Help Me Decide

[cabinetman]

I's time to start painting my house. I did a search in our forums for "pressure washers", and there were quite a few. I read all the posts and have specific questions I need cleared up.

I'm believe in buying a tool or a machine bigger or more powerful than you think you need, so the biggie tasks are covered. I've never used one, but sales help, in the stores recommend somewhere 3000 PSI for exterior house cleaning, discolored concrete decks, and PT fence turning green. It needs to knock off loose and flaking paint from masonry.

My quandary is what others have said about the electric ones, in that it's easier not to deal with the gas engine, you know the old "plug and go", but in the long run doesn't have the oomph. So, I guess gas is in.

Some of my questions are about the hot/cold abilities, adding detergents, or chemicals.

My choices are from these:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=95618
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...ressure+washer
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...295&lpage=none
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...1274_200241274

Home depot didn't show a PW online for less than $999.
.

[LinuxRandal]

What little I know....


I have access to multiple washers, so I never bought my own. I was offered a Karcher Electric a few years ago, and it would have probably been fine for what I need.

I do NOT have a regulator on the house, nor do most of my neighbors, and our pressure runs right about 100 psi. That was good enough to strip off loose paint with. A neighbor used a gas one and carved his name in the foundation at max pressure (somewhere around 2500 psi). Maximum pressure is overkill for a lot.

I will leave the brand opinions to others, I have my own preferences, but that is just based on my knowledge (service verses, lack of needing much service). But DO NOT leave them in an unheated area over the winter! If that is your storage area, consider renting one.

Edit: forgot to mention, never run one (gas) without running water to it. The pump can burn up.

[Uncle Cracker]

None of the models you have narrowed your search to has a Cat pump, which is top end, but also high dollar. The Lowes and the Sears both have the same engine, and possibly the same pump, so that is a wash (sorry, I couldn't help it ). The Northern has a Honda engine, which is usually a safe bet. The HF unit is already the lowest cost unit, and if you can believe the specs, doesn't look bad. If you decide to pop for this one today, then here is a link to a coupon that will save you $45 more, but today is the last day.

Performance in the range of 2700-3000 psi should work for most normal tasks, but will drag behind if you let things get too grungy. My Honda/Cat combo does 3500-4000 psi, but I have to be careful how I use it, as it will knock glass out of windows and etch concrete if i get too close. If all things else are equal on the choices you're making, look to see if any of them is easier than others on oil changes, both in the engine and the pump.

[Uncle Cracker]

Edit: forgot to mention, never run one (gas) without running water to it. The pump can burn up.

Good advice, but let me amplify. Run the water into the pump, but shut it off to pull-start, or you will pull your guts out. As soon as the engine fires, turn the water back on. DAMHIKT

[cabinetman]

None of the models you have narrowed your search to has a Cat pump, which is top end, but also high dollar. The Lowes and the Sears both have the same engine, and possibly the same pump, so that is a wash (sorry, I couldn't help it ). The Northern has a Honda engine, which is usually a safe bet. The HF unit is already the lowest cost unit, and if you can believe the specs, doesn't look bad.

OK, you got me...wassa Cat pump. Thanks for the coupon, but can't get there today.
.

[Pappy]

I have a Generac 2400PSI with a Honda 5.5HP motor. I think it was bought at Lowe's, but won't swear to that. I would go with the Honda power over the Briggs.

The only thing I don't like is that the siphon feed for soaps/dereasers is unregulated. A small "C" clamp on the hose solved that problem.

Unlike Uncle C, I can start mine with the water on.

[MilDoc]

Go for the higher pressure but watch how close you hold the nozzle. Knocked a board off my fence with 2500 psi when I got too close. My neighbor managed to etch his concrete patio when he borrowed mine. And it certainly can break glass, raise wood fibers a lot, etc.

[jhart]

HD usually carries both Honda and Briggs, in models from 2500 - 3000 PSI. I bought a refurb Excel model VR 2500, Briggs engine (2500 PSI) 2 years ago for $225.00. It was in perfect condition, couldn't tell it from new. Usually the new ones will run $300 - 400 with the Honda being the more expensive.

Have been very happy with my purchase. Did 3 places that were being repainted. Have used it to clean decks, fences, etc. The wand is adjustable as to the spray width and force. Only thing I haven't liked is the siphon feed like Pappy mentioned. May copy the c clamp idea.
2500 PSI is enough to take just about anything off.

[Uncle Cracker]

OK, you got me...wassa Cat pump.

"Cat" is the brand name for a really beefy lineup of pump units that is very popular with most of the construction trades and other heavy-duty users. The majority of the better commercial washers I've seen utilize this brand of pump.

Here is a link to some info...

[Uncle Cracker]

Unlike Uncle C, I can start mine with the water on.

Probably has something to do with the fact that pull starting a 13-hp Honda ain't the easiest thing to do in the first place, but pressurizing the pump just loads it up that much more. Not really a problem unpressurized, but pressurized, I sprained three fingers on a single pull. Ouch!

[SARGE..g-47]

I bascally have Pappy's unit and do a cedar home every 4 years and a deck every year. On our unit, you can leave the water on, simply pull the trigger on the wand to release the pressure when you crank it. Otherwise... it won't crank with the water on. Just read all directions throughly and FOLLOW Them.

I love the Honda 5.5 on mine. Great engine except where they place the oil drain plug. Watch your knuckles. Trust me.

[cork58]

I bought the DeWalt DP3750 after a month of research. Flow was the biggest issue with all the reports I read. Pressure is over rated by most manufactors. You will need a min of 4 gal a minute. Make sure you have that much supply before buying and that the machine can put that much out as well. The DeWalt has enought tips to regulate the pressure for what you are doing as well.

Just my thoughts.

[Uncle Cracker]

On our unit, you can leave the water on, simply pull the trigger on the wand to release the pressure when you crank it.

I'd need to sprout a third arm to do that on mine, and I wouldn't advise pulling the trigger lock and leaving the wand laying on the ground, either, unless you want to be chasing and fleeing from the wand, all at the same time...

[Tom Slick]

just as cork58 mentioneed, flow is the biggest consideration when choosing a pressure washer. that is what seperates a $300 2500psi washer from a $1500 2500psi washer. if you are looking at blasting off paint you need a good amount of flow.

[Larryl]

I've had the Troy-Bilt from Lowe's for about 3 years, it has done what I needed around the house and has enough power to etch concrete (as others have mentioned). Since this is my first power washer I can't compare it to others, but I feel it is going to be robust enough to last the average homeowner many years.