Pressure washer selection

5030tinkerer · Dec 23, 2006

I currently own a Campbell Hausfeld electric 1800psi pressure washer since it was the highest pressure/GPM rating I could find in an electric. Trouble is, when something starts leaking fluids on the driveway, etc., I am missing the oomph to get rid of the mess easily. So...I am in the market for a replacement. The unit will only be used <20 hours/year if I were guessing, but I don't want to have to buy it twice (again! <g>).

I have been looking at a Karcher with a 4000psi rating with 3.6GPM and a Honda 13hp motor. Is this overkill or will I be thrilled? I hate to add another engine to maintain, but need something more. Uses will include: cleaning concrete floors, wood deck (at a distance with a wide nozzle), engines, lawn mowers, removing caked on/dried on mud from backhoe buckets, etc.

tallyho8 · Dec 23, 2006

I have a very cheap Karcher 210 with 1200psi that outcleans any pressure washer I have seen. The trick is in the special rotating tip that comes with it. This tip is so powerful that it will remove decals and old paint from your tractor. It is a little slow on large areas compared to the larger models but it will remove the spills from your concrete very well.

Dusty · Dec 23, 2006

I have a 3600 PSI unit with a Honda 13 HP engine on it, that I bought at HD. It was a returned and repaired unit that I paid $500 for. The every day selling price was about $1100. I have used it for the past 4 years and love it. I did make the mistake of hitting it once with the spray and it did remove the original decal from the handle. Other than that, it looks and works like the day that I purchased it. If you are in the box stores often, you can find good deals on returned items that they want to move out of the building at a good price. A few weeks ago, I scored big time at Lowe's on some returned string trimmers and a chain saw.
Dusty

SPYDERLK · Dec 23, 2006

I think it will be overkill, but you will love it. I have a 2500PSI one at 2.5GPM delivery. Good enuf for most things, but good to always have what you need. You can always slow it down when you dont want full power. You will find more and more uses.
Larry