Disco Boy 2

I'm looking for some advice on pressure washers. Does anyone on nsr use them, and would they recommend them?

Are Kärcher the brand to go for, or should I consider something else?

Jamescsti

My dad's on his second Karcher in as many years as they keep breaking, don't know what other brands are available though, i'm sure the RAC branded ones and the Homebase ones are all really made by the same company

chocolate_o_brian

iTrader: (22)

Had my Karcher for about 4 years without any breakdowns. Only a smallish one but cleans the back yard, car and anything else needing cleaning up a treat.

For the money of a smaller one they are brilliant IMHO. I wouldn't bother with a £200-300+ one for the purposes I use them for anywho. Never had issue with reliability.

Whats your budget?

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Wickes are as good as any.

StickyMicky

They are not as good as the 600quid one i use here at work

Slight overkill though for domestic use

s70rjw

iTrader: (2)

My first one lasted 7 years with no problems. Got a bigger one 2 years ago and its had no problems either. Based on my experience, I'd recommend them.

Leslie

I have had one for quite a long time and it has been no problem.

Les

robby

I bought 1 when QVC first came on the TV, must be 14+ years old now?
The early ones had brass fittings inside where the later ones have plastic

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

Its the mid range models you have to watch out for IMO. The quality/durability isn't that much better than the basic models, although they do have higher flow/pressure and more attachments. Spares (such as cylinder heads) aren't cheap either. I had cheapish £100 Karcher k230 which did good service for about 6-7 years, but it went through three sets of hoses (£40 a pop) and then the (plastic)cylinder head cracked, a new head was something silly like £90

Its only when you start spending big money when the quality improves whith things like better hoses and metal cylinder heads.

Now, I personally have a Bosch Aquatak 150 pro X. Not cheap and quite large but its done well so far. Plus it has a proper fabric lined hose like the commercial/industrial jet washers have (much more durable and kink resistant).

Parts are obtainable too: http://www.mtmc.co.uk/product.aspx?ProductID=28039 Most expensive bits being the hose reel, pump head, pump housing and motor.

(something I always check when buying powr tools these days)