Looking for a new power washer.

[slickooz]

My Karcher power washer was acting weird and now its broken. I need to get a new power washer asap. I would like to stay with Karcher because I got a foam cannon that connects to it. But most reviews on amazon says it's a waste of money/time.

I found a Karcher on Amazon for 260, and was wonder if it was worth it. This one has good review but 260 is very close to a gas powered one.
http://www.amazon.com/Karcher-5-540-Electric-Pressure-Washer/dp/B004P5POKM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311905575&sr=8-1

Any help is much appreciated. Trying to get one before August 7th because I got an Accord to do.

[loudog2]

I read a couple times that electric washers break way faster than gas. I have had a gas one for years(troybuilt 2600 w/honda engine).

[john b]

ya you are real close for a gas powered- i would get gas for that amount of money

[Bunky]

Mark, how is your pressure washer doing? How many times have you used it?

[slickooz]

Electric vs Gas
Whats their pro and con of each?

I had 3 of the cheaper Karcher electric power washer and they all broke, within one year.... Good thing I bought them at clearance for 40 each, or I would gone crazy.

[bottlefed02]

I picked up this one (http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-1650-PSI-1-5-GPM-High-Pressure-Power-Washer-Cleaner-/310332951396?_trksid=p4340.m185&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC.OPJS%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUA%26o tn%3D5%26pmod%3D260766645648%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D1 674397878911496715), but got it from Sam's for $50. It has been about 6 months and I have used it almost every weekend with no problems. I did have to get a wand attachment ($20) for a quick disconnect hook up to attach the foamer and bought a new adjustable spray head ($20), but over all well worth the $90 dollars spent.

[slickooz]

I saw the same one at Sam's club, but never thought about getting one because mine worked. I'm just trying to figure out if I should spend a little more to get a better quality one.

[Rav777]

The new X series models are great. I have the 1800 Psi K3.740 model and it has been an upgrade from my older Karcher model. My older Karcher’s were the ones that Wal-Mart sold for like 80 bucks (Those ones were cheap and always started to leak within months. Mark showed me a link to this and that’s when I heard of the new and improved models.

Karcher K3.740 - X Series 1800 PSI (Electric-Cold Water) Pressure Washer (http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/Karcher-K3.740-Pressure-Washer/p6275.html)


Unfortunately I have not had the time to do a full review since I have been working too much. I will tell you that these are an improvement to the older models. I am not sure what model you had before but these new models are supposed to have better pumps and since they are supplied with induction motors they are really quiet. The cheaper Karcher models are LOUD because they are equipped with a universal motor. The old models IMO were louder than some gas models, especially the gas washers with Honda motors.

I have logged about 60 washes since I have received my new X series (about a month ago) and so far it is doing great! I have always been partial to Karcher so maybe I can be a little biased lol. I will list some quick pros and cons that come up in my head.

Pros-
-New and improved pump
-Water cooled motor!
-Vibration dampening system
-25 feet of pressure washer hose. Cheaper models come with I believe a 15 foot chord.
-Solid build quality
-Hose attachments are now quick connects
-AND IT IS NOT MADE IN CHINA

Cons-
-Since it is not made in China the parts are more expensive. I spent $50 bucks for another 25 foot extension hose.
-Plastic fittings on inlet of hose. (Replace this with brass quick connects to add more sturdiness/they supply the machine with plastic quick connects) It is still pretty solid unless you really yank the thing around
- The hose quick connects are good, but that means that you can’t buy cheaper regular treaded pressure washer hose. And this also means that you cannot attach the unit to a reel unless you get the 2000 psi model.
-The main hose connection inlet (where the garden hose connects) is on the front. I had to get used to this as they are usually placed on the back. This makes it somewhat awkward if you are doing a mobile detail set up IMO.

All in all I would definitely recommend this machine. They are no Cam Spray machines by any chance ($700+ for electric) but they seem to have improved the weak points in the machine. Let me know if you have any more questions. I need to do a more thorough review with pictures once I get some time off. Back to my second job!

[master detailer]

you want to be able to rebild the pump with new seals as needed. honda with a cat pump is what I have 11hp 4000gpm high and down to 1500 low

[slickooz]

Thanks Roland! Great review and will definitely help others in deciding in purchasing a power washer. I was a little nervous thinking about buying the 260 dollar electric power washer from Karcher because of past experience. But it seems like its worth its price and you really like yours.

[Jimmie]

Hope that this info can save you a little money. My neighbor had a Kartcher w/Honda gas engine (Costco I think). His would lose prime. If he started it with the trigger pulled open it would spray until he let go of the trigger then tried to press it open again. No spray. When it did run it would sound of wave harmonic action.
Here's what he discovered on a forum. Some Kartchers didn't have enough grease packed in the main valve. On his it was on top. I watched him take it apart and repack with grease. It ran like brand new.
I can't even start to tell you how to do it, but it looked easy. Maybe this can lead you to where to get info.

[Mobile detail]

1500 gpm seems insane. Thats fire hose pressure. Is that a typo?

[Deep Gloss Auto Salon]

I have been using the cam spray 1500 for the past 2 years.

Pricey but very nicely built unit that I have been very happy with.

[Rav777]

Thanks Roland! Great review and will definitely help others in deciding in purchasing a power washer. I was a little nervous thinking about buying the 260 dollar electric power washer from Karcher because of past experience. But it seems like its worth its price and you really like yours.

I was in your boat as well. I have used Karchers for over 5 years, but I ended up buying the cheaper models. However I did love them when they worked. I tried other brands such as Husky and I was not impressed. I also wanted to stick to Karcher because they can be used without garden hose pressure. In other words the pump sucks the water in; I needed this because I work from a stationary detail tank that is pretty much gravity feed.

When I was deciding whether to buy this Karcher model I knew that they are sold rated for consumer use, not commercial use. This was on the top of the scale as far as consumer grade went. When I looked at the gas pressure washers around the 300+ range I knew they were the entry level as far as gas went. The good ones are well over $1200+. I also didnt want to deal with the maintenance of a gas motor since I have many garden/motorcycles with gas engines, last thing I needed was another engine to take care of and buy gasoline for. On top of that when I detail at my customers homes or business lots they let me plug up to their power source. They save money (I give them small discounts) an I save money for gas and maintenance.

It all becomes a case of you get what you pay for and I certainly feel comfortable with the price I paid. If I had more money of course I would pick up up a cam spray

Cam Spray 1500A - Prosumer 1450 PSI (Electric-Cold Water) Hand Carry Pressure Washer (http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/Cam-Spray-1500A-Pressure-Washer/p1061.html)
But that is too much for a college boy lol

[BobbyG]

I have had a gas one for years(troybuilt 2600 w/honda engine).

This sounds like the same one I have. I bought mine over at Lowe's and have never had an issue with it. I live in New England so in the fall I winterize it before putting it away and it's always worked in the spring..