Pressure washers
- Thread starter suds
- Start date
Stephen B
Member
- Joined
- May 6, 2013
- Messages
- 2,749
[size=14pt]
Can not help but see the irony that this thread was started by 'Suds'. [smile]
Anyway, can you access a Gerni where you live. I have had a basic domestic model for over ten years for the very uses you describe and for car and mower washing.
[size=10pt]
https://www.gerni.com.au/en/products/Pages/default.aspx?CategoryId=30605&Name=Consumer_Pressure_Cleaners
Can not help but see the irony that this thread was started by 'Suds'. [smile]
Anyway, can you access a Gerni where you live. I have had a basic domestic model for over ten years for the very uses you describe and for car and mower washing.
[size=10pt]
https://www.gerni.com.au/en/products/Pages/default.aspx?CategoryId=30605&Name=Consumer_Pressure_Cleaners
JayStPeter
Member
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2007
- Messages
- 399
I got one of the 2000ish PSI electric ones from the big box. I think mine is a Karcher, but they look pretty generic. It works fine for siding and getting the mold/mildew off my outside cement basement stairs. I don't recommend the smaller ones. The one I'm talking about is just under $200. The cheaper ones don't have the power, so instead of cleaning a 10" swath, you clean like a 3" swath per pass.
One feature mine has that I paid absolutely no attention to when I bought it is a bleach mixing cup thing. Turns out I use that all the time. Though, I guess I would just figure out a way to measure small amounts in when I needed it otherwise. But, it's invaluable when cleaning all the vinyl on the outside of the house.
Not a big fan of using it for my deck. Neither the old wooden one or the new Trex-alike one. Prefer a bucket and scrub brush on a stick. But, I do use it for the PVC railings. Chews up the wood/Trex.
The only issue I have is it won't work on a GFCI protected circuit. So I have to run a long heavy duty extension cord through a window to use it.
One feature mine has that I paid absolutely no attention to when I bought it is a bleach mixing cup thing. Turns out I use that all the time. Though, I guess I would just figure out a way to measure small amounts in when I needed it otherwise. But, it's invaluable when cleaning all the vinyl on the outside of the house.
Not a big fan of using it for my deck. Neither the old wooden one or the new Trex-alike one. Prefer a bucket and scrub brush on a stick. But, I do use it for the PVC railings. Chews up the wood/Trex.
The only issue I have is it won't work on a GFCI protected circuit. So I have to run a long heavy duty extension cord through a window to use it.
cliffp
Member
- Joined
- Jun 22, 2012
- Messages
- 517
Mine is a Kranzle:
http://www.kranzle-pressure-washers.co.uk/cold-pressure-washers-1/kranzle-hd-k-10-122-pressure-cleaner.html
Its brilliant. Not sure what it would cost in the US (this price includes 20% vat)
http://www.kranzle-pressure-washers.co.uk/cold-pressure-washers-1/kranzle-hd-k-10-122-pressure-cleaner.html
Its brilliant. Not sure what it would cost in the US (this price includes 20% vat)
When I did some research into pressure washers for decks and painted surfaces, most sources seemed to suggest fairly low-pressure (2,000 psi) and high volume (4 gpm) washers as best for these applications. Such pressure washers typically cost upwards of $2,000 new.
After much searching on Craig's list, I found a used Landa PGS 4-3500 locally for $500. It included a 13hp Honda gas engine, hoses and wand. I bought new tips and a few miscellaneous parts from Landa Northwest as they are relatively close to me and seemed to have good customer reviews. Added a pressure gauge as well. Found an owner's manual online. Will be firing it up for the first real use in a few weeks. I figure even if I have to replace a few more parts I should end up ahead of the game.
I hope some of this helps. I'm not trying to dissuade you from buying new or cheaper, just suggesting that you do your research, stick with known reliable brands, and keep your eyes open for a deal.
Phred
After much searching on Craig's list, I found a used Landa PGS 4-3500 locally for $500. It included a 13hp Honda gas engine, hoses and wand. I bought new tips and a few miscellaneous parts from Landa Northwest as they are relatively close to me and seemed to have good customer reviews. Added a pressure gauge as well. Found an owner's manual online. Will be firing it up for the first real use in a few weeks. I figure even if I have to replace a few more parts I should end up ahead of the game.
