Small (but good quality) electric pressure washer

jarred767

jarred767

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I know there's a few threads on here about pressure washers, and there's a ton of great info on them, but I'm specifically looking for something with a smaller footprint to take with me on mobile jobs. I have an HHR Panel as my mobile rig and fit everything in it that I need nicely, and the only thing left is a quality electric pressure washer, but I don't have much space remaining.

Anyone have good luck with a smaller (doesn't have to be tiny, just not large) pressure washer. Thanks guys!
 
I've had the one from costco (simpson) for 3 years now. I use it like there's no tomorrow and hasn't missed a beat. This is my third electric pressure washer and has been a great one. One of the other ones was a craftsman and didn't last 2 years, can't rember the other one.
 
All the floor models at my local Home Depot are on deep discount

Generators too
 
allenk4 said:
All the floor models at my local Home Depot are on deep discount

Generators too
Click to expand...

Thanks, my local Home Depot and lowes have very limited quantities (nothing really in the lower end) but Ill keep looking, thanks!

I like that Karcher, but not sold on the pull along feature. I think I might prefer something with a longer hose that can just be lettin one or two places.
 
I've been reading a ton about pressure washers it seems you can't find a good electric one under $500 that will last longer than 2 years. I say go gas and get a small Honda and be done with it.
 
Not sure why photos are sideways by KARCHER K 2050 like 5 years old used year round had other KARCHER units left in garage water would freeze in units pump and would make unit inoperatable, so like clock work I bring this unit in house when temps drop down to 35. BOXED KARCHER unit is a K 2.300 rumor has it has to be K 3 series and higher for self priming (pull) water without additional pumping unit.
Gas unit SAM'S CLUB BLACK MAX self priming unit with HONDA GCV 160 engine I hooked up to test feature to my 35 gallon tank and works as advertised. Left in garage being a gas unit hope pump holds up, if not will purchase unit again but prefer to built my own horizontal unit.
 
I suggest you buy a small karcher pressure washer... ive used mine for about 6 months now and it works flawlessly. Very well built and economical too..
 
Thanks for the ideas guys, I'm really thinking it's down to either a smaller Karcher or the AR118. I really like the 118 and seems economical. I know that a higher priced "prosumer" model may work a little better, but they're in the $500-$700 range. I figure even if I have to buy a new one of these every year at ~$100 Id still come out even, and they could last longer. The small footprint of the AR118 is also appealing since I have limited space.
 
I like the karcher or the ryobi electric pressure washers ...they seem to have mostly good reviews compared to others. I want one so bad because they are quiet and easy to carry around but seems like it's still hit or miss on these. I guess I would look at what kind of warranties They have.
 
I am in the market for a new pressure washer and have been doing some research, particularly on the Karchers...

This may be of some interest to you....

The K7 is the only machine with a brass cylinder head. It is rated at 160bar and has a duty cycle of 1 hour. This means it can be used for a maximum of 1 constant use and then must be shut off for at least 30 minutes - this is a water cooled machine.

The K5.2 and K5.7 have metal (not brass, not plastic) cylinder heads which are more durable than the plastic ones, but less durable than the K7. These are 130 bar machines. These machines have a duty cycle of 40 minutes before needing to be shut down for 30 mins. They are also water cooled.

The K4, 3 and 2 series all have plastic cylinder heads, and a duty cycle of 30 minutes, before needing 30 minutes cooling off period - these are air cooled machine.

The K1 series is the same as above but with only a 10 minute duty cycle....

According to Karcher, some of the common causes of the failed cylinder heads are:

1. Exceeding the duty cycle - i.e. working the machine too long before allowing cooling off periods
2. Insufficient supply of water to the machine from your tap
3. Not bleeding the system of all air before turning it on
4. Pushing dirty water through the machine
5. Using 'unauthorized' chemicals in the machine
6. The constant on/off nature of these machines causes cracks in the cylinder head itself,or the seals therein to fail.

From the above it would seem like the lower end models with the plastic cylinder heads are more prone to early failure - there are a lot of youtube videos showing detailing DIY repairs for these instances...

:xyxthumbs:
 
I bought the AR 1600psi when I opened my shop.
It's used daily, not once did it fail me.
So far so good.
Can't beat the price for what you get on this one.
 
A local shop pressure washer shop has had great success with the AR brand, as far as the least expensive electric ones. The shop only sells pressure washers. He has small ones like the AR up to trailer pulled hot water ones.
 
lawrenceSA said:
I am in the market for a new pressure washer and have been doing some research, particularly on the Karchers...

This may be of some interest to you....

The K7 is the only machine with a brass cylinder head. It is rated at 160bar and has a duty cycle of 1 hour. This means it can be used for a maximum of 1 constant use and then must be shut off for at least 30 minutes - this is a water cooled machine.

The K5.2 and K5.7 have metal (not brass, not plastic) cylinder heads which are more durable than the plastic ones, but less durable than the K7. These are 130 bar machines. These machines have a duty cycle of 40 minutes before needing to be shut down for 30 mins. They are also water cooled.

The K4, 3 and 2 series all have plastic cylinder heads, and a duty cycle of 30 minutes, before needing 30 minutes cooling off period - these are air cooled machine.

The K1 series is the same as above but with only a 10 minute duty cycle....

According to Karcher, some of the common causes of the failed cylinder heads are:

1. Exceeding the duty cycle - i.e. working the machine too long before allowing cooling off periods
2. Insufficient supply of water to the machine from your tap
3. Not bleeding the system of all air before turning it on
4. Pushing dirty water through the machine
5. Using 'unauthorized' chemicals in the machine
6. The constant on/off nature of these machines causes cracks in the cylinder head itself,or the seals therein to fail.

From the above it would seem like the lower end models with the plastic cylinder heads are more prone to early failure - there are a lot of youtube videos showing detailing DIY repairs for these instances...

:xyxthumbs:
Click to expand...

Wow thanks for this great info...10 min on the k1! I'm looking at a k2.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions guys, I really appreciate it. After a ton of research, I finally pulled the trigger. I rearranged some stuff in my car (and will be switching to a smaller shop-vac) to make a little more space so I was able to get a little larger one.

I went with the AR383 1900psi. It seems like a really good product and I'm sure it will come in quite handy. I also went ahead and got the extended warranty on it for $15 through Amazon since it covers normal wear and tear and I'll be using mine quite a bit, so could be useful.

Once I get it, try it out, and see how I feel about it, I'll probably go ahead and get some extra attachments and stuff. Anything specific that would be useful right from the start that those of you with AR washers would recommend?

Thanks again guys!
 
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