Pressure Washers
Discussion
mikeswagon said:
Deviation said:
I bought an Ava Evolution.
10 year warranty I think.
It’s VERY nice, with some real nice creature comforts.
Remember to service it for the 10yr warranty.10 year warranty I think.
It’s VERY nice, with some real nice creature comforts.
I was eyeing up an AVA Go but they're hard to come by.
I have ended up with a Karcher hot pressure washer, a hds 601c. I had spotted it on eBay and it was local-ish, listed as non working. Apparently it was tripping out the consumer unit when turned on, a quick google suggested it could be something as easy as a £10 capacitor swap. The machine looked clean and un abused and the seller seemed decent.
Won the auction for £313, collected this morning, got it home, plugged it in and it fired straight up!
Now it doesn’t trip the power but it does smoke more than Dot Cotton, more googling says it could be a few things but a full burner service kit is only £35 so I will try this.
Pretty happy with the outcome, hopefully it doesn’t come back to bite me. Just need to find a space for it now because it’s massive.
Won the auction for £313, collected this morning, got it home, plugged it in and it fired straight up!
Now it doesn’t trip the power but it does smoke more than Dot Cotton, more googling says it could be a few things but a full burner service kit is only £35 so I will try this.
Pretty happy with the outcome, hopefully it doesn’t come back to bite me. Just need to find a space for it now because it’s massive.
Edited by Gtom on Sunday 5th May 08:06
ujio said:
Just to follow up on this, has anyone used the Parkside pressure washer jobbies from Lidl?
They're up for grabs (130bar) for £70, but I'm not sure if this power is adequate enough to blast the patio. Maybe something with more squirt?
Should be fine. My old Nilfisk was 120bar and did a decent job on the patio, with the turbo nozzle or the patio attachmentThey're up for grabs (130bar) for £70, but I'm not sure if this power is adequate enough to blast the patio. Maybe something with more squirt?
So I finally got one. Destructions have been barely deciphered and unit assembled. But I have no stuff to put in it. Chemicals/detergent/schmoo or whatever it is.
So what’s the general consensus regarding detergent for a muddy mossy drive and path? Then if I want to clean the car do I have to buy something else? Or is it better to clean car normally then use pressure washer to rinse it off?
So what’s the general consensus regarding detergent for a muddy mossy drive and path? Then if I want to clean the car do I have to buy something else? Or is it better to clean car normally then use pressure washer to rinse it off?
nuyorican said:
So I finally got one. Destructions have been barely deciphered and unit assembled. But I have no stuff to put in it. Chemicals/detergent/schmoo or whatever it is.
So what’s the general consensus regarding detergent for a muddy mossy drive and path? Then if I want to clean the car do I have to buy something else? Or is it better to clean car normally then use pressure washer to rinse it off?
I use a patio attachment for patios and driveways, no chemicals.So what’s the general consensus regarding detergent for a muddy mossy drive and path? Then if I want to clean the car do I have to buy something else? Or is it better to clean car normally then use pressure washer to rinse it off?
As for car cleaning you risk opening a whole new specialists subject. I suggest you look at some detailing forums. If you want to wash your car properly you need more than just a pressure washer. My basic kit is:
Pressure washer
Stubby gun
Wide nozzle
Snowfoam cannon (do your research) mine is MJC
2 buckets
Grit guards
Snowfoam (do your research)
Lambswool wash mit
PH neutral car shampoo (bilt hamber is good)
Soft wheel brushes
Soft detailing brush
Microfibre cloths and drying towels
Ceramic detailing spray (sometimes i use Gyeon wetcoat instead) or a wax
Wheel cleaner the sort that removes fallout
Blowdryer that blows hot air
Gummipfledger (it treats rubber seals)
Occasional use
Citrus pre wash
Very mild abrasive polish for light scratches (care needed)
Because this is PH, I can't let this pass without a Stihl recommendation.
This little fella is what I've got (previous version actually, or maybe the one before that, had it a while). Gets used every week to clean our Eglu hen houses and a bit less often than that to clean various cars and just keeps chugging away.
https://shop.balmersgm.com/products/stihl-re-90-pr...
As someone said earlier, don't store a pressure washer anywhere that might freeze - even if you think there's no water in it, there will be and that'll be one more dead pressure washer you own....
This little fella is what I've got (previous version actually, or maybe the one before that, had it a while). Gets used every week to clean our Eglu hen houses and a bit less often than that to clean various cars and just keeps chugging away.
https://shop.balmersgm.com/products/stihl-re-90-pr...
