What is the BEST pressure washer?

[Gem99ultra]

rSotty, I saw where you could order the Kuhuna of Power Washers like Jaylegger just bought, from Home Depot. Probably take a few days from them to bring it in, but the wait would certainly be worthwhile. They probably would also tell you which HD store might have one in stock to save you some time.

I mentioned that I'm no expert on power washers, but the specs on Jaylegger's DeWalt machine made by Simpson, Dewalt DXPW4240, is exactly what I'd buy too. Things that get my attention are 'ceramic pistons', 4.0 gpm, 4000# max pressure, 3/8" nozzle & hose... You could pay a lot more and get a lot less for sure!

I'd have to add a pressure gage if it were mine, otherwise I'd end up cutting chunks of concrete out of my driveway Seriously though, a top quality machine like that will save you many hours of work if you have any sizeable jobs to get done.

 

[Jaylegger]

I'd have to add a pressure gage if it were mine, otherwise I'd end up cutting chunks of concrete out of my driveway Seriously though, a top quality machine like that will save you many hours of work if you have any sizeable jobs to get done.

Agree on the neccessity of a pressure gauge, I purchased one the same day the machine showed up and also picked up a Tiny-Tach tach/hour meter both of which have proved indispensible. My machine wasn't set-up very well from the factory with low operating pressure but after consulting FAN to confirm the low pressure I was able to set-up the pressure washer properly. The hour meter portion of the tach also means no more guessing about maintenance intervals.

I should mention that the rep at FNA Group stressed a couple times the 4200 PSI rating was max rating only and indicated that, for continued use, setting the unit up for 4000 psi would be prudent and after measuring the operating vs bypass pressure and I would agree. The bypass pressure above 4000 psi is quite high about 20% higher than the operating pressure and can stress the machine somewhat. The bypass valve design appears better suited for 3800-4000 psi operating pressure which is still enough pressure to want to knock you over if you get a little off balance. If you need the extra couple hundred dial it in for short term use.

Lowes sells the Simpson PS4240 for under a grand which is the same unit and they offer free delivery.

 

[sox3]

Check out Watercannon. We purchased a lot of parts, pumps and complete units from them. I would recommend a CAT pump for sure.

 

[buickanddeere]

Just about any system with a three ceramic piston CAT or COMET pump. Something rated for hot water supply and will inject soap while in high pressure mode.

 

[J_J]

The best pressure washer is subjective.

It involves pressure, GPM, accessories, brand, how much you use it, home owner or commercial, etc.

I have used Honda powered pressure washers for about 30 years, and like the longivity of the brand,

I like Cat pumps, and turbo nozzels.

I did commercial work such as wood decks, homes, cool decks, roofs, cars, semi trucks.

I still have three pressure washers, plus an electric for small jobs.

I have bunches of wands, hoses, 24 ft pressure poles for high places.

I have two buffer type driveway scrubbers, one with wheels and the other with brushes.

I use swimming pool bleach with liquid soap for the bleach to cling to the work.

You must understand that it is the pressure that does the cleaning, and that is determined by the HP, which takes into account the GPM's, and the pressure.

A 5 hp engine can power a pump at 3 GPM's at 2500 psi

A 8 hp engine can power a pump at 4 GPM's at 3000 psi

A 11 hp engine can power a pump at 5 GPM's at 3200 psi

A 13 hp engine can power a pump at 4.5 GPM's at 4200 psi.

You can vary the GPM by reducing the engine rpm.

You can vary the GPM by changing the nozzle to a larger orifice.

If you have a 3000 psi pressure washer, that only means that the pump is capable of developing that pressure if the correct nozzle is attached.

The working pressure is usually much less.

The relief pressure is the pressure they advertise, and that is with the pump running, with water flowing, and the trigger off. The pump will bypass until you pull the trigger.

So what is the best and how do you use it to your advantage. It is very subjective.

If you install a 3000 psi gage, you can see the working pressure and be able to adjust the relief pressure.

A good filter on the input, non-detergent oil in the pump case, correct nozzle for the job.

 

[RobertBrown]

So where does one find a washer with a bronze lined pump, reels for the hoses, a rack for attachments, and all powered by Honda?

Are they at box stores? Which ones?
rScotty

I have no knowledge of, or experience with these "Karcher" pressure washers that have been recommended from our friends down under, but I have seen them for sale at Sams club. It may be a seasonal item, so now may not be the best time to find one. It seems to me that if you had a major weather event and you think you need a pressure washer......so do a lot of other people and they are probably sold out. When you get to town you may find your choices will be slim and the prices may be high.
I have a homeowners model with a Briggs engine. It seems to be adequate for my needs. I know at times I wish it was more powerful but on the other hand I have screwed a few things up with it as well.
Hope you get things clean up and back to normal soon....god luck with that :thumbsup:

 

[Jaylegger]

The relief pressure is the pressure they advertise, and that is with the pump running, with water flowing, and the trigger off. The pump will bypass until you pull the trigger.

I'm not sure if it's mandatory but many manufacturers including FNA (simpson, Dewalt) use the PWMA standard PW101 for testing and marketing purposes. Pressure washers are to be rated and marketed using maximum pressure and flow rates as outlined in the standard. Essentially maximum pressure is determined at the manifold while operating under the set water flow conditions IE: operating (not in bypass mode). Three samples are tested and the measured high pressures is averaged, this average high pressure value is then divided by 0.9 to allow for a 10% manufacturing variance to obtain the rated (marketed) maximum pressure.

Taking my 4200psi unit as example, when delivering 4 gallons per minutes I would expect an average unit to output a max pressure of 3780 psi (4200*.9). Through my own measurements when my unit is set to deliver and operating 3800psi the bypass pressure is about 4300 psi. Coincidentally in a properly setup system the bypass pressure is also typically around 10% higher than the operating pressure therefore making the bypass pressure very close to the rated maximum pressure per standard PW101. Therefore, as you stated, it's reasonable to state that a pressure washers marketed maximum pressure is the bypass pressure. Interesting, when I first read your post and began writing this post I was working off the premise that your statement was incorrect but alas, for all intents and purposes, you are quite right.

My unit will manage about 4100 operating psi (using 1.5% accuracy gauge) but the unloader valve appears to be working well outside its intended operational range allowing for a bypass pressure of 4900 psi which is about double the normal % differential one should stive for. The high bypass pressure will speed up failure rates therefore (assuming my unit is representative) using an operating pressure of 4100 psi with the dewalt unit is not recommended.

 

[econometrics]

Anyone have experience with the North Star pressure washers from Northern Tool? They put Honda power in most of their units, as well as Comet pumps.

 

[dave9652]

Cat Triplex pump on a 13 HP Honda engine from Northern tool...Top of the line

 

[lostcreekranch]

Bought the 13HP, 4000 HP, 4 gpm pressure washer at Sam's Club about 3 years ago. It was $999 back then.

BlackMax :: BM80917


Looked this when I got it.


It is heavy and not as portable as I would like so bought a 4' x 4' trailer from Harbor Freight Tools for $199 less my 20% coupon. Removed the wheels and installed the PW on trailer.



Now I can pull behind Ranger and use it anyplace I have water.

It has hose reel and 50' hose plus a set of various angle nozzles.

This is our small job PW also from Sams.



Rick