Pressure Washer Recommendations??

Wills.WindowsAndWheels

Wills.WindowsAndWheels

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Well i just made a post like this regarding extractors...now i want some feed back on pressure washers lol. I bought one a month or so back...Stanley 1800 PSI 1.4 GPM Electric Pressure Washer with Maintenance Free Pump - P1800S-BB at The Home Depot

Stanley 1800 psi electric..I hate it...with a passion. I have said more swear words at this thing than any other tool ive ever owned lol.
Its going back as soon as i find a replacement (thus the reason for this thread). The hose is only 20 ft...it STAYS tangled up...the body is so light if you pull at all it tips over..the power of the sprayer is delayed when you first pull the trigger..the 'quick attachment' on the back was plastic and broke after the 2nd job...like i said...hate it lol...but it was better than a hose so i've hung onto it this long...but its gotta go

So heres the thing, i have a car...not a truck or SUV or van...a car...taurus...that i need to be able to fit my pressure washer into. I usually can work something of size into the back seat...but that is about the only issue.

I'm open to gas or electric...but after the issues with this little monster I'm heavily leaning towards gas...the only thing i DONT like about gas is that it constantly runs...and they are LOUD (unless someone knows of a quiet model?). But if it WORKS...and is reliable, then im all for it.

So peoples...can i get some recommendations as to what ones you guys have...and answer a few questions about it such as

How long have you had it, have you had any issues?
Pros/Cons of the model you have
Where did you buy it (include a link if possible?)
Ballpark cost?
(BIG ISSUE)- Features to look for BESIDES PSI?

I'm hoping for something as small/compact, light and quiet as possible...but of course these are more along the lines of luxury requests...if it happens to be loud...or heavier than i'd like...i can deal with it.

Thanks for the advice all.
 
Wills.WindowsAndWheels said:
So peoples...can i get some recommendations as to what ones you guys have...and answer a few questions about it such as

How long have you had it, have you had any issues?
Pros/Cons of the model you have
Where did you buy it (include a link if possible?)
Ballpark cost?
(BIG ISSUE)- Features to look for BESIDES PSI?
Click to expand...

My Pressure Washer

  • Make - TroyBilt
  • Engine - Honda Gas 6 1/2hp
  • PSI - 2600
  • Cost - $299
  • From - Lowe's
  • 3 years and no issues
Modifications


  1. I added a shutoff at the garden hose connection.
  2. Replaced the 25 foot pressure hose with a 75 foot flexable hose
  3. Add all quick connects


My generator and power washer

Collection_RD16.jpg
 
How loud are gas pressure washers? That's really the main reason I don't like them. It's been a while since I used one though.
 
generator's are louder!! or if you have honda that's another story

Electric pressure wasehr's are for small home service / not for tough everyday cleaning.

Gas Pressure washer cut's the time for sure. you can have 100ft of pressure hose no problem. / vs elcetric i don't think so

if you want quallity go for Hotsy / Malco / De Walt / John Deere / B& STRATTON

other than that is a basic. it all depend's on what type of job's you do

For basic ones / go with 2600psi you don't need more. a 5hp / 7hp is good enough

from 10hp & Up then is more for Comercial cleaning. 4000psi

just residential / or you do some comercial?

I use a B&Stratton 16hp / 4000psi / up to 200ft of pressure hose. no problem!!!!! have enough Power
 
I mounted mine on the back of my van / put a hose reel next to it. It saves you a lot of time. Unloading the machine all the time.

The exhaust goes all the way down / so you don't have that gas smeel inside you van / cut's the noise also

belive me / mount it / have the hose reel next ot it / you have your water tank already. It will save you time

is better to have enough power for an extra side job / like a drive way pressure wash cleaning / a patio / some brick
there is always many other thing's you can do in a coustomer house than just washing or detailing his car
 
I just detail on the side so I don't need a monster. Just a simple one really. I also detail at my house so I don't need to put it in my car.
 
maximus20895 said:
I just detail on the side so I don't need a monster. Just a simple one really. I also detail at my house so I don't need to put it in my car.
Click to expand...

Have you looked at the Karcher models?
I also detail out of my car but I have a 50 gal tank welded where the back passeger seats used to be. The new X models are supposed to be better and they are water cooled. A member here told me about them so I just ordered one yesterday.
I have had good experiences with the K3 and K5 models.
 
