What do you guys know about them. I’ve used them but don’t know very much. I’m thinking of getting one to wash off my house , deck, driveway and the occasional house and deck of others.
What’s the least amount of cfm I want, brand names, and rough cost?
Thanks
Replies
have 2, a small carry about 1500 psi 2.2gpm for little gbitty jobs, MTM 3004 for bigger jobs. Get one with a Honda engine if gas driven. Bigger the better. 100 ft hose at least. Never found much use for any tip wider than 25 degrees.
3000 psi at 4 gpm is more than 10X as fast as a 1500 psi 2 gpm.
Had the 3000 psi slice my leg once on a roof, nasty cut but no infection, so be careful, etc.
I have found that over 2500 at 2.5 -3 gpm is big enough to do almost anything doesn't use as much gas and is easier to loadup and setup.
!00 ft of hose is a lot of stiff hose to roll up every day I also try and keep my garden hose under 50' to keep the supply pressure up.
The rotary nozzle is by far the best tip for most jobs and speeds up the process at least 2 fold.
ANDYSZ2I MAY DISAGREE WITH WHAT YOUR SAYING BUT I WILL DEFEND TO THE DEATH YOUR RIGHT TO SAY IT.
Remodeler/Punchout
What is this rotary nozzle? I've seen the spinning brush attachment. Is that it?
Called a "Turbo" by most mfrs. Has a small ball bearing in a slightly larger cage and it does work. Saw one at Lowes that was adjustable. Around $54.
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=64145-82669-99030723&lpage=none
Northern Tool cheaper one
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&productId=37154&R=37154
Thanks everyone.
boy ,you ain't kiddin about cuts....
there was an incident at US Steel Gary Works, a few years back,some guy wanted to clean his boots off.....they had to amputate his leg at the hip"
Good god! Is that a fact?! I had no idea. I knew that industrial sandblasting could do a number on you, but geeeez. It makes sense though. I'll make sure I don't shower with it on full.
Sadly yes, that accident was discussed during a weekly safety meeting while I was at the refinery in Whiting. The pressure washers used plant water ....which was non-potable, this mans leg filled up a balloon after the nozzle pressure cut through his boot and skinit was a terrible week, with another guy (over at Inland Steel I think ) asphyxiated after plugging into a new supplied air line....that had not been purged of the nitrogen used to clear the lines before putting them into service..
"
Edited 10/31/2005 6:21 am by maddog3
Ahhh! I'm weak! I'll stick to residential.
....if you insist on showering with it...make sure you wear
.....FULL PPE, and don't point it at your feet. (:>}
"
Edited 10/31/2005 7:06 am by maddog3
Get one with a gas engine. Electric ones are just a toy at best.
I bought the lowest gas model at Home Depot. ~$300. It is a Briggs and Straton engine. I would prefer the one level up model which has a Honda engine and easier handling. Unfortunately, due to storage space and budget, it was justifiable.
I use mine for the same thing you will, i.e. vinyl siding washing, driveways, decks, etc. It's been more than enough. In fact, I have to turn the adjustable nozzle down a little because at the highest setting, it will chip away wood and concret.
I think for residential and occasional, i.e. not weekly/daily use, any gas model found at the major retailers is more than adequate. I know alot of people will say get the most powerful model but you need to be honest with yourself about how it will be used.
Another safety tip is that be careful with the chemicals you use in it. Personally, I don't use any. I get so much water being bounced and sprayed back on me that I would not feel comfortable having any chemicals being in the mix. When I cleaned my driveway, I poured the degreaser directly on the blacktop and scrubbed with a broom...then powerwashed it off.
I'm sure the gas powered washers are more/bigger/better, but I've had an electric one for a while now and it works just fine for occasional residential use. It was the middle of the line model from Home Depot, if I remember correctly. Works just fine on walks, decks and so forth.
Certainly, it's not the thing for a professional who uses it every day, but for occasional use around the house and yard I like the electric motor...there is the inconvenience of having to plug it in somewhere, but it's quieter and I don't have to worry about maintenance on a gas engine (i.e. draining the gas so it doesn't go stale between uses, changing the oil, trying to get it to start after it's been sitting for a month, etc.)