Pressure Washer

Miami · 01-03-2012, 06:08 PM

Hey guys im looking to get a pressure washer to add to my detailing arsenal but im not quite sure where to look, or what to go for...searched this but a lot of the links in the threads were dead or just lead to home depots main page, i was hoping someone here would have 2cents they wanna give

MuttGrunt · 01-03-2012, 07:53 PM

If detailing is your only need for it, a cheaper electric unit could be fine. While they're much less powerful and less reliable than some gas powered units, they're a fraction of the cost. I use a refurbished Karcher unit, and it's seen heavy use yet is still going strong a year and a half later. For a normal owner, that's probably the equivalent of several years of use.

Miami · 01-03-2012, 08:13 PM

Karcher a good brand? i was looking at this one (Karcher 3000 psi 2.5 gpm) since im also gonna use it to clean around the house every couple of months.

spiike32 · 01-03-2012, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miami

Karcher a good brand? i was looking at this one (Karcher 3000 psi 2.5 gpm) since im also gonna use it to clean around the house every couple of months.

I'm debating to get this one:

http://www.homedepot.com/Outdoors-Ou...atalogId=10053

but only because it's blue.

DetailDan · 01-03-2012, 10:31 PM

I'd recommend more GPM if you want to use it for cleaning the house. Definitely want gas and honda engine.

Envious Eric · 01-03-2012, 11:10 PM

I use the same one as marc I believe, the 1600? Its more than plenty for a car since you dont need 3000psi on paint! I still stand a good 2-3 feet from the car with it, and I have no problem cleaning anything. Wheels arches get cleaner with one, tires get cleaner with one, compound dust is more easily removed from cracks (especially 105),etc. All the while I never used one, I never saw the need. Once I picked on up, HUGE difference

lopealle · 01-03-2012, 11:22 PM

Briggs/straton 2400 psi model is pretty nice.

TOGWT · 01-04-2012, 06:25 AM

Gallon per minute (GPM) water flow rate, not its pressure is what affects the aerated solution (foam), which is created via a venturi, the higher the velocity of the water through the lance, the greater the venturi effect, which creates the aerated solution. So flow rate, venturi valve setting will all affect the resultant foam output

thetedderbear · 01-04-2012, 11:41 AM

I use an electric one from home depot, I forget the name but it's green. I love it

John 328i · 01-07-2012, 09:23 AM

I use one and I love it. It's amazing to clean the interior of your wheels. Like has been stated, careful to not get to close to the paint.

tofu- · 01-07-2012, 11:29 AM

I use the 1600 karcher x-series unit. I have had it since the summer and it is still going strong. I throw it around, drop it, use it for long periods. No problem.

turbowash · 01-07-2012, 12:40 PM

Electric is plenty! A good lowes or home depot 1500-1600 psi is all you need for car detailing. 3000psi and above and you can easily damage trim pieces, window seals etc. if your not careful.

Johndong888 · 01-07-2012, 12:42 PM

Is there a unit that works with the foam gun attachment?

Miami · 01-07-2012, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbowash

Electric is plenty! A good lowes or home depot 1500-1600 psi is all you need for car detailing. 3000psi and above and you can easily damage trim pieces, window seals etc. if your not careful.

im not concerned with PSI, im more worried about GPM and electrics dont really cut it that well at that.

zanth119 · 01-07-2012, 09:19 PM

I have an 1800psi Karcher, for the money I think it's a decent machine. Original one had a failure, company gave me a warranty replacement, and even stepped me up to the next higher model.

