Electric Pressure Washers & Durability

Concours.John

Concours.John

Auto Detail & Restoration
Ive been looking through the pressure washer threads. There are several electric brands mentioned Karcher etc. I was wondering if there is any feedback on the durability by now of some of them. I'm looking for electric so I can foam gun inside to knock off the worst on maintenance washes.

I'm just curious of one you can recommend to use with a foam cannon, and experience in durability. I also found a Briggs & Stratton 1800 around $200. I have a Husky 2200 gas but pump went out:(.

Thanks in advance.
 
With so many of them on the market in different parts of the country I would check out any auction sites that sale machinery in your area or shops first for a better price. I been using a electric Karcher one that is about 7 years old. I don't have a shop or use it very day about 3-5 times but it runs like new and was a great price too when I got it. I know more folks will come in and talk about their gas power ones also. It all depends on how many times your going to use it ( business or just at home ) on price and models.
 
I had a Karcher for years and it worked like a charm for me. Mainly for wheel wells and undercarriages, etc. What killed it was I stepped on the hose right at the connection to the unit and cracked the hose connection. I was able to get the replacement part, but after installing it, I must have done something wrong because it leaked water and the pressure wasn't as good. I ended up chucking it after a while. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one.
 
Depending on your budget I would stay away from the cheaper units. They lack the power and reliability of the higher priced units. Look for something with 2 GPM or more and in the 1500-2000psi area. Cam Spray and Kranzel are probably the best but I've also had pretty good luck with units from Northern Tool over the years, which cost a bit less. I had this one for a few years without issue but it was actually over kill and I had to crank it down a little for use on cars.
NorthStar Electric Cold Water Pressure Washer — 3000 PSI, 2.5 GPM, 230 Volt | Electric-Cold Water | Northern Tool + Equipment


This is probably the one I'm going to go with when I finally get around to building an addition.
Cam Spray 1500A - Prosumer 1450 PSI (Electric-Cold Water) Hand Carry Pressure Washer

This is another good unit.
Kranzle K1600 - Prosumer Hand-Held 1600 PSI (Electric-Cold) Pressure Washer w/ Pump

EDIT: You also need to make sure you have adequate electrical as the good units are almost all 220v and/or 15-20 amp service. On top of that you want to make sure your water source can supply enough water too.
Rasky
 
I got a good 5 years out of my Karcher PW before it died. I picked up another one at Walmart for around $120. Granted I don't use them everyday but for what I use them for I find them to be very dependable.
 
Hi. This is a question that could bring a good debate. I owned 2 electric 1800psi Husky & both of them simply quit , simple use not abuse.. lets say 1 time a week.They are nice because they only turn on when you push the trigger. Now I own a 2850psi Craftmans model that has quick release tips so depending on your needs you change only the tip. For 5 years & no problem..I use syntetic oil & fuel stabilizer so it starts like new. $200 versus $400, it all comes down to how much you will really use it. I wash everything in my path.My father in law purchased an Husky the same day I purchased my last Husky & his is still working but he barely uses it. Hope I was of help to you.
 
FWIW, I also have an OEM'd version of this FAIP unit I picked up on sale at a box store for $139.

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Faip-Pressure-Washer-Model-PW1850/dp/B0021BUP06/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t]Amazon.com: Faip Pressure Washer - 1850 PSI, Model# PW1850: Patio, Lawn & Garden[/ame]



1850psi and 1.6gpm. I've been using it for about 2 years now without issue. While it does do the job (slowly)....it seriously lacks power! I can drive down 6 blocks to the coin opp and even their (safe) pressure washers blow it away. Maybe it's because I've always used big machines that when I use my cheaper unit it pretty much puts me to sleep. :D

Try one with more than 2gpm and you'll know what I mean. :bigups
 
Thanks for the input. Thank you Rasky for the links. I trust the opinions more here than some "review" elsewhere since we all do the same thing.
I have a 3 phase shop. I'm only using 4% of what I have voltage wise according to DP&L monthly. 27% in winter.
Two thirds of the panel is turned off
3 220v 30amp, 5 20amp 120, 6 15amp 120, and 1 240v 50 amp.
 
I've had the briggs & stratton one for a couple months now, and i havent made up my mind if i like it or not. It seems to get a little tempermental if the water pressure isnt just right. Also, i am not sure if you can get a foam gun attachment on it or not, havent looked. Its also bigger and heavier then some of the other models that people have been talking about.
 
I have a 1500 PSI Karcher which I paid 99.00 for at Home Depot. It works great (2 years old) but it isn't as hard core as the paint strippers that Rasky hangs out with!
 
I am lucky my unit was formerly a plating operation. There is plenty of water pressure(almost too much) for a cheap hose. There is even more electrical that was upgraded for their use.
Thanks for the suggestions.
 
Concours.John said:
I am lucky my unit was formerly a plating operation. There is plenty of water pressure(almost too much) for a cheap hose. There is even more electrical that was upgraded for their use.
Thanks for the suggestions.
Click to expand...

If you want something for a permanent install in a wash bay, I saw a couple other high power electric units in the Northern Tool catalog earlier:

NorthStar Electric Cold Water Stationary Pressure Washer — 3000 PSI, 2.5 GPM, 230 Volt | Electric-Cold Water | Northern Tool + Equipment

Comet Stationary Pressure Washer — 2.2 GPM, 1300 PSI, Model# TBD-2 | Electric-Cold Water | Northern Tool + Equipment

RaskyR1 said:
Who told you I hang out with strippers? :D
Click to expand...

Cars, legs... you'll wax anything, won't you? :rofl
 
After a couple gas powered ones and a Karcher, I bought one from Northern Tool - it's the $450 or so model that runs off regular 110 volt. It's great, the right power and no fiddling with a gas motor. Get the 3 diferrent nozzles, white - 40, Green - 25 and orange - 15 degree and you're set.
 
John I'm glad you posted this question. I've been looking at getting one for a while but reviews on some Of those sale sites can be misleading.
 
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