Buying A Power Washer

Miller

Looking to buy a new power washer instead of always renting one.. The question is can i get a good one for under $800? Mainly use them for prep before exterior painting and then also for Decks.. What would be a good power washer that will last??

Thanks,

Miller

WOW!! Lots of feedback here.. Obviously i know how to shop but was just wondering what power washers others like or use.. Guess it's a tough guestion for this board..Heck i didn't even ask how much to charge for a certain job..

Any Season

Miller,

First, chill out, it was the first day back after a holiday weekend, I'm sure everyone was busy yesterday.

Second, Sherwin Williams sells a $500 Mi-ti-Mi powerwasher that is all that you need for what you are doing, and I would suggest buying the 25' extension for the hose.

good luck

Miller

Thanks, for your feedback.. I actually go thru SW for most of my Paint and Supplies. I have looked at those, was just wondering what others thought would last and hold up the longest without spending a ton of $$$... Whats your opinion on the Honda ones HD have?? Trust me i dont shop there for paint but they do have some power washers that arent that spendy..

Thanks again,,

boman47k

What gpm are you looking for? I bought a Subaru at HD for $299, but it is only 2.7 gpm and 3100 lbs per with 4 nozzles and 30' hose. I think it has a 1 year commercial and 3 year residential warranty. For my use, I think this is fine. If I start using it much and it seems feasible, I will go with more gpm.

Gpm depends on if the extra speed is worth the extra money, I guess. If you plan on using it a lot, I would think the speed would be worth the extra expense.

ModernStyle

dont by anything under a 2500 psi.
I have a Graco that I got a deal on, used one time, new $650, I got it for $150. It aint the biggest but I only use it to wash exteriors so its good enough.

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Paintpimp

Buying a pressure washer all depends on how much and what kind of work your doing. There are a lot of factors you may want to consider. The gallons per minute are very important. The more water pushed out the better you clean. 4 GPM is a great one to have. The pressure is important as far as what you are removing. For general cleaning 2500 psi will work. If you are looking at deep cleansing and coating removal, you are looking at 3500-5000 psi. Pressure washers can be direct or belt driven. Direct drives are not as expensive, vibrate more and wear on the pump quicker. Belt driven are generally superior as far as durability, low vibration, low RPM's and extended life of the pump. A sprayer may be aluminum or steel. Some washers have good vibration dampening. The pumps have an hour life rating to them. The cheap units have a limited hour life to them. The quality units will last a very long time. Consider if the pump is even serviceable. Some washers cannot be repaired. Quality units have rebuild kits available. Do a little research, determine how much you use it, make a decision based on the best value.

Miller

Thanks for all the feedback. Paint Pimp, that got right to the point and i will take all that into consideration when purchasing one. Are there any brands you guys recommend or ones i should stay away from and not even consider?

plazaman

I agree with comments above, id buy that SW though. We bought our PW from home depot about 5-7 years still going strong knock on wood, except for the pump failure last year, easily replaced costed about 80-100. I dont use it everyday, but when i used, we really use. Mostly used in spring/summer months. At the time, i didnt know about PW, and brand name pumps, engines, etc... i thought "oh it has an honda engine" then its must be good, not knowing its the pump that really matters. Most engines in PW are good solid small engines, its just the pump that takes the most beaten.

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