strong it is rather than PSI. belt driven tend to last longer as the pump isn't directly subject to motor vibration or crank run out.
ahm
ahm
Its going to be home use only. Its going to be used to clean the whole outer house, driveway etc. Maybe used once a month for cars. The house was a foreclosure so there will be some heavy use at first, i just dont want to dive into a used one and spend more time fixing it than using it. I am still contemplating getting THIS one.
I was also in the same boat, looking for a worth while 'home user' model and all signs pointed to the Ridgid models at home depot. I guess all other big box models have generic Axial Cam pumps which are unreliable and the Ridgids have a CAT pump which is commercial grade (but probably still lower end commercial grade).
I have the 3000psi model from Ridgid with the Subaru engine and so far it was been great. Starts on one pull every single time and everything just works!
I have the 3000psi model from Ridgid with the Subaru engine and so far it was been great. Starts on one pull every single time and everything just works!
Good to know. What did you spend?
I have this one: http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
But I ended up getting the floor model for $350 about a month ago... When I talked to the salesman, they said they were trying to get rid of the stock since it is out of season and will not be ordering anymore/trying to get rid of them. Mine was probably a very YMMV deal, but worth checking out your local HD.
But I ended up getting the floor model for $350 about a month ago... When I talked to the salesman, they said they were trying to get rid of the stock since it is out of season and will not be ordering anymore/trying to get rid of them. Mine was probably a very YMMV deal, but worth checking out your local HD.
SoCal Garage
Member
If you are purchasing a used unit, I would first find the model and serial number and then contact the manufacturer about the parts needed and part cost to rebuild the unit. High-pressure washers have a series of seals that can be expensive; plungers that can corrode and cause head damage. Although a unit might not have been used much by its previous owner that can still be detrimental to seals and other parts simply by being stored and infrequent use. This can cost you more money than you care to spend in the long-run. I know the above from firsthand experience.
If you are inspecting a used unit to purchase I would find the factory specs and determine whether the unit pumps to the PSI stated. Actually try cleaning a spot of a driveway with it because gauges can be deceiving; you'll know how well it is working by how it is actually performing. The best way to determine the condition is to pull the pump assembly apart, but there is no way a potential seller will allow you to do that.
If you are inspecting a used unit to purchase I would find the factory specs and determine whether the unit pumps to the PSI stated. Actually try cleaning a spot of a driveway with it because gauges can be deceiving; you'll know how well it is working by how it is actually performing. The best way to determine the condition is to pull the pump assembly apart, but there is no way a potential seller will allow you to do that.
bartels_metal_works
Well-known member
I purchased a used pressure washer over the weekend at an auction. It has a 6HP Honda engine with a Comet pump(it actually appears to be a brand new pump). From my looking online, CAT and Comet pumps are the preferred pumps. I gave $200 for mine. Used it yesterday, works great!
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Are you cleaning, or doing paint prep? The really high pressure units WILL strip off any loose paint for certain. Even the lower pressure units will if the spray is small enough.
I was given a (Used) 1100 PSI electric unit, which is certainly not up to heavy duty use, but for general cleanup, cars and paint prep at a slow rate, it's been fine for two years.
I've cleaned the mossy crud off my driveway, and sidewalks, the same on my neighbors, and used both hot water and Simple Green in a cartridge on the feed hose to remove his 40 years old grease spot. We are about done with paint prep on the house, and making sure to widen the spray to a fan, and used it to clean my cars, and "sweep" my drive any number of times.
It's light enough that if desired, I could take it on the roof with little difficulty to clean gutters or prep the second story.
FWIW it's a "Clean Master" by Mi -T-M, no clue as to COO
I was given a (Used) 1100 PSI electric unit, which is certainly not up to heavy duty use, but for general cleanup, cars and paint prep at a slow rate, it's been fine for two years.
I've cleaned the mossy crud off my driveway, and sidewalks, the same on my neighbors, and used both hot water and Simple Green in a cartridge on the feed hose to remove his 40 years old grease spot. We are about done with paint prep on the house, and making sure to widen the spray to a fan, and used it to clean my cars, and "sweep" my drive any number of times.
It's light enough that if desired, I could take it on the roof with little difficulty to clean gutters or prep the second story.
FWIW it's a "Clean Master" by Mi -T-M, no clue as to COO
Steevo
Well-known member
I have a Rigid like this:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004BKI2IW/?tag=atomicindus08-20
My only complaint, besides the vibrating sheet metal that rattles loudly, is that it can only siphon chemicals when using the low-pressure tip. This annoys me.
