Replies

1. 
   peteshlagor | Aug 27, 2007 07:00am | #1

   Honda engine.  CAT pump.  3500 psi.  3.5 to 4 gpm.  Quick disconnects.  Also get a nice spinner to go with it - maybe an 18" one.

   Don't make the decision based upon price.

    

    

1. 
   McDesign | Aug 27, 2007 02:56pm | #3

   <Also get a nice spinner to go with it - maybe an 18" one.>

   What is this - Pimp My Ride?

   How silly is that gonna' look - a pressure washer on chrome dubs?

   Forrest - not that much of a car freak

   <Edit> Yes, I know dubs are 22s

   Edited 8/27/2007 8:08 am by McDesign

1. 
   ANDYSZ2 | Aug 27, 2007 03:10pm | #4

   He is probably talking about a rotary nozzle they work extremely well and leave a less noticeable pattern than a straight fan spray tip.

   I like around 2400 pressure as it uses less water and gas than the bigger models and is easier to load and unload and the market is very competitive in that size range.

   Yet it is big enough to handle driveways,  which is what seems to be my majority of use.

   ANDYSZ2 WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?

   REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST

    

2. 
   Scott | Aug 27, 2007 07:14am | #2

   Depends what you want to do with it. This is a very competitive marketing area that is more than willing to sell you something that you will never need, and in fact will do damage that you don’t predict.

   If you want to clean patio furniture, blow crud of stuff that has been stored outside, and power-rinse stuff that you’ve soaked in soap, then anything less than 2000 psi and 120V electric power will do. If you want to peel old paint, strip serious buildup of untold layers of yucky stuff, and are willing to risk damage to your belongings (and people), then start looking at gas powered high PSI and high volume units. Be advised that you can do some serious damage with these.

   Scott.

   Always remember those first immortal words that Adam said to Eve, “You’d better stand back, I don’t know how big this thing’s going to get.”

3. 
   alwaysoverbudget | Aug 27, 2007 04:01pm | #5

   people get fool by psi ratings. it's the gpm that make the difference. if you blow a gal of waqter at 3500 psi it will do less cleaning than 4.5 gal at 2400 psi.

   if i was buying a new one it would be a honda with a 4-5gal at 2500-3000 psi,belt drive.[plus i would find a electric starter model,not many out there] if your not using one a lot direct drive would be fine. larry

   hand me the chainsaw, i need to trim the casing just a hair.

1. 
   jes82677 | Aug 27, 2007 06:05pm | #6

   Check out watercannon.com. Great prices, even better service and some sweet machines. If you can't find your pressure washer there, it doesn't exist. I bought a 4000 psi, 13hp honda, cat pump with all the accesories and haven't had one issue yet.

1. 
   gcrow | Aug 28, 2007 08:42am | #7

   thanks to all for your replies. good info.

1. 
   Matt | Aug 28, 2007 02:03pm | #8

   All of the above is good info but here is something a little more basic...  It has to have a gas engine and the absolute minimum horsepower is 5.   Honda is the most reliable and hassle free.

    

4. 
   FastEddie | Aug 28, 2007 06:09pm | #9

   I have a little yellow electric that I bought at Lowes for cleaning bird doo-doo off the patio furniture.  Works quite well for household chores.  If you have the time, it does a decent job cleaning the concrete driveway.  Certainly not what you would use for business.

   "Put your creed in your deed."   Emerson

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt