Jet wash recommendations

[Scaf]

Ok
So I have been using Karcher for years, but mainly by claiming on the two year warranty as I find that they suddenly lose power for no obvious reason / fault.
So what jetwashers are you using and do they stand the test of time?

 

[Zep]

I’ve got a Karcher K4 and it’s been very good, I imagine there are more manly ones out there though.

 

[Scaf]

I’ve got a Karcher K4 and it’s been very good, I imagine there are more manly ones out there though.

That’s what I have, but it, like its predecessor has suddenly lost its oomph.

 

[SE_123]

I bought one of these, from this seller a few years ago: Titan - pressure washer - ebay

Works great, never had an issue, done the patio, driveway and many car washes.

I would have got it from screwfix, but at the time I didnt realise how much I would use it...

 

[Gazcw]

I have a Screwfix Titan and it does the job well for the price.. it has a couple of different jets and the patio cleaner too..

 

[midlifecrisis]

It probably needs an oil change . The mechanism that pumps the pistons which provides the high pressure jet, sits in a bath of oil. It's a messy job and requires delicate dismantling and reassembly. Once you have the motor free of its plastic casing, keep it vertical. Pumpy bit upwards.

 

[Geo]

I’m still using my Karcher 595 that I bought in 1995. At the time was expensive at £250, but has been well worth the money. It’s even using the same hose, although I did have to cut a bit off when it burst at the wand end.

 

[safrane]

Try and find one with a metal impeller... sadly like most tat on sale these days equipment only lasts a year or so to just make it out of warranty.

 

[mowlas]

Ok
So I have been using Karcher for years, but mainly by claiming on the two year warranty as I find that they suddenly lose power for no obvious reason / fault.
So what jetwashers are you using and do they stand the test of time?

Have you checked whether the various nozzles have a calcium build up from the hard water? That’s what happened to my Karcher. I soaked the nozzles in a tall vessel filled with decalcifying/descaling liquid for a couple of days. Rinsed thoroughly and blew out remaining water before use. Power went back to normal.

Now when I use it, I always clear the nozzle by shaking and then blowing through it so no water deposits remain. Yours may genuinely have lost power, but I’d give this a go before replacing.

 

[c4sman]

This is on offer and recommended by the guy forensic detailing channel. No affiliation but thought I’d pass it on!

GO P55

GO P55 is an ultra-compact and low weight pressure washer made for portability and power. Small size but with a solid all-metal pump

avastore.co.uk

extract from the post below

 

[Geo]

Try and find one with a metal impeller... sadly like most tat on sale these days equipment only lasts a year or so to just make it out of warranty.

No water impeller, they use multiple piston pumps. My Karcher has triple pistons.

 

[alastairb]

What's the budget? Kranzle would be by next purchase.

 

[philw696]

I bought in New Zealand a petrol powered cold water power washer now 6 years old and performs perfectly a robust frame construction and inflatable tyres can move it anywhere around the property so can be used for anything.
Bought it on a Repco promotion night for the trade for those of you in Oceania.

 

[GeoffCapes]

I've a Karcher, but I've bought my last 2 front their online outlet store. You get a 1 year guarantee, but can extend it for a further 3 (for a cost).

Fortunately mine have never gone wrong. I just upgraded each one.

 

[Felonious Crud]

That’s what I have, but it, like its predecessor has suddenly lost its oomph.

I had one that did that. There was a water leak inside.

 

[Scaf]

Thanks for the input, I have swapped the last two out for free by returning to Argos after about 18months but this one Isi ut of warranty.

I will try a new lance, as I happen to have one that eliminate calcium/ scale build up.

Have checked for leaks and splits - nothing visible and when this did happen on one years ago, I got “pulsing” as well as low pressure.

I am not of a mind to start pulling it apart for an oil change, but may see if there is a service engineer close by.

It does seem that most of you have been happy with Karcher, but will look at the other suggestions

 

[lifes2short]

i have a Sthil, bit pricey but good quality and does get used and abused

 

[Wack61]

I've got a 30 year old karcher, under the plastic casing it's all brass, cost £400 in 1992
The new ones are all plastic, they get left over winter in a shed, if it freezes with water in that's it knackered

If you want one to last a lifetime buy a Kranzle but if you only use it occasionally buy a cheap one then replace it when it breaks

 

[GeoffCapes]

Thanks for the input, I have swapped the last two out for free by returning to Argos after about 18months but this one Isi ut of warranty.

I will try a new lance, as I happen to have one that eliminate calcium/ scale build up.

Have checked for leaks and splits - nothing visible and when this did happen on one years ago, I got “pulsing” as well as low pressure.

I am not of a mind to start pulling it apart for an oil change, but may see if there is a service engineer close by.

It does seem that most of you have been happy with Karcher, but will look at the other suggestions

I had pulsing when I got my latest Karcher. Turned out that we needed to replace the connection from the main in the street to our house which was causing low pressure!
Replaced that (at a cost of many ££££'s) and all was good.

 

[MAF260]

Thanks for the input, I have swapped the last two out for free by returning to Argos after about 18months but this one Isi ut of warranty.

I will try a new lance, as I happen to have one that eliminate calcium/ scale build up.

Have checked for leaks and splits - nothing visible and when this did happen on one years ago, I got “pulsing” as well as low pressure.

I am not of a mind to start pulling it apart for an oil change, but may see if there is a service engineer close by.

It does seem that most of you have been happy with Karcher, but will look at the other suggestions

My Karcher started pulsing a delivering a weaker jet. I was about to replace it but luckily read somewhere about changing the filters and then lance before junking it completely. Filters made no difference but a new lance has saved it from the council tip and saved my wallet the price of a replacement!