Northern Tools has a good sale going for pressure washers. I’ve always wanted one and wondering what pressure would be usefull. Normally I’m a more power kind of guy. I’m sure none of you would understand that:) Anyway, if you get a 4000 lb one, is there a way to lower the power so you don’t blow the paint off the car? Is that even a concern? I suppose if you don’t get too close, it would be okay???
Any other thoughts on what to look for?
Thanks for your help,
Bruce
Replies
the problem with Northern tools is the shipping and handling will kill you
Just don't use a 0 degree tip with that monster to wash your car. From what I've heard, a 2500 psi unit does most things you would want. That's what I've used before, and it was enough to write my name in the cedar shingles on my house, had I wanted to do so.
zak
"so it goes"
Unless you have a real need for 4000 PSI opt for 2500 instead. It will cost less, last longer, run smoother, require less maintenance, less gas and do everything you need done. The pressure comes from the size tip you use, not the pump.
"Any other thoughts on what to look for?" GX series Honda motor - its their commercial ohv engine- with a little care they'll last a very long time. Honda also has a "residential" (their term) GC series ohc engine- not a bad motor but the GX is the one to have. Cat pump- imho the best pump; reliable and long lived. Separate spray nozzles for the lance (spray wand) will give you a much wider variety of spray patterns vs the single adjustable nozzles of less expensive pressure washers. A longer hose saves some moving of the pressure washer especially when washing houses; generally the lower end washers have only a 25' hose. Chemical injection is nice to have; you can spray what you're washing with a cleaning solution (there's generally a low pressure nozzle for that), change to the appropriate nozzle and rinse. As far as pressure goes 2500-3000psi has done anything I've needed to do. Too much pressure too close and you can do some real damage to wood, mortar, brick, blow decals off your vehicle etc. Pressure generally can be adjusted on more expensive washers but if you don't need 4000psi why buy it? If the washer won't be used for long lengths of time use a fuel stabilizer and if you live where it freezes store the washer in a heated area or run non tox antifreeze through the washer before storage.
The pressure washer will likely come with several colour coded fan tips that you put in the end of the wand. They have a size rating for the flow and pressure of your machine. If you buy the next size larger you will drop the pressure by about 20%, maybe more. I don't know what the pressure drop would be if you bought two sizes larger, but eventually you will end up with a of soap dispenser tip. The principal is the same as when you were a little kid and put your thumb over the end of a garden hose to change the spray. Your other option is to retrofit an adjustable pressure regulator (at a greater cost that some larger tips).
A guy with a pressure wash biz told me that gpm was more important to him than psi. If you look at the consumer/entry level commercial models the psi range runs the same; usually from 2500-3500. But if you want higher gpm's be prepared to pay.
I picked-up an Excell at a HD clearance sale back in March. 2800psi, 3.0gpm, Honda GX200 5.5hp engine, CAT pump, & chemical hose. I can't imagine needing anything stronger. Holy cow, this thing etched lines in my marble walkway with the white 40' wand tip (the lowest pressure one after the soap sprayer). I can adjust the pressure by throttling down the engine. I use for cleaning mud from beneath the truck & the dump trailer, cleaning the tractor, washing out the mower decks...a useful tool.
Most of the ones I looked at came with most everything; wand, high pressure hose, multiple tips...nice features not all units had are on-board hose reel, wand holster, hooks for hanging cleaner bottles; bells & whistles things.
-Norm
I got the high end Craftsman with the Honda engine--something like 3700 psi. We use it for graffiti removal and preping paint jobs. Have to be real careful with the o degree tip. Too clumsy to use to wash a car.Regards, Scooter"I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow." WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934
I bought the 2550 2.3 gpm Troybuilt from Lowes. The same basci one it $300 at Northern Tool. I trust they have a local store near you. Otherwise as said earlier shipping gets out of hand.
I have a little electric 1300 psi Campbell Haus. that has earned its keep. I bought a Craftsman a few years back that is about the same specs as the Troybuilt. It has some governor problems and I got the new one. I am on a well and did not want more than 2 to 2.3 gpm.
The turbo nozzle really helps. I cleaned off the sidewalks at out church Fri and ran about three tanks of gas out of it.
>>"is there a way to lower the power so you don't blow the paint off the car?
Pressure washer to wash a car?
I use mine to take loose paint off concrete and stucco. Also grafitti removal on rare occasion. Wood carving if I get it too close to any trim. ;-)
Wash a car? ;-)
"Let's get crack-a-lackin" --- Adam Carolla
I know I may get some flack for this but here goes...I recently did some comparative shopping and found a great set up. 3000 psi, 5 different tips including the one for siphoning of detergents, the unit stores/holds 2 1-gallon jugs of solution, on-board storage of tips & other things. The engine was a Suzuki which I've heard are as good as Honda's. The price was $500.00 which is about the same as many 2300 - 2500 psi units. This pressure works very well & I have no complaints. Now here's the kicker... It's a Ryobi from Home Depot.
I've owned a 2300psi Honda powered Pressure washer before and I can honestly say this one blows the Honda away.
Anyway... good luck.
I also looked long & hard at the Ryobi, in fact I still have the brochure on my desk. It is a nice setup - all the bells & whistles I wish my Excell had. The Ryobi engine is a Subaru, they supply engines for some of the high end Karcher washers. When I was shopping around I couldn't find anyone with firsthand experience with the Ryobi so it made me a little apprehensive about being the first kid on the block wth one.
When it came time to buy one my local HD was bringing on the DeWalt line of washers so they were discounting everything else EXCEPT the Ryobi. My Excell was $200 off plus I had a 20% discount coupon, I asked for another $50 off and got it.
-Norm
????? Where did you find that beauty eh I mean 20% coupon?
"????? Where did you find that beauty eh I mean 20% coupon?"
There were a bunch available on ebay a couple of months ago, they expired the end April...there's still 10% coupons on ebay with no expiration date. Buyer beware though, some of them are pretty poor copies or otherwise faked and HD won't take 'em. Best to buy from ebayer with a sterling rep.
-Norm
Thanks.
What did it run you for the 20%? just curious.
Kinda like printing money. I love power shopping.
Plus if you see 20%ers again the folks here would love to know.
Have a MTM 3000 psi, 4 gpm, 11 HP Honda; would get even bigger if could find a good deal.
As others said, its all in the tip.
Did once get careless and slice leg open with 15 degree tip, no infection, but infection is apparently a hazard for anything over 2000 psi. DW did let it get out of control and cut a gouge in the side of the house also with the 25 degree tip even. 125 ft of hose is about right for my needs.
Have a 1500 psi 2.2 gpm also, only useful on small jobs but convienient.
Get the biggest you can afford, Honda engine of course.
look at the new dewalt ones never see them in the store since they sell out so quickly. 4gpm 3800 psi honda motor. $999