Posted: 7/19/2013 5:57:48 AM EDT
| I need to pick up a new pressure washer, use will be cleaning pool deck, siding, concrete driveway, and occasionally the boat. I have some gift cards to Lowes, but I'm not usually a fan of the consumer-grade stuff they stock Sam's has a Honda-powered unit that looks decent but I know nothing about it. Anybody have any recommendations? |
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I purchased one at costco, its changed my life. I use it often:
http://reviews.costco.com/2070/11337447/simpson-mega-shot-v3000-honda-190cc-4-stroke-overhead-cam-engine-pressure-washer-reviews/reviews.htm |
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Quoted:
I hear Walmart has good deals. Yeah, but are they worth a damn? If I'm gonna buy a piece of crap, I can buy it cheaper at Lowe's since I have about $150 in gift cards. I'd like to save the gift cards something else that I would have to get at Lowe's if possible, but I'm not married to the idea. |
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My experience:
I went to Menards (regional place similar to Lowe's or HD) and bought their "biggest and bestest" one. I did NOT do my research, so kudos to you, OP. I found I needed a 50' hose to accomplish my needs, so I went back and asked about it. They don't carry anything but the cheap 25' original, but referred me to a place called the "Pressure Washer Warehouse" or somesuch. It is a store dedicated to selling them, and related products. The first thing I noticed was their "Manager's Weekly Special" when I walked in the door. It was very similar to what I had purchased (and used once, so I couldn't take it back)--save the manifold was all brass (mine was shitty pot metal), the frame was heavier, and it was ten bucks cheaper. 
I got the NICE hose I needed, and they even had quick disconnect fittings, which allowed me to avoid screwing the hose on/off of the zinc (pot metal) manifold nipple. Moral of the story: Buy a good one from a dedicated store, IMO. 
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Quoted:
I purchased one at costco, its changed my life. I use it often: http://reviews.costco.com/2070/11337447/simpson-mega-shot-v3000-honda-190cc-4-stroke-overhead-cam-engine-pressure-washer-reviews/reviews.htm Yep, I bought this one too and find it's more than up to the challenge for 'home use.' |
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DO NOT buy chinese shit and expect it to work as anything other than chinese shit.
There are two approaches to power equipment, buy stihl or echo and run it for years, or buy trash and replace frequently. That said there are lots of websites to research machines online. Cost is driven by the type of pump and the type of motor. I chose a unit with a honda GX motor and a mid level prosumer pump by AR, so far so good. You don't need a 4GPM 3500PSI unit to clean your driveway or boat. The chemicals should do the hard work, I use bleach for concrete and step up as needed. |
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We have 7 units of various psi (2500- 4500). All have Honda engines and Cat pumps. That setup is reliable. Occasionally you can find some Dewalt branded units with Honda engines, i think those are the GX390's.
Depending on how much concrete you want to do, look into purchasing a surface cleaner. Doing a concrete apron or sidewalk will get old just doing it with a wand. plus, you won't leave swirls. |
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I USE THE HELL OUT OF PRESSURE WASHERS. THE BEST deal is at lowes. they have one for about 120 bucks. i get the extened warranty too. i went through about 5 of them in the last 10 years, and i use them real hard. when they take a shit i just return it and get a new one. 3500 psi is 3500 psi no matter what powers it like a Honda engine or a small electric motor. i just cut my hand with mine trying to hold something and wash it.
the best thing to long term life is to make sure when you connect the hose there is no dirt in the hose or the end of the pressure washer. i lost a honda like that. Draining it real good for the winter is important too. that is the number 1 reason i end up returning them. mine is green, and i cant remember the name |
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I've been delaying the purchase of pressure washer due to the cost.
I will not buy one with an axial cam pump. Triplex pump is the way to go. The Dewalt posted above is the least expensive option I'd consider. I've heard hot water pressure washers are the cat's meow, but they're $$$$. I wouldn't sweat the GX vs. GC Honda engine issue. The GC is the consumer model while the GX is the "pro" model. However, my Honda mower with a GC engine has been chugging away for over seven years with no problems and still starts on the first pull. An oil change, new filter, and new plug are all I do to it each year. They're good little engines. Unless you're using the engine everyday for several hours, I'd bet that you'll kill the pump on the pressure washer before the engine. |
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Quoted:
I need to pick up a new pressure washer, use will be cleaning pool deck, siding, concrete driveway, and occasionally the boat. I have some gift cards to Lowes, but I'm not usually a fan of the consumer-grade stuff they stock Sam's has a Honda-powered unit that looks decent but I know nothing about it. Anybody have any recommendations? Bought one from lowes a couple of years back, a coleman powermate, and it now needs a new pump because the aluminum on the old one is disintegrating, and leaks. another 190.00 |
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Quoted:
I wouldn't sweat the GX vs. GC Honda engine issue. The GC is the consumer model while the GX is the "pro" model. However, my Honda mower with a GC engine has been chugging away for over seven years with no problems and still starts on the first pull. The GC engines use a plastic camshaft (with plastic cam lobe), and a plastic timing belt. They aren't anywhere near as well-made as the GX series. |