Pressure Washer - Which one to buy

IWreckALot
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IWreckALot
Edited Date/Time 5/23/2016 6:41am
I'm on the market for a pressure washer. Only one I've ever owned was a cheap $100 electric washer from Home Depot. . . So basically I've never owned a pressure washer. I'd like to stay in the $300 to $500 range. I'll mostly use it for washing the bike and washing off my house and sidewalks and whatnot. I'm not going to go above $500. . . Just can't justify that. What brands have you guys had good luck with?
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TailSoHard
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TailSoHard 4/4/2016 1:28pm
4/4/2016 1:28pm
I have nothing but good luck with my Yamaha PW3028, but those are a little more than $500 so I'll be of no help here... My dad has an older pressure washer (not sure of the brand) with a Briggs & Stratton motor and he loves it, but he also never has a problem with anything he buys cause he never hardly uses his shit...

Sorry, not sure why I'm replying without helping lol
FlickitFlat 4/4/2016 1:37pm
4/4/2016 1:37pm
Just because you spend more does not mean it is better. I haven't looked at the market but I don't think there is anything in your price range. Most of them at Lowes, Home depot is around $199.00 and they are not that bad. Their limitation is no heat, only cold water. To get in a heated one, you are looking at a more commercial unit. A cheap one there would be around $1200.00 plus range. So the $500 price point, I just don't think there is much in that range. I could be wrong, but it won't be better than a $199 unit from one of the major stores.
SEE ARE125 4/4/2016 2:22pm
4/4/2016 2:22pm Edited Date/Time 4/4/2016 2:24pm
Another vote for the Yamaha PW3028. They're like $700 here, but will probably be the last one you'll buy.
IWreckALot
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IWreckALot 4/4/2016 2:22pm
4/4/2016 2:22pm Edited Date/Time 4/4/2016 2:22pm
The electric one I could never get it to give me continuous pressure. It seemed like it would suck air, then regain pressure regularly. I tried getting the air out of the water hose prior to hooking it up even and it still had the same problem. Even at max pressure, I needed a little more pressure for washing the dirt off the drive way. So basically I had a bad experience with the electric and my dad has always had gas powered washers and they always seemed to not have problems. I just stopped at Home Depot and all they had were the ryobi brand in stock and I want something a little better than that. The ryobi tools I've had I haven't been too impressed with.

They have a few generac brand. Someone was talking good about them I found but the engine wasn't a Honda or Briggs and Stratton. I don't like buying brands I don't at least know of.

The Shop

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IWreckALot
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IWreckALot 4/4/2016 2:23pm
4/4/2016 2:23pm
I may take a look at the Yamaha. What's another $150?
SEE ARE125 4/4/2016 2:25pm
4/4/2016 2:25pm
IWreckALot wrote:
I may take a look at the Yamaha. What's another $150?
I edited it, it's another $200, I just looked at the local dealers ad on craigslist. Thought it was $649, it's $699.
IWreckALot
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IWreckALot 4/4/2016 2:27pm
4/4/2016 2:27pm
I just looked and the cheapest I can find on the Yamaha is $790 or so. I think that's stretching it too far.

I just need a cold water washer and I'd like the detergent tank. That seems pretty standard with some of the models.
chocolatethunder782 4/4/2016 2:31pm
4/4/2016 2:31pm Edited Date/Time 4/4/2016 2:32pm
Just get on craigslist. I got one for $20. The lady couldn't get it to fire up, because the carburetor was clogged.

*Edit, just noticed you're looking for something slightly fancier than a craigslist special.
MR. X
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MR. X 4/4/2016 2:34pm
4/4/2016 2:34pm
I bought one from sears at least 10 years ago in that price range , took it to the track every weekend , let people borrow it a few times . it still runs like it did when i got it . Maybe its because its a cheaper unit and burns oil but i always make sure its topped off with oil before i use it.
Dtat720
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Dtat720 4/4/2016 2:51pm
4/4/2016 2:51pm
I have a suburu with electric start that has been perfect. Its under $500. And the battery lasts for months. Lowes has them
newmann
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newmann 4/4/2016 2:59pm
4/4/2016 2:59pm Edited Date/Time 4/4/2016 3:00pm
Get one with a Honda engine. At least you will have that going for you. At that price point you may not get much of a quality pump in terms of being serviceable so pay attention to the warranty.