I am always on the lookout for a Hotsy hot high pressure washer.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004BKI2IW/?tag=atomicindus08-20
My only complaint, besides the vibrating sheet metal that rattles loudly, is that it can only siphon chemicals when using the low-pressure tip. This annoys me.
I am always on the lookout for a Hotsy hot high pressure washer.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Rubber washers on the sheet metal bits?
chadster1
Well-known member
I have one with the same setup. Honda engine, comet pump. I have had it for 4 years now and it gets used regularly to clean my tool truck, pick up, atvs, driveway etc.
Northern Tool sells them under the NorthStar brand. All the ones that I have seen that they sell seem to be pretty good units.
bartels_metal_works
Well-known member
The one I purchased is actually a NorthStar.
The ideal home unit will be something like:
2500 PSIG/ 2 to 3 GPM , will handle hot water, and dispense soap downstream from the pump...good luck finding that combination.
I started with one from Princess Auto that had a Hypro pump and did most of that, except the soap was injected at the pump suction and made a mess internally, eventually. I foolishly did not expel all the water one winter and the pump outlet got cracked......still on my "to do" list of fixes.
Next was a Simonize Model S2500 with a Mitsubishi 6 1/2 HP gas engine, $275 at Canadian Tire. It is OK, but no hot water and soap injects only on the LP range, which is not so good as previously noted.
2500 PSIG/ 2 to 3 GPM , will handle hot water, and dispense soap downstream from the pump...good luck finding that combination.
I started with one from Princess Auto that had a Hypro pump and did most of that, except the soap was injected at the pump suction and made a mess internally, eventually. I foolishly did not expel all the water one winter and the pump outlet got cracked......still on my "to do" list of fixes.
Next was a Simonize Model S2500 with a Mitsubishi 6 1/2 HP gas engine, $275 at Canadian Tire. It is OK, but no hot water and soap injects only on the LP range, which is not so good as previously noted.
Looks like im in for a battle. I know inexpensive and quality are a hard combination to find. Its going to be used for general clean up for the exterior of the house. The paint does not seem to be flaking anywhere but rest assured ill be holding it back a little farther. I would really hate to spend anything on a used unit of poor quality, but again I'm looking to spend around $350 max and new homeowner units seem to get poor reviews. Tough to balance the pros and cons of what is just more work for me to do around the house...
I'm watching this thread too and looking for basically the exact same thing. I rented a 4000 psi unit from the local rent-a-tool place and it was a beast, nice but I don't need that much power. Might be a just a simple homeowner unit might be better, or maybe I can find and try a used electric model for next to nothing locally to "try it out".
G1GRANDEUR
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 22, 2009
- Messages
- 2,094
Lots of companies use Honda motor under their name.
I borrowed my friend's Craftsman USA made pressure washer one time. Worked pretty well, but ate gas a lot. haha
I borrowed my friend's Craftsman USA made pressure washer one time. Worked pretty well, but ate gas a lot. haha
I have used and heard terrible reviews on electric units. I was using a friend of mines electric husky, I pulled the hose a little to far and when it fell over it was done. He owned it for 2 months and was a real stickler for keeping things nice. That was 2 years ago so maybe not an issue now? If you do get an electric one let us know how it turns out.
i believe there was a thread earlier in the year that discussed a brand of electric pressure washer that is high quality - not the **** in the big box stores. as i recall, they were a lot more than $400 though. bottom line, if you want it to last >5 years of regular use, $400 probably isn't going to cut it IMO. you may want to talk to all the local rental yards and see if they are selling off a unit; they will be of infinitely better quality than anything you can get new for $400.
when i researched this, i determined that a good unit was around $1500; belt drive, good name brand (ie parts available) pump, good motor (most use honda's GX line), good hose/wand/tips, etc. ie www.amazingmachinery.com/gas-beltdrive-pressure-washer-products.html or http://sunbrite.stores.yahoo.net/belt-drive-cold-water-pressure-washers.html
ahm
when i researched this, i determined that a good unit was around $1500; belt drive, good name brand (ie parts available) pump, good motor (most use honda's GX line), good hose/wand/tips, etc. ie www.amazingmachinery.com/gas-beltdrive-pressure-washer-products.html or http://sunbrite.stores.yahoo.net/belt-drive-cold-water-pressure-washers.html
ahm
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I've done a lot of research on pressure washer before I jumped in. I don't have much new to add.
Volume (gallon per minute) is just as important as pressure. Anything over 2200 psi and 2.0 GPM should be good.
