pressure washer question

PaulieD · Aug 30, 2004

I'm considering getting a pressure washer for washing the deck, siding, windows, tractor and cars and I have no idea how much power I need for reasonably handling these tasks. I like the idea of electric because it's small in size, quiet, and inexpensive, but I hate to short change myself and not have the power I need to do the jobs I want to do.

If it is just a matter of spending a little more time with the electric models, I might consider them, but if I am not going to be satisfied with the results regardless of the time I spend, I better go for a gas model.

Could someone please provide some counsel.

Thanks, Paul

PineRidge · Aug 30, 2004

Paul I had an electric power washer before I stepped up to a gas powered unit. My current gas washer is rated at 2600 psi and is more than enough power for decks, siding, tractors, dirty equipment, and whatever else I throw at it.

The electric unit was a waste of time and money in my opinion. I don't know how it was rated but I doubt if I got 800 psi out of it. I was never comfortable mixing electric and water together anyhow. It always seemed to me like it was an accident looking for a place to happen if you know what I mean. I think if you compare both before you buy you will end up with a gas model. Most Home Depots sell the gas pressure washers and will be more than happy to demo a unit for you. That's what made up my mind.

_RaT_ · Aug 30, 2004

Paul, I have a 13 HP 4.0 gpm 3500 PSI direct drive pressure washer. If I could have it to do all over, I would opt for the Landa or Mi-T-M 5HP belt drive electric washer or gas belt drive machines for around the house chores as you mention. The more GPM, the better. I've mentioned it many times before that I will sacrifice PSI for GPM. Folks who only post PSI are telling you but a 1/3 of the story. The gas powered are great but noisy. The electric belt drives are not only very quiet, but quite strong. You will need at least a 30 amp 240V for electric models that can wash down decks and driveways. You will pay considerably for them. If your desire is to stay under $1000 for a washer, my comment is that they are fine for the smaller chores, but the GPM is often to small and I find that you will often find using the garden hose more effective for the larger areas. Remember, a 5HP electric will easily do what many much larger gas powered units do. Check the GPM, check the PSI. I recommend at least 3.5 GPM. You will always want more, but you really start paying for each bump in GPM. The belt drives are without a doubt superior to the direct drives but also more bulky and expensive. For good quality manufactuers, check Landa and Mi-T-M. No doubt you will find tons of little 120V electric models like Karcher which are OK for very small washing projects but lack any real power to do much and will be more work then they are worth for something as large as a deck. Here is Mi-T-M's url, MiTM and here is Landa

Freds · Aug 30, 2004

I bought an electric job for inside use and it sucks. It's rated at 1700 psi, so obviously it's a cheaper 115v model like most of us see at TSC or H-D. Sometimes it acts like it doesn't have enough water. It came with a GFI plug and I always plug it into a GFCI outlet, but it's just one more cord to drag around besides your water supply and the gun hose.
I used a gas Craftsmen before and I would opt for any gas make and model in the "homeowner" range, especially if you have a two story house and want to do the eaves.

PaulieD · Aug 31, 2004

The units I had considered were the 1600 PSI/1.8 gpm Karcher electric model and the 2500 PSI/2.4 gpm Karcher gas model, both from Sam's Club. The electric unit was @ $140 and the gas unit was @ $300. Sam's also had a Delta unit for $300 with a Honda engine, but I can't find any other information on the Delta unit, and that includes a search of Delta's website.

I'm not prepared to spend big $ for this tool, and my access 240 volt power outlets are limited (one for my dryer and one in my shop), so I guess I should be looking at the 5 to 6.5 HP gas models.

Thanks for all the information, and any other information you think might benefit me would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again,

Paul

_RaT_ · Aug 31, 2004

You will not like the electric Karcher for anything large. The small gas will be OK but fairly slow on large areas. 2.4 GPM is about 3 times the volume my airless paint sprayer puts out which is pretty small for a pressure washer. You can do it, but it is slow going.

TCowner · Aug 31, 2004

Paul, I have a 2000 psi, 3 gpm washer that I purchased from Norhern Tool a couple of years ago. I initially thought about the electric units but decided against them as I thought there were just too small.

There is one thing to be aware of when purchasing your gas powered washer with the large gpm capacities. Your pressure washer performance will be limited to the amount of water you can supply.

My garage fawcets will supply just about the 3 gpm so my washer works fine but if somone else in the house uses water and the supply pressure drops to the outside fawcet my washer will "starve" for water.

I suggest you do a test first to see how much water you can supply to the pump. If yours is like mine and you only have 3-4 gallons per minute then a large gpm pressure washer won't work.

jwstewar · Aug 31, 2004

I bought a Campbell-Hausfield from TSC a couple of years ago. Has 6.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine on it. I think it is 2.6 GPM and 2600 PSI. It has done everything I've ever wanted it to do. Isn't terribly loud. Not any worse than a push lawn mower. I think we paid somewhere between $299 & $329. Like you we needed one, but didn't have big bucks to spend, and mine cleaned the mess you see in the attached picture. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Freds · Aug 31, 2004

I bought a C-H welder/generator a few years ago and found out last year they stopped making them. Maybe they are primarily a power washer company, but I'm leary of buying one of their products again.

_RaT_ · Aug 31, 2004

Boondox mentioned having that issue and that would be important if you have that problem. That is amazing to me that folks will have a supply of water that is so small. I am preparing to build a house and since I need a well, if I get less then 5 gpm from the well, it is mandatory to put in a holding tank. typically 3000 gallons or more. Thus you can effectively and easily boost your water supply to typical gpm which are more or less 20 gpm in a tyical 3/4" supply. I suppose they do this to ensure an adequate supply of water in the house when one person is in the shower and another is doing dishes etc., that scenario is likely to happen routinely.