power tool recommendation

[Lastkidpicked]

We ACCIDENTALLY did a comparison test and I'll share the results with you.

Lent the kids my Honda powered pressure washer. Rather than keep borrowing it back, I just let them keep it and headed out for a replacement.

The big box store had a similar unit for $449. It rang up at $399. Maybe I'm too honest, but I asked the cashier to double check because I was certain the signage said $449.

That is what the scanner insisted was the price, so I paid $399.

Once we got home and unboxed we realized the difference. The same exact washer could be had with a Briggs motor or a Honda motor. The Briggs was cheaper and that is the box I accidentally grabbed.

Well, now we had torn up the box and everything, so decided just to keep it and use it. There is no comparison between this and the Honda motor. This one is much harder to start, much rougher running. I'd have gladly paid the extra $50 for the Honda motor.

 

[charles todd]

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

I have had this for many years. Have had 0 issues. Has a CAT pump and Yamaha engine.

Yamaha PW3028​

Yamaha PW3028 Pressure Washer

CT

 

[KingBubba]

Just a comment, but not a product endorsement. If you plan on using your pressure washer constantly, a gas powered unit is great. If, however, you are like me and use the washer once in a while, an electric washer is a better choice. Gas motors don't do well unless they are run regularly. I don't know the market; so I can't make any recommendation. I just know that I have a Honda generator in the garage that is of no use to me and repair would cost as much as buying a new one.

 

[tstex]

Very good information guys, thank you so much.

It's good to hear your experiences re types of engines and pumps to either get or stay away. AND, maintenance and winter prep is critical. Since we live in a milder winter climate, freezing is not too much of an issue. But, I still remove hose/wand and drain water each time if that's the last time I will use the PW for the foreseeable future. I am always checking and adding engine oil as needed. I keep all of my engine based equipment inside good sheds w cement floors and cover them to keep out dust, insects and moisture. If not used in a long time, I dump the gas and add new. I use 2-3 diff types of fuel conditioners that seem to make the fuel last longer and equip runs better.

Thanks again Gent's !!

 

[FERLING]

Thanks. I believe that Honda, Kohler and Briggs & Stratton make the most reliable engines. then it comes down to features and reliability.

I would concur that using only 100% gasoline w ethanol in it is the only way to go. Buc-ee's in our area sells corn-free fuel. I then add Marvel Mystery oil to all my fuels per spec...

Honda Engines | Manufacturing Locations

Honda engines are manufactured in Honda factories throughout the world.

engines.honda.com

 

[TKBlanc]

The engines will all outlast the pumps. You have to spend real money to get a pump that will last.

I always hook mine up to the water supply and squeeze the trigger until water flows continuously to be sure that the pump is full of water. And I bring it in to the basement when it approaches freezing outside. A good frosty couple of days will freeze the water in the pump body and destroy it. (You can add pump antifreeze instead.).

 

[Bpflora]

Don't listen to this guy.

Honda makes several levels of engines, GX engines will last pretty much forever. My pressure washer is 12 years old now and I use it pretty extensively, the pump is almost worn out but the GX engine still starts first pull. I just bought a GX trash pump I believe from the 70s that was very abused, new rings and a clean carb now she also cranks first pull and I run it about 1,500 gallons a week for animal and garden water from my pond.

I agree with this. I have a pressure washer with a Honda GX160. 26 years old. Starts first or second pull every time IF I shut the fuel off and use it until it runs out of gas. Next day turn fuel back on and it starts first or second pull. Always winterize with Rv antifreeze. Northern tool was so impressed it still runs and works so well they sold me a replacement pump to have on hand for $50. It’s still in the box. Use it weekly and it’s great! Honda all the way!

 

[tstex]

Thanks Ferling...Yes, honda makes a nice engine too.

CORRECTION: gasoline with OUT ethanol is the way to go...forgot the "not"....

 

[JBF43]

I have a Simpson pressure washer with a Honda GC motor on it. After a year the motor now drips oil. I doubt it had more than a couple hours on it when I noticed the puddle. I've had the same problems as Username. They sit for not very long and the carb has to be taken apart. My sawmill has a 2 cylinder Honda and I hate that thing. I finally got so fed up I replaced the carb on it with another Honda carb ($$$). Ran ok for a few months then sat. Doesn't matter if you run the fuel out or not they gunk up easily. My farm neighbor has a small engine shop and even he has apologized for not being able to get it running like new. So yes I don't share the Honda love.

caver, I shared somewhat the same problem as you on a Simpson pressure washer, except the pump went out on mine. Luckily I got it to the repair shop on the last day of the warranty. The shop operator/ local service center for 3/4 of stuff made for this area looked up the warranty and said 'it's a good thing you brought it in today'. He tried to repair the pump but couldn't so a new one was ordered and installed at no charge to me as it happened under warranty. The Honda engine has been flawless though. I actually have 18 gasoline engine-powered items that do not get run all of the time. Some as others have mentioned are seasonal or occasional use. I use regular ethanol-loaded gas in mine with Stabil mixed in it. I have tried to run carbs dry by shutting the gas off and running the carbs dry. This actually for me turned out to not be beneficial as some carbs still gunked up. I have found for me that if I start these engines once a month and run them for about 5 minutes, just enough to move the old gas through the carb and replace it with fresher gas from the tank, I don't get the clogged-up carbs. I have found that in my situation, trying to run the carb absolutely dry doesn't completely get the gas out. It gets it low enough in there so the engine can't run, but what remains seems to dry up and clog up faster than running the engine once a month. Just my experience.

 

[JBF43]

Agreed, the only magic is converting to propane or using a diesel engine. But they both have their drawbacks. Propane makes less power in the same engine and requires a pressure tank & plumbing and a diesel weighs and costs twice as much for the power output.

In addition to the additives, I find that cutting the fuel and letting the engine run out of gas also helps by reducing the amount of fuel left in the bowl but does not entirely eliminate the issue

same here.