Pressure washers

[plinker]

Pressure washers, thoughts on a Dewalt/Simpson.

Looking at picking one up soon. Main use is washing vehicles and other power equipment. I'm used to using industrial hot water machines from when I worked on trucks & equipment, so I'm sure anything smaller will be a bit of a let down, but I can deal with that.

Anyway, Based on searching, the Honda GX with Cat brand triplex pump seems to be a favorite.

Found this Dewalt branded Simpson and it seems to have all the better components, Some reviews are sketchy though.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-3200-PSI-2-8-GPM-Gas-Pressure-Washer-Powered-by-HONDA-60603/304521456
https://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/DeWalt-DXPW60603-Pressure-Washer/p14779.html#reviews

This one seems like it'd do well enough, GPM is just a tad less then the one above. It has a AAA brand Triplex pump, not sure if that's a huge concern.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-Honda-GX200-3-400-PSI-2-5-GPM-Gas-Pressure-Washer-60690/204663857?MERCH=REC-_-PIPHorizontal1_rr-_-304521456-_-204663857-_-N


Are there any other units that would be recommended? Looking to spend 650$-ish.

 

[noahwins]

The people to ask are on reddit.com/r/powerwashingporn

 

[KillNThrill24]

Re: Pressure washers, thoughts on a Dewalt/Simpson.

I picked up a pretty sweet Husqvarna from Lowes on clearance for $225... If you're not in a hurry, take the time to find one on sale. I definitely would have picked up a $250 troybilt or the likes, had I not found this one.

Sent from my Note 9 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[drmarkr]

After going through several gas models, I bought a CH 220v model, with a Cat pump. It's been a great purchase.....2900 psi and no messing with fuel/starting/etc. Just flip a switch and turn the water valve. It was refurbished and was about $800. I see they don't make this model anymore...

 

[thool]

I just checked, and it looks like Home Depot stopped selling the Ridgid line of gas pressure washers! I was going to recommend that line (Subaru engine, Cat triplex pump) because I've had great results with mine which is an RD80701.

Whatever you decide on, be sure to use pump storage oil/antifreeze. I use this due to the cold we get here, but also if I plan on not using it for a few months, to keep the pump parts from drying out.

 

[gregpack]

I'm in the commercial car wash business. Cat pumps are the way to go. They are Japanese made and will outlast the Honda engine. Ive got some that get used every day, 365 days a year and are fifteen years old. Get a belt drive unit if you can afford it.

 

[Excelerater]

MiTM w Honda engine ,they have several pump options
the most expensive is the Italian pump,I own one and they
also have the washer with the china pump(triplex) I own one
of those too..The Honda engine is a beast,I have one in service 18
years used the hell out of it..washed thousands of homes..
Any other engine is junk

 

[tarmy]

Honda GSX 6.5 hp engine...outlasted several pumps....over 2 decades...

Get a good set up and should last for many years...

 

[B_Bimmer]

Subaru small engine parts are ridiculously expensive, and I have found them to be prone to carb issues. Stick with honda gx for trouble free performance. If you aren't moving around I agree electric is the way to go. Mi-t-m is near me and makes top shelf products, not what I ended up with though, I wanted a cat pump and an aluminum frame.

I ended up with one of these, am very happy, but it looks like time has taken it's toll and they are a couple hundred out of your budget.

https://www.pressure-pro.com/products/cold-water-pressure-washers/eagle-series-gas-direct/

 

[boiler7904]

Honestly, most gas pressure washers are overkill for normal cleaning of cars and trucks. You'll blast the paint off of it if not careful. I have a 3,300 psi Simpson that I use for everything around the house except my cars. I'm looking at getting a small electric unit for my cars - probably a Karcher K1700 cube.

 

[CGT80]

I need one to paint my mother's house soon. I've been told to look for 3k+psi and 2.5gpm

I was a pro painter for many years and then a pro at hot water pressure washing for a number of years, so I have had a chance to use some good ones and some that sucked.


Volume is key for washing buildings and flatwork, but pressure definitely helps and heat and specialized soap are a must for the nasty stuff.


The smallest machine we often used for washing before paint was a 13hp gas model (the biggest was 19hp) but I don't know the ratings. I would say 2.5 gpm minimum. The diesel fired units (up to about 23hp)we ran for cleaning commercial kitchens, sidewalks, auto garages, etc. were 3500 psi, but 5 to 5.5 gpm. It doesn't take long to empty a 300 gallon water tank with them and some water supplies(more likely residential) wouldn't have kept up without the tank to act as a buffer.


A rotary nozzle is great for damaged stucco, if you will be patching it. Paint will always peel more after it dries out, so you still have to sand to get tight edges. A rotary can tear up the wood pretty bad. It is always good to let it dry a couple days after washing. Sometimes we washed again with a garden hose after sanding with makita 5" disc sanders (usually with 7" discs to feather the surface, but you can easily catch a disc and hurt yourself).


The machines that are setup for the pro cleaning business have dual wands with a pressure reduction handle. Turn the handle and a larger tip gets some of the flow for washing more delicate areas. It is easy to overdo it with the pressure. Even low pressure worked fine with 200 degree water and good soap, for the greasy jobs around equipment. For flat concrete you can rent or buy a surface that looks like a lawn mower. It does far better and much faster than a wand, if the machine is big enough.


A small pressure washer can be good for engine bays and exteriors, but for a building rent the biggest unit that Home Depot or a rental place has, if you don't have a big machine. It just isn't worth the time and bad job a small machine does on a dirty building. Some houses weren't that bad and we got away with washing them down with a garden hose that had good water pressure.

 

[MarvinBerry]

I had a Karcher 1700 electric that I just put at the curb today. Ran great for at least a dozen years of light use...hit the deck once a year, sidewalks, windows, cars now & then etc. Pump finally quit.

I'd buy another but there doesn't seem to be a dealer nearby & I need one asap, no time to order. Looks like it's probably ryobi @ depot or a Greenworks from lowes. Picking something up tomorrow & back to work!

Totally want to stay electric. Don't need another engine to keep after & really, that little Karcher did everything I ever asked of it & could blast a hole in the deck. Agreed, how much power do you really need?!