Anyone debate buying vs renting a pressure washer?

[Code54]

Overall that's a very nice unit ,a little bit low on the GPM's for pro use, but for farm/home use more than enough.. The motor is great and any CAT pump is arguably one of the best made. Should last you a very long time with proper care!

 

[hutchman]

I actually scored a genuine Steam Jenny (from the 70's) a month or so ago for $125. Very simple. Kerosene or Diesel fired (Kerosene is cleaner). We had these in the military and they are awesome. It's a combo unit so it does two different PSI, pressure, and GPM settings. You get lower temperature (200 degrees or so) with higher PSI & GPM or higher temperature (over 312 degrees) with less pressure & GPM. Perfect for engines, tractor, undercarriage etc. as it won't push water in places it doesn't belong (or peel paint) like 4,000 PSI would

 

[Creamer]

I actually scored a genuine Steam Jenny (from the 70's) a month or so ago for $125. Very simple. Kerosene or Diesel fired (Kerosene is cleaner). We had these in the military and they are awesome. It's a combo unit so it does two different PSI, pressure, and GPM settings. You get lower temperature (200 degrees or so) with higher PSI & GPM or higher temperature (over 312 degrees) with less pressure & GPM. Perfect for engines, tractor, undercarriage etc. as it won't push water in places it doesn't belong (or peel paint) like 4,000 PSI would

Wow! those are wonderful machines and a great piece of history!

 

[sixdogs]

Here's one that's $1,000 and gets great reviews. It's a Simpson 4200 psi with a Honda GX engine and gets great reviews. It has a "Triplex Plunger" pump rather than the Cat pump I think I would prefer (based on this thread) so I don't know what to think. Can someone that knows pumps and washers take a look at this please? I've evolved from renting to buying and need a little help.

 

[Code54]

Sorry but I think we are missing the link Sixdogs

 

[sixdogs]

Oops. Forgot the link.

Here's one I'm thinking of. $1,000.
Simpson PS4240S PowerShot Professional 4200 PSI Gas-Cold Water Pressure Washer w/ Honda Engine

Here's another with a lesser engine but a CAT pump. $719.
Pressure-Pro PPS2533HCI Professional 3300 PSI Gas Cold-Water Aluminum Frame Pressure Washer w/ Honda Engine & CAT Pump

Here's the third one at $800.
SIMPSON PowerShot 4, PSI Commercial Gas Pressure Washer - Powered by Honda - Sam's Club

One final one and with a CAT pump.
Pressure-Pro PPS3030HCI Semi-Pro 3000 PSI Gas Cold - Water Aluminum Frame Pressure Washer w/ Honda Engine & CAT Pump

I hate to spend $1,000 and would prefer the $720 to $800 category. Some of the comments of the $720 one make me queezy about that one. The $1,000 one has 50 ft of hose, and great reviews. Plus I keep looking at farm auctions.

 

[Code54]

The big thing is the GPM - the more GPM the more "cleaning power". A lot really depends on what you want to clean, the time you want to spend and the money you want to spend. More GPM = faster cleaning. If you are using surface cleaners the higher pressure and more GPMs are needed (multi heads need a LOT of flow). You will notice that with the good pumps as GOM goes up so does the price. Not a real big difference is clean "power" between 3200 and 4000 psi, much larger jump with 3 gpm to 4 gpm.

More pressure is great for concrete, rock, etc.... I personally cut my 4000 PSI unit back a fair amount for the truck and tractors, want to not strip the decals and possibly the paint (by the way don't use the "red" tip for your car/truck/tractor - it can destroy paint at 4000 psi VERY VERY quickly.) A good pressure washer will really surprise you - they are a different animal.

 

[lamanated]

If your shopping, water quality is foremost to consider, If you have hard water, it will ruin a pump that has Non ceramic pistons..I talked to a guy at the Karcher service center that works on the side.. The first thing that they check for on a warranty job,is hard water signs,, and that ceases any warranty on the spot,,

 

[sixdogs]

If your shopping, water quality is foremost to consider, If you have hard water, it will ruin a pump that has Non ceramic pistons..I talked to a guy at the Karcher service center that works on the side.. The first thing that they check for on a warranty job,is hard water signs,, and that ceases any warranty on the spot,,

Great advice. I have a soft water outlet in the garage so I could use that.

 

[sixdogs]

I think I have narrowed it down to this one at Sam's Club. Any thoughts welcome.

SIMPSON PowerShot 4, PSI Commercial Gas Pressure Washer - Powered by Honda - Sam's Club

4,000 psi and 3.3 gallons a minute. Seems like that ought to do the trick? and I can live with $800.