Rav777 said:
Have you looked at the Karcher models?
I also detail out of my car but I have a 50 gal tank welded where the back passeger seats used to be. The new X models are supposed to be better and they are water cooled. A member here told me about them so I just ordered one yesterday.
I have had good experiences with the K3 and K5 models.
Click to expand...

Please be sure to post your observations. I really want to know if the new Karchers are more robust (fittings, etc). Most early failures are fittings and leaks.
 
Bunky said:
Please be sure to post your observations. I really want to know if the new Karchers are more robust (fittings, etc). Most early failures are fittings and leaks.
Click to expand...

I will keep you posted. I ordered one for that very reason and I will do a review on it. I had trouble with their cheaper 89.00 models. I bought the 1800 psi K5 X series and I plan to use it for my mobile business. I get about 25 cars a weekend so I think that will be a good test. I will also clean my patio. My main concern is the durability and the dreaded internal leak issues that the earlier models had.
 
So are these new, introduced models or what? I'm going to keep my eye out for these!
 
maximus20895 said:
So are these new, introduced models or what? I'm going to keep my eye out for these!
Click to expand...

Yes they are the 2011 models. Karchers are good but the early models have had various problems so this is supposed to be the upgraded model. I bought mine at Pressurewashersdirect.com

Karcher K3.740 - X Series 1800 PSI (Electric-Cold Water) Pressure Washer

I really thank the member of the forum who posted this model. I was about to buy a GreenWorks pressure washer from Lowe's im glad I waited. I really like Karcher because you can run them off auto detail tanks. So the pump actually sucks in the water so you dont need an external pump. I know other electric pressure washers don't have this feature.
 
Hmm. Wonder if there is a place I can buy them that warrant a warranty of some sorts.
 
Try Cosco for a pressure washer with warranty, they are excellent for taking product back.
 
They are building one in Knoxville next month so hopefully it will be done soon! I have never been to one!
 
I have been through 2 of the Home Depot/Lowes/Costco units. They are usually priced @ $200-$400 (gas models). They usually run well for 1-2 years. The Engine is not the weakness. It is quite easy to tune a Briggs and Stratton, Tecumseh, or Honda. The challenge is the pumps that are typically attached cannot be services. They have to be replaced. Usually the replacement pump costs as much or more than the original purchase price of the entire rig. Depending on your usage maybe this is the best route for you? For my 3rd unit I purchased a has washer with a Honda GX engine strapped to a serviceable Annovi Reverberi pump. Cost just shy of $1K. There are other good pumps out there too, like CAT and COMET. My 2c
 
Rav777 said:
Have you looked at the Karcher models?
I also detail out of my car but I have a 50 gal tank welded where the back passeger seats used to be. The new X models are supposed to be better and they are water cooled. A member here told me about them so I just ordered one yesterday.
I have had good experiences with the K3 and K5 models.
Click to expand...
I went with the new X series specifically because of these reasons:

New X-Series Water Cooled Induction Motor
•Greatly reduces heat generated by pump & motor, extending life
•Motor noise is reduced up to 50% so you can work more comfortably

New N-Cor Swash Plate Transfer System Pump
•Lightweight & strong patented N-Cor polymer resists corrosion
•Out performs & lasts longer than previous pumps
•Pump design results in a quieter pump


I'm really liking the X series so far!! :dblthumb2:
 
Rav777 said:
Yes they are the 2011 models. Karchers are good but the early models have had various problems so this is supposed to be the upgraded model. I bought mine at Pressurewashersdirect.com

Karcher K3.740 - X Series 1800 PSI (Electric-Cold Water) Pressure Washer

I really thank the member of the forum who posted this model. I was about to buy a GreenWorks pressure washer from Lowe's im glad I waited. I really like Karcher because you can run them off auto detail tanks. So the pump actually sucks in the water so you dont need an external pump. I know other electric pressure washers don't have this feature.
Click to expand...
You got it, bud. :dblthumb2:

You're right.

The X series has top of the line motor and pump in its class. Some complain that after 30 days, if you have a problem with a Karcher, they will only send you a refurb. That's true. However, instead of a whole new machine, request a new part for free(or pay after 1 warranty) and replace it. No biggie!
 
So it doesn't matter where I get my Karcher since it has a manufacturer warranty?
 
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