A Good Pressure Washer?

[paccorti]

Can anybody recommend a good pressure washer either gas or electric? I bought a CH electric model but in 2 years of light use it is dead. Has anybody had a pressure washer for 3 years that they are happy with?

I've tried doing research on Amazon and other sites to get opinions but most of what I read is negative. I've researched Excell (at Home Depot), Troy Bilt (at Lowes) and Porter Cable and Generac. Anybody?

Peter

 

[paccorti]

I neglected to say that I'll mainly use this around the house cleaning the tractor etc not for commercial purposes. I'd like to spend $500 or less. Can you get quality in that price range?

Peter

 

[jawmaw]

I bought a Porter Cable 2500 psi with a 5.5 hp Honda engine over 3 years ago from Sams Club. I paid less then $500 and it runs like a champ.

 

[thcri]

I have a Karcher G2410HB. On it's second year and no problems to date. I bought that one for two reasons, 1 my neighbor has something else and is on his second pump in 3 years, 2nd, a local convience store that I work with has a sprayer in all 36 car washes and they found the Karcher to be the best. But when it really comes down to it, you will find a couple of different motors used and a couple of different pumps out there and most brands will do pretty good for you as long as you maintain it.

murph

 

[petekoss]

Try to buy one that has a Cat Pump, they usually last about twice as long as any other pump out there.

Pete

 

[JerryT]

Someone from this site directed me to COSCO about 2 years ago and I bought a 2500 PSI 2.5 G/min 5.5 Honda engine unit for about $300.00. Great unit, terrific price. Don't know if they are still doing this, but its worth a look if you have COSCO around you.

 

[johndeere2210]

Lowes has gas powered Troy Built pressure washers. I believe that the 6.5 HP model is less than $300.00. I bought one a year ago and have several hours on it (two oil changes) and it does everything I want it to do. I bought it to replace an electric washer. Wish I had bought a gas powered washer years ago.

 

[paccorti]

Thanks for all the replies everyone. One of the Home Depot models (Excell) has a 6.5 honda engine with a CAT pump for $699. That's a bit more that I wanted to spend but perhaps the components are at least good.

Peter

 

[lschultz]

I bought a Excell 2500(I think) with Honda engine from Home Depot probably 2 yrs ago and no problems.It was a replacement for a electric.I have gone through about 4 over the years.I think this one was around 400.Should of bought a gas engine years ago.

 

[5030]

I have a pressure washer story for you.

In as much as I use a pressure washer in a sudo/commercial way, cleaning farm equipment, tractor trailers and of course the family cars and pickup, I need a good unit.

I think to date, I have had about 5 of them. I started out with a Jenny which had an electric motor and a diesel fired hot water/steam boiler on it. It was tempermental to say the least and the steam was plain dangerous. Actually wet steam is the best cleaner and remover of caked mud and dirt and grease. A steam unit isn't a Lowes or depot special. They are pure commercial.

Next I had a Northern special. It had a 5 horse Briggs and a Cat Triplex pump. It lasted about 3 years and that was the end of the 9 lives of the Cat.

Next was a couple of box store specials. They lasted about a year each.

Finally, I had a brain fart. I blew a bunch of money BUYING pressure washers, why not get a good one with a service contract. that's what I did.

I presently have an Alladin 3500 Psi diesel fired unit with a 13 horse Honda engine, electric start of course. She runs 3500 psi continuous at 185 degrees. With a 0 degree tip, I can cut a 2x4 with just water. I have had the Alladin for about 5 hard years. It has a General Triplex pump and a water pre-filter. I don't ever use the detergent injector, I just apply the commercial detergent/degreaser with a 5 gallon weed sprayer. Total maintenance has been a new battery and a couple of oil changes and one ignitor unit which the service contract paid for and the technician came out to the farm and did it.

The Alladin is a great unit, however, the price of admission is high.....I paid right around 5K for it.