Buying a pressure washer

[Winnie]

Hi all,

I'm looking at buying a high pressure washer (Karcher o Gerni seem to be the better brands) but not really sure what I need.
It will be used for washing cars and the patrol after trips (likely to be caked in mud).
Looking to spend around $400
Any advice?

[threedogs]

I have a Karcher $125 one from Bunnings ,cant fault it , brought a 20mtr extension hose.
Its proved invaluable getting to hard to reach places like roof tiles etc.
Highly recommend still going strong 3 years later

[Bloodyaussie]

My budget Karcher I have had for about 10 years and it keeps on chugging.. I think it cost me about $200 back then.

[AB]

I have a Karcher $125 one from Bunnings ,cant fault it , brought a 20mtr extension hose. Its proved invaluable getting to hard to reach places like roof tiles etc. Highly recommend still going strong 3 years later I've probably got the same model as John Winnie but I recommend stepping up a level of the karcher brand. If the mud is baked on to the wheel arches, diffs and chassis etc they just don't cut the mustard. Either step up a level or bite the bullet and get a spitwater ;) Bloody Darren scoring that spitwater off my bro in law was criminal, spewing I didn't have enough funds at the time.

[GeeYou8]

I have a Karcher 5xx series, not sure of actual model, it has the longer hose which is very handy.
This is my second one, the first one was a 3xx series and it lasted well (still have it in the shed), the second one was a Bunnings ex display without hose & lance (extra cheap on clearance) swapped over accessories and have had a very powerful machine for over 5 years. I have the patio cleaner which is the greatest thing ever for cleaning pavement (pool surrounds), sand blaster, foamer, rotary brush, angled nozzle (for under the guards) & 2 nozzles.
Has anyone used the underbody cleaner, the one on wheels?
Graham

[Bacho86]

My dad got a Gernie 140.3 or similar a few years ago around the $500 mark I think.

Definitely worth while, it has so much power that I actually stripped off some of the factory stickers / decals off the body so it's great for the mud!!.

Also try and get some of the 90 degree attachments makes getting the mud out from under the sills and wheel arches so much easier!


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[AB]

Has anyone used the underbody cleaner, the one on wheels? Graham I was just about to ask the same question???

[Hodge]

I have a karcher, about $120 from bunnings... Works awesome. Has the soap suction hose, which I dip into a bucket or bottle of ct18 and away we go.
Hasn't let me down yet.

[Winnie]

Hmm, seems like I got sucked into the better models. Might drop my budget a bit.

The spit water might strip the paint AB!

[matfew]

I picked up a petrol one off ebay recently.

11hp motor 4000psi ;) she's a beauty and will cut through a bit of 4x2 timber in about 30seconds haha.

Havent washed the patrol just yet but will prolly get to it tomorrow since it is actually mobile again now.

[Covo71]

I have got a Gerni that Spurs out about 1800psi. Works very well and I also bought a 90 degree head for it I think was about $10.

[Cuppa]

One thing to look for (which I didn’t when I bought my cheap Karcher a few years ago) are good swivel connections on the hose. Having to wrestle & untangle a rigid hose with a mind of it’s wn is a PIA.

[AB]

One thing to look for (which I didn’t when I bought my cheap Karcher a few years ago) are good swivel connections on the hose. Having to wrestle & untangle a rigid hose with a mind of it’s wn is a PIA. Yes, good call Cuppa!

[MudRunnerTD]

I have a Spitwater! It's awesome :p

If I was buying again from the karcher or gerni range I would chose one with the hose on the reel. Winner. The gerni does the 90degree attachment which I have and was awesome when I had the gerni. Made under bode cleaning much easier. 10seconds to fit.

Check eBay. You will get a good deal:

You can go BIG . But you really want something with a power head and a long hose. Something that you can add a hose extension to would be a winner too mate.

I reckon with a $400 budget you will find a good one.

[MudRunnerTD]

Repco has 20% off for RACV members this month.

