Pressure washers

Rick

When buying a pressure washer the best way to rate them is by the total cleaning units. This number is derived by multiplying the pressre times the gpm. With pressure washers it takes x amount of pressure to "break" the material loose and X amount to wash it away. For instance if you can break the material with 1500psi then a 1500psi that has 3 gmp would wash the material away 33% faster that a washer with 2 gpm. Both would work, but the 3 gpm would be much faster. Also I think gas is the best way to go unless everything is near the house or workshop

Rick

When buying a pressure washer the best way to rate them is by the total cleaning units. This number is derived by multiplying the pressre times the gpm. With pressure washers it takes x amount of pressure to "break" the material loose and X amount to wash it away. For instance if you can break the material with 1500psi then a 1500psi that has 3 gmp would wash the material away 33% faster that a washer with 2 gpm. Both would work, but the 3 gpm would be much faster. Also I think gas is the best way to go unless everything is near the house or workshop

I have a Karcher 2,200 psi unit that I bought at a swap meet for $100. It has a 6 hp Briggs & Stratton industrial-duty gas engine. At full pressure, it will take the paint off of wood siding. It makes concrete look like new, and it takes off caked-on tractor grease right down to the metal. If you can afford it and don't mind the hassles of another engine to maintain, gas-powered is the way to go. New, they'll typically run $400 on up, depending on brand, engine size and psi. But I bought a 1,300-psi Campbell Hausfeld electric unit for my father-in-law for around $100 after rebate. He uses it on his lake-cabin deck, on his motor home and on his concrete driveway, and he loves it. Before purchasing, you might try to find one to borrow or rent to see how much power you need. Good luck.

Bought one in fall of '96 at Sears. It was used, reconditioned, and came with a one-year warranty. 2500 psi, and cost about $250. Works fine.

Rick, I think you'll have a hard time finding a good pressure washer for around $250. I bought one from Northern Hydraulic and I love it. It's the one they offer with the OHC Honda engine. It cost $450 and was well worth it. Northern has a website with all kinds of info. www.northen-online.com

I used a freinds press.washer when I rebuilt my 8n, 1500psi (?) , worked great but was not very user freindly, has a primer near the muffler, burn the hell out of my hand more than once!! and the gas tank was a tad small, seemed like I was filling it with gas every 5 mins. dave