power tool recommendation

[mkendrix]

I’ve had 6-8 power washers over the last 17 years for working around lake houses. The first few I bought had 2 year warranties and pump fail just after that. Motors are fine but just as cheap to buy a complete unit as to replace the pump. Honda engines run 10 minutes longer per tank than B&S for me. I’ve run 3,000 psi pumps, 2.7 gpm mostly as price break jumps to get more pressure. Even 3100 psi works faster cleaning piers where minutes per section add up. I usually run 150’ of hose so I don’t have to move pump when washing a house or long pier. Last 2 units I bought at Costco had 3 year warranty that are still going strong after 6 and 8 years. I use my washers 20-30 hours in the spring and 10-15 hours in the fall. Never had issues with emptying gas in carb.

 

[mreatwork]

This looks good:

Yamaha PW4040 Pressure Washer - Photo Gallery, Video, Specs, Features, Offers, Inventory and more

Yamaha PW4040 Pressure Washer - Photo Gallery, Video, Specs, Features, Offers, Inventory and moreYamaha PW4040 Pressure Washer

www.yamahamotorsports.com

 

[FERLING]

hello to all,

it's hard to believe the reviews online, so I am asking any of you that have owned a power washer for at least 2-4 yrs and like the results, what do you use? Looking for something w 2500-3000psi, for both home and ranch operations. Unfortunately my grew legs and it is gone. I still have the hoses, wand, attachments and other. Looking for a reliable make & model.

really would appreciate what you like about it and it's performance. if you have one that's been performing poorly, that's good to know too.

thank you very much,
tstex

Determine PSI needed? Decide if electricity will be available or if you need portability? I have had both gasoline powered (3,000+ psi) and electric (max 2,000 psi). Gasoline engine type motor runs continuously with recommendation of squeezing pressure wand ever so often so pump doesn't overheat. Electric models motor only runs when squeezing pressure wand. Much quieter and no worries about pump getting overheated. My preference has came down to electric. Most average pressure washing can be cleaned with 2,000 psi and a long handle brush for the tough stuff. Concrete 3,000 or higher will work best without scrubbing.
NUMBER ONE for life of pressure washer is make sure it is dry when stored. Any water left in lines or pump will freeze in winter which destroys your pump. If available the best way to store is in a heated enviroment.
The weakest link is the pump in a pressure washer and it us the most expensive part to replace. You really need to own both before deciding - I use mine two or three times a year and electric has worked out the best for me.

 

[Topzide]

Check out www.pressurewasherdirect.com.
CAT pumps have great flow and pressure specs.

 

[MikeE11]

I bought one from North Star 20 plus years ago , still going , what ever u get I would recommend the commercial Honda eng and the cat pump , like others said , mine has never been started without hose flush first and water running before engine starts , mine is 4000 psi been a good one for sure , I think Tsc may even offer one now with Honda and cat pump

 

[HighTwelve]

hello to all,

it's hard to believe the reviews online, so I am asking any of you that have owned a power washer for at least 2-4 yrs and like the results, what do you use? Looking for something w 2500-3000psi, for both home and ranch operations. Unfortunately my grew legs and it is gone. I still have the hoses, wand, attachments and other. Looking for a reliable make & model.

really would appreciate what you like about it and it's performance. if you have one that's been performing poorly, that's good to know too.

thank you very much,
tstex

All of the big box store models go on sale with heavy discounts. The power washer module is similar or identical on many of them. There’s an assembly that sticks out of the back of the pump called the relief valve or unloading valve. There’s a sort of valve in it that looks like a big oversized needle valve that you would have in a lawnmower carburetor.

Unless you use the power washer every day corrosion from sitting will cause the unloading valve to stick. It’s a ten minute job to pull it and work it with your fingers and some WD40 or whatever to free it up. No big deal. I wind up doing this after every winter storage.

 

[Phineas7]

I have a 2600PSI 3GPM with Annovi Reverberi pump and a Honda 6.5 Engine

I've had it 21 years. It gets used for something every month. Had a brass piece on the pump crack about 5 years ago. $20 and 10 minute fix. I do change the oil every couple of years.

It's got to have at least 400 hours on it.

I bought a surface washer last year. That was the first time I wished I'd bought a bigger unit. It works, but it's a slow process.

 

[samharley]

I looked into purchasing a chipper... and did not. A Vemeer 6" chipper with 27hp Koher engines can be rented for less than $300/day. This chipper will take care of anything that fits through the opening.

 

[Dave N]

Stihl 400 Dirt Boss-$800

Always starts with one or two pulls, even after winter storage (in my basement) with fuel and Sta-bil. Enough psi to wash the house, clean the tractor, etc. I use it for two days straight 5 or 6 hours a day in the spring and again in the fall.

Went with the Stihl despite being about twice the price of others because I have every single Stihl product I ever bought (2 chainsaws and Kombi with weed eater, blower, tiller, and hedge trimmer attachments) and they are all 14 years old and start on 1st or 2nd pull (with stabilized or ethanol free fuel after storage) except for the Stihl )15L chainsaw which is 47 years old. It needs a bit more coaxing...

Key like many others have said is proper use and maintenance.

 

[LilTractrThatCould]

I bought one from link below. Pick your honda engine then pick your favorite pump. Was available at my local power equipment store. Has held up great

Top Gun Pressure Washers Archives - Pro Power Products