[4bye4]

I actually work in the cleaning supply and repair industry, albeit commercial equipment not Te hobby/DIY side of things. As mentioned by MudRunner, the Spitwater is a good locally assembled machine. The Gernie / Karcher etc available from Bunnings are reasonable machines but are "name" brands and are often manufactured by the same Chinese factory and just badged to a name. The original Karcer brand is long gone as is the Gernie, Kew and many others. Australian made (read assembled) machines are Aussie pumps, Spitwater and BAR and all would be available from small motor/power equipment shops. Prices from about $200 to $2000. The differences between low price and high price basically are the bottom range are manufactured from plastic parts and are usually not repairable, whereas the expensive end of the market have stainless steel or ceramic pistons and brass heads and manifolds. Like everything else buy the best you can afford, given the amount of use you expect from it. The pressure and flow rates which are often touted by salespeople are not much to buy on as most are standard Nat about 1000 -1200n psi at 7-10 l/min up to 3000psi at 15 to21 l/min. Be aware that if a brand advertises say 4500psi and has the same power motor as a 3000 psi machine, it will have a lower flow rate and the "cleaning power" will be the same. An often quoted "EWP" or effective working pressure, is basically bs and means nothing.


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[Covo71]

Repco has 20% off for RACV members this month.

I bought one from repco and didn't really use it too much but just over 18 months just went to poo. Would not be endorsing them.

[Stropp]

I have had a stihl for about 8 yrs, bloody good has hose reel and the Flexi coupling, winner.

[jack]

Don't buy one of those from Supercrap even when they are on special, got one for $299 (was $599). Absolute crap and my 10 year old $200 Karcher was better. Got a full refund as returned within seven days.

[lucus30]

I was just about to ask the same question???
Yeah I've got one and don't mind it. Pretty good probably does a better job than chucking the sprinkler underneath. Got it price matched at bunnings one time and paid about $90

Also no matter what pressure washer you get make sure you buy a snow foam lance for it they are amazing

[Stropp]

Also no matter what pressure washer you get make sure you buy a snow foam lance for it they are amazing

I have my own snow foam lance thanks ☺️

[Hodge]

I'll have to have a look at this snow foam thingie...
You just put the soap / degreaser whatever in it and off we go ?

[lucus30]

I'll have to have a look at this snow foam thingie...
You just put the soap / degreaser whatever in it and off we go ?
Pretty much

[GeeYou8]

When I bought my first Karcher I looked at the models & went for the cheapest one with an induction motor (not a brushed motor) @ a metal pump.
I have been told the ones that suck detergent through the pump can fail prematurely if using anything other than Karcher detergent, the foam lance is on the output end so nothing goes through the pump.
Graham

[Chimo]

I have a 5 series Karcher and have had it for about 7 yrs so far.

Got it from Bunnings and was going to get a cheaper one but was advised
a. get the bigger 5 series (on special)
b. better to go for a metal pump and
c. zip tie the trigger on and leave it that way for ever. Turn the machine on and off with the electric switch and avoid the risk of water hammer stuffing the pump etc .

So far so good, zip tie is still in place.

I suspect either Karcher or Gerni or other name brands in the mid to upper range of machines will all do the job however I would suggest you consider the zip tie advice.
A few of my friends were onto their 2nd and third machines when I mentioned, after I heard about their dead washers, about the zip tie thing.

Don't get too enthusiastic around the paint work or you can watch it fly too IMHO

Cheers
Chimo

[lucus30]

When I bought my first Karcher I looked at the models & went for the cheapest one with an induction motor (not a brushed motor) @ a metal pump.
I have been told the ones that suck detergent through the pump can fail prematurely if using anything other than Karcher detergent, the foam lance is on the output end so nothing goes through the pump.
Graham
The snow foam gun is an attachment it doesn't suck it through the pump

[Winnie]

This what you're talking about Lucus?
http://www.bunnings.com.au/karcher-0-6l-foam-jet-nozzle-fj6_p6270647

[lucus30]

This what you're talking about Lucus?
http://www.bunnings.com.au/karcher-0-6l-foam-jet-nozzle-fj6_p6270647
Nope they are crap.... Same sorta idea but no where near as good