I hope some of this helps. I'm not trying to dissuade you from buying new or cheaper, just suggesting that you do your research, stick with known reliable brands, and keep your eyes open for a deal.
Phred
No matter which actual pressure washer you get, for cleaning decks and siding, the relatively newly invented deck/patio attachments are really good at speeding up the process by cleaning a larger area at a time and from different angles. Something like the Karcher version below:
My Karcher electric that I fixed twice, recently crapped out completely and I replaced it with a gas powered Generac 2800 psi ($250 on sale-display model). Works fine so far on deck projects like you mention, but i was thinking that for some heavier duty cleaning jobs coming up, I should have gone with the next step up (around $ 400) for a bit more pressure, just in case. I'm sure it'll be fine since it's still more powerful than what I had.
Birdhunter
Member
- Joined
- Jun 16, 2012
- Messages
- 4,144
I've used a Honda powered power washer, 5 HP, for 15 years with great results. Bought it at Home Depot. I replaced the short hose it came with and now have a 30 foot hose. I can change the spray pattern by swapping out nozzles. With the Honda engine, I don't have to use the gas-oil mixture
If you get an under powered unit, you spend countless hours doing the job. An over powered unit will wear you out fighting the back pressure.
Also, pick the nozzle pattern so as to not chisel out your deck wood. Water under high pressure can cut steel so eroding wood isn't a big deal.
If you get an under powered unit, you spend countless hours doing the job. An over powered unit will wear you out fighting the back pressure.
Also, pick the nozzle pattern so as to not chisel out your deck wood. Water under high pressure can cut steel so eroding wood isn't a big deal.
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2011
- Messages
- 2,004
This is the one my company has used for about 10 years now: http://www.pressuretek.com/directdrive.html
We use it on decks, siding, stone, roofs, etc.
Whatever you get, psi is not the most important metric. Flow is (gpm). I recommend a minimum of 4 gpm. The power of the machine is controlled by the nozzle selection, and your technique. Also, proper chemical selection for cleaning impacts the amount of pressure used. If you get into it, learn the chemicals and learn how to downstream (injecting chemicals post pump).
We will be running our rig this week on decks if anyone would like to see it in action.
We use it on decks, siding, stone, roofs, etc.
Whatever you get, psi is not the most important metric. Flow is (gpm). I recommend a minimum of 4 gpm. The power of the machine is controlled by the nozzle selection, and your technique. Also, proper chemical selection for cleaning impacts the amount of pressure used. If you get into it, learn the chemicals and learn how to downstream (injecting chemicals post pump).
We will be running our rig this week on decks if anyone would like to see it in action.
Gary in Texas
Member
- Joined
- May 16, 2014
- Messages
- 613
Suds,
I have two pressure washers, one is a Craftsman Honda gas powered (3000psi at 2.7gpm) and the other is a Greenworks electric (1700 psi @ 1.4 gpm).
I previously had a gas powered PW purchased from the Borg, but it was hard to crank (no choke, no primer, no joy) and I had some mechanical issues with both the motor and washer, the Craftsman replaced it. Just something to bear in mind if you buy a gas powered unit, check and make sure it will crank easily.
The Craftsman Honda motor is way easier to start, and keep running, and no issues with it for over three years now. The only thing I would caution you about is the obvious gas related/periodical usage to keep it running and gas from going bad, and taking whatever precautions needed for storing. I use it for the bigger jobs needing higher pressure and rate. Best application is for cleaning pavement/cement with one of the surface washers (think lawn mower style washer) from Northern Tools.
The smaller electronic PW I got from Lowes. It is great for smaller jobs like cleaning our patio and house/patio siding and brick. I bought this one with the forethought my wife could use it very easily when she wants to do small cleaning jobs around our covered patio - plug it in, attach the water hose, and you are ready to go.
As someone above mentioned, and they all probably come with this feature, but make sure whatever you get has the built in option of applying/mixing cleaners as you go. I enjoy having the option to use either depending upon the job at hand.
