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View Full Version : Looking to purchase a power washerv-- Gas or Electric??



George Bokros
05-08-2018, 6:53 AM
I an in need of a power washer for cleaning a vinyl fence and vinyl siding as well as my deck. I would like a gas powered one but electric seems to be much less expensive and is easier to store because of its lighter weight and size. Gas would be better because of the limited availability of electric power outdoors.

Couple of things.....

What would you recommend gas or electric?

What are some good ones? I am keeping in mind that I am in my 70's so I not be using it for a long period of time but want one that is fairly durable.

Is a a used one a good alternative?

Thanks

Steve Eure
05-08-2018, 8:22 AM
i bought an electric one for two reasons. The first was the cost. Second, because if a gas engine is not used often and stored, I always have a problem cranking it when I try to use it again. Always, and I mean always had to take it to a small repair shop that would take several days to a few weeks to get back. When I want to work with a pressure washer, I want it to work now.
Fortunately I have power and water close to anything I need to wash.
Have you thought about renting one?

George Bokros
05-08-2018, 8:29 AM
If you drain the gas tank, run the engine until the carb is out of gas they usually start without a lot of difficulty. Mine usually start on no more than three pulls. My snow blower, mower and tiller all start easily if this is done. The problem is the gas plugs the small passages in the carb. Also if you use pure gas, no ethanol, it also helps.

Thought about renting but renting for a day is almost half the cost of an electric.

Jerome Stanek
05-08-2018, 9:36 AM
I have a gas one and my worker has an electric He likes my gas better as he can take it out to the field as he has a water tank that slides into the back of his truck. Also lot more power.

Mike Henderson
05-08-2018, 9:51 AM
I've had both. The problem with the electrics is that they don't last. I don't know why, but they fail within a fairly short amount of use. I went through several electrics (different brands) before I bought a gas. The gas is also more powerful. I haven't had problems with the gas not starting after not using it for a while. I have the DeWalt with the Honda engine.

Mike

[I'll add that the reason I started with the electrics is because I didn't want the problems of a gas engine. But the 120V electrics just didn't hold up - and I use a very ample extension cord. They would work fine for a while but after some amount of use (I suppose some hours of use) they failed. After the first one failed, I guessed that it was just a problem with that one unit. I went on Amazon and bought the one with the best reviews. But after using it a certain number of hours, it failed just like the first one. So then, I bit the bullet and bought a DeWalt gas unit. I've had that one for several years now and have far exceeded the number of hours of use I got out of the electrics. The electrics were less expensive to purchase.

As others have said, I think if you get an electric with a powerful 240V motor you can get good life and performance from an electric. But they're expensive and 240V is not available everywhere.]

Bill Dufour
05-08-2018, 10:02 AM
I have a real electric and I like it better then gas. This is not a little lightweight universal motor version. problem is too small a cord and it will overheat. It is a Landa. They are the only company I know that make. good electric version. A power should not idle for more then a minute or two or the pump will overheat so you will be restarting the gas engine often.
Bill D.

https://www.gamut.com/p/electric-pressure-washer-electric-power-source-cold-heavy-duty-rating-MjkxMDA1

Julie Moriarty
05-08-2018, 10:27 AM
Ditto with Mike. I've had one of each. When we moved, I left the electric to the couple who bought our house and took the gas with us. We only use it occasionally but have had no problems getting it started. Since it's far more powerful than the electric, it cuts work time to a fraction.

George Bokros
05-08-2018, 10:29 AM
I have a real electric and I like it better then gas. This is not a little lightweight universal motor version. problem is too small a cord and it will overheat. It is a Landa. They are the only company I know that make. good electric version. A power should not idle for more then a minute or two or the pump will overheat so you will be restarting the gas engine often.
Bill D.

https://www.gamut.com/p/electric-pressure-washer-electric-power-source-cold-heavy-duty-rating-MjkxMDA1

$1,000 is not in the cards for me.

Robert Engel
05-08-2018, 11:09 AM
If its anything like mine, it will sit for 10 months, get used for a 1/2 day and sit for another 6.

So its a no brainer: Rent one.

Dan Friedrichs
05-08-2018, 11:25 AM
I have a real electric and I like it better then gas. This is not a little lightweight universal motor version. problem is too small a cord and it will overheat. It is a Landa. They are the only company I know that make. good electric version. A power should not idle for more then a minute or two or the pump will overheat so you will be restarting the gas engine often.
Bill D.

https://www.gamut.com/p/electric-pressure-washer-electric-power-source-cold-heavy-duty-rating-MjkxMDA1

This. I built my own "real" electric one (5HP, 240V motor, triplex pump, belt-drive, everything safe for use with hot water, 2500 PSI @ 4GPM, etc). Really nice to be able to just press the green "Start" button on the contactor and have it instantly running with no starting, no gas, etc.