This is https://www.carcareproducts.com.au/product/autobrite/ab_snow_foam_lance

These were the originals but I've seen plenty of knock offs these days perhaps they might be cheaper

Here is a video of it
https://youtu.be/2fgKDpAhWfA

[Clunk]

Nope they are crap.... Same sorta idea but no where near as good

This is https://www.carcareproducts.com.au/product/autobrite/ab_snow_foam_lance

These were the originals but I've seen plenty of knock offs these days perhaps they might be cheaper

Here is a video of it
https://youtu.be/2fgKDpAhWfA
Holy crap, that costs almost as much as what I paid for me power washer 10 years ago lol

[Winnie]

Nope they are crap.... Same sorta idea but no where near as good

This is https://www.carcareproducts.com.au/product/autobrite/ab_snow_foam_lance

These were the originals but I've seen plenty of knock offs these days perhaps they might be cheaper

Here is a video of it
https://youtu.be/2fgKDpAhWfA
Yeah wow. Looks awesome but I'll give it a miss lol... I might grab the karcher brand one though so it doesn't draw soap through the pump.

[lucus30]

Yeah wow. Looks awesome but I'll give it a miss lol... I might grab the karcher brand one though so it doesn't draw soap through the pump.
Wouldn't waste your money. I think I've got one lying around you can have it if I can find it

[GeeYou8]

c. zip tie the trigger on and leave it that way for ever. Turn the machine on and off with the electric switch and avoid the risk of water hammer stuffing the pump etc .
A few of my friends were onto their 2nd and third machines when I mentioned, after I heard about their dead washers, about the zip tie thing.

Don't get too enthusiastic around the paint work or you can watch it fly too IMHO

Cheers
Chimo
I had to replace the over pressure valve on my 3 series, so I might have to try the locked on method.
Also watch out for intercoolers, radiators & AC condensers, you can fold the fins over in the blink of an eye.
Graham

[Kimbo63]

There is one here on fleabay not sure it's as good as the one the Autobrite one thoug
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Hug-Flight-Pressure-Washer-Karcher-K-Series-Compatible-Snow-Foam-Lance-Bottle-/361481048417?hash=item5429f31161:g:Ql8AAOSwKtlWrtn t

[lucus30]

There is one here on fleabay not sure it's as good as the one the Autobrite one thoug
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Hug-Flight-Pressure-Washer-Karcher-K-Series-Compatible-Snow-Foam-Lance-Bottle-/361481048417?hash=item5429f31161:g:Ql8AAOSwKtlWrtn t

Thanks Kimbo63. Looks great this is what i was I meant by knock offs and for that price I'd give it a shot

[threedogs]

Cable tying the trigger makes a lot of sense as they shut off with a huge shunt.
It has to be taking its toll somewhere thats for sure ,so cable tie here as well

[Chimo]

I have a feeling that even if you use the non-Karcher soap, by flushing the pump with just water with the soap suction line in fresh water too there wouldn't be too much soap left in the pump to worry it.

Any of you flush your rigs? (pressure washers that is)

Chimo

[jay see]

I've had two over the years. One was a GMC (I think)and it lasted 6-7 years until something on the inside cracked, cant remember what.
The other was a K Mart special. Was a week or so after the GMC one crapped itself, had $50 left on a voucher, so it costed me $9 for it.
It also lasted about the same time, but it had a harder time. Both were used for general cleaning around the house and washing cars including mud off the 4wd.
The K Mart one i used to pressure clean a deck of about 10x6 twice. Took about 8 hours each time, It didn't make it the second time.

I think if used for general cleaning most of the branded names would be fine. The two that i had were about 1300 psi and I find that to be enough.

The next one will need to have a wider spay so I can do one board with one sweep.

How do those patio cleaners go?

[Winnie]

I ended up buying the Karcher K3, super cheap had a 25% off sale so seemed to be a bargain at $220.
Washed all the cars with it yesterday and tried it out on some concrete, does an awesome job. The dirt blaster attachment is insane!!!
I'll try out that cheaper snow foam attachment from the eBay link above too.

