pressure washer pump

[spasm3]

I'm interested in getting a gas pressure washer. I don't want a one season wonder. What brand/type of pump should i look for? Not looking to spend huge bucks, but i don't want one that the pump will fail after 1 or 2 seasons.

Thanks!

 

[GreeCguy]

Does it have to be gas? I have two electric power washers that I love. I use them and then store them away for next time and when next time comes, no pulling or cussing, simply plug 'em in and off we go. It's the reason I have an electric string trimmer as well for the same reason. While my neighbors are cussing away at their high dollar gasoline trimmers, I'm already done and putting things away.

 

[dave123]

Honda GX engine with Cat pump your good to go for many years.

 

[Rand]

I like some of the better electric ones but even the best will take 2-5x longer than a good gas one.

half the pressure. half the flow.

 

[spasm3]

Has to be gas, electric is not going to cut it for my needs.

 

[Deltona_Dave]

Check out a pressure washer supply place. The ones they sell even the cheaper "residential grade" have good pumps like CAT. The critical parts like the unloader are serviceable. Most have Honda GX engines or can be ordered with Subaru or Kawasaki.

The big box ones have cheap pumps or other hardware that may be proprietary.

For a good one, expect about 700 dollars.

Dave

 

[punisher]

Originally Posted By: dave123
Honda GX engine with Cat pump your good to go for many years.


Yes sir.

In the sub $1k range, nothing wrong with a General pump vs a low end Cat.

 

[dareo]

I just got the Dewalt 3800 PSI unit from Homedepot and its really nice. Honda GX270 and a triplex pump made by Comet in italy on mine. CHECK THE PUMP before buying. Sams has the same unit (Simpson Branded) but its got a CHINA pump on it. I think Simpson makes these with Dewalts name.

When buying a PW you are really buying only two things, an engine and a pump, and you get what you pay for. So if its a nice triplex pump and a reputable engine, snatch it up.

Buy plenty of GPM, it cleans faster. I wish i had more stuff to clean since its really fun to fire up this beast.

 

[spasm3]

Thanks every one! so a triplex pump, cat, general or comet!

 

[Cujet]

I'm partial to 390cc Honda engines and high end Cat pumps. Really hard to go wrong with such a setup. We use them industrially, in the aviation world (to remove paint stripper) and they hold up the longest.

While General and Comet make great pumps too, the Cat's work longest for us.

 

[spasm3]

So no axial pumps right? Even if its comet? I should look only for Triplex?

 

[dareo]

non Triplex pumps won't last but they are usually fairly cheap to replace. I strongly considered getting a 300 dollar unit and a new pump for like 75 bucks when it needed it. But then i decided to just get the good one and have something i really enjoy owning and using.

Non triplex pumps usually can't put out much more than 2.5 gpm so their cleaning is less effective as well.

 

[spasm3]

Thanks for all the info!!!

 

[tig1]

I bought a Craftsman 2600PSI last year from Sears. It works very well for my needs. Also be sure to use the pump lube and anti freeze liquide after each use. It will help keep the pump from corrodeing.

 

[itguy08]

Originally Posted By: tig1
I bought a Craftsman 2600PSI last year from Sears. It works very well for my needs. Also be sure to use the pump lube and anti freeze liquide after each use. It will help keep the pump from corrodeing.


This. I'm going on year 3 with mine. Briggs OHV engine, Annoti Reverbi pump and it works fine. I believe it's the same unit Briggs and Stratton sells. IIRC it was around $250 or so on sale.

I use pump saver every time I'm done using it and so far so good. Would definitely recommend for the weekend warrior. Make sure you always use pump saver and I'm sure you'll get good use out of it. And if the pump goes, you can get another for around $200.

 

[Nick R]

I have a craftsman 3000psi unit we bought last year. Engine is great, pump is decent. But the diverter is a pain in the rear. It mostly works but doesn't cut out for 2/3 seconds after releasing the trigger, and sometimes when using the flush or soap setting on the nozzle, it sort of cuts in/out. It's a chinese Annovi pump too. I'll be looking to replace it with a high quality pump once it dies.

 

[hatt]

Around $1500 will get you a nice belt drive that'll last you a long long time.

 

[itguy08]

Originally Posted By: Nick R
I have a craftsman 3000psi unit we bought last year. Engine is great, pump is decent. But the diverter is a pain in the rear. It mostly works but doesn't cut out for 2/3 seconds after releasing the trigger, and sometimes when using the flush or soap setting on the nozzle, it sort of cuts in/out. It's a chinese Annovi pump too. I'll be looking to replace it with a high quality pump once it dies.


Just curious. What happens? I would think a broken diverted would cause either the engine to stall or the pump to explode as once you release the trigger the pressure would keep building until.... Kaboom!

 

[Nick R]

Originally Posted By: itguy08
Originally Posted By: Nick R
I have a craftsman 3000psi unit we bought last year. Engine is great, pump is decent. But the diverter is a pain in the rear. It mostly works but doesn't cut out for 2/3 seconds after releasing the trigger, and sometimes when using the flush or soap setting on the nozzle, it sort of cuts in/out. It's a chinese Annovi pump too. I'll be looking to replace it with a high quality pump once it dies.


Just curious. What happens? I would think a broken diverted would cause either the engine to stall or the pump to explode as once you release the trigger the pressure would keep building until.... Kaboom!


If I release the trigger, it will not cut the pump off for a few seconds. It continues trying to pump for a couple seconds basically.

 

[itguy08]

Originally Posted By: Nick R

If I release the trigger, it will not cut the pump off for a few seconds. It continues trying to pump for a couple seconds basically.


Aaah. Check your warranty. IIRC ours came with a 2 year warranty and I'd let Sears replace the pump or valve. At least it would reset the "clock" for the pump.