anyone have a gas powered pressure washer?

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Hayabusa Rider

Admin Emeritus & Elite Member
Jan 26, 2000
50,879
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no need to report back. honda engine says it all. it will work well and outlive your grandkids.

No it doesn't say it all. I have a Karcher with a Honda engine and it's crap. Oh the engine is fine but the pump leaks oil like mad. I didn't bother to replace the seal this year, but I'll have to do it this next spring. It's a known issue with what used to be a good company.
 

NetWareHead

THAT guy
Aug 10, 2002
5,847
154
106
These things are so fucking puny. Step aside ladies.

http://www.hydrotek.us/images/SC_Series-300.png

Yeah, mine takes diesel and gets so hot it can melt shit. I've also cut a hole into many things by needlessly pointing the nozzle at places wide open.

Oh, and it cuts plywood. Come at me bro.

:thumbsup: for diesel power and another :thumbsup: for steam pressure washers. That machine must be fun to use. I've seen one of those remove graffiti off of concrete with no problem and on the first pass. The machine is so thirsty though, using diesel to power the engine AND heat the water
 

dud

Diamond Member
Feb 18, 2001
7,635
73
91
I have a 13 HP model very similar to this:

http://www.mitm.com/products/consumer-pressure-washers/work-pro-series/WP-4000-5MHB/384/

The thing was about $2K new but was able to get it used (and in mint condition) for less than $500 about 6 years ago off CL. Unfortunately, I just had to replace the pump ($300). The unit puts out up to 4,000 PSI at about 4 GPM. It takes the top layer of concrete off my driveway ...

Of the models you posted the "best" is the Honda but neither may be a good choice, depending upon how you use it. Consider the size of the job, what you are going to be cleaning, the max pressure the unit puts out and the max flow rate. Both units posted may do an adequate job on smaller projects but will be limited by lower pressure and flow rates. This will translate into taking longer to get the job done. Additionally, the Honad unit uses an inexpensive axial pump which is the least effective and shortest (but cheapest) type of pump.

Good luck ...
 

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
83,769
19
81
I have a 13 HP model very similar to this:

http://www.mitm.com/products/consumer-pressure-washers/work-pro-series/WP-4000-5MHB/384/

The thing was about $2K new but was able to get it used (and in mint condition) for less than $500 about 6 years ago off CL. Unfortunately, I just had to replace the pump ($300). The unit puts out up to 4,000 PSI at about 4 GPM. It takes the top layer of concrete off my driveway ...

Of the models you posted the "best" is the Honda but neither may be a good choice, depending upon how you use it. Consider the size of the job, what you are going to be cleaning, the max pressure the unit puts out and the max flow rate. Both units posted may do an adequate job on smaller projects but will be limited by lower pressure and flow rates. This will translate into taking longer to get the job done. Additionally, the Honad unit uses an inexpensive axial pump which is the least effective and shortest (but cheapest) type of pump.

Good luck ...

This looks like what my dad bought and later added a CAT Triplex pump when his Karcher Triplex pump died.

PSI is nothing without GPM.

I have a 3000 PSI Pressure washer (the Generac) @ 2.7/8 GPM. It works awesome with my surface cleaner rated at that level. When my dad uses it, and regulates the PSI to the recommended settings it practically takes off the ground.

He dials back the PSI and it cleans even faster.

I paid <$400 for my set up and my dad much more. I use mine only 3-4 times a year.
 

slag

Lifer
Dec 14, 2000
10,473
81
101
I have a generic home depot one I bought 8-9 years ago. I've replaced the pressure hose twice due to misuse, but aside from that, its a one pull start beast. It has the briggs and stratton engine and puts out 2100 psi.
 

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
83,769
19
81
I'm looking to buy a pressure washer. I'd like to use it to strip paint off the foundation of my house as well as remove stains off the deck and fence. I'd use it to wash the house and car too most likely. Any suggestions? Thanks!

http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/Generac-6596-Pressure-Washer/p12938.html

2800psi and $299 shipped, no tax except Illinois. Works great.

I have this one:
http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/Generac-6598-Pressure-Washer/p13016.html

3100psi and $399 shipped, no tax except Illinois

I picked up a better hose at the start, but the stock one came in decent. I also picked up a turbo nozzle and concrete cleaner like this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Briggs-Stratto...dp/B00KQI37VA/

For under $70 this is a major time saver on concrete.
 

Scarpozzi

Lifer
Jun 13, 2000
26,389
1,778
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I like Ryobi. They make great impact drivers and cordless drills...heck...I've used my Ryobi 2 cycle weedeater for like 4 seasons now.

I would go with the Simpson model for the pressure washer though. It looks like there's less plastic on it to break. It looks more rugged. It also looks like if the motor keeps running, you could potentially replace the hose and nozzles if you needed to. Ryobi put too much plastic flair on their model...it's more plastic junk to break.
 

NetWareHead

THAT guy
Aug 10, 2002
5,847
154
106
That is a wide ranging set of requirements there. From washing a car/house to cleaning paint and concrete. You will need a pressure washer that has a "dial a yield" water pump (I dont know if any exist and what price they run at); low pressure for delicate surfaces like a car and high pressure for cleaning concrete. Some pressure washers accomplish this by letting you swap nozzles at the hose tip and if so, you want to carefully research what the final water pressure will be. You dont want to hit your car with 2800 psi of water pressure...

IMO, get a cheap electric washer that is low pressure you can use to clean your car and house. Those are tasks you will need to do far more often than clean concrete for instance. When you need to clean concrete, then rent a high powered pressure washer every few years you need to scrub down a walkway, wood deck etc...
 

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
83,769
19
81
That is a wide ranging set of requirements there. From washing a car/house to cleaning paint and concrete. You will need a pressure washer that has a "dial a yield" water pump (I dont know if any exist and what price they run at); low pressure for delicate surfaces like a car and high pressure for cleaning concrete. Some pressure washers accomplish this by letting you swap nozzles at the hose tip and if so, you want to carefully research what the final water pressure will be. You dont want to hit your car with 2800 psi of water pressure...

IMO, get a cheap electric washer that is low pressure you can use to clean your car and house. Those are tasks you will need to do far more often than clean concrete for instance. When you need to clean concrete, then rent a high powered pressure washer every few years you need to scrub down a walkway, wood deck etc...

You can adjust the throttle and nozzle. Not many washers do not come with an adjustable or changeable set of nozzles.

I don't really recommend any pressure washer for auto use.
 

Puffnstuff

Lifer
Mar 9, 2005
16,138
4,832
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In addition to some of the considerations that have already been presented I would look at how easy is it to get parts and service on the unit you are considering. My parents bought a Ryobi and the seals had to be replaced early on the pump output but that was a one time occurrence. Gas is always preferable to electric leaving you with only the water hose to drag around. Nobody in their right mind would drag an electrical cord around in a wet environment even with a gfi outlet.
 
Feb 4, 2009
35,157
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yeah this is going to be for home use we're just splitting the cost because it's one of those things you use every now and then. definitely don't need commercial engines.

I didn't look at the specs but be careful a power washer is one of those things you don't want too powerful. You can do damage to stuff.

Ugh necro suckered
 

Beer4Me

Senior member
Mar 16, 2011
564
20
76
Generac 3100 psi gas model here. Use it maybe once a year, mainly to clean my driveway, sidewalks, and the slab in the back yard. Two tips, 1) buy some pump-saver and 2) squaretrade warranty is super cheap insurance.

Edit: Didn't even notice the thread date. Wow.
 
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