Buying Advice Pressure Washer

[TractorBob1529]

Like tractors, there are tons of pressure washers out there. I don't have a preferences to one brand or another...I just don't know what to look for. I need some advice, guidance on what to look for in a pressure washer. General use around the house and cleaning equipments. Like to not spend a fortune, $300-$500 range.
Like to know the difference b/t horizontal vs vertical pumps too.
Help please!!!!

 

[the6shooter]

If it was me, I would go with a gas powered troy built.
And I see you have a M-F 1529. And with my experiance with M-F 1528 (Please stay away) from the radiator with a pressure washer.
The aluminum radiator fins, they bend very easy. I didn't know with my 1st. tractor, and used a pressure washer and closed off 1/2 of the radiator. (man did I feel stupid) I was going to replace the radiator, $600 bucks was an expencive lesson, but NAPA sales a radiator fin comb for 15 bucks that saved the day.
Its better to blow it out with a air hose .
david

 

[boggen]

2000PSI, cheapo / on sale / clearance works for me.

recently picked up a "dirt devil" pressure washer. works good enough. i do not need 3,000 plus PSI. to much PSI, and hit any sort of wood with a pencil led jolt of spray, and you can splinter the wood and tear it a part. when cleaning decks and like. set the nozzle to a wide spread pattern, and keep noozle 1 to a few inches away from wood decks. (depends on wood) and it does its job.

the 1500 PSI (cheapest) out there, can work, but the little extra PSI is fine enough for me.

gas powered vs electrical. any were i need to go, to use a pressure washer, needs water, meaning either garden faucet, or a well. both which should have electricity. i do not need another engine to take care of. and amount pressure washer sees it's use. not worth trying to deal with "old gas" and then carb getting gummed up.

if you needed to pump water out of a lake or stream, and haul water for animals. a gas pressure washer, would be something to consider.

as far as pressure, i do not want "high pressure" that begins tearing the paint off of a car or tractor.

 

[barry1me]

whatever you buy get one with a cat pump...if you do you will be happy in the long run. Brand doesnt mean much. Motors are never the problem its the pumps that go out.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

I have this basic Northstar model: NorthStar Pressure Washer - 3000 PSI, 2.5 GPM | Gas-Cold Water | Northern Tool + Equipment and it's been good for a couple of years of occasional use. It was on sale for $350 when I got it. Now they have some Powerhorse models that are priced pretty low. Pretty sure the Powerhorse models have Chinese Honda clone engines. I still have my 1500 psi electric. It's okay too. Higher pressure and flow lets you clean faster, holding the wand further away with a wider angle nozzle. I like the traditional nozzles on the Northstar. It also accepts common accessories.

 

[wdchyd]

I bought one of these..... Honda 2700 psi 2.4 GPM Gas Pressure Washer-UT80993A at The Home Depot

Not an expensive one but really churns out the power......One thing I do is to not let it idle with the unloader too long......maybe a minute max......If I have to I just keep trigger on......these pumps can overheat

This unit has the built-in soap (just change the nozzle and the soap comes out at low pressure

An extra 25 hose is handy too......it gives you a back-up in case of a leaky hose and gives the extra length

 

[ultrarunner]

I've got three in the family and each has it's purpose.

Probably use the $69 one from ACE Hardware the most... it's electric, 1.6 gallons and 1600 psi.

My brother bought a Honda powered unit from Costco last weekend for $249... looks ok.

I have a 11hp Honda Powered unit with a CAT pump that I paid about $800 for 15 years ago... mostly use it for whole house wash downs, clean swimming pools and walks...

 

[RTII]

Not to hijack but a related question. Are the ouitput pressures variable on these pressure washers. So if i bought one that had 3000 psi capability I could dial it down for more sensitive jobs?

 

[ultrarunner]

Not to hijack but a related question. Are the ouitput pressures variable on these pressure washers. So if i bought one that had 3000 psi capability I could dial it down for more sensitive jobs?

By adjusting the spray pattern the intensity can be controlled.

Some require switching tips and other have adjustable spray wands with a twist.

 

[boggen]

i take my original post back. having warm water, vs cold water. if you had a pressure washer with a heating element on it... hhmmsss.