Power Washer?

Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
I've got a small Ryobi powerwasher that works well for me. I don't do much beyond spraying down the siding, my fencing, and the walk and drive. Has pretty cheap (compared to other options) and has been pretty reliable over the years, although my use has been fairly light.
 
I have a Simpson, with a Honda motor, no complaints. I had a cheaper electric one prior and it was very underpowered. With the way the world is going I surmise gas powered ones will slowly disappear.
 
John

What are you planning to use it for?

I bought the cheap Harbor Freight electric unit (the chartreuse model) last year to power wash our decks. I didn't want an extremely powerful unit because decks can be damaged if the water stream is too forceful. I also use it to wash our cars and for light duty washing of the siding on the house. So far, so good. The only negative is that the power cord and hose are pretty stiff, which makes them a bit less convenient to use.

And to answer the followup question, I use Simple Green detergent with it.
 
A couple of things that I learned on Power Washers:
- buy the highest GPM of flow your budget allows. Pressure is not actually the key.
- most gas powered Power Washers will provide plenty of PSI to get the job done.
- Pressure is more a function of the nozzles selected than the pump itself.
- lots of pressure with low GPM breaks grimes loose but doesn't wash it away very well.
- when I am talking GPM for a home unit, the range is about 1.5 to 4.5 GPM, but it makes a difference.
- pay attention to how the exhaust for the moto is set up. Once borrow a unit in which the exhaust pointed downward to the ground and left black sooty spots everywhere I set the unit.
- electric units tend to under powered and don't last long. But you do have a really nice power cord you can remove from it afterwards.
 
I have a small electric one as well for the windows, porches etc. If I were going to do my whole house I'd hire it out or go rent one. I've had frustrating delays with gas powered pressure washers. The electric ones are easy and great for small jobs.
 
The question was asked, I want to be able to wash the house every so often. Just got new siding on 2 years ago. It is a ranch house so not a big house. Do not need something too large but would like it to be reliable. I remember my brother had a Karcher I think it was called. In fact he had 2 over the years but they would always leak after awhile and then lose power. Now he hires out when he wants house washed. I hate to do that because I have seen some shoddy work and do not want my new siding ruined. Spending alot of money on this renovation so need to be as careful as possible. Right now in the info gathering stage. Thanks
 
I've had a Northern Tool unit for over 25 years. This is approximately the modern equivalent.

NorthStar Gas Cold Water Pressure Washer 3300 PSI, 2.5 GPM Honda Engine, Model# 157123 | Northern Tool

This NorthStar® Gas Cold Water Pressure Washer packs NorthStar power, durability and reliability in a newly designed compact steel cart fe...
www.northerntool.com www.northerntool.com
Honda engine runs great. I forgot to drain it one year, ceramic parts don't like frozen water. Rebuilt the pump and it's still going strong.

I also have an AR Blue Clean AR383 Electric unit that is good for small jobs, but I've actually found that it handles 95% of tasks. The only time I pull out the gas unit is if I'm going to do the whole driveway. I wash all my siding with the electric.
 
Electric does tend to do fine on walls as the sheeting effect of water running off negates the need for higher flows to wash it away.
 
I also have the Harbor freight one...works just fine..Tip: Don't let your young grandson use it to wash the car without explaining to him that it isn't good for watering landscape plants. They eventually recovered.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom