This place is covered in moss and algae after a really wet spring and I knew I finally had to get a pressure washer to recover the driveway, sidewalk and wood deck. One day of a local specialist looked like it was getting close to the cost of a lower end washer. On line there are some write-ups, but most of the preferred gas units are $600 range. I saw a unit with the Honda cloned ohv single 221 cc engine, rated 3100 psi, yes the Predator. Which is a hate it or love it item here and elsewhere. Well, the checkout lady gave me a coupon and I bought a 2 year warranty, something I never do.
So far I have 11 hours on it after 2 sidewalks, a pebble cement driveway and half a wooden deck (300 square feet so far). I did read all the HF user comments before buying it. So far it has not missed a beat and is a demon on unwanted surfaces. Usual care must be exercised not to ruin paint and softwood.
The fittings , hoses, wand are first class so far. The engine is placed in the frame so that filling with oil and checking it is awkward. My biggest beef is that the engine is a cold blooded , hard starter. I still haven't solved the protocol, but it is strange in that in hot shutdown it must be choked and then starts right up. There is an oil switch which will not allow starting if low and will stop the engine. The manual is good English, but not organized well.
Yesterday at Lowes I happened to see a TroyBilt 3200 psi on sale for a little less than I paid. Yikes, it has the Honda OHC engine. A little remorse there.
I do remember they rated that unit down a bit, but I do not know why, maybe the pump. (And of course the HF unit was not mentioned-ha ha) I cannot tell a lie so more to follow, good or bad.
Edit. Hmmm...I wonder if the engine really is "cold" compared to our usual barbecue AC units. The pump is a big heat sink bolted to the block with cold water running constantly. The engine does have a fan on the front.
So far I have 11 hours on it after 2 sidewalks, a pebble cement driveway and half a wooden deck (300 square feet so far). I did read all the HF user comments before buying it. So far it has not missed a beat and is a demon on unwanted surfaces. Usual care must be exercised not to ruin paint and softwood.
The fittings , hoses, wand are first class so far. The engine is placed in the frame so that filling with oil and checking it is awkward. My biggest beef is that the engine is a cold blooded , hard starter. I still haven't solved the protocol, but it is strange in that in hot shutdown it must be choked and then starts right up. There is an oil switch which will not allow starting if low and will stop the engine. The manual is good English, but not organized well.
Yesterday at Lowes I happened to see a TroyBilt 3200 psi on sale for a little less than I paid. Yikes, it has the Honda OHC engine. A little remorse there.
I do remember they rated that unit down a bit, but I do not know why, maybe the pump. (And of course the HF unit was not mentioned-ha ha) I cannot tell a lie so more to follow, good or bad.
Edit. Hmmm...I wonder if the engine really is "cold" compared to our usual barbecue AC units. The pump is a big heat sink bolted to the block with cold water running constantly. The engine does have a fan on the front.