I don't think there are electric ones that run on 120V and get close to the types of performance specs you get from mid-grade gas units, though (~2500psi, ~4gpm). If you're fine with less power/ less water, the electric might be nice, but otherwise, you're going with gas or expensive/uncommon 240V electric units.

If you have the inclination, might be worth seeing if you can find a power washer pump and couple your own electric motor to it. I see car wash pumps on craigslist, occasionally.

Carlos Alvarez
05-08-2018, 2:49 PM
I have a cheap tiny electric with low volume that I use a couple times a year for small things, so it's all I need. The convenience and size are more important than output for my needs.

A note on gasoline... You can buy pre-mixed white gas that is stable for at least two years, and won't clog up carbs. It's expensive per gallon, but if you use so little gas in power tools that you need this, then the cost is really nothing. I buy about one $6 can per year, so the cost is meaningless.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/TruSouth-Trufuel-50-1-Pre-mixed-Fuel-Oil-6525638/202532877

Bob Bouis
05-08-2018, 3:20 PM
Draining tanks and carbs is a bad idea. Just use lots of stabil in your gas and roll with it. Doubling the dose doubles the storage life of the gas.

The most common failure point for pressure washers isn't the engine; it's the pump. Cheap gas 4-stroke motors are usually really good these days, much better than they used to be as they're all copies of the best motors from 20 years ago.

George Bokros
05-08-2018, 3:54 PM
Draining tanks and carbs is a bad idea.

Why? I have done this for many years, I am 71 and have done this since I got first mower over 40 yrs ago and have had zero issues.

Dave Lehnert
05-08-2018, 4:03 PM
I have this one from Home Depot.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-1-600-PSI-1-2-GPM-Electric-Pressure-Washer-RY141600/205566079
Glad I purchased it. Used it Sunday for 5 hrs to wash the deck, lawn chairs outdoor rugs etc....
I also have a gas powered one. I don't use it any longer since I got the electric. I also thought gas would be better because you could use it anywhere. What I did not think of you still have to be connected to a garden hose for water. So having a cord is no more a problem than a garden hose.
What I found out after I purchased the gas power unit was, Unless you buy one in the $700 or higher price range you will not get a good water pump. The water pumps on the $300 price range is only rated to last about 40 hrs.
I know the electric pumps are no better but they cost $100 not $300

What ever you buy you must run pump saver after each use to keep the seals good and the pump from freezing in cold temperature.
You see a ton of reviews that say. "PW work great last fall but wont work this spring" This is because the water in the pump froze and damaged the pump over the winter.

Carlos Alvarez
05-08-2018, 4:14 PM
Draining carbs works fine. This is what I do with my dirt bikes, motorhome generator, etc etc to keep them from being a problem. It's just a pain to do with those items that I want to run for small bits of time randomly. I don't drain tanks, just use Stabil, and drain the carb to keep the jets from clogging.

George Bokros
05-08-2018, 6:17 PM
A note on gasoline... You can buy pre-mixed white gas that is stable for at least two years, and won't clog up carbs. It's expensive per gallon, but if you use so little gas in power tools that you need this, then the cost is really nothing. I buy about one $6 can per year, so the cost is meaningless.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/TruSouth-Trufuel-50-1-Pre-mixed-Fuel-Oil-6525638/202532877


This is not stated as "White Gas." It is ethanol free and costs $19.00 a gallon I can buy 90 octane ethanol free gas at around $3.90 a gallon locally and add my own 2 cycle oil at a much lower cost.

You use one quart of gas a year? I run ethanol free gas in all my power tools, mower and tiller as well as the 2 cycle blower.

Carlos Alvarez
05-08-2018, 6:25 PM
You use one quart of gas a year?

Approximately. Maybe two. So the cost is irrelevant and the convenience plus not having to fear a tool not starting is a clear win. If I spend $12/year or $5/year, my bank won't really notice.

Bill Dufour
05-08-2018, 7:06 PM
$1,000 is not in the cards for me.

I got mine at the flea market for $40.

Nike Nihiser
05-08-2018, 7:29 PM
I had an electric one made by Campbell Hausfeld I bought in 1995, used it quite a bit as I lived on a small farm at the time. It lasted a good 15 years. About 5 years ago I bought a cheap "Greenworks" one from Home Depot, I think. It gets occasional use, like 1-2 times a year. but still works fine.

Bruce Wrenn
05-08-2018, 9:20 PM
FYI, Pump saver is a mixture of RV antifreeze, and mineral oil (10 : 1.) I wouldn't touch any PW from the BORGS, especially the "Troy Builts." The first Thing I look for is a horizontal shaft engine, instead of a vertical shaft engine. Then look at pump. If it looks like a hammer head shark, pass on it. Though a little pricey, Northern has some nice power washers.

Matt Meiser
05-09-2018, 8:13 AM
I've now owned 4. I started with a consumer grade vertical shaft gas which lasted probably 8 years of cleaning an often-muddy compact tractor, tools I dragged home, siding, deck, etc. The pump gave out and replacement wasn't economically viable. I replaced it with a larger John Deere horizontal shaft which was really nice but close to 2x the price. When we moved into a subdivision 3 years later I sold it due to the size and much reduced need for a pressure washer. I bought a small Ryobi electric. It did basic stuff OK--just OK. The electric power was more of an issue than I imagined though so I ended up selling that on Craigslist and replaced it with a vertical shaft Troy Built from Lowes with a Honda engine. Its been good. I expect some day the pump will go and it will be trash but based on the first one I expect that to be a good while with my reduced usage. Using canned fuel for occasional use or stabilizer + Sea Foam in pump gas you shouldn't have fuel problems. I like to use pump gas during busier seasons and canned for lighter use or storage.

Another thing about some electrics--they often use proprietary fittings so you can only buy their hoses and fittings, or maybe not even remove the hose. Gas ones all use screw fittings either a 22mm(?) or 3/8(?) fitting and adapters between the 2 are readily available. I hate the screw fittings I bought quick-connect adapters for everything. I also bought a short gun which is a lot handier for car washing or getting under a mower deck. If you have a Northern Tool nearby or travel near one, its like a pressure washer accessory candy store.

George Bokros
05-09-2018, 8:57 AM
The thing with pump gas is the ethanol, it absorbs water. That is why I buy ethanol free gas for the mower, tiller and the 2 cycle power tools. I use Seafoam mixed following the directions on the can of 1 oz per gallon of gas in the first gas of the season to clear out the carb even though I drain the tanks and carb each fall. Seafoam does stabilize the gas and so does the Echo 2 cycle oil I use in the two cycle gas.

On the pressure washer front since my use will be only every 3 or four years I will rent instead of buying.

Thomas L Carpenter
05-09-2018, 9:12 AM
I bought the HF electric one last year and so far it's done what I need it to do. Extremely easy to use but not very powerful. I need to power wash the deck this year and I'm not sure it will handle it. I also have a gas model but as with all hand crank gas engines, it's getting harder and harder for me to supply the ooomph to get them started. I'm slowly going over to electric or electric start wherever possible.

Bob Bouis
05-09-2018, 11:21 AM
Why? I have done this for many years, I am 71 and have done this since I got first mower over 40 yrs ago and have had zero issues.
As I understand it, there's a risk of leaving gas in various places and having it evaporate much more quickly than it would if you'd left it alone. You also expose various parts to atmosphere that weren't intended to be, which can lead to corrosion and dried out seals. Most people and manufacturers seem to be advising against draining the gas these days. I've used extra stabilizer for the last ten maybe and I've never had any issues.

Carlos Alvarez
05-09-2018, 12:08 PM
As I understand it, there's a risk of leaving gas in various places and having it evaporate much more quickly than it would if you'd left it alone. You also expose various parts to atmosphere that weren't intended to be, which can lead to corrosion and dried out seals.

There is absolutely no truth to any of that. All seals and engine parts can be exposed to air indefinitely. They are, in fact, often for years. You don't buy the equipment or the parts covered in gas and oil. The only real problem with "old gas" or letting things evaporate instead of draining is that it will clog up jets, particularly the idle jet. In my life I've taken apart and cleaned so many carbs on small motors, and the idle jet is always the culprit. Sometimes it actually takes a tiny drill to clean it out, sometimes just a wire or compressed air. Just a few months ago on a hunting trip we almost didn't have a generator in camp because he forgot to drain the carb during the last use a few months before. Sure enough, clogged jets. On top of that, one seal had been expanded by constant contact with ethanol fuel; draining would prevent that.

Bob Bouis
05-09-2018, 12:48 PM
There is absolutely no truth to any of that. All seals and engine parts can be exposed to air indefinitely. They are, in fact, often for years. You don't buy the equipment or the parts covered in gas and oil.