You need to be sure that your water supply can meet the required flow rate. Time how long it take, in seconds, to fill a 5 gallon bucket. Multiple the number of seconds by 0.020 and you will have GPM.
Never let the pump run with the gun off for more than about 30 seconds. The pumps will overheat !
And yes, the gas powered ones drink gas at a fantastic rate !
- Both CAT and Comet are good brands. They do make cheaper pumps for the "home owner" market so don't assume you have a "commercial" grade pump. Based on my experience, buy a washer with a horizontal shaft engine (and pump). Replacement pumps (eBay) for these seem to be easier to find.
- If you are going to buy used, either fully test it or be prepared to spend some money (I bought a used DeVilbiss for $40. I had to add about $125 in parts to get it running.)
- As someone else mentioned, check on the availability of parts. I was almost screwed when I could not find a simple gasket even though the machine is only about 5 years old (Mysteriously there are NO parts available for this beast, ANYWHERE !)
- The little electric pressure washers are a joke. Fine if your wife wants to wash some screens. There are good quality "prosumer" grade electric units, but they start at over $500.
- The most common problem is water left in the pump which freezes. There are always pressure washer for sale on CL with dead pumps for this reason. Usually a casting is cracked and a new pump is required. The only way to get all of the water out of the pump gon e and hose is make an adapter from your air compressor to the water (hose) inlet.
- The next most common problem is pump oil. It leaks out or water leaks in. Don't believe the owners manual when it says the oil does NOT have to be changed. The level should be checked probably every 5-10 hours. If it looks milky or is overfull, drain and change. Some pumps take special synthetic oil. Other can use any synthetic 4 stroke engine oil. do NOT overfill !
Volume (gallon per minute) is just as important as pressure. Anything over 2200 psi and 2.0 GPM should be good.
You need to be sure that your water supply can meet the required flow rate. Time how long it take, in seconds, to fill a 5 gallon bucket. Multiple the number of seconds by 0.020 and you will have GPM.
Never let the pump run with the gun off for more than about 30 seconds. The pumps will overheat !
And yes, the gas powered ones drink gas at a fantastic rate !
2manytoyz
Well-known member
A little over a year ago, I bought one on sale at Tractor Supply Company. It was only $225. Has a B&S motor that always starts on the first pull. I bought the optional oscillating spray tip.
Has plenty of oomph for cleaning. Rated at 2700 PSI
Presently $299: http://www.tractorsupply.com/outdoor-power-equipment/pressure-washers-accessories-parts/pressure-washers/briggs-stratton-reg-model-020418-consumer-2700-max-psi-gas-cold-water-pressure-washer-1013343?zoneMarketInfo=2-6&reqUrl=TopCategoriesDisplayView&langId=-1&storeId=10551&lbzipcode=32926&catalogId=10001&ddkey=http:LocationBasedPricingCmd
If it grew legs, I'd buy another tomorrow. I use mine about once a month, and have loaned it to friends.
Has plenty of oomph for cleaning. Rated at 2700 PSI
Presently $299: http://www.tractorsupply.com/outdoor-power-equipment/pressure-washers-accessories-parts/pressure-washers/briggs-stratton-reg-model-020418-consumer-2700-max-psi-gas-cold-water-pressure-washer-1013343?zoneMarketInfo=2-6&reqUrl=TopCategoriesDisplayView&langId=-1&storeId=10551&lbzipcode=32926&catalogId=10001&ddkey=http:LocationBasedPricingCmd
If it grew legs, I'd buy another tomorrow. I use mine about once a month, and have loaned it to friends.
Halligan
Well-known member
I have this unit http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/Pressure-Pro-EB4040HG-Pressure-Washer/p1525.html and it's probably overkill for the both of us but it cost only a couple hundred more than a bix box store top line washer. What really sets this unit into the pro grade catagory is the belt driven pump. Belt drive is better because the heat and vibrations from the engine are isolated from the pump resulting in longer pump life.
Also, some people get hung up on the psi # a washer puts out. What is probably more important is the GPM of the unit. As I said my unit is overkill but it's built like a tank and ever part is replaceable/serviceable.
Also, some people get hung up on the psi # a washer puts out. What is probably more important is the GPM of the unit. As I said my unit is overkill but it's built like a tank and ever part is replaceable/serviceable.
toyotadriver
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2010
- Messages
- 1,586
I've got the Ridgid from Home Depot. I'm happy with it. I think I paid $499 or something like that. Well made and works well.
think Ill just save my money for the rigid. I am one of those guys that wants to do it right the first time. My faience however would buy 10 made in china water hoses for $6.00 before buying 1 $60.00 hose. So an impending argument looms near.