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Pressure Washer recommendation
DeadNutz:
I have a unit that I bought in 2011 from Lowes. I was looking at the Honda ones as my BIL told me that is the way to go and he used his often. I then spotted a box marked clearance and I bought it for several hundred dollars off. It is 3300psi and 3.2gals/min with a B&S engine and painted and marked John Deere. I know JD didn't build it and just licensed their name. We were building our RV garage/shop at the time with an even bigger barn to come so price was a factor for something not used often.
Sometimes I don't use it for a couple of years but it starts within 3 pulls and runs great. My biggest use was at the barn getting rid of the mare's urine off the stall mats. I also use it to remove the barn owl urine whitewash from the walls and mats. You have to be very careful using it on bare wood and don't use the most powerful tip as it will strip wood. I first used a steam cleaner over 40 years ago and that is where I was taught safety. If you have never used one and want to know the dangers and pitfalls just ask as we have members very experienced with pressure washers.
I also only put ethanol free gas in it and run it dry and winterize it for the freezing weather.
fatfillup:
Just saw this thread. Usually don't come on this page.
IMO, you want a Honda GX motor. Size will depend on budget. The GX's will out last several pumps with minimal care. Note, Honda also makes a GC motor, homeowner quality and never mated with a good pump
Do not buy one with a AAA pump. Those pumps don't last long.
On a GX 200, the most readily available one will be with a Cat pump and will last a long time. Light enough to be easily portable. 3 gpm at about 2800 psi
On a GX 390, I like General EZ4040 pumps. 3500 psi at 4 gpm
Always make sure you have enough water flow at your garden hose to run the machine, starving for water will kill a pump quickly. time the flow with a 5 gal bucket and stop watch.
tips to make any machine last longer
1. DO NOT ALLOW THE MACHINE TO RUN IN BYPASS. Bypass is machine running and trigger shut off. Water in pump will heat up quickly and damage the packings. The cheaper the machine the quicker it will heat up. 1 minute in bypass is usually safe
2. Don't store the machine with water in it in freezing conditions. It will break
3. Don't cycle trigger on and off like a 6 shooter. That will wear out the unloader quicker
4. Don't run over the hose
5. NEVER LOAN OUT YOUR MACHINE. It will come back broken. If it is your best buddy, go with him and help him clean.
Northern is a decent choice
goodfellow:
--- Quote from: fatfillup on May 12, 2022, 07:51:32 AM ---..............
5. NEVER LOAN OUT YOUR MACHINE. It will come back broken. If it is your best buddy, go with him and help him clean.
--- End quote ---
This is absolutely true Phil. I've loaned out two pressure washers over the years (well the Mrs. actually loaned one of them to a friend of hers), and they all came back totally screwed to the max. What usually happens is exactly what you warned against -- running in by-pass mode for extended periods of time. They let the thing run while they chat with their friends/family, or while taking a rest. The pump just destroys itself during that time.
Lesson learned! --- Never loan a pressure washer to anyone.
Fatty_McButterpants:
--- Quote from: fatfillup on May 12, 2022, 07:51:32 AM ---
On a GX 200, the most readily available one will be with a Cat pump and will last a long time. Light enough to be easily portable. 3 gpm at about 2800 psi
On a GX 390, I like General EZ4040 pumps. 3500 psi at 4 gpm
--- End quote ---
Thanks for the info.
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