Simpson Power Washer

[PearlWhiteGT]

Shopping around for a good all around pressure washer for residential use. Want one that I can down stream with as well. I'm really considering the Simpson MegaShot 3200 psi, 2.5 gpm with Honda engine. Any of you guys own or have owned this PW?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson...90-Cold-Water-Pressure-Washer-60551/203177499

 

[sberry]

A size bigger is well worth it.

 

[IndyGarage]

That's a cheap pressure washer, but they work fine. The pump appears to be one of those chinese made sealed pumps where you can't change the oil.

The Honda GC engine is very good I think the 190 is about 5.5 horsepower - starts easy runs quiet and puts out a lot of power. It's a consumer grade engine, not built to run all day. However it will be fine for home use.

That washer is made to a price point. It can give you good results if you take care of it, but if you don't the pump will fail.

Don't let it run for long periods without water flow - that's what kills most of them - pump overheating. The other thing that kills them is leaving water in it and letting it freeze. I see them for $50 all the time with burned up pumps. I buy them for the engine, which usually still runs fine.

 

[Gummi Bear]

I agree with the above posters.


If you can save up a little more, you can get a light commercial duty machine.

I have a Simpson with a GX engine and a Cat pump. https://www.pressurewashersdirect.c...te&utm_term=simpson&utm_content=DSA - Simpson


It’s been really fantastic. I’ve been very happy with it.



I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

Henry David Thoreau

 

[PearlWhiteGT]

I thought about saving a little more but just wasn't sure due to not really knowing how often I'll use it. I've read lots of stories about the pumps failing even the Cat pumps so felt like going the cheaper route would be a better idea.

What are the differences between the two pumps?

 

[Gummi Bear]

I can’t speak for other pumps, but the Cat is fully rebuild able

Many pump failures are due to a lack of maintenance, and a lack of using pump preservers. They get mineral deposits and seals dry up if you don’t care for them.



I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

Henry David Thoreau

 

[Heel2toe]

That is a fine unit; my father has the same one albeit from about a dozen years ago but same model and similar specs. For homeowner use it works well but everything else stated is true so keep your needs in mind.

The GC Honda motors are consumer grade not to be confused with the GX commercial line. Biggest difference is the cylinders are AL on the GC vs cast iron. My fathers snapped the little itty bitty timing belt (read rubber band) so I threw on a HF 212cc motor and called it a day. A few years ago his pump went out so I picked him up a replacement pump and got that swapped for him.

They really arent built to last so that is on you to decide what your price point is and where to draw the line.

Im not saying its bad by any means bc it has served him well. And you can read this as oh well the motor and the pump went so whats the point but even after buying new replacements, he's still well under what a nice commercial unit would sell for.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

I have a Simpson with a GX engine and a Cat pump. https://www.pressurewashersdirect.c...te&utm_term=simpson&utm_content=DSA - Simpson

look like HD have better deal now.

 

[PearlWhiteGT]

You guys think that Memorial Day will have any better deals?

 

[jeepinerdeep]

You guys think that Memorial Day will have any better deals?

I asked a similar question in the Milwaukee thread and was informed the seasonal and holiday sales are on hold right now. Maybe it will let up till then?

 

[Rinspeed]

You guys think that Memorial Day will have any better deals?

Just my opinion but if I was looking for a quality product I sure as hell wouldn't buy from Home Depot. They beat their suppliers up so bad over pennies something has to give, and it's always quality.

 

[PearlWhiteGT]

Just my opinion but if I was looking for a quality product I sure as hell wouldn't buy from Home Depot. They beat their suppliers up so bad over pennies something has to give, and it's always quality.

Main reason I am looking at the big box stores local to me is due to returning them if needed.

 

[PearlWhiteGT]

Found one of these on local marketplace for sale new in the box for $400. What do you guys think?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/SIMPSON-Po...sure-Washer-with-Honda-Engine-CARB/1000731648

 

[Rinspeed]

Found one of these on local marketplace for sale new in the box for $400. What do you guys think?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/SIMPSON-Po...sure-Washer-with-Honda-Engine-CARB/1000731648

I would jump on it myself.

 

[PearlWhiteGT]

Just did. Actually got it for $350. Now I need to purchase a surface cleaner to match it.

 

[Rinspeed]

 

[sberry]

700$ is about right for getting something decent and reliable and has some power.

