Pressure Washer Advice

[PapaPerk]

Looking to buy a new pressure washer. Any one have any experience with a good quality unit?

I have been looking at a Northern Tool, NorthStar unit that is around $1,400. Hate to spend that much but I want quality... Which normally means Cat pump and honda engine.

I will be using washer for wide variety of tasks so adjustable pressure is really important

Thank you for any advice.

 

[Cat_Driver]

You hit the nail on the head - Cat pump Honda engine and you can't go wrong. I've has that set up on a pressure washer for 15 years now and she fires right up when I need here to. drain the tank after ea. use if you are storing it. Never put your hand in front of the nozzel, it will cut your hand off. Mine will carve my initials in concrete.

I alwsys wish I purchased a hot waster unit or pressure washer, but the price is high on those units, but great for grease on engines.

Commercial Pressure Washers @ Pressure Washers Direct

 

[RKJeepXJ]

Had my Northstar unit for over 5 years now. Get it out twice a year and it always fires right up!

 

[J_J]

I have 5 pressure washers, 4 with Honda and cat pumps and one Kohler powered washer.

I would recommend at least 3000 psi, 4 GPM.

You can vary the pressure and volume by running the engine speed lower.

A good turbo nozzle.

Soap and chlorine injector.

3000 psi gage in the pressure line.

You should know that even though it is rated for 3000 psi, it is the nozzle on the end that will determine the pressure.

You could go all out like I did since I was doing commercial, using extension poles, driveway and pool deck cleaners. Swimming pool bleach.

I also have a sand injector for wet sandblasting.

Pressure washer sewer snake. Clean them out like new.

I found a way to lock the pressure gun trigger down to prevent hand cramps.

 

[ultrarunner]

15 years ago I bought Northern CAT pump with Honda engine and so far no problems.

I also bought a $69 electric from ACE Hardware that I have been very pleased with... it was cheap and so far have 2 years on it... great for cleaning up equipment.

 

[HOARDER]

Have had Honda 13 hp 3500 psi with cat pump for years and it works great. only thing I would stay away from is a Honda GC engine. The GX are awesome but the GC is not a commercial engine plus it has a timing belt inside which I have trouble accepting, and recoil parts are not available you have to buy the whole assembly last I checked. I own two GX one on my splitter and one on my washer, @ work I have 3GX and 3GXV. My 3500PSI with the 0 degree (solid stream) tip will cut through pop cans..... yes I just had to see what it could do.

 

[kevinwak]

I just ordered a washer from the local small engine shop. Honda GX engine, 2700 psi 3.0 gpm cat pump, 50' hose on a real. I spent an extra $100 to get the pump that is suction rated. That way I will be able to throw the suction hose in the lake and wash off the boat! I am excited for it to come in, about two weeks away. I will add a review when it gets here.

 

[PapaPerk]

You hit the nail on the head - Cat pump Honda engine and you can't go wrong. I've has that set up on a pressure washer for 15 years now and she fires right up when I need here to. drain the tank after ea. use if you are storing it. Never put your hand in front of the nozzel, it will cut your hand off. Mine will carve my initials in concrete. I alwsys wish I purchased a hot waster unit or pressure washer, but the price is high on those units, but great for grease on engines. Commercial Pressure Washers @ Pressure Washers Direct

Thank you for the great info and website!

 

[PapaPerk]

Thank you everyone for the great advice!! I'll let you know what I get!

 

[trevordd]

I got my Northstar from tractortool store long time ago. Works like a charm for me, no issue at all. Go for it too, I guess.