I am in the process of purchasing a new natural gas fired one for here at the shop as the 17 year old one has died for the last time. Been putting it off...and putting it off...and putting it off a little more. Thing was brain dead and on life support. In the seven grand range.Sick

EDIT: I typed that two hours ago and just hit submit.....seems you have a few other good suggestions.
JRT812
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JRT812 4/4/2016 3:21pm
4/4/2016 3:21pm
I own a simpson megashot 3100 psi. 400 at the local tractor supply and zero issues as far as performance goes. I never used Sinpson products before, but it came with the Honda GC 190 and reviews were good on it. Get a good wand, hose quick connects make life easier. Also, lube your seals after use. I mainly use it on the trucks, but it did really well on the siding and gutters a few months ago.
RonSkj
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RonSkj 4/4/2016 5:16pm
4/4/2016 5:16pm
3000 psi honda motor at costco - $299
hillbilly
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hillbilly 4/4/2016 6:51pm
4/4/2016 6:51pm

Its all about the pump.

You want a stage pump driven by a horizontal shaft engine.

Vertical shaft engines drive little circular pumps that are roller type

Stage pumps will have a large cap on top of each piston,most are 3 stage. Driven by a 4 or 5 hp engine you will get about 2000 to 2500 psi. Clean your deck pretty good.

I have a 12 hp 5000 psi that will cut your arm off. 150 foot hose and a 18 foot boom lets me clean about what ever the hell i want.

Electric are pretty basic,usually plastis housing
reded
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reded 4/4/2016 7:43pm
4/4/2016 7:43pm
THIS

Been running it for a couple years. Small, light and powerful. Sometimes you can find them under $600 through EBay. Spend the dough and live happily ever after.
hillbilly
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hillbilly 4/4/2016 8:45pm
4/4/2016 8:45pm
Rand,if you live where it freezes you got to prep it for that. Dont leave water in the pump to freeze.
IWreckALot
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IWreckALot 4/5/2016 4:59am
4/5/2016 4:59am
JRT812 wrote:
I own a simpson megashot 3100 psi. 400 at the local tractor supply and zero issues as far as performance goes. I never used Sinpson products...
I own a simpson megashot 3100 psi. 400 at the local tractor supply and zero issues as far as performance goes. I never used Sinpson products before, but it came with the Honda GC 190 and reviews were good on it. Get a good wand, hose quick connects make life easier. Also, lube your seals after use. I mainly use it on the trucks, but it did really well on the siding and gutters a few months ago.
I had seen some of these Simpson PW's at Home Depot's website. I think this is in the ballpark of what I want. I thought about it last night thinking about increasing my budget closer to $800 or so, but for something that is going to get used maybe two to three times a month, I just can't see spending that much money on it. It'll be kept in a garage or a shed (out of the weather). I may pull the trigger on this one.

http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/Simpson-MSH3125-S-Pressure-Washer/…

Pit Row

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IWreckALot
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IWreckALot 4/5/2016 6:36am
4/5/2016 6:36am Edited Date/Time 4/5/2016 6:43am
Butters wrote:
Another option to consider: http://www.amazon.com/Generac-6602-PowerDial-Residential-Pressure/dp/B0…
Those look good but I know nothing about the Generac brand. Have you used one before?

I was eyeballing this one. I like the idea of a soap reservoir. I didn't give it much consideration simply because I don't know a thing about Generac.

http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/Generac-6923-Pressure-Washer/p6483…
MX Dad #27 4/5/2016 6:57am
4/5/2016 6:57am
newmann wrote:
Get one with a Honda engine. At least you will have that going for you. At that price point you may not get much of a...
Get one with a Honda engine. At least you will have that going for you. At that price point you may not get much of a quality pump in terms of being serviceable so pay attention to the warranty.