[pjhsv]

I have a Karcher I got from Bunnings for ~$100, and it's worked great for my needs.

Having said that, I tend to go through the car washes after big trips to get rid of most of the mud. Our local one is full of 4x4's every Saturday and Sunday night :)

[GeeYou8]

The next one will need to have a wider spay so I can do one board with one sweep.

How do those patio cleaners go?
The patio cleaners are great, I have about 60 square metres of pebblecrete around the pool, comes up a treat in around 2 to 3 hours, the skirt also stops crap being blown onto everything nearby.
Graham

[threedogs]

I ended up buying the Karcher K3, super cheap had a 25% off sale so seemed to be a bargain at $220.
Washed all the cars with it yesterday and tried it out on some concrete, does an awesome job. The dirt blaster attachment is insane!!!
I'll try out that cheaper snow foam attachment from the eBay link above too.

Will you be buying a longer hose, or not required ????

[MudRunnerTD]

I have a 5 series Karcher and have had it for about 7 yrs so far.

Got it from Bunnings and was going to get a cheaper one but was advised
a. get the bigger 5 series (on special)
b. better to go for a metal pump and
c. zip tie the trigger on and leave it that way for ever. Turn the machine on and off with the electric switch and avoid the risk of water hammer stuffing the pump etc .

So far so good, zip tie is still in place.

I suspect either Karcher or Gerni or other name brands in the mid to upper range of machines will all do the job however I would suggest you consider the zip tie advice.
A few of my friends were onto their 2nd and third machines when I mentioned, after I heard about their dead washers, about the zip tie thing.

Don't get too enthusiastic around the paint work or you can watch it fly too IMHO

Cheers
Chimo

Interesting. My Spitwater unit is awesome and bloody heavy! I carry it around in a trolley it's so heavy. For a little unit you'd reckon it's guts was made of lead!!

What interesting is that on the top of it next to the On/Off switch is a sticker that says "Pull the trigger before turning the pump on". So I turn on the tap, pull the trigger and then the pump. Once running I can pull the trigger on and off no dramas. Just doesn't like having a closed tap when the pump starts.

[4bye4]

Interesting. My Spitwater unit is awesome and bloody heavy! I carry it around in a trolley it's so heavy. For a little unit you'd reckon it's guts was made of lead!!

What interesting is that on the top of it next to the On/Off switch is a sticker that says "Pull the trigger before turning the pump on". So I turn on the tap, pull the trigger and then the pump. Once running I can pull the trigger on and off no dramas. Just doesn't like having a closed tap when the pump starts.

The Spitwater has a pressure bypass valve which is not operated in the off position. When you start the machine it will come straight uop to pressure and if you don't have the trigger pulled it will draw 5 to 10 times the normal run current untill it goes into bypass and releases the pressure. Can sometimes blow a fuse or breaker on startup if you don't pull the trigger.
The reason yours is heavy is because Spitwater units are made of brass and stainless internally. Good machines.

[MudRunnerTD]

The Spitwater has a pressure bypass valve which is not operated in the off position. When you start the machine it will come straight uop to pressure and if you don't have the trigger pulled it will draw 5 to 10 times the normal run current untill it goes into bypass and releases the pressure. Can sometimes blow a fuse or breaker on startup if you don't pull the trigger.
The reason yours is heavy is because Spitwater units are made of brass and stainless internally. Good machines.

Yeah we are telling AB they are junk cause he could have bought it but listed it instead and I jumped on it in the first 5 minutes. He was Sad when he had a look at it! :p

[Winnie]

Will you be buying a longer hose, or not required ????
Not required, it came with 8m of hose.

[Winnie]

One quick question Lucas... Do you need special foaming detergent to put in the sprayer bottle? Or will regular car soap do?

[lucus30]

Nay mate... Regular like meguiars soft wash works well or if you don't give a shit about stripping wax use ct18 on the patrol like I do ha ha