Hi, I'm looking for some opinions on Gas-powered Pressure washers. I have tried the Lowe's Briggs & Stratton Power-Flow + 3000 PSI one (3 times) and took everyone back... Now I"m looking at Craftsman's or any other recommended brands. I have heard about Troy-Built, Generac, Honda and a few others. I figured this would be the right place to find out what some opinions are out there.

I want to use it to power wash my house, shed, deck, sidewalk lawn equip. etc.


Any ideas? Has anyone tried any particular brands and have Great luck with them?

Thanks for your help in advance!

 

Hello Homeuser66,

If you pay up front for a good machine it will take care of you for many many years, Most all the "homeowner" box store machines are built the same no matter the brand. Their normally good for a year or two before taking a dump, Then normally not worth the repair cost.

I work for a rental/new equipment sales/repair store, I've had four of these units in my rental fleet for over 15 years;

Honda GX 200-Portable Pressure Washer-2.5GPM-3300PSI-Attachment Kit-20H46

The oldest has been designated as the "shop" machine and see's use dozens of times a day 6 days a week, It still starts first pull and is ready to wash when you are.

There's just no match to a Honda GX series engine with a Cat pump period......

Good Luck

 

Thanks for the reply 31YTech! I'm looking at your link now... I agree with "You get what you pay for" that is why I do my research too. For what I will be using it for, this would be too much money. I'll only maybe use it once or twice a season.

I'm looking at spending no more than $400. I was looking at some from Lowe's Shop Gas Pressure Washers at Lowes.com

and others from Sears: Pressure Washer from Sears.com

 

You pretty much can't buy a new quality pressure washer for $400. From the selection you've shown, take your pick. They are all about the same quality-wise. If I was looking for a quality unit for $400, I would hit craigslist and the pawn shops to find a good used unit with a honda GX engine and CAT, AR, or Comet pump. A good used one will still be far better than a brand new one of the selection you've shown.

 

I agree, a good used one will far outlast a cheap new one.

 

I think I paid less than $400 for my PWer, it has a honda engine and a comet pump ...... but I did buy it about 15 yrs ago I bought mine at northern hydraulics [now called northern tool] so that might be another place to look.

 

Hello Homeuser66,


I can understand the cost factor given the number of times you'd use it a year, No matter what brand "homeowner" machine you choose, Read the storage section in the owner's manual.

The BIGGEST mistake people make is when finished using the machine just wheel'n it back in the garage and forgetting about it, These aluminum pumps corrode internally when left with water inside. This causes a low or no pressure situation when pulled back out, I've seen many that were less than a year old completely plugged up from corrosion and warranty will not cover this. There's only been a couple out of many I was able to clean out and get going again, All others required a new pump which in some cases cost more than a whole new machine.

Use this "Pump Saver" in any brand machine every time you finish if the machine is going to sit more than a couple weeks, This will defiantly expand the life of these homeowner machines;

Shop Briggs & Stratton 4-oz Pump Saver at Lowes.com


Good Luck

 

You know, I never knew until I read here on the forums that you are supposed to winterize a pressure washer. What I've always done is to disconnect the wand and hose to drain them and then with the ignition off, pull on the starter rope 2-3 times to exhale any water in the pump. I've never had any storage issues with any PWer I've owned or company owned that I was responsible for. I've only had dealings with the commercial type PWers although the one I own is only a small commercial PWer.

 

Hello marksr,

There's no aluminum parts that I've seen inside commercial grade PW pumps (Cat-General-Comet), So pulling the rope a few times as you state works fine to get most of the water out. But doing so on a aluminum pump still leaves water sitting inside to cause corrosion, That's why "Pump Saver" actually saves the pumps.


31

 

If you are only going to use the pressure washer three or four times a year you would be far better off to simply rent a good machine. Even if it cost you a $100 a year for rental it would be better than paying $400 every couple of years for a cheapo model.

 

Gee guys I have one of those Craftsman "cheap" units since 2008 and had no problems. I make sure I change oil about once every two years and I've changed pump oil only once. I do not do any thing special for winter storage other than stabilizer for the fuel.

For occasional use the electric are decent. I prefer the gas only because that's one less line that needs to be dragged along.

 

I know they are GFI protected but I don't like the electric PWers mainly because water and electricity don't mix. They usually don't have as much power either.

From what I've read here on the forums I think the biggest issues diyers have with PWers stems from them just shutting them off and rolling them into the garage/shed with no thought about them until the next time they want use them. Not saying that the commercial units aren't worth the extra cost!

 

Ok, Thanks Cheese! I'll start looking...I didn't even think of that.....lol....

 

Norm, glad yours is holding in there, but I'd be willing to bet that 3/4 of the lower end pressure washers sold in 2008 are no longer working. My washer from the '90s with a honda 13hp and a AR 3500psi 4.0gpm pump still works like new aside from a fraying pull rope and dry rotted tires on the frame. That reminds me I need to put tubes in it one of these days.

 

Thanks for the replies and advice! I couldn't find one on Craig's list nearby that was in any good working shape. I actually went to sears and bought this one: Sears.com

It is perfect for my needs, I love the fact that I can start it up with the gun. I used it multiple times over the weekend and loved it. Will it work 5-10 yrs from now? Who knows, maybe. But I'm sure if I put it away in my basement for the winter (I live in New England Area) it should last me a few years... I got it on sale so if I was to have a professional do it, it already paid for itself....lol...

Again, Thanks for the help and advice. I am glad I am a part of this community as I am a Do-it-myself-er.........