I am in the process of purchasing a new natural gas fired one for here at the shop as the 17 year old one has died for the last time. Been putting it off...and putting it off...and putting it off a little more. Thing was brain dead and on life support. In the seven grand range.Sick

EDIT: I typed that two hours ago and just hit submit.....seems you have a few other good suggestions.
I'm with Newmann, any of them with a Honda motor. Best Lawn Mowers, best Pressure washers.
Butters
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Butters 4/5/2016 8:50am
4/5/2016 8:50am
IWreckALot wrote:
Those look good but I know nothing about the Generac brand. Have you used one before? I was eyeballing this one. I like the idea of...
Those look good but I know nothing about the Generac brand. Have you used one before?

I was eyeballing this one. I like the idea of a soap reservoir. I didn't give it much consideration simply because I don't know a thing about Generac.

http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/Generac-6923-Pressure-Washer/p6483…
I work at a service center and that's the only brand of pressure washer we sell. We've sold quite a few over the last few years and haven't had any come back for anything major yet. I'd recommend avoiding the cheaper Simpson and Ryobi models, pretty much anything with a vertical pump. Also, use non-ethanol gas and/or some sort of stabilizer to prevent any fuel system issues.
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FGR01 4/5/2016 8:53am
4/5/2016 8:53am
Don't get too hung up on the soap reservoir. Mine has one and I never use it. It always seemed to be hit or miss to get it to suck the soap and dispense it, like it wasn't bled or had an air lock or something. I just have a cheap 2-gallon weed sprayer jug with a wand. I dump about .75 gallon of simple green in there and then top it off with water. Wet the bike down first, spray with the simple green mix, and then blast off with the pressure washer.

I have a Troy-bilt washer with Honda motor from Lowes. Worked perfect for about 6 years then the pump started seizing up, probably from the super-hard water I have. Bought a complete replacement pump off Amazon and she's good to go again.
IWreckALot
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IWreckALot 4/5/2016 10:11am
4/5/2016 10:11am
newmann wrote:
Get one with a Honda engine. At least you will have that going for you. At that price point you may not get much of a...
Get one with a Honda engine. At least you will have that going for you. At that price point you may not get much of a quality pump in terms of being serviceable so pay attention to the warranty.

I am in the process of purchasing a new natural gas fired one for here at the shop as the 17 year old one has died for the last time. Been putting it off...and putting it off...and putting it off a little more. Thing was brain dead and on life support. In the seven grand range.Sick

EDIT: I typed that two hours ago and just hit submit.....seems you have a few other good suggestions.
MX Dad #27 wrote:
I'm with Newmann, any of them with a Honda motor. Best Lawn Mowers, best Pressure washers.
The Simpson with the Honda motor is the one I just bought. Now I get to see how long it lasts me. I'll report back when it finally bites the dust.
JRT812
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JRT812 4/5/2016 10:15am
4/5/2016 10:15am
JRT812 wrote:
I own a simpson megashot 3100 psi. 400 at the local tractor supply and zero issues as far as performance goes. I never used Sinpson products...
I own a simpson megashot 3100 psi. 400 at the local tractor supply and zero issues as far as performance goes. I never used Sinpson products before, but it came with the Honda GC 190 and reviews were good on it. Get a good wand, hose quick connects make life easier. Also, lube your seals after use. I mainly use it on the trucks, but it did really well on the siding and gutters a few months ago.
IWreckALot wrote:
I had seen some of these Simpson PW's at Home Depot's website. I think this is in the ballpark of what I want. I thought about...
I had seen some of these Simpson PW's at Home Depot's website. I think this is in the ballpark of what I want. I thought about it last night thinking about increasing my budget closer to $800 or so, but for something that is going to get used maybe two to three times a month, I just can't see spending that much money on it. It'll be kept in a garage or a shed (out of the weather). I may pull the trigger on this one.

