Power Washers

[compmoto]

What type do you use ? Why did you pick THAT one ?
Would you buy it again ? If not, which one would you buy ?
I have always heard Karcher washers were supposed to be good, but haven't tried one yet...
for the record, the 20 yr old Craftsman I now have, with a 6.25 Tecumseh engine, needs a pump impeller repair, and I don't really think its worth the hassle, and finding the correct parts has been somewhat challenging...even tho I have the model#,serial #, from the owner's manual etc

 

[hadfield4wd]

I just use a cheap electric one from harbor freight. I don't want it too powerful. Lasts about 3-4 years then I get another.

 

[pscook]

I just use a cheap electric one from harbor freight. I don't want it too powerful. Lasts about 3-4 years then I get another.

Same here. If I were washing more than just the bike and patio then I would invest in a serious washer, but my little electric washer is perfect for bikes. Not too strong, but still more pressure than straight from the tap. It is good for rinsing the cars as well, but it's no good at fully cleaning concrete; I will rent or borrow when I get to the point of really going for a deep clean, but the little electric fellow does an adequate job for the seasonal jobs.

Late edit: I have a Snap-On branded washer, it's likely from the same factory as every single other portable electric washer. I don't remember the psi rating, but it's in the 150 range, I think?

 

[Moto7man]

I have a Subaru gas model. Its very reliable and works very well. I can't remember the psi but you want to keep your hands away from it.

 

[Zrt1200]

Well If you want to replace it every few years get a cheap one. If you want it to last get one with a triplex pump. Here is a guide to them....

http://pressurewashr.com/pressure-washer-pumps/

 

[frankinberg]

Hotsy hot water is the only way to go cooks all the grim off use some degreaser makes your bike look like new

 

[RBrider]

What type do you use ? Why did you pick THAT one ?
Would you buy it again ? If not, which one would you buy ?
I have always heard Karcher washers were supposed to be good, but haven't tried one yet...
for the record, the 20 yr old Craftsman I now have, with a 6.25 Tecumseh engine, needs a pump impeller repair, and I don't really think its worth the hassle, and finding the correct parts has been somewhat challenging...even tho I have the model#,serial #, from the owner's manual etc

Check the Northern Tool website. They carry replacement pumps at reasonable costs. Main info you need is shaft size, I think. It's been a few years since I got a replacement pump, so I don't recall all the details exactly. Back then a new pump was about $150 US, shipped.

Pump will be shipped full of oil and ready to use.

RB

 

[Zman]

Or buy the cheap electric one and use the 6.5hp for a gokart!

 

[compmoto]

done deal

Or buy the cheap electric one and use the 6.5hp for a gokart!

that's what I'm gonna do... I bought a $190. unit from Sears...
just doing what I can to help keep an American icon in business !
thanx for all the suggestions and advice

 

[JP4]

I had a cheapo Black & Decker unit that worked good for a couple of years. About a month ago I plugged it in and the circuit breaker on the plug kept tripping. The week before I had used it while it was raining, so I think there was a short somewhere.

The next time I used it, I was having a bad day. In a chemotherapy induced rage, I lost it and smashed it to bits on the driveway. A good show for the neighbours I'm sure. I'm claiming not my fault, the chemo drugs made me do it - I go for pretty strong chemo every 2 weeks, and the 3-4 days after I'm a little cranky, as I'm pretty nauseous and fatigued. I still ride and race every weekend.

Anyway, I bought a cheapo Karcher replacement ... seems to be better made than the B&D, lets hope it fares better than the last one

 

[Moto7man]

The next time I used it, I was having a bad day. In a chemotherapy induced rage, I lost it and smashed it to bits on the driveway. A good show for the neighbours I'm sure. I'm claiming not my fault, the chemo drugs made me do it -

LOL, easy does it there..thats bad for your ticker.

 

[JP4]

LOL, easy does it there..thats bad for your ticker.

For sure not my proudest moment.

I shared my story, cause I thought it might make somebody laugh. Life is a strange deal.

Yes, I know stress is bad for me. I'm doing my best to moderate that. I'm pretty tightly wound, so it's a constant struggle to be chill.

My ticker is good. I'm only 47, and I'm pretty healthy otherwise. Just have a little cancer to deal with.

Jason

 

[RBrider]

For sure not my proudest moment.

I shared my story, cause I thought it might make somebody laugh. Life is a strange deal.

Yes, I know stress is bad for me. I'm doing my best to moderate that. I'm pretty tightly wound, so it's a constant struggle to be chill.

My ticker is good. I'm only 47, and I'm pretty healthy otherwise. Just have a little cancer to deal with.

Jason

Well, hang in there. I'm sure it'll all work out for the best. Your neighbors already think you're crazy since you ride an evil dirt bike. No point in proving them right.

RB

 

[Moto7man]

For sure not my proudest moment.

I shared my story, cause I thought it might make somebody laugh. Life is a strange deal.

Yes, I know stress is bad for me. I'm doing my best to moderate that. I'm pretty tightly wound, so it's a constant struggle to be chill.

My ticker is good. I'm only 47, and I'm pretty healthy otherwise. Just have a little cancer to deal with.

Jason

You are right about life being a strange deal. At times I can get a little tweaked up too. You did make me laugh myself senseless!

 

[EnduroNut]

I've had several, primarily for work purposes. Started out with inexpensive electric and it crapped out now I only buy a Honda powered washers... they last and are easy to start. I prefer the higher powered even though they are harder on bearings when used improperly. I agree with getting the grime off, I presoak with simple green and good to go!

 

[swazi_matt]

For sure not my proudest moment.

I shared my story, cause I thought it might make somebody laugh. Life is a strange deal.

Yes, I know stress is bad for me. I'm doing my best to moderate that. I'm pretty tightly wound, so it's a constant struggle to be chill.

My ticker is good. I'm only 47, and I'm pretty healthy otherwise. Just have a little cancer to deal with.

Jason

Tightly wound .... You must then be part of the 20% of Canadians who are not on "medicinal" marijuana lol
Hang in there ... and if it helped let us know I am sure we can arrange to get some more partly functioning electronics to help you unwind

 

[gasser]

I just use a cheap electric one from harbor freight. I don't want it too powerful. Lasts about 3-4 years then I get another.

I like these - they have just enough power to wash a bike and are very easy to use and easy to store. They are often on sale for $90-100 and the 2 year warranty is about $20. They'll give you a new one if you take it in before the warranty runs out and you can reset the warranty on the new unit by purchasing a new warranty at that time.