power tool recommendation

[jgoodma1]

hello to all,

it's hard to believe the reviews online, so I am asking any of you that have owned a power washer for at least 2-4 yrs and like the results, what do you use? Looking for something w 2500-3000psi, for both home and ranch operations. Unfortunately my grew legs and it is gone. I still have the hoses, wand, attachments and other. Looking for a reliable make & model.

really would appreciate what you like about it and it's performance. if you have one that's been performing poorly, that's good to know too.

thank you very much,
tstex

I have an earlier version of this one from Northern Tool: https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200788686_200788686. I've had it for over 12 years with zero problems. Whatever you choose, I'd recommend you look for one with a Honda motor and CAT pump. Change out any zinc-coated hose pressure fittings with brass or even better, and not too much more expensive, stainless fittings. Check your engine oil and pump oil (use CAT-branded pump oil in a CAT pump) regularly and shut the fuel flow off and run the motor until it stalls out before winter storage. Fill the pump with RV antifreeze before winter (put intake tube in bottle of antifreeze with ignition off....pull motor start cord repeatedly to initiate pumping function.....keep pulling until antifreeze emerges from pump outlet. I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but this has been a great machine for me and that maintenance routine has worked for me for 12 years. Every Spring, she starts right up.

 

[sailonner]

I know that you are looking for a new unit, but I just wanted to say that this old Sears Craftsman pressure washer with a Briggs and Stratton, given to me 10 years ago and at least 10 years old then. Needed the pump head rebuilt when I got it, but parts were easy to find. That alone made it a good thing.

 

[big bubba]

in addition Lowes has a pump lubricant and anti corrosion that can purge the pump at the end of season.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Briggs-Stratton-4-fl-oz-Pump-Saver/1036935

in general the pump oil calls for non detergent 30w oil. my own washer calls for Mobil 1 10/30 syn. regards

 

[Mcdust]

I have a tractor supply cheapie that works fine. I believe the key is non ethanol gas and using one of the generic pump lubes when you're done. I pull the plug, screw the bottle on, and put a spring clamp on it to squeeze it in (because my ripcord is on the other side). Pull it over till the magic juice comes out and put it away. I do this even if I think i'm using it soon because soon has a way of getting far away!

 

[Rustyiron]

Honda motor and a Cat pump!
We had Cat pumps that came on the equipment in a car wash we built.

 

[Bentrim]

I thought Honda didnt make pressure washers. seems like the closest thing to one is everyone elses brand pumps with Honda power.
Whats Honda'S model number on yours?

Working at a small engine shop I always advised customers if they had a Honda Pressure washer they better not use it and make sure it was always kept locked up, as they had the only one Honda ever made. They would look confused and then I would tell them Honda never made a pressure washer. "well it says Honda" Thats the engine NOT the whole unit, I would reply.

 

[Bentrim]

What pressure washer that will last to purchase? The best industrial/commercial washer you can afford. Of course, that is of little help if you don't unhook and drain the unit and hoses when you stop using it. I've some come into the shop that were corroded from water in the pump and hose, and hoses that the fittings needed to be cut off the pump because they were put on when the unit was new and never removed, yes even quick couplers.

 

[Tony H]

I'm beginning to believe anything with a Honda motor on it is ok....

Providing that you fully drain the pump during cold months. Take the hose off pump, pull cord a few times. Expanding H2O plays havoc with pumps

 

[Gord Baker]

It is very important to read the operating instructions first. Don't let it load up, Keep trigger pulled as much as possible and above ALL Drain what you can and keep it in an area that is ALWAYS above freezing as the pump is very difficult to drain and you never know if it has been totally drained.

 

[RaydaKub]

Bought a Subaru at Sam's for under $200. Worked well. The next year I couldn't get it to fire at all. Small engine shops said to throw it away cuz there would be no parts.
Bought a washer from Northern Tool, an M15781120F. 3. The salesman upsold me by $75 to a model that had a continuous duty cycle instead of 50%. Same Honda motor on both, but a better pump. 4 years and it starts on one pull. Picture of the pump attached. Probably close to $1000 since it was about $800 then.
Just make sure you put premium gas in any of these small engines. The ethanol screws them up pretty fast.

 

[LEANNLACY]

Generic red colored unit from lowes for $250 with Honda gx series ? Vertical shaft mower. Lasted a year. Relief seized up and would over pressurize and stall the motor.

I can go see if the brand name was on the motor but I thru the rest if it away a few years ago

Thanks for the reply.