http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/Simpson-MSH3125-S-Pressure-Washer/…
That is the one I own. My needs were similar to yours and so far the washer has not missed a beat. I
IWreckALot
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IWreckALot 4/5/2016 10:27am
4/5/2016 10:27am
JRT812 wrote:
I own a simpson megashot 3100 psi. 400 at the local tractor supply and zero issues as far as performance goes. I never used Sinpson products...
I own a simpson megashot 3100 psi. 400 at the local tractor supply and zero issues as far as performance goes. I never used Sinpson products before, but it came with the Honda GC 190 and reviews were good on it. Get a good wand, hose quick connects make life easier. Also, lube your seals after use. I mainly use it on the trucks, but it did really well on the siding and gutters a few months ago.
IWreckALot wrote:
I had seen some of these Simpson PW's at Home Depot's website. I think this is in the ballpark of what I want. I thought about...
I had seen some of these Simpson PW's at Home Depot's website. I think this is in the ballpark of what I want. I thought about it last night thinking about increasing my budget closer to $800 or so, but for something that is going to get used maybe two to three times a month, I just can't see spending that much money on it. It'll be kept in a garage or a shed (out of the weather). I may pull the trigger on this one.

http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/Simpson-MSH3125-S-Pressure-Washer/…
JRT812 wrote:
That is the one I own. My needs were similar to yours and so far the washer has not missed a beat. I
That's the one I got.Just from Tractor Supply instead of the website. I wanted it TODAY!!!
JRT812
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JRT812 4/5/2016 5:34pm
4/5/2016 5:34pm
Great man! I was the same way and liked that I could get it now. The quick connects and a good wand really have made a difference for me. Enjoy!
TripleFive 4/5/2016 8:22pm
4/5/2016 8:22pm
When you run your washer, try and keep the wand wide open at all times.

The pressure of cycling on-off-on-off-on-off is hard on the pumps. It'll add a lot of miles to your machine the less often you close the flow. Hold it pinned, bruh!
Markee
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Markee 4/6/2016 6:10am
4/6/2016 6:10am Edited Date/Time 4/6/2016 6:45am
IWreckALot wrote:
I had seen some of these Simpson PW's at Home Depot's website. I think this is in the ballpark of what I want. I thought about...
I had seen some of these Simpson PW's at Home Depot's website. I think this is in the ballpark of what I want. I thought about it last night thinking about increasing my budget closer to $800 or so, but for something that is going to get used maybe two to three times a month, I just can't see spending that much money on it. It'll be kept in a garage or a shed (out of the weather). I may pull the trigger on this one.

http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/Simpson-MSH3125-S-Pressure-Washer/…
JRT812 wrote:
That is the one I own. My needs were similar to yours and so far the washer has not missed a beat. I
IWreckALot wrote:
That's the one I got.Just from Tractor Supply instead of the website. I wanted it TODAY!!!
Same here, mine is 2 years old. No problems what so ever, use it for bike and house stuff.

I did get the the pressure gauge to dial back the 3k psi to 2k when I wash a bike.
hillbilly
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hillbilly 4/6/2016 8:04am
4/6/2016 8:04am
TripleFive wrote:
[b]When you run your washer, try and keep the wand wide open at all times. [/b] The pressure of cycling on-off-on-off-on-off is hard on the pumps...
When you run your washer, try and keep the wand wide open at all times.

The pressure of cycling on-off-on-off-on-off is hard on the pumps. It'll add a lot of miles to your machine the less often you close the flow. Hold it pinned, bruh!
Yep, the water builds temperature when the wand is closed and it is being sent thru the bypass and recycled.

I use a T at the inlet and let cool water cascade on the pump to help cool itt when doing a big job like house or deck.

Never let your buddy borrow it,they will throw the wand down and get a beer and cig while the pump cycles thru the bypass heating up the housing. Been there.
Markee
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Markee 4/6/2016 5:08pm
4/6/2016 5:08pm
Kinda a stupid question. But is "hot" tap water not good for a a pressure washer?

I have a source from my water heater that is actually near where I wash my bike.

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