Miami · 01-07-2012, 11:14 PM

damn zanth couldn't wait 5 months for the F30? lol jk

zanth119 · 01-08-2012, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miami

damn zanth couldn't wait 5 months for the F30? lol jk

Yeah, I know, but had an opportunity to help some friends out selling them my Subaru, so had to pop on the E91, and got a great deal on it. Also on the plus side, the E9x has a wider selection of mods right now (already have something special planned for the wagon), and I will complete the E36, E46, E9x owned/owner trifecta

Miami · 01-08-2012, 11:56 AM

NICE! im hoping to complete the E46 330i (my first car), E92 328i (current), F30 M3 - trifecta..... i can dream right? lol

Houman21 · 01-08-2012, 07:40 PM

I've got an AR610. I've been pretty happy with it, you can adjust the pressure and it's low power enough to be safe for cars and bikes.

Link to their page:
http://www.arnorthamerica.com/industrialpw.html

Miami · 02-28-2012, 11:42 PM

just an update here (sorry about reviving the ancient thread

) i ended up getting a husky gas powered power washer but it already crapped out on me... HD ended up giving me a refund and now im looking to replace it with an electric one.

im torn between these 2 models

Greenworks 1700 PSI 1.4 GPM Electric Pressure Washer

and

AR Blue Clean 1800 psi 1.60 GPM Electric Pressure Washer with Total Stop System

anyone have any experience with these? they're both similar in specs and price, but idk if the lance (which im yet to get) will work for both.... your .02 will be very much appreciated

Javy · 03-02-2012, 04:36 PM

I currently bought this one. I was sorta on a budget. Didnt really want to spend much money on one. Its does the job. Now I have to find a way to be able to connect the tool to be able to give my car a foam bath.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...1&blockType=G1

FloridaGatorsChomp · 03-02-2012, 07:12 PM

I bought the Greenworks for a summer detailing business that I started up and it worked great, slid around in the trunk (we had some fun and went 110 MPH on the way home while eating cookies that our customer gave us), was dropped, had the hose stepped on and it still works. This was the 1500 PSI model and that was more than enough for our needs, the only thing that wasn't satisfactory was using it with a foam cannon, you needed to use way too much solution ( I think it was due to the crappy foamer we got, the G- FOAM ) but in all I would recommend the product, also the Gas pressure washer that they sell at costco is very good.