 

[ranchito]

hello to all,

it's hard to believe the reviews online, so I am asking any of you that have owned a power washer for at least 2-4 yrs and like the results, what do you use? Looking for something w 2500-3000psi, for both home and ranch operations. Unfortunately my grew legs and it is gone. I still have the hoses, wand, attachments and other. Looking for a reliable make & model.

really would appreciate what you like about it and it's performance. if you have one that's been performing poorly, that's good to know too.

thank you very much,
tstex

Honda engine and CAT pump, reliable combination that runs forever with a little maintenance.

 

[HAR]

I do not have the model number, as it is stored at our maple sugar operation, and I doubt that it is made any more, as I cannot find a current listing, but years ago, I purchased a Subaru branded power washer from Costco. It was just over $300 with tax. It is over 3000psi, has battery/charger/electric start, hose, wand and 4 nozzles. We have used it now for over 7 years, primarily to power wash the stainless steel storage tanks (2x2000gal, 3x1500gal), two poly tanks (1000gal), and the SS maple syrup evaporator, SS RO, SS syrup canning unit, and all other equipment at the sugar house. We also use it to power wash the truck (Ford F550 with dump body), as weather permits, to get road salt off the truck and frame. It has been an extreme time save in the clean up operation. It has never failed to start and has served us well. While the engine is not quiet like many Honda's (remember always use ear protection), it starts easily, and runs quite some time on a tank of gas.

 

[Shenandoah MF1760]

I'm beginning to believe anything with a Honda motor on it is ok....

I'll second this, I've had many Honda engined items where the engine outlived the rest of the device.

I just had a DuroMax generator die on me where the engine cracked from the cylinder to the block. Granted it was run hard (probably too hard) for every other weekend for a year and a half. It's a bit disappointing when the one part that fails is the only one you can't replace.

The problem I've seen with power washers is that the pumps fail if any fluid is left to sit inside the pump. My current one is a Northstar from Northern Tool. It's a 3000 psi unit that works well enough for my purposes and I've had it going on 3 years now. I'll admit I don't use it a lot maybe 6 times a year.

 

[bmg88201]

I have a Rigid brand pressure washer. It is 3500 psi and has ability to use soaps and detergents with it also. It has a Subaru engine and a CAT pump. This thing will strip the paint of your house if your not careful or write your name in concrete. It came with several different nozzles. FYI - I wouldn’t buy any pressure washer if it didn’t have a brass CAT pump. It has never failed me and starts right up even after sitting for 6-8 months at a time.

 

[tstex]

Thank you guys, great info.

It seems the pump is the greatest single point of failure, then the carb.

I have read all the comments and the guys up N where it freezes regularly, have issues w the pump post freeze if the water is not removed. In S/SE TX, we rarely have bad freezes. Storing mine in an airtight/non exposed to directly elements has served me well. For the guys that also do not have freeze issues, do you try to drain pump when done or for longer non-sure periods? I always remove the wand hose and drain it. By moving the PW, some water drains out of the hose/inbound water line. By not draining the PW's pump in non-freezing areas, does the existing water cause any issues? I would have to believe that perhaps heavy mineral/CA/Iron based well water or similar would come into play too.

Thanks again for all the replies guys....tstex

 

[coobie]

what do you guys think about this one ? it has over 4000 reviews and majority are 5, then 4...reasonably priced. The engine is make by Kohler, which are good engines...

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Westinghouse-3400-PSI-2-6-GPM-Cold-Water-Gas-Pressure-Washer/5002187767

You get what you pay for.if you want a $300-$400 power washer it might last 4-5 years.Cheap motor,cheap water pumps..

 

[coobie]

Makes sure what ever you purchase to drain the water out of the pump after each use.I alway use a pump lube every fall before storage ..

 

[tstex]

You get what you pay for.if you want a $300-$400 power washer it might last 4-5 years.Cheap motor,cheap water pumps..

I hear you. When I was single, that was the case for everything...w 3 daughters in college, funds are less plentiful as being single. As stated by coobie and many others, engaging in proper/consistent maintenance is mission critical..thanks for your feedback.

 

[jjeff]

My final 2cents on pressure washers is using these filters in spigots where you hook it up, they arent pricey and seem to work good filtering sand and debris from well water in shop better than the screen on inlet of pressure washer. I also saved the initial bottle of pressure washer winterizer, and re fill it/use RV/marine antifreeze every fall it costs pennies vs buying a new bottle of (pressure washer antifreeze) every year.