As someone said earlier, don't store a pressure washer anywhere that might freeze - even if you think there's no water in it, there will be and that'll be one more dead pressure washer you own....
I got this one in the end.
https://www.toolstation.com/hawksmoor-high-pressur...
Thought I'd go cheap on first buy as I'd never used one before I was worried I'd hate the job and never use it again. It did ok to be fair, and I kind of enjoyed it. Although I got absolutely covered with s
t and ruined a good pair of trainers. So next time I'll be in my wellys.
The areas to be cleaned have not been done in at least four years so there was a thick layer of mud/moss/weeds etc. It seemed to blast through all that with ease. It even blasted off the old peeling paint off some stone lintels which has saved me a job. Then I put the patio attachment on and gave all the flat surfaces a good scrub.
One thing I noticed, and I'm not sure if this is a generic issue with all pressure washers, but because I was excited with my new toy I went out and bought some jet-washer specific detergent to add to the tank on the back. But I'd got about half way through the job and realised it wasn't sucking up the detergent. The instructions were barely any use of course being in Chinglish, but I managed to get it to work by disconnecting the high pressure bit off the business end of the gun. Then it would suck up and dispense soapy goodness in a kind of half-arsed manner. Then I'd have to put on the squirty bit again to blast it all away. It worked fine with the patio attachment thing so maybe you're just not supposed to fire detergent at high pressure?
Next time I'm going to have a go at using it to clean my car and bike. It came with a 'foam attachment'. Like a little tank with nozzle that you attach to the end of the gun. I'm assuming you fill this with car shampoo or something similar?
https://www.toolstation.com/hawksmoor-high-pressur...
Thought I'd go cheap on first buy as I'd never used one before I was worried I'd hate the job and never use it again. It did ok to be fair, and I kind of enjoyed it. Although I got absolutely covered with s
t and ruined a good pair of trainers. So next time I'll be in my wellys.The areas to be cleaned have not been done in at least four years so there was a thick layer of mud/moss/weeds etc. It seemed to blast through all that with ease. It even blasted off the old peeling paint off some stone lintels which has saved me a job. Then I put the patio attachment on and gave all the flat surfaces a good scrub.
One thing I noticed, and I'm not sure if this is a generic issue with all pressure washers, but because I was excited with my new toy I went out and bought some jet-washer specific detergent to add to the tank on the back. But I'd got about half way through the job and realised it wasn't sucking up the detergent. The instructions were barely any use of course being in Chinglish, but I managed to get it to work by disconnecting the high pressure bit off the business end of the gun. Then it would suck up and dispense soapy goodness in a kind of half-arsed manner. Then I'd have to put on the squirty bit again to blast it all away. It worked fine with the patio attachment thing so maybe you're just not supposed to fire detergent at high pressure?
Next time I'm going to have a go at using it to clean my car and bike. It came with a 'foam attachment'. Like a little tank with nozzle that you attach to the end of the gun. I'm assuming you fill this with car shampoo or something similar?
nuyorican said:
I got this one in the end.
https://www.toolstation.com/hawksmoor-high-pressur...
Thought I'd go cheap on first buy as I'd never used one before I was worried I'd hate the job and never use it again. It did ok to be fair, and I kind of enjoyed it. Although I got absolutely covered with st and ruined a good pair of trainers. So next time I'll be in my wellys.
The areas to be cleaned have not been done in at least four years so there was a thick layer of mud/moss/weeds etc. It seemed to blast through all that with ease. It even blasted off the old peeling paint off some stone lintels which has saved me a job. Then I put the patio attachment on and gave all the flat surfaces a good scrub.
One thing I noticed, and I'm not sure if this is a generic issue with all pressure washers, but because I was excited with my new toy I went out and bought some jet-washer specific detergent to add to the tank on the back. But I'd got about half way through the job and realised it wasn't sucking up the detergent. The instructions were barely any use of course being in Chinglish, but I managed to get it to work by disconnecting the high pressure bit off the business end of the gun. Then it would suck up and dispense soapy goodness in a kind of half-arsed manner. Then I'd have to put on the squirty bit again to blast it all away. It worked fine with the patio attachment thing so maybe you're just not supposed to fire detergent at high pressure?
