I'm going to pull the plug on buying a hot pressure washer soon. I'll more than likely be - A Karcher 240v - Diesel burner type 2nd hand lightly used or refurbished. Not something that's lived it's life in a scrap man's yard. A recent(ish) model. Does anybody have experience of them? Are there any issues or is there anything else I should be considering?
I used to have one when I had a couple of lorries, they are a bit aggressive for everyday use but great for removing heave grease and oil, has taken paint of my lorry chassis as well. Steve
It was a long time ago when I had mine, I presume a modern one will have temperature control which will make it more user friendly. Steve
Top tip and as someone married to a person who found out first hand...do not use them on your motorbike. Cost him several hundred pounds to put right. Karcher are very good.
Yeah, hence temperature control as said by @Birdie above would be good. I remember a friend of mine had one that took the paint off his car door mirror once like the skin from a rice pudding. :Banghead: For washing metal parts it could be used hot to get through grease and oil. :Woot: For washing bikes and cars just set to a tepid temperature for a better result than using a cold washer. A bit like a washing machine 40° wash.
I wouldn't like to chance it incase the temp control got stuck In the old days they were great for taking off bumper paint :Smuggrin: Just chuck your oily bits in the dishwasher
Ohh a subject that I really know well, how much do you want to spend? Is it something that you want to own for 10 years plus? I have run several Karcher HDS machines for over 20 years now and there is not much I don't know. Give me some more info and I can guide you of what is good for your requirements.
Cheers Peter. Up to £1k, hence looking at 2nd hand. I'm not looking at anything below £700 as I think it may be hard used. Unless you know otherwise. Something that's been taken care of or refurbished. Yes, it's a long term purchase, I'll not be looking to change it.
eh, what, errrrr...........I just want a hot pressure washer, that's the limit of my knowledge on the subject.
Ok so my best advice is a Karcher HDS model. 1500 psi should see you right, any higher and you are going to need a 16-20 amp supply which is a pain. Look for one that has had a service recently as there are a lot of serviceable parts that need changing, like fuel filter, burner electrodes, fuel nozzle and so on and these are quite expensive to buy. A typical service on a machine which requires these will cost around £300 plus. Original Karcher hoses are a must as cheap Chinese copies can rupture and leave you with a nasty burn, and I have witnessed this happening!!! Check also that the unit does not smoke a lot as this could be a sign that the fuel pump or regulator is shot , again a lot to replace. Check that the pump runs under full pressure and is not grumbling as this is a sign that the pump bearings are shot, again lots££ If the pump is not delivering full pressure then it's going to need a pump overhaul with new valves, again lots£££ Recon machines from reputable Karcher dealers are worth buying as people part exchange for new machines, and they usally have been fully serviced so command higher prices but worth it in the long run unless you are a skilled engineer, re-build manuals are nigh on impossible to obtain unless you are a Karcher dealer. I ran 6 machines for 18 years and know how to repair and service them now, and my current machine is 20 years old and works perfectly.
Also if you want to run it in Steam mode only then you are going to need a different steam nozzle, not something I would recommend on a bike as it WILL MELT WIRING and plastics!!!!!!!!