01-03-2012, 07:53 PM	#2
MuttGrunt Banned 27 Rep 872 Posts Drives: beater;) Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: SE Michigan iTrader: (0)	If detailing is your only need for it, a cheaper electric unit could be fine. While they're much less powerful and less reliable than some gas powered units, they're a fraction of the cost. I use a refurbished Karcher unit, and it's seen heavy use yet is still going strong a year and a half later. For a normal owner, that's probably the equivalent of several years of use.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-03-2012, 10:31 PM	#5
DetailDan New Member 2 Rep 15 Posts Drives: GC Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Northern VA iTrader: (0)	I'd recommend more GPM if you want to use it for cleaning the house. Definitely want gas and honda engine.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-03-2012, 11:10 PM	#6
Envious Eric Banned 37 Rep 1,168 Posts Drives: nissan xterra, 335 soon Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: orange county, ca iTrader: (1)	I use the same one as marc I believe, the 1600? Its more than plenty for a car since you dont need 3000psi on paint! I still stand a good 2-3 feet from the car with it, and I have no problem cleaning anything. Wheels arches get cleaner with one, tires get cleaner with one, compound dust is more easily removed from cracks (especially 105),etc. All the while I never used one, I never saw the need. Once I picked on up, HUGE difference
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-03-2012, 11:22 PM	#7
lopealle Resident Black Guy 266 Rep 2,302 Posts Drives: Lion Join Date: May 2009 Location: Federal Way, WA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 M5 [10.00]	Briggs/straton 2400 psi model is pretty nice.
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01-04-2012, 06:25 AM	#8
TOGWT Captain 11 Rep 770 Posts Drives: 630i Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL / London, UK iTrader: (0)	Gallon per minute (GPM) water flow rate, not its pressure is what affects the aerated solution (foam), which is created via a venturi, the higher the velocity of the water through the lance, the greater the venturi effect, which creates the aerated solution. So flow rate, venturi valve setting will all affect the resultant foam output
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-04-2012, 11:41 AM	#9
thetedderbear Captain 77 Rep 632 Posts Drives: Fiesta ST Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Arkansas iTrader: (1)	I use an electric one from home depot, I forget the name but it's green. I love it
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-07-2012, 09:23 AM	#10
John 328i Enlisted Member 7 Rep 47 Posts Drives: Black 2007 e90 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Austin tx iTrader: (0)	I use one and I love it. It's amazing to clean the interior of your wheels. Like has been stated, careful to not get to close to the paint.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-07-2012, 11:29 AM	#11
tofu- Banned 88 Rep 2,854 Posts Drives: 335i Jet Black/Coral Red Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: nyc iTrader: (4)	I use the 1600 karcher x-series unit. I have had it since the summer and it is still going strong. I throw it around, drop it, use it for long periods. No problem.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-07-2012, 12:40 PM	#12
turbowash Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 325i Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: The Desert iTrader: (0)	Electric is plenty! A good lowes or home depot 1500-1600 psi is all you need for car detailing. 3000psi and above and you can easily damage trim pieces, window seals etc. if your not careful.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-07-2012, 12:42 PM	#13
Johndong888 John 75 Rep 885 Posts Drives: '12 M3, '18 S560, '16 G63 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cherry Hill, NJ iTrader: (9)	Is there a unit that works with the foam gun attachment? __________________ Current - 2012 AW/FR E92 M3 \| 2014 AW X5 \| 2015 MB S550 \| 2016 RR V8 (White FTW) Mods - BPMTune Stg1/Servo, Euro Visors & Side Mirror, IND Gloss Blk Pkg, OEM Perf. CF Trim/Spoiler, Grills, Lights, Pedals, Umnitza V4 AE, ModeCarbon GTS V1, 19" HRE P40 Sold - 2008 BSM/Black E92 335i
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01-07-2012, 09:19 PM	#15
zanth119 Buy the ticket, take the ride! 6 Rep 84 Posts Drives: 2002 330cic, 2012 328ix Wagon Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Philly, PA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2012 BMW 328i xDriv ... [0.00] 2002 BMW 330cic [0.00]	I have an 1800psi Karcher, for the money I think it's a decent machine. Original one had a failure, company gave me a warranty replacement, and even stepped me up to the next higher model. __________________
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01-08-2012, 07:40 PM	#19
Houman21 Captain 31 Rep 949 Posts Drives: Nothin right now Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: L.A. iTrader: (0)	AR 610 I've got an AR610. I've been pretty happy with it, you can adjust the pressure and it's low power enough to be safe for cars and bikes. Link to their page: http://www.arnorthamerica.com/industrialpw.html __________________ 2008 e92 335i Step \| Is Gone - It was fun but not meant to be \| M3 - Cancelled \| 135 Ordered
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03-02-2012, 04:36 PM	#21
Javy e92javy 46 Rep 1,056 Posts Drives: Alpine White E92 M Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Miami iTrader: (7)	I currently bought this one. I was sorta on a budget. Didnt really want to spend much money on one. Its does the job. Now I have to find a way to be able to connect the tool to be able to give my car a foam bath. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...1&blockType=G1
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-02-2012, 07:12 PM	#22
FloridaGatorsChomp New Member 10 Rep 27 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Sanibel, FL iTrader: (0)	I bought the Greenworks for a summer detailing business that I started up and it worked great, slid around in the trunk (we had some fun and went 110 MPH on the way home while eating cookies that our customer gave us), was dropped, had the hose stepped on and it still works. This was the 1500 PSI model and that was more than enough for our needs, the only thing that wasn't satisfactory was using it with a foam cannon, you needed to use way too much solution ( I think it was due to the crappy foamer we got, the G- FOAM ) but in all I would recommend the product, also the Gas pressure washer that they sell at costco is very good.
	Appreciate 0 Quote