Need pressure washer advice

[jajbellsouthnet]

I am going to buy a pressure washer and am looking for advice on which one to get. So far I have determined that I should get a gas-powered, not electric, but that is about as far as I have gone. Need to know the following:
2,000 vs. 3,000 psi. Worth the extra money?
New or used? I'm leery of buying someone else's problems, but maybe these machines are fairly rugged or easy to fix.
Steel or ceramic innards? Ceramic worth the higher price?
Favorite brand. Flathead B&S or OHV Honda? Honda more expensive but more reliable and longlasting?
Thanks for the advice.

[DM]

Favorite brand. Flathead B&S or OHV Honda? Honda more expensive but more reliable and longlasting?


I'll comment on the motors.

Every company has more than one level of quality in there motors, even Honda...

I'd choose a Honda over every Briggs model, except the Briggs "Vanguard" model. That's B&S top of the line small gas motor, and it's second to none...

When it comes to Honda, they have two levels of quality... There industrial "OHV" model and there home owner "OHC" model. OHV's are red, and OHC models are blk...

The Honda OHV model is equal to the Vanguard, and much better than any other model of B&S. The OHC model is probably better than all Briggs except the Vanguard line...

Vanguards are rarely used on pressure washers, and "usally" the cheaper lower hp P. washers have OHC Honda motors..

In your case, YES i'd pay more for the Honda OHV motor... For long term use, it's worth it!

DM

[machinemaker]

You might check some of the local industrial auction sites or www.govliquidation.com. I see steam cleaners and pressure washer for sale, sometime fairly cheap. But you don't know their history.
kent

[MadTripper]

Not sure if you have a rental store around but you could always rent one of the higher psi models and see if you like it. I believe in purchasing quality equipment so I only have to buy them once (in most cases). I also find that the higher end models are easier to find parts for as well as fix myself. Take a peek at the cheapo push mowers. I couldn't find parts for them and when I talked to my local service guy, he says instead of parts for the carb, I would have to just order the hole carb. Kind of odd.

I agree that Honda's are a great way to go. Briggs makes a decent engine, I'm a bigger fan of Kohler and Tecumseh but that is my preference. If Husky made a pressure washer, I'd probably pick that overall. (Haha, after doing a search, Husqvarna does make a pressure washer.......that uses a Honda engine.)

On top of that, I'd avoid the big stores and try and find a local dealer. They will sell you a better product and service it as needed. Of course this is just another preference of mine based on experience. I bought my lawnmower, weedeater and all service related items from our local shop. I did buy my chainsaw from another guy about 20 miles away however it was a used Husky 359 and they sell Stihl so I got a good deal on it. My regular guy was understanding and services it just like I bought it from him.

Sorry for the lengthy blab. Buy a higher end unit with more power than you want and you'll be satisfied. Even a used higher end unit will be maintainable and last years if taken care of.

Tripper

[sbemt456]

There is just something wrong with mixing electricity and water but I did. I have one of the cheaper little electric 1500 psi pressure washers from Lowes and it works great to clean the deck for sealing and general pressure cleaning. I have had it 3 yrs and it is still working great, paid less than 100.00 for it. I have also used it to strip furniture after applying stripper, so it serves my needs well. Gas or electric, all depends on what you are using it for and how heavy the work.
Just my 2 cents worth.

stella

[Deberosa]

There is just something wrong with mixing electricity and water but I did. I have one of the cheaper little electric 1500 psi pressure washers from Lowes and it works great to clean the deck for sealing and general pressure cleaning. I have had it 3 yrs and it is still working great, paid less than 100.00 for it. I have also used it to strip furniture after applying stripper, so it serves my needs well. Gas or electric, all depends on what you are using it for and how heavy the work.
Just my 2 cents *worth.

stella

I have the same pressure washer you are talking about - I've had it for 9 years now. I use it for everything also and has worked fine all these years.