I don't think that's really true -- rubber, for example, degrades when exposed to air. We're also not talking about pristine new parts; well used ones have long soaked in strong solvents and have been exposed to other contaminants like water and engine blowback not present before use.

Anyway, I don't have any actual proof that one method of storage is better than another. I'm just trying to describe a trend in recommendations that I've observed and report my success with fuel stabilizers.

Carlos Alvarez
05-09-2018, 12:52 PM
I've spent a lifetime of seeing drained small motors work fine and fixing a LOT of carbs in small motors that were not drained. Dozens? Hundreds?

Bob Bouis
05-09-2018, 1:09 PM
Were the non-drainers using fuel stabilizers?

Carlos Alvarez
05-09-2018, 1:12 PM
Some yes, some no. There are two issues with fuel; having it go bad, and having it dry while leaving deposits on the jets. Stabilizer only fixes one. In the case of the generator issue while hunting, he had used MY gas which is always stabilized. I put that in when I buy the gas, right at the station, before it goes in the trailer.

George Bokros
05-09-2018, 4:39 PM
Geez, I didn't intend to start a controversy over drain the tank and carb or not drain the tank and carb. The only time I ever had a problem was when I DID NOT drain the tank and carb on my tiller over the 4 months between the spring tilling and the fall tilling. I have always drained the tank and carb in the fall like for 40 years.

Rubber is more likely to deteriorate exposed to light than air.

Stan Calow
05-09-2018, 5:29 PM
Rent. don't have to store or maintain.

Dave Lehnert
05-09-2018, 7:14 PM
Its been a few years but I use to sell lawn equipment.
At that time it was recommended you either filled the tank all the way to the top or drain the tank.
I had an old Wheel Horse lawn tractor that was drained and put in storage for 11 years. Gassed it up and started first try.

Lee DeRaud
05-09-2018, 8:03 PM
I have a cheap tiny electric with low volume that I use a couple times a year for small things, so it's all I need. The convenience and size are more important than output for my needs.

Rent. don't have to store or maintain.
This.

I can count on my thumbs the number of times I've had a big enough job to justify a gas power washer, the $70 HF electric is fine the rest of the time.

Carlos Alvarez
05-10-2018, 1:03 PM
At that time it was recommended you either filled the tank all the way to the top or drain the tank.


This was also the recommendation for boats when ethanol came around. The logic being that it's hygroscopic AND goes bad faster, AND attacks everything. So if you have a full tank, there's no air space to allow humidity to be absorbed into the gas. I never followed that advice, but in AZ it's hard to go two weeks without using your boat year 'round.



This.

I can count on my thumbs the number of times I've had a big enough job to justify a gas power washer, the $70 HF electric is fine the rest of the time.

I did the math and realized that by the time I go rent a big one, I could have just done the job with my cheap small one, which just takes a bit longer. I definitely would not own anything gas-powered if it gets used less than once a month or so.

Lee DeRaud
05-10-2018, 2:06 PM
I did the math and realized that by the time I go rent a big one, I could have just done the job with my cheap small one, which just takes a bit longer. I definitely would not own anything gas-powered if it gets used less than once a month or so.I probably should have rented a big one last year when GF's car puked transmission fluid all over the driveway: that job killed my previous (10-years-old) cheapie and gave me the opportunity to get a new one. :)

Carlos Alvarez
05-10-2018, 2:12 PM
I probably should have rented a big one last year when GF's car puked transmission fluid all over the driveway: that job killed my previous (10-years-old) cheapie and gave me the opportunity to get a new one. :)

Best part is that it's not YOUR FAULT you had to get a new tool!

Rich Engelhardt
05-11-2018, 8:21 AM
Buy a cheap electric one.
Rent the expensive gas one.

Electric usually only goes up to twelve to sixteen hundred PSI.
Gas usually goes up to two or three thousand PSI.

Electric needs a round pattern to concentrate the output because of it somewhat low pressure.
A gas spray pattern at high pressure digs in and blasts dirt and buildup crud/vegetation because of the higher pressure.

For either - water alone only does so much. For real stubborn stuff you need to add either chemical (soap/detergent/other) or mechanical (brush or broom) means to really clean.

Carlos Alvarez
05-11-2018, 1:41 PM
Oh yeah, that reminds me, my cheap little washer has an adjustable nozzle. I've heard that some don't and you have to replace a tip to change patterns. But for the small jobs I do, I find adjustable to be a huge benefit. I've only used the soap bottle once, but do use the adjuster every time. (I apply soap manually, again, I just have small jobs here and there.)