 

[PearlWhiteGT]

Purchased a upgraded Simpson Monster 3/8 x 50 hose that has quick disconnects. Can any of you fellas guide me on purchasing the correct quick disconnect adapters to attach the hose to the washer and gun? Is there quick disconnects for the garden hose?

 

[sberry]

Go to pressure wash direct, order a handful of connectors, I replace them yearly. The 3/8 hose is better, lot more durable.

 

[BlueRado36]

Did quite a bit of research on pressure washers and the comments above regarding maintenance (pump saver for periods of sitting) and proper use (don’t let it run without the trigger pressed to keep water flowing) seem to be the keys to longevity. Looked hard at the Simpson with Honda GX200 and Cat pump and other similar units from Pressure Pro, Mi-T-M and a couple others but ended up going with a Vortexx 3000HD. Saw them at my local power equipment dealer and was impressed. Not cheap and probably more washer than I need but they seem to be well thought out. Hoping it’s a cry once, buy once purchase. They have a number of videos online providing details on their design and outlining the work with AR, their pump supplier. They also come with mostly stainless QDs, 50 foot Uberflex hose and foam filled tires, at least on the mid and upper end models. They have more homeowner focused models as well. Have only tested it out once but have big plans in the coming weeks.

Again, it seems the maintenance and proper operation seem to be the big factors with all washers, regardless of brand and price point. Good luck!

 

[JerryC]

I bought a Subaru at Costco a few years ago, ~$240.00. I think it is a good residential unit but it's only one I have ever used. It has electric start which I never considered essential until I hurt my rotator cuff. I lust after higher end units but really they would just be a luxury.

The one thing that does bothers me is what is mentioned above, you can burn up the pump if you let run without spraying.

So as less expensive luxury item I'm thinking of buying a $99 Ryobi electric for washing the cars. I don't need the higher psi for car washing and it shuts off when not spraying. It also has a much smaller footprint for easy storage. I'll also use it with a water broom to get the salt off the undercarriage in the winter.

 

[BlueRado36]

I bought a Subaru at Costco a few years ago, ~$240.00. I think it is a good residential unit but it's only one I have ever used. It has electric start which I never considered essential until I hurt my rotator cuff. I lust after higher end units but really they would just be a luxury.

The one thing that does bothers me is what is mentioned above, you can burn up the pump if you let run without spraying.

So as less expensive luxury item I'm thinking of buying a $99 Ryobi electric for washing the cars. I don't need the higher psi for car washing and it shuts off when not spraying. It also has a much smaller footprint for easy storage. I'll also use it with a water broom to get the salt off the undercarriage in the winter.

Have also thought about getting a basic electric unit for car washing for ease of use. Don’t want much pressure for cars. Seems like most things, there is no one size fits all, at least not without some sort of compromise or sacrifice.

Have seen a few nice garage installs on YouTube by mounting even the most affordable units along with hose reel etc. It can make for quick deployment if you wash frequently. Save the bigger machine for the occasional jobs that benefit from more power and higher water flow. Of course this is another cost and takes up more space.

 

[sberry]

Part of it can be depreciation. If a guy has a couple cars he is making payments on and they rusting away or filthy all the time then a good washing system could be worth hundreds and some cases thousands.

 

[PearlWhiteGT]

I gave the new pressure washer a quick try yesterday and it worked great. Has plenty of power, hooked it up to a dewalt surface cleaner and tried it on a small spot on my driveway and it cleaned it pretty damn good. There is a huge difference between before and after. I plan on doing my whole driveway and side walk this weekend.

I have a $100 Ryobi electric pressure washer that I use with a foam canon from amazon to wash our vehicles and it works great for that. I plan to continue using it for that purpose.

 

[JerryC]

I have a $100 Ryobi electric pressure washer that I use with a foam canon from amazon to wash our vehicles and it works great for that. I plan to continue using it for that purpose.

That's what i want

Which foam cannon did you pick?

 

[BlueRado36]

I gave the new pressure washer a quick try yesterday and it worked great. Has plenty of power, hooked it up to a dewalt surface cleaner and tried it on a small spot on my driveway and it cleaned it pretty damn good. There is a huge difference between before and after. I plan on doing my whole driveway and side walk this weekend.

I have a $100 Ryobi electric pressure washer that I use with a foam canon from amazon to wash our vehicles and it works great for that. I plan to continue using it for that purpose.

Awesome! Enjoy the new machine!