Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Bob Faulkner]

Anyone have experience with any of the Stihl line of power washers?

Specifically: (lower end of their commercial line)
https://hudsonsoutdoor.stihldealer.net/products/pressure-washers/professional-pressure-washers/rb600/?sku=rb600&rc=true

I've grown weary of the "quality" of items sold at the big-box stores.  I have a commercial trimmer and chainsaw from Stihl; both which have been excellent.  Was hoping their power washers were along the same grade.

[John Roberts {JR}]

I love my stihl chainsaw.

That pressure washer looks like the real deal for professional use, but is priced that way.

I bought one for a small fraction of that price and for my needs it seems adequate. I washed decades of black mold off my bricks last year, so they are good for a while. I need to wash out my car port, but no hurry.

If you plan to use it often, or commercially that investment may make sense. For my infrequent use, I am happy with my much cheaper selection.

JR

[Rick Earl]

I love my Stihl chainsaws and trimmer, I just did the research on a pressure washer, for about 1/2 the price you can get a highly rated Simpson with a Honda Engine.
]https://simpsoncleaning.com/products/msh3125-s/[url][/url]

[Corey Scogin]

I love my Stihl chainsaws and trimmer, I just did the research on a pressure washer, for about 1/2 the price you can get a highly rated Simpson with a Honda Engine.
https://simpsoncleaning.com/products/msh3125-s/[url]]]https://simpsoncleaning.com/products/msh3125-s/[url][/url]

I just purchased a Simpson with a Honda motor based on the online recommendations. It's great so far. I was incredibly impressed that immediately after taking it out of the box, filling it with gas and oil and connecting the hoses, it only took a half-hearted pull and the engine was purring nicely. None of my other equipment ever took less than 2 or 3 pulls to start.

[Bob Faulkner]

Thanks for the replies.

Over the years, I have come to accept that quality will come at a cost.  Most things I purchase (for whatever it is that is being purchased) tend to be on the commercial/industrial side.  Every attempt is made to purchase something once (or maybe twice at the most).

Thanks for the Simpson link.  Many years ago, I had a Honda powered washer, but after 3 years, the pump (the actual pump itself) came apart.  The pump replacement was sort of expensive, and I could not get an OEM part.

The second power washer (non-Honda) only lasted 2 years before engine failure (B&S engine).  The pressure hose (between the pump and the wand) was so cheap... don't get me started.

So... now looking at heavy duty (commercial lines) of power washers.  I just want something that will work when I need it to (just like the chain saw and trimmer).

off topic -- I'm looking at commercial toaster next:
https://www.hobartcorp.com/products/cooking/toasters

(290 slices an hour - this should last me a life time)

[Dave Garoutte]

off topic -- I'm looking at commercial toaster next:
https://www.hobartcorp.com/products/cooking/toasters

(290 slices an hour - this should last me a life time)

You putting on a Rocky Horror party?

[TJ (Tom) Cornish]

Thanks for the replies.

Over the years, I have come to accept that quality will come at a cost.  Most things I purchase (for whatever it is that is being purchased) tend to be on the commercial/industrial side.  Every attempt is made to purchase something once (or maybe twice at the most).

Thanks for the Simpson link.  Many years ago, I had a Honda powered washer, but after 3 years, the pump (the actual pump itself) came apart.  The pump replacement was sort of expensive, and I could not get an OEM part.

The second power washer (non-Honda) only lasted 2 years before engine failure (B&S engine).  The pressure hose (between the pump and the wand) was so cheap... don't get me started.

So... now looking at heavy duty (commercial lines) of power washers.  I just want something that will work when I need it to (just like the chain saw and trimmer).

off topic -- I'm looking at commercial toaster next:
https://www.hobartcorp.com/products/cooking/toasters

(290 slices an hour - this should last me a life time)

Honda makes different grades of engines.  I had a pressure washer and a push mower years ago based on the GX160 engines - they are junk.  The better grades are fine I presume.

For an infrequently-used tool, have you considered electric?  The basic 120v 15A ones probably aren't quite as powerful as the Stihl in your first link, but they are cheap and always work if you're willing to work a bit slower.

[Frank Koenig]

I've grown weary of the "quality" of items sold at the big-box stores.  I have a commercial trimmer and chainsaw from Stihl; both which have been excellent.  Was hoping their power washers were along the same grade.

As nearly lifelong industrial gear queen, I appreciate that quality usually comes at a price. But for a long time now (> 4 decades) crap has often come at a price, too. Legacy brands with stellar or "classic" reputations start selling outside their core line with rebranded generic (almost all made in China) products. Many tool brands (Snap-on, Rigid, DeWalt, come to mind) as well as photo/optics (Leitz, Zeiss) and, I'm sure lots more (JBL?). I've heard marketing folks call this "milking the brand". I find it a little sad. Buyer beware.

I've owned a couple of Stihl saws, and while on-the-whole good and a pleasure to use when they're working, one fairly new one has had a failed fuel pickup hose (that was tough to find) and a failed ignition module (ordered a replacement direct from China -- so far so good). --Frank

[Frank Koenig]

For an infrequently-used tool, have you considered electric?  The basic 120v 15A ones probably aren't quite as powerful as the Stihl in your first link, but they are cheap and always work if you're willing to work a bit slower.

I converted my gas pressure washer to electric (8 hp Tecumseh to 5 hp single-phase motor). Since I own lots of big cords already and have 240 V outlets around my properties this was a great change for me. FWIW. -F

[frank kayser]

Pressure washer literature refers to 3 types of pumps (all are piston or plunger type): Wobble (1) and axial cam (2) pumps are directly driven by the drive shaft and use pistons. Triplex plunger (3) pumps are camshaft/crank driven and use plungers.




https://pressurewashr.com/pressure-washer-pumps/


The last time I researched pressure washers, I was steered away from the axial pumps towards the triplex pumps.  Mostly dependability/longevity reasons. Comparing one pump output depends so much on pump size and engine power. Needless to say more $$$.




Honda GX engines are preferred.  A couple features that are important to me:
- Fuel shutoff
- Low oil shutoff
- On-off switch separate from throttle
- Cast iron bore
- Warranty 36 mos on GX, 3 mos on GC engines.


At least according to this site:https://ventry.com/blogs/faqs/honda-gx-versus-gc-engines


I got a Honda GX attached to a triplex pump w/free shipping a couple (more than a couple) years ago. I use it a couple times a year, and I've been happy.  I can't remember GPM or pressure, but with the small tip, I can drill holes in my deck.


Looks similar to this one:
http://www.allpressurewashers.com/p-6193-honda-pressure-washer-cat-pump-simpson.aspx?gclid=CjwKCAjw2MTbBRASEiwAdYIpsaEn1YVvLdtZXWSivWur7dWhS-oomtSeRXQQkLtrqTa52Tfu8RUnoxoCSyQQAvD_BwE

One other point true for any pressure washers: Pumps require water flowing through the pump to keep them from overheating.  An engine running with the spray handle shut off can cook the pump in very short order - compressing the same water in the pump over and over again.  Doesn't matter the type of pump.
Of course, running it dry does not do the pump any favors, either.  Very easy to do.

[ProSoundWeb Community]