Pressure washer advice

[chippy1970]

Anyone got any good recommendations for a good pressure washer I have had a really cheap one for a while now and it was ok for what it cost but I was thinking of getting something better.

I need it for washing the car and van and I have miles of decking to clean.

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/33984/Cle ... SK-_-33984

I got an email about this one it seems ok I know Nilfisk make very good vacs so I imagine the washers are good.

Cheers

Chris

 

[matt]

I've only ever owned or used one so not able to provide comparisons but mine is an Alto. Quite small but does everything I ask of it. Had it now for about 6 years and no problems.

 

[PowerTool]

Got a Nilfisk from Machine Mart a couple of years ago (to replace a broken Karcher),only gets used every couple of months,but no problems with it.If it broke,I'd buy another.

Andrew

 

[chippy1970]

Cheers Matt, I take it they are well made. I have only ever seen people talking on here about Alto vacs and comparing them to Festool so they must be a pretty good brand.

 

[jlawrence]

I had a nice big ALTO upright pressure washer (I think it was the 120bar version) - was great until some little oik nicked it.

 

[Argee]

Another recommendation for Alto - I've had mine for nine years now and I've only ever had to replace one small part (which was easy to obtain). The quality of the fittings and range of accessories is top end, although they are a little dearer than some other brands.

Ray

 

[toysandboats]

I bought this one a year ago - it's a Karcher from an Internet company called Cleanstore and was recommended by a neighbur:
K3.97MD.
The T-Race device is brilliant for cleaning decks, patios and vertical surfaces - the water doesn't spray about everywhere because it is under the circular cover.
There are two other spray lances, one variable pressure (which I use most) and a high power spot Lance - I had a play with it but have never had to use it in anger.

Before this one I had an earlier version Karcher which lasted for about 8 years - I think they're good value for money.

HTH

David

 

[RogerS]

I had a Karcher. Lasted one year and one month. IE out of warranty. Then started spouting water everywhere except where it was supposed to.

 

[oddsocks]

Chris - I've got one coming from screwfix on monday....triggered by your link, my 10% off screwfix voucher (but they come along often enough to be standard now!) and the fact that my bosch aquatec tripped the rcb this week. If I shake the bosch, bits of metal fall out so it was deemed terminal!!!

All the reviews I could find about nilfisk were good. Having use the bosch for at least 4 years the thing that swayed it for me re the nilfisk offer on screwfix was the self contained hose drum and the swivel fitting at the lance- pressure hose has a mind of its own.

 

[chippy1970]

cheers guys looks like its the Nilfisk.

 

[oddsocks]

screwfix delivered at lunchtime and I've just put it together and played with it. First impressions are very good....comparing it to my bosch aquatec....

• 
  The finish and balance of the handle is better
  The click lock is very good
  The separate detergent bottle empties at a sensible rate (bosch emptied too quick).
  The rotary jet is much more powerful over a wider area - very effective on patio slabs
  The normal jet can be adjusted to high pressure fan or delicate wash.
  Everything gets stored - including the detergent bottle on a clip on the handle.
  The manual shows to undo the hose and wrap on the drum from the fitting end, but i left it connected and wound from the lance end without problem.
  
  Only minor downside - to adjust the normal nozzle you need to hold the lance shaft and the nozzle - so cannot get the jet at the same time.
  

Seeing as I had used the bosch last week it was surprising how much cleaner the decking became with the rotary jet.

 

[Jenx]

Used a lot of Karchers over the years .. bot my own and belonging to employers ... never had a problem with them.

Roger, you didn't put too high a % concentration of cleansing detergents or anything through it by any chance ? ...
the elastomers of O Rings / Seals etc could possibly have been adversly affected ? .. just a thought ?

Know a lot of people who own / run Karchers, and don't know of any that have given rise for concern 8)

 

[wizer]

I bought a Karcher last year, used it a few times. Bit worried about the negative comments. Fingers crossed.

Tho, can someone tell me how to wash a car with one? I find that they dont actually shift much dirt off. Only the obvious muddy stuff.

Great for cleaning the decking tho.

 

[oddsocks]

I bought a Karcher last year, used it a few times. Bit worried about the negative comments. Fingers crossed.

Tho, can someone tell me how to wash a car with one? I find that they dont actually shift much dirt off. Only the obvious muddy stuff.

Great for cleaning the decking tho.

Wizer - I came to the same conclusion with my bosch one,. it looked impressive when in use but actually a bucket and sponge was as quick and more effective.

Also my bosch manual had a dire warning about using pressure washers on tyres -basically never do it (at least not with a pencil jet) , as the pressure can permanently change the rubber properties. No such warning with the nilfisk but it is also 120 psi

 

[dickm]

Got a rather tired old Karcher, but it certainly helps blast off the layers of salt that accumulate on the underside of the car every time it goes out in the winter up here
Question: the previous owner of our house left a bucket of purply-pink sand which he said he used with his pressure washer to clean the paving slabs. Anyone know how this might be used - the Karcher instructions don't mention it.

 

[DaveL]

Now to wash a car you need the rotary brush head, just using a jet will not get the car very clean. :x

When I wash my car, (it needs doing) I spray the alloy wheels with a cleaning solution and then wet the car with the low pressure lance.
Then fill the detergent bottle and use the rotary brush, then I have one of those big fuzzy mittens, I wet it and add a splash of detergent and have a rub round the whole car with it. If the car is very grotty I rinse the mit and a have a second go.
With the high pressure lance I blast the wheels and then rinse off the body.

But I am not good at car washing, I always find a patch I missed when it dries. ](*,)

 

[chippy1970]

Had mine delivered today from screwfix, straight out on the decking for a test and yes it works very well.

The build quality is very good almost as good as the black and green stuff :lol:

I found a 5% off code off the net and got it for £111.

 

[matt]

I ditched the rotary brush for mine. I found it too cumbersome to be effective. In fact I don't bother getting the jet wash out for the car these days either. I find that I can get it done using just a bucket of soapy water and a hose in less time than it takes for me to get out and set up the pressure washer.

 

[Rich]

Same as that, I can get the washing up, drying up and putting away done in under 10 mins, but a dishwasher takes over an hour? a bucket of warm soapy water and the car is done in 20 mins, disinfectant and hot water and the aid of a yard broom and the patio is done in 10 mins, progress? not in every walk of life, I'm not tight but I am practical, after carrying out the above I have more time in the workshop.

Rich

BTW, I note that Aldi are selling a pressure washer this week for £90.00 including all accessories and it has an induction motor, there is also an add on patio and wall cleaner for £30.00, if you are that way inclined.

 

[DaveL]

BTW, I note that Aldi are selling a pressure washer this week for £90.00 including all accessories and it has an induction motor,

That is the one I have, seems very well made.

there is also an add on patio and wall cleaner for £30.00, if you are that way inclined.

I am going to get one of these on Sunday.