small electric pressure washers - what's currently good?

[newbury]

sixdogs has a good thread on larger "clean the 747" pressure washers (PW). I've a Northern tool, honda engine medium size PW that I liked for a decade until the pump blew an O-ring, which I have not gotten around to fixing.

However I know for probably 90% of my PW jobs I don't NEED the power and the size of the unit and logistics makes me "skip" the small jobs.

I mainly want to clean spots of my concrete drive, wash down the bricks and siding, clean the clay off the backhoe bucket, etc. Where there is electricity there is public water.

So what are some recommended brands and specs for the smaller PW?
Costco sells

Ford 1800 PSI Electric Pressure Washer
Features: 35 Power Cord w/GFCI, 1.5 GPM, Four-position Select Wand for $170

Sam's club sells several.

So TBN, what do you say?

 

[micman32]

I have an AR Blue Clean! Works really well. I like not having to mess with a gas engine. I use it to wash cars, decks, concrete and siding. Does s great job. Only runs when the trigger is pressed. I got it at Sears for $150.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I have an AR Blue Clean! Works really well. I like not having to mess with a gas engine. I use it to wash cars, decks, concrete and siding. Does s great job. Only runs when the trigger is pressed. I got it at Sears for $150.

About how much have you used it? I have a different PW with that feature and the feature stopped working after a few hrs use. I have to run and press the switch off now.

Thanks!

 

[aczlan]

We have a Greenworks pressure washer (like: Amazon.com : GreenWorks GPW1950 1, 950 PSI 1.2 GPM Quiet Motor Electric Pressure Washer with Hose Reel : Patio, Lawn & Garden ) and it has worked well.
We also have the same model at work and it has stood up to the abuse it gets there.

Aaron Z

 

[dickfoster]

I've had a Karcher electric power washer for several years. It still works.

 

[JRobyn]

I have a Karcher and between me and other family have several of the Sam's Black Max electrics. Karcher broke a fitting once on the pump for detergent suction - parts were $$$$. Probably less than 50 hours run time and that one, but over 10 years old.

The Black Maxes have been quite good. Usually about $130, occasionally on sale. IIRC, they have industry-standard Simpson pumps. Probably around 100 hours on a couple of them washing houses and such. About 5 years old average. It's one item that is probably worth the Sams extended warranty. Sams has been carrying the same one (or nearly the same) for many years. Costco seems to change manufacturers every 6 months.

 

[RalphVa]

We have a BlackMax one bought (think it was) at Sam's.

It works fine, except the suction on the detergent tank has never worked. I'd actually like to put a tad of bleach in there, but you're not supposed to use bleach. Doesn't work anyway.

Ralph

 

[Alien]

I had a karcher for 15 years and it was going well. Only trouble I had was a snake crawled inside it once and stunk it out. No further problems till my wife left it running for a night and day with no water. Melted the comm and brushes burnt.

 

[Clay45]

I've had this little guy for 3 years now and happy with it:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200464516_200464516

 

[Egon]

I've gone through three inexpensive electric washers. None seemed to be a ruggedly built machine that would last.

But, I'm sure there are many very good electric washers out there. It might be all about price and amount of use.

Presently a gasoline washer works for me. It has gone thru one pump. It was not an expensive buy.

The results will usually reflect the purchase price. One will note the guns get much nicer and the nozzles are also better.

Doing a search on this site will find other threads on pressure washers.