Next time I'm going to have a go at using it to clean my car and bike. It came with a 'foam attachment'. Like a little tank with nozzle that you attach to the end of the gun. I'm assuming you fill this with car shampoo or something similar?
The foam sprayer with that is unlikely to make decent foam. https://www.toolstation.com/hawksmoor-high-pressur...
Thought I'd go cheap on first buy as I'd never used one before I was worried I'd hate the job and never use it again. It did ok to be fair, and I kind of enjoyed it. Although I got absolutely covered with s
t and ruined a good pair of trainers. So next time I'll be in my wellys.The areas to be cleaned have not been done in at least four years so there was a thick layer of mud/moss/weeds etc. It seemed to blast through all that with ease. It even blasted off the old peeling paint off some stone lintels which has saved me a job. Then I put the patio attachment on and gave all the flat surfaces a good scrub.
One thing I noticed, and I'm not sure if this is a generic issue with all pressure washers, but because I was excited with my new toy I went out and bought some jet-washer specific detergent to add to the tank on the back. But I'd got about half way through the job and realised it wasn't sucking up the detergent. The instructions were barely any use of course being in Chinglish, but I managed to get it to work by disconnecting the high pressure bit off the business end of the gun. Then it would suck up and dispense soapy goodness in a kind of half-arsed manner. Then I'd have to put on the squirty bit again to blast it all away. It worked fine with the patio attachment thing so maybe you're just not supposed to fire detergent at high pressure?
Next time I'm going to have a go at using it to clean my car and bike. It came with a 'foam attachment'. Like a little tank with nozzle that you attach to the end of the gun. I'm assuming you fill this with car shampoo or something similar?
You will need a decent foam cannon and snow foam not shampoo
Don't expect much for £140.
I've had a few vanilla karchers. They always break because they're made as cheaply as possible. So I picked up a faulty kranzle for £20. Gave it a service and replaced a few bits. Added stainless QR couplings and a fancy gun and accessories. I don't think i'm into it for more than £250. 10lpm makes it a joy to use. And it'll last a lifetime.
I've had a few vanilla karchers. They always break because they're made as cheaply as possible. So I picked up a faulty kranzle for £20. Gave it a service and replaced a few bits. Added stainless QR couplings and a fancy gun and accessories. I don't think i'm into it for more than £250. 10lpm makes it a joy to use. And it'll last a lifetime.
Of course.
I generally buy quality. ‘Buy cheap, buy twice’’ etc.
But being new to pressure washing I just wanted to test the waters with minimal outlay. So a cheap one or a second hand one for the time being. Plus, I thought the job was pretty gnarly and I might burn out the motor on the first go, so even if it works once then it’s paid for itself over paying a tradesman.
Next summer when I’m a jet-wash veteran I’ll stick it on marketplace and buy a top of the line beast.
I generally buy quality. ‘Buy cheap, buy twice’’ etc.
But being new to pressure washing I just wanted to test the waters with minimal outlay. So a cheap one or a second hand one for the time being. Plus, I thought the job was pretty gnarly and I might burn out the motor on the first go, so even if it works once then it’s paid for itself over paying a tradesman.
Next summer when I’m a jet-wash veteran I’ll stick it on marketplace and buy a top of the line beast.
EggsBenedict said:
Because this is PH, I can't let this pass without a Stihl recommendation.
This little fella is what I've got (previous version actually, or maybe the one before that, had it a while). Gets used every week to clean our Eglu hen houses and a bit less often than that to clean various cars and just keeps chugging away.
https://shop.balmersgm.com/products/stihl-re-90-pr...
As someone said earlier, don't store a pressure washer anywhere that might freeze - even if you think there's no water in it, there will be and that'll be one more dead pressure washer you own....
Worth bearing in mind that Stihl washers are "just" Nilfisks with a different paint job.This little fella is what I've got (previous version actually, or maybe the one before that, had it a while). Gets used every week to clean our Eglu hen houses and a bit less often than that to clean various cars and just keeps chugging away.
https://shop.balmersgm.com/products/stihl-re-90-pr...
As someone said earlier, don't store a pressure washer anywhere that might freeze - even if you think there's no water in it, there will be and that'll be one more dead pressure washer you own....
Nowt wrong with that - I have a Nilfisk, going strong for about five years now - but people should know Stihl don't make 'em themselves and that anything that applied to Nilfisks will generally apply to them too.
I think the fact that Stihl would consider doing a white label deal with Nilfisk tells you something about their quality though.
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