Pressure Washer buying advice

[lutt]

Well, i disagree about gas being more powerful. I have a Hotsey, 120 volt unit with diesel fired hot water on it. It will strip automotive paint off. That is well worth the money for cleaning. Just on the higher end of pressure washers.

 

[4570Man]

I usually take my stuff over to my buddy’s to wash because his Hotsy puts my gas powered cold water unit to shame. But it’s a commercial unit with like 4 gpm. Comparing hot water pressure washers to $150 homeowner grade electric pressure washers is a skewed comparison. The homeowner grade electric pressure washers are less powerful than almost any gas pressure washer. And pressure isn’t the end of the story. Water flow is more important and heated makes a HUGE difference. I wouldn’t have predicted that much difference but it is especially with oil or grease involved.

 

[hslogger]

I have been content with buying low end electric ones that last a few years and do a fine job for me. I echo those who don't want another gas engine to maintain, and I don't want some big machine that will take the hide off a buffalo at a hectare away. I get my motors clean, undercarriage now and then, concrete sidewalk takes a little longer but I have plenty of time and know if I sneeze I won't have taken the paint off the side of the house or the gutters.

One side note, I find it easier with less powerful machine to not force water into my grease fittings and joints that don't need the water intrusion.

 

[mapper]

As I recall my tractors owners manual recommends cleaning with a pressure washer, but keeping the nozzle 1-2 feet away depending on the pressure used.
The pressure washer I have has a variety of nozzles and recommends not using the narrower angle ones on painted surfaces. I was amazed at the capability it has of rinsing the debris off of my driveway after I cleaned it, sort of the same effect as a leaf blower but with water.
I was also impressed with how one can find every little angle and hollow on what you are washing that will throw spray and debris back in your face, safety glasses are a must.:laughing:

 

[JerryK]

I have a Kohler powered Simpson Powershot 3300 PSI AAA pump 2.5 gallon cold water that I procured from Lowes whilst it was on sale plus using my 10% veteran discount. I had time to put it together just before our early winter came, and it sits unused gathering dust out in my barn.... I planed on cleaning my hard used 5035 real good with it before I stored it for the winter. But again, winter came quick. I walk past it once and awhile and drool around it.... and I finally covered it with a sheet. Maybe next Spring .... Buffalo Ranch guy has a 220v Hotsy, and that does a real good job. We used to use Hotsy's at work, way back when I had to work for a living.....

 

[frankrush]

I use the Karcher electric pressure washer. It is already 4 years old and stills works perfectly. This brand is known for reliable washers and vacuum cleaners.

 

[Gem99ultra]

My father in laws Honda has engine powered 3500 psi is like you are saying... He can rip a 8 or 10 inch wide swath while my machine is doing 3" wide. Those bigger machines are impressive!

The difference is that he can also clean the paint from your frame, cut into concrete and do significant damage to things while I can safely clean things that I do not want to damage.

I like his machine.... But it is dangerous and he has "done me the favor" if cleaning my Kubota and accidentally blown the grey paint from my frame and rear axle in places.

Please... No more favors! I'll clean it myself when I haul it back home.

You might consider doing him a favor and show him where the pressure setting knob is