A decent pressure washer?

charlz · May 8, 2010

I went through the same thing. Ended up buying the 'BlackMax' gas version from Sam's Club.

Honda GC190 engine, Chinese direct drive pump, 3000psi/2.5GPM along with the extra 3 year extended warranty. There are a couple of BlackMax authorized repair places where I live so I figured it would be pretty straight forward to get it repaired.

All the features you really would want are in the high-end 'commercial' versions for lots of $$$. I figured I'd just go with 'easy to fix'

I was also advised to not let go of the trigger if you can help it, will make the pump last much longer without those shock loads. Mine cannot be idled down, just 'Choke' and 'No Choke'. I use mine at least 2-3 times a month to wash dirtbikes.

crusty 1 · May 8, 2010

I don,t use a pressure washer any more but used to alot.You want to avoid long periods of running without flow but the unloader valve is made to unload and bypass the pressure,which doesn,t hurt anything but if left for say 5 minutes can heat the seals and they,ll need replacment sooner.The piston pumps are made with ceramic pistons.They are easy to repair just think of them as a very small piston engine.Biggest problem is freezing from cold weather.If it gets cold just put anti freeze in a can and put it in thru the inlet to the pump.:thumbsup

ave

CDsdad · May 9, 2010

I've got a Campbell Hausfeld walmart special I bought in '02. It ran good the last time I used it. I clean concrete, vinyl siding, truck and tractor with it. It's 2250 psi @ 2.5 gpm I think. All the decals are washed off. I bought it with walmart cards I was given at work and I think it cost $250 back then. I've probably used it a half dozen times a year. So far, so good.

JRobyn · May 10, 2010

+1 on the "depends on your usage". I've got a little Karcher electric 1400 psi, 1.6 gpm unit that I just love, but then I typically use it for parts cleaning, mud washing of vehicles, etc. Only use it a couple of times per year and it has given good service for about 5-6 years now. Would NOT be very suitable for cleaning large areas.

- Jay