My Karcher 3200psi/3 GPM pressure washer with axial cam pump has given me tremendous service for the past ~15 yrs. And it gets used often. But, I fear its days are now numbered. I can and will likely spend a little on maintenance (main issue right now is sticky unloader valve that either needs a good cleaning/lubing or replacing...not a huge deal).
But, I am also entertaining the idea of a new washer that will last me until the time I am too old to care about doing any pressure washing on my own.
My wish list for my 'perfect' pressure washer:
1) Engine: Honda would be first choice. GC series would be fine, but the better washers often move up to a GX series. Subaru-Robins would be acceptable too (what I currently have). Actually, about any brand has an engine that would be acceptable. One issue that was brought to my attention in a washer review is that manufacturers of the units often exaggerate the PSI/GPM. If you look up pump specs there are units out there that could not possibly put out the pressure/flow that is advertised due to lack of engine horsepower. Some pumps with non-adjustable pressure have been 'tuned' down to match what the engine can handle. Or so the story goes. I did look up 1 CAT pump that was advertised to put out 3.0 gpm, but the pump spec on the CAT website rated it at 2.7 gpm.
2) Frame: Not too picky, but all things being equal, would choose aluminum. Would like to have oversized no-flat tires. storage for hose and sprayer would be nice. Some units do not have storage for anything other than sprayer tips.
3) Pump: Triplex. Why? Because I want a commercial entry level pump. Prefer Cat or GP. But, there are better deals on rigs outfitted with AR, AAA (Comet)and others. Being a homeowner application, those 'lesser' pumps would likely still be overkill for me. But I will hang out for a CAT as long as I can. Must allow for easy oil change. I change my current pump oil at least twice per year....the oil tends to start getting a little wet (milky) after several hours of use. Could be a tiny leak in pump itself, or could be picking up atmospheric water thru the breather vent (which is just a small hole in the plastic oil filler cap), or a little of both. Would like to have thermal relief protection as well as adjustable pressure. But, adjustable pressure is not a biggie since I find it quicker on my current washer to just adjust engine speed to get pressure I need for the job (yeah, yeah, some will say that running at reduced RPM may cause hi temperature problems....never seen it myself tho...but I change engine oil often and use xw40 so a period of running elevated temps will not likely cause oil related issues)
4) Hose: 50ft of woven steel reinforced 3/8" hose with quick connects.
5) Spray handle/nozzle. not picky. Have a couple at home already. Also have a 16" surface cleaner, a turbo nozzle, and plenty of spare spray tips.
Engine, pump, hose, frame. Did I miss anything?
Any tips for selecting a pro-sumer or entry commercial unit? I have been primarily researching on Pressure Washers direct dot com. There are some Pressure-Pro and Simpson units that meet MOST of the criteria above.
As for cost, let's say max of $800.
Usage? Just general homeowner use: House washing, car washing (carefully), driveway/sidewalk washing, ATV washing, etc.
But, I am also entertaining the idea of a new washer that will last me until the time I am too old to care about doing any pressure washing on my own.
My wish list for my 'perfect' pressure washer:
1) Engine: Honda would be first choice. GC series would be fine, but the better washers often move up to a GX series. Subaru-Robins would be acceptable too (what I currently have). Actually, about any brand has an engine that would be acceptable. One issue that was brought to my attention in a washer review is that manufacturers of the units often exaggerate the PSI/GPM. If you look up pump specs there are units out there that could not possibly put out the pressure/flow that is advertised due to lack of engine horsepower. Some pumps with non-adjustable pressure have been 'tuned' down to match what the engine can handle. Or so the story goes. I did look up 1 CAT pump that was advertised to put out 3.0 gpm, but the pump spec on the CAT website rated it at 2.7 gpm.
2) Frame: Not too picky, but all things being equal, would choose aluminum. Would like to have oversized no-flat tires. storage for hose and sprayer would be nice. Some units do not have storage for anything other than sprayer tips.
3) Pump: Triplex. Why? Because I want a commercial entry level pump. Prefer Cat or GP. But, there are better deals on rigs outfitted with AR, AAA (Comet)and others. Being a homeowner application, those 'lesser' pumps would likely still be overkill for me. But I will hang out for a CAT as long as I can. Must allow for easy oil change. I change my current pump oil at least twice per year....the oil tends to start getting a little wet (milky) after several hours of use. Could be a tiny leak in pump itself, or could be picking up atmospheric water thru the breather vent (which is just a small hole in the plastic oil filler cap), or a little of both. Would like to have thermal relief protection as well as adjustable pressure. But, adjustable pressure is not a biggie since I find it quicker on my current washer to just adjust engine speed to get pressure I need for the job (yeah, yeah, some will say that running at reduced RPM may cause hi temperature problems....never seen it myself tho...but I change engine oil often and use xw40 so a period of running elevated temps will not likely cause oil related issues)
4) Hose: 50ft of woven steel reinforced 3/8" hose with quick connects.
5) Spray handle/nozzle. not picky. Have a couple at home already. Also have a 16" surface cleaner, a turbo nozzle, and plenty of spare spray tips.
Engine, pump, hose, frame. Did I miss anything?
Any tips for selecting a pro-sumer or entry commercial unit? I have been primarily researching on Pressure Washers direct dot com. There are some Pressure-Pro and Simpson units that meet MOST of the criteria above.
As for cost, let's say max of $800.
Usage? Just general homeowner use: House washing, car washing (carefully), driveway/sidewalk washing, ATV washing, etc.