Gary
I have two pressure washers, one is a Craftsman Honda gas powered (3000psi at 2.7gpm) and the other is a Greenworks electric (1700 psi @ 1.4 gpm).
I previously had a gas powered PW purchased from the Borg, but it was hard to crank (no choke, no primer, no joy) and I had some mechanical issues with both the motor and washer, the Craftsman replaced it. Just something to bear in mind if you buy a gas powered unit, check and make sure it will crank easily.
The Craftsman Honda motor is way easier to start, and keep running, and no issues with it for over three years now. The only thing I would caution you about is the obvious gas related/periodical usage to keep it running and gas from going bad, and taking whatever precautions needed for storing. I use it for the bigger jobs needing higher pressure and rate. Best application is for cleaning pavement/cement with one of the surface washers (think lawn mower style washer) from Northern Tools.
The smaller electronic PW I got from Lowes. It is great for smaller jobs like cleaning our patio and house/patio siding and brick. I bought this one with the forethought my wife could use it very easily when she wants to do small cleaning jobs around our covered patio - plug it in, attach the water hose, and you are ready to go.
As someone above mentioned, and they all probably come with this feature, but make sure whatever you get has the built in option of applying/mixing cleaners as you go. I enjoy having the option to use either depending upon the job at hand.
Gary
I would recommend one with a Honda GX commercial motor, CAT triplex pressure washer pump and a rotating nozzle. Here's a great site with info (I'm not affiliated).http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/stories/774-Best-Selling-and-Top-Rated-Power-Washers.html
Although I don't have one yet I'd also look into one with a flexzilla hose. http://www.flexzilla.com/water/pressure-washer-hose-assemblies/
Although I don't have one yet I'd also look into one with a flexzilla hose. http://www.flexzilla.com/water/pressure-washer-hose-assemblies/
blakjak220
Member
- Joined
- Feb 9, 2014
- Messages
- 87
2800 psi Troy Built with a Honda motor from the blue big box.... only had it 2 years but the thing starts with one pull every time and has enough pressure to make 30 yr old exterior concrete look brand new. Can say how long it'll last though...
SittingElf
Member
- Joined
- May 28, 2013
- Messages
- 1,371
If you want to stay electric, I owned a Karcher for quite some time, but it was, and continues to be a pain in the A$$!
I was in Home Depot a couple of months ago, and saw that Ryobi has an electric powered 1700PSI unit for $159 now. Worth taking the shot and seeing if it was any better than my Karcher... and behold! It was night and day! VERY nice unit with plenty of power for the tasks the OP was needing one for. Very long electrical cord as well as a long spray hose. Great portability on wheels and with a self-mixing detergent container built-in. I liked it so much that I bought another one. One for our rental house in Georgia, and one for my permanent house in Florida. I also have a gas-powered Honda, but this Ryobi really kicked butt!
Cheers,
Frank
I was in Home Depot a couple of months ago, and saw that Ryobi has an electric powered 1700PSI unit for $159 now. Worth taking the shot and seeing if it was any better than my Karcher... and behold! It was night and day! VERY nice unit with plenty of power for the tasks the OP was needing one for. Very long electrical cord as well as a long spray hose. Great portability on wheels and with a self-mixing detergent container built-in. I liked it so much that I bought another one. One for our rental house in Georgia, and one for my permanent house in Florida. I also have a gas-powered Honda, but this Ryobi really kicked butt!
Cheers,
Frank
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2007
- Messages
- 11,163
blakjak220 said:
Same model for me, or at least same specs and brand. I've had it for about 6 years and starts on the first pull every time still. Use it on the deck, to clean brick, wash windows on the house, for the cars, etc.
If you're doing cars, I recommend the Chemical Guys foam cannon. Makes it go a lot faster.
If you are buying gas powered get it with a Honda motor. My washer is OLD, I bought it from Acme Tool long before the internet made everything possible to get. It has an Italian AR pump and a 5 hp motor and starts immediately and easily every year. When my Toro mower motor died I had it replaced with a Honda and it is easily